No matter if you’re a home studio recording artist or video production professional, audio equipment stores offer equipment tailored specifically to their needs. Here you’ll find music recording gear, digital audio workstations and accessories such as headphones.
Rackmount audio equipment is typically modular, comprising 500 series modules such as microphone preamplifiers, compressors and equalizers arranged in racks to be stored together.
Music Recording Equipment
Many music recording equipment stores sell or rent professional sound reinforcement systems that can improve the acoustics in performance and rehearsal spaces. Acoustic panels can be placed on walls and ceilings to reduce unwanted echos. These systems also use diffusers to diffuse reflections off surfaces of differing heights and help even out sound levels. Amplifiers, signal processing gear and mixers may also be included among professional audio products for rooms. Some music recording equipment stores provide acoustic consultants to visit customer locations such as nightclubs, churches, auditoriums or conference centers and assess their professional audio needs. Based on this assessment process, these consultants will recommend specific speakers, mixing boards and microphones that would best meet this venue and customer budgets.
Some music recording equipment stores also sell or rent music production and editing software, such as digital audio workstation (DAW) programs to record, edit and mix songs to create master recordings. Popular DAW programs like Ableton Live, Avid Pro Tools or Steinberg Cubase may be sold or rented from these stores along with additional plug-ins that add effects or sounds to songs.
Music recording facilities typically sell studio monitors, headphones and mics. A typical studio might feature monitors from Barefoot Sound, Focal, ATC Loudspeakers or Genelec in various sizes as well as Sennheiser headphones KEF Beyerdynamic and Audeze headphones to give producers an accurate sense of how their final product will sound on various systems.
A typical recording studio might contain electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and synthesizers, drum kits and top quality in-house amps if a performing artist doesn’t own high-quality instruments themselves.
Many music recording stores also rent or sell microphones and other studio accessories such as pop filters and acoustic foam. A music producer on a tight budget might consider investing in two Shure SM-58 microphones, as these durable yet versatile mics make an excellent starting point. On a larger budget, condenser mics may offer more accurate picking up of words and vocal sounds during recordings.
Public Address Systems
Public address systems (PA systems), often referred to as PA systems, offer the perfect way to amplify voice messages to small groups or millions. Comprised of microphones, amplifiers and loudspeakers, PA systems are commonly found at sports stadiums where announcements must be heard across large areas; but PA systems also serve commercial, industrial, office and residential spaces.
Finding the ideal PA system requires understanding your intended use. Casual events or smaller audiences will likely benefit from speakers that produce clear sound at moderate volumes; performances require louder speakers that produce lush aural output with clear vocals.
If your presentations will include music, it may be wise to select a PA system equipped with a CD/cassette player for easy playback. To record student speeches or presentations easily and conveniently, opt for one with an integrated microphone – some packages even come equipped with wireless mics for audience participation!
PA systems consist of input sources that feed audio signals into preamplifiers and signal routers that distribute them throughout a building or venue, with control equipment monitoring amplifiers and speaker lines for any potential faults.
Many PA systems include a microphone mixer, which combines multiple input signals and allows users to adjust their relative volumes before reaching loudspeakers. Some mixers feature inputs for handheld, over-the-ear and clip-on lapel microphones.
Most public address (PA) systems are built for outdoor use and designed to withstand challenging outdoor conditions, making them an excellent choice for use at parks, airports, mass transit terminals and other public venues. When selecting an PA system that you plan to use in such locations as parks or airports. Be wary of components which cannot corrode under air or salt spray conditions or extreme temperatures.
Audio-Visual Equipment
Audio-visual equipment refers to devices used to present visuals to an audience. This category can include everything from projectors and screens for presentations to videoconferencing systems for connecting people remotely, recording devices that broadcast live performances like concerts or TV shows live to devices used to record or broadcast them live – offering something suitable for every type of event! An AV store offers both traditional and cutting edge technologies perfect for every event type imaginable.
Some AV stores specialize in specific products. For instance, some sell professional audiovisual equipment used by teachers and entrepreneurs to present their ideas in classrooms and boardrooms, while others focus on equipment designed to support public events like concerts or weddings. Still others sell home stereo components, including high-end speakers, sound bars, subwoofers that cover an extensive range of audio frequencies with smart home controls for ease of use.
Many AV retailers also carry lighting products in addition to audio-visual equipment, such as stage lights, par cans and light stands used by rock bands, DJs and theatre productions. Strobe lights and lasers that flash and change color with music played at dance clubs or raves may also be sold here; other stores might carry direct drive turntables with styli and cartridges as well as mixers and CD players to complete your lighting set-up.
No matter whether it’s for studio recordings or broadcast presentations, an audio equipment store near you has what you need. Make sure your purchase comes from one with knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions and recommend suitable equipment based on their knowledge. In case something doesn’t suit you exactly, look for an AV store with an effective return policy in case anything doesn’t go as expected.
For an unforgettable AV experience, visit a store offering the latest home theater and automation products from brands like Paradigm and Marantz. Additionally, high-end stereo speakers like invisible landscape speakers that blend in seamlessly into their surroundings as well as wireless music streaming devices from Sonos or Apple may also be found there. Some AV stores even carry outdoor landscape and patio furniture for an aesthetically cohesive home environment.
Projector Screens
Selecting the ideal projector screen is essential when setting up a home theater system or conference room for corporate presentations. Options range from portable pull-down units to more permanent fixed frame models; most audio equipment stores carry various options and many will even have videos showing how to install each type.
Portable projectors typically consist of stretched pieces of material with multiple slits that can be folded up or down to reveal a projection surface. While they’re best used for front projection, rear projection can also be achieved if you position it behind your screen. Some models also include slightly reflective surfaces for improved image quality while others come equipped with special fabric to block ambient light while still offering an enjoyable viewing experience.
Another option for portable screens is a motorized portable screen which can be raised and lowered at the touch of a button, like a roller blind. They usually come with their own remote control or can connect directly to projector 12V trigger terminals for automatic operation – these solutions may cost more than manual ones but provide an elegant and convenient setup solution.
Permanent fixed frame projector screens offer another viable option that provides high-quality viewing experience while being more expensive to purchase and install. Although more costly, this solution should require no repairs or adjustments over time and should provide years of enjoyment.
If you need a projector for work or school but also want the flexibility of using it at home, portable projector screens are an excellent choice. Quickly set up, they allow for watching movies, gaming or Karaoke; presentations; storage when not needed and even come equipped with handy carrying cases to be brought on business trips or family vacations!