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Electronic pianos and organs, synthesizers, and keyboards have created some of the most memorable and recognizable intros and solos in modern music. They’ve provided the signature for everything from top-selling songs and jingles, to unmistakable computer startup sounds and cell phone ringtones, and the musicians and sound engineers who use these instruments are meticulous about their performance.

Not surprisingly, they’re aware of the fact that most music listeners are oblivious that not all electronic keyboards are the same. Every keyboard has its own unique set of capabilities and features that are designed to produce very specific outputs. That’s why if you’re interested in investing in any type of electronic keyboard, either for studio work or for relaxing at home, you need to be aware of what the main difference is before you buy.

electronic keyboard
source: usa.yamaha.com

Choosing the Right Electronic Keyboard for the Sound You Want

It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional musician, a sound engineer, or just someone who enjoys playing an instrument in their spare time, the sheer variety of electric piano and music keyboards that are available today is nothing short of amazing. From high-end 44-key synthesizers that are engineered to reproduce the legendary sound of 60s-era synths, to full-function 88-key stage pianos with the capacity to layer the sounds from multiple pianos, there’s an option available for every type of audio production imaginable.

Aside from their sound and tonal quality, physical attributes, and a list of other factors that are largely matters of preference, the main distinction between all of these music keyboards really only comes down to whether the instrument is analog or digital. The difference is real; and it’s just as much about how you want a piece of music to sound when you’re creating it, as it is about circuitry and physical components. Both forms of signalization have their own unique composition qualities, which is why sometimes you’ll even sense the urge to combine them.

electric piano
source: usa.yamaha.com

You Can Hear the Warmth in Analog Keyboard Productions

Not unlike the legendary keyboards of the 60s and 70s, a modern analog electronic keyboard uses fluctuations in electric voltage to bring sound to life. Improvements in technology have helped to make these music keyboards for sale more reliable than they’ve ever been, but their reliance on tried and true Voltage Controllable Oscillator (VCO), Voltage Controllable Filter (VCF), and Voltage Controllable Amplifier (VCA) circuitry to generate their instantly identifiable analog tones is as distinctive as it’s ever been.

Impeccable control over output characteristics like tonal colour, timbre, and loudness are analog piano keyboard trademarks; and they come with a range of production advantages that include:

·   Smoother, warmer sound created by inherently lower frequency ranges and dynamic response;

·   Unrestrained sound resolution, with virtually no restrictions on sample rate or bit depth; and,

·   Unrestrained control resolution, allowing for instant changes in tonal quality.

Analog music keyboard buyers and enthusiasts also have the benefit of simplicity. These keyboards are renowned for their single knob / single job functionality which, in spite of analog’s higher price point, goes a long way toward making it easier to tune, adjust, and modify their outputs.

analog music keyboards
source: sfm.ca

Unleashing Your Creativity With Digital Keyboard Clarity

Digital keyboards are the full-featured, hi-tech alternative to their analog counterparts. Instead of relying on VCOs, VCFs, and VCAs for sound modification, digital keyboards are able to make use of an unlimited range of electronic options that can be programmed into the instrument. That makes them the ideal platform for virtually any type of audio processing where effects, enhancements, and filters need to be used.

With digital keyboards, music can be processed, synthesized, and even sampled, all from a single instrument. In fact, many of today’s most modern digital keyboards possess processing power that’s easily on par with most new computers, making them the clear preference for:

·   Developing and using advanced audio techniques that aren’t possible with analog keyboards;

·   More nuanced control over sound production quality and output; and,

·   Unlimited retention and reproduction of the exact same processing sequences from memory.

Aside from their wealth of sound processing capabilities, digital keyboards are also noticeably lighter, easier to transport, and even less expensive than analog models. A lot of the credit falls to the advantages that are gained through electronic miniaturization, although some of it is attributable to the product in demand. The tonal warmth that a lot of musicians and sound engineers have a fondness for is inherently difficult for digital keyboards to reproduce, and that inability is ultimately reflected in their lower price.

There is, however, a family of keyboards that combine the best qualities of both analog and digital signalization. These musical hybrids have garnered a lot of attention in audio circles over the last decade for their jack-of-all-trades flexibility, and it’s no surprise that with their ability to tailor their outputs, that they would also fit the widest range of price points.

kid playing on a digital keyboard
source: hub.yamaha.com

Hybrid Keyboards Give You the Best Musical Experience From Both Worlds

Hybrid keyboards are the perfect solution for musicians, sound engineers, and even beginners to get the most benefit from the broadest selection of both analog and digital benefits. Typically, hybrid flexibility allows manufacturers to take either analog or digital sounds, and process them with filters or synthesizers using the opposite signalization.

Across the board, hybrid keyboards allow for greater control of the output, making it possible to produce music that has the warmth and tonal colour of analog, the distinction and clarity of digital, or any number of other combinations. And although hybrid keyboards lack the simplified functionality of pure analog keyboards or the price advantages of pure digital ones, they bring a level of sound mastery to the world of electric keyboards and pianos that can’t be produced by any other instrument.

man playing on a hybrid music keyboard
source: usa.yamaha.com

The Final Word

At the end of the day, your choice of keyboards can be driven by anything from the amount of available space you have, to how easy it is to transport, but when it comes to output, only two points matter: whether it’s analog or digital. And while most musicians and sound engineers tend to have an overwhelming preference for one or the other, there can be times when having the attributes from both in a single instrument is going to produce the best output.

