Dec 21, 2020
Music and other audio content is enjoyed by millions of people each and every day.
We listen to it at home, on the go, at work, and sometimes even at school. Audio is also very important in videos, movies, TV and several other types of entertainment.
Of course, you need equipment of some kind to be able to enjoy the best audio content.
The audio equipment you have will dictate how good things sound, and there are several different pieces of audio equipment you may use. This can include speakers, headphones, record players, and a variety of different cords and cables.
You may even have things like turntables, mixamps and microphones if you yourself are creating audio content, not only enjoying it.
Unfortunately, some of this audio equipment has the potential to be quite expensive. As a result, you’ll want to ensure you get the most out of your gear, so it lasts as long as possible and gives you the best performance.
With that in mind, here’s some ways you can get the most out of your audio equipment.
Increase Their Durability
While many people don’t think of durability when it comes to audio equipment, they should.
Many of this equipment gets a lot of use, and a lot of people don’t treat it very well. Whether they transport it carelessly, throw it around or simply use it so frequently that it eventually wears out. Finding ways to make this equipment more durable has the potential to save you a lot of money down the line.
Thankfully, there are some ways to increase the durability of audio equipment.
One of the most unique and exciting ways is cryogenic processing. This is where the metal components of audio equipment are exposed to incredibly cold temperatures. This process modifies the material and can make it much more resistant to stress.
(Click here to learn more about the process if it is something you are interested in.)
Even if you use cryogenic processing or another method to help make your audio equipment more durable, it won’t make them last forever, so still treat them with respect.
Find Ways to Get Better Sound Quality
When it comes to audio equipment, one of the biggest areas of importance is sound quality. This is especially true for audiophiles or those who can sense small differences between high and low quality sounds. While every piece of audio equipment will have different sound quality, there are some ways to improve the quality of sound your audio equipment can put out.
First, you can often adjust the sound settings of your computer, receiver or streaming service. This can be incredibly quick and easy, and often lead to better sound coming from your equipment. Things like a quality digital-to-analog converter can improve sound, as can making sure to use the right connections in terms of cables and wires.
If you hear various little hums, hisses or other noises when listening to audio, there are even some things you can do to reduce or eliminate those. Over time, every piece of equipment will eventually fall victim to lessening sound quality due to the wear on its various components. But these subtle changes we mentioned can certainly help you maintain a higher quality sound for longer.
Pick the Right Environment
While anywhere can generally sound good if you listen to music through headphones, the same can’t be said if you prefer speakers. The environment where you listen to speakers can drastically change the quality of the music. Sound is a wave, and if your room is full of hard and flat surfaces, the sound waves can often be reflected.
As a result, you should look for ways to improve the acoustics of your room. This is often best done by “softening” the room up a little by adding carpet, cushioned furniture or even acoustic diffusers or foam panels. All of these help to absorb the sound, instead of reflecting. Putting bass traps in the corner can