That’s why you need to be aware of the differences before you buy an electric piano or keyboard. You want to get the most favourable use possible out of your instrument, and with a bit of insight, you’ll be producing music that’s just right for you.

Modern barcode scanners help streamline inventory management, speed up checkout times, and improve overall efficiency. However, with so many different types available, choosing the right one for your business is a daunting task. From wired to Bluetooth barcode scanners, handheld to presentation scanners, and 1D to 2D scanning capabilities, there are many factors to consider when making your decision. 

So you’ve invested a few thousand dollars in a solar system for your RV, but it still might not include a solar monitoring system. Ask any solar expert, and they’d urge you to get one if you want to get the most out of your solar system investment. Solar monitoring systems help you measure energy consumption, solar electricity production, battery charge and discharge power, ensuring everything works optimally at all times.

Time domain reflectometers are devices used to locate and characterise impedance changes in cable systems that result from faults, joints, open connections, deteriorated neutrals, taps in the cable system, bad connectors, water ingress and other types of anomalies that affect the impedance characteristics of the system.

EDC Flashlight with light on

If you’ve never been camping, we recommend going as soon as possible. It’s a fantastic adventure you can share with your friends and family. Sleeping out in the wild and feeling mother nature’s calming effect is something every human should experience at least once in their life. To make things easier, always make a list of all the things you’ll need for the trip, starting with the essentials.

Sewer Inspection Services with drain inspection camera on street
source: worryfreeplumbing.com

Although most tradies would consider having the right tools for the job to be half of any battle, from a drain and sewer professional’s perspective, it’d be difficult to even imagine taking on a job, much less completing it, without also having a picture perfect view of what they’re preparing to do battle against. It’s understandable, though.

When you think about it, it’s really quite amazing when you realize that the first successful slot car sets were produced over 100 years ago. What’s even more amazing is how they’ve evolved from simple layouts that were relegated mostly to living room floors on weekends, into scenic, full-sized courses occupying entire garages and commercial showrooms. With some of the most exemplary samples of private courses resembling stretches of authentic racetracks and costing over $500k, they’ve come a long way from the kit your parents bought you.

Riding off-road at night can be one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ve ever had. Off-roading by itself is pretty exciting, and going at night can enhance the entire experience. However, just like you need proper illumination in front of you when you drive around town, you’ll need even brighter illumination that can cover a larger distance for off-roading. This is where aftermarket LED light bars come into play. Why LED light bars? Well, LED is the latest lighting technology used on vehicles, and light bars are made specifically for off-road use, as they project a bright, wide beam in front of them. Here’s everything you need to know when you look at all the different LED bar auto products.

First Things First – LED Lighting

As aforementioned, LED technology is the latest technology for car lights. LED stands for light-emitting diode, which is basically a semiconductor projecting lights in the form of electroluminescence with the help of electricity. As complicated as it may sound, these lights have grown in popularity in the past few decades, and you’ll find LEDs everywhere around you, including your home. But what made LED lighting so popular? Well, they’re the most energy-efficient type of lighting, run for over 50.000 hours when compared to conventional halogen bulbs that have a lifespan of around 5.000 hours. In terms of efficiency, LEDs operate at over 80% efficiency, whereas conventional incandescent bulbs operate at only 20% efficiency. In other words, LEDs produce more light using less electricity. 
Now that you have a general understanding of the benefits of LEDs, let’s talk about what else you need to look for when shopping for LED bar auto parts.

Steps to Choosing the Right Light Bar

To make sure you choose the right light bar for your off-roader, you must consider all the different features that light bar models come equipped with. Some features may be more important than others, so it’s up to you to decide what matters to you and what doesn’t. This will not only ensure you pick the right product, but it will also ensure you get the most use out of it. 
Keep in mind that different states have different laws about LED light bars and how and where you can use them. That being said, do your due diligence and learn what’s allowed and what’s not allowed. This is not only important for avoiding trouble with the law, but ensuring you and everyone else you share the roads with is safe.

LED light bars for 4x4
source: munji.com.au

Consider Size

The size of the LED light bars is probably the most important thing to consider when shopping for these products. Why? Simply because the larger the light bar, the more LEDs it will feature, meaning more illumination. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, because some LEDs can shine brighter than others, so you should also pay attention to the number of lumens the bar is rated to. The size of LED light bars can range anywhere between 10cm to 125cm. It also goes without saying that the larger the light bar, the more expensive it will be.

Consider Shape

The shape of the LED light bar isn’t a significant consideration, but you should still know your options, speaking of which, you only have two – curved and straight LED bars. Their names are pretty self-explanatory, and one doesn’t have advantages over the other, so your choice will come down to personal preference. 

Consider the Number of Rows

When it comes to deciding the number of rows you want the LED bar to have, you have only two options as well – single and double row LED bars. It goes without saying that double-row light bars produce more light, but keep in mind that they’ll also be more expensive. Double row LED bars are the more popular choice, but if you aren’t looking for the most illumination, then a single row LED bar might be the better option. Depending on the type of vehicle you have, single row LED light bars may look better than their double row counterparts.

led light bars for 4x4
source: ford-accessories.ie

Consider Beam Colour and Pattern

Choosing the beam colour and pattern of a light bar are arguably two of the most significant features to consider. In terms of beam pattern, you’re left with three choices – spot beam, flood beam and a combination beam pattern. But what exactly does the beam pattern do? Simply put, it refers to how wide of a beam the light bar will produce. Spot beam light bars produce a narrow beam that reaches quite far, whereas flood beam patterns provide a wider beam that only illuminates the immediate area. Combination beam patterns, on the other hand, provide the best of both worlds, but at a higher cost.
In terms of light, you can choose between white light, ambient light, as well as green, red or blue colours. White and ambient light are the most popular choices, as the rest are typically reserved for emergency vehicles.

Gold prospecting is a popular hobby that gives you a chance to get rich while you explore the beautiful outdoors. With the advancement of technology, the gold prospecting equipment of today helps you spot even the smallest bits of gold with great ease. If you’ve always wanted to try your hand in gold prospecting, but simply didn’t know where to start – read on!

The way to success, whether it’s it in weldingbaking, or creating beats is by having quality equipment. Searching for pro audio equipment can take time but once you have everything you need you can start making one masterpiece after another. While both talent and proper equipment are needed for this, when combined togethe­r, high sound quality, as well as excellent arrangement are guaranteed.
You’ll be able to produce whatever your imagination unfolds in a crisp quality without worrying about your beats sounding bad. As long as you know what to get, even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be still able to produce solid tracks. But not everyone knows what they need,  so it’s only common sense to look up what is needed to start off.

What Are Some Various Types of Audio Equipment?

Microphone

Professional audio gear isn’t limited to beat making or recording a track. You can record your own voice with the most important piece of audio equipment – the microphone. Microphones are quite important when you start to buy pro audio gear since without one you aren’t able to record vocals. Doesn’t matter if it’s your voice or sound effects that you want to record, you will have to choose between 4 main types of microphones. These are omnidirectional, shotgun, cardioid, and hypercardioid.
Omnidirectional microphones are the most commonly used as they pick up sounds coming from any direction. With a shotgun microphone, you get a different pickup pattern which is great for capturing voice and some room ambience. Cardioid microphones are able to capture sounds coming from the front side of the mic and a little bit from the sides. Hypercardioid microphones can record sounds that are a bit away from the front of the mic but they can catch fewer sounds that are coming from the sides.

microphone
source: masterclass.com

Headset/Monitor

A good headset means a perfectly balanced and mixed song. But headsets are also essential audio equipment if you’re doing presentations where ample mobility is needed. Headsets can come with or without mics but if you have already gotten a professional microphone, then you’re better of getting a headset without one. Mics aside, headphones or headsets need to be comfortable when you’re wearing them and the sound coming from them should be crisp. A pair of headphones with a neutral sound that doesn’t boost the high ends or the bass is what you should be on the lookout for. 
If you want to bring your music production to the next level, then you should go for monitors instead which are essentially professional speakers. They also need to be neutral, as too much support on either the high or low end is going to affect the way your track sounds. Headsets can be game-changing when it comes to listening for subtle tweaks, but when you want to hear your track as a whole you definitely need monitors.

Audio Interface

Also known as a sound card, the audio interface is an interesting piece of pro audio equipment. While some say you might not ever touch it when you buy pro audio gear like the audio interface, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Audio interfaces act like a sort of audio converter, but for generating professional-grade audio.
If you happen to use external audio sources on your computer, then you will need an audio interface to get the sound coming from those sources into your computer. The audio interface is where all the sounds come through to your PC, as this type of audio gear also has an analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter.

audio interface
source: saptaswaramusicals.wordpress.com

Controllers

While you have your mouse and keyboard acting as the controllers for your computer, when it comes to making music you need different kinds of controllers. A controller interface, as it is also known, is a piano-style keyboard with an array of pads that help you trigger and control sounds.

Cables & Adapters

Adapters and cables are essential types of audio gear. For each microphone, you’re going to need two cables – one long XLR and a short XLR cable. Adapters are used when you need to playback the sound you’re producing back to you. They also help in providing another input port for a mic or a different sound source. As plain as they might look, cables and adaptors are needed as much as the next piece of audio equipment. And the next pieces of professional audio gear are amplifiers.

Amplifiers

amplifiers
source: nrgrecording.com

An amplifier is a type of audio equipment that helps increase the power of a sound source, such as a mic or an instrument so that it matches the rest when it comes out of the speaker. An amplifier is also important when mixing so that when you change the volume of one beat or instrument it’s not going to be way off from the rest. Otherwise, your track will seem like it has certain parts out of place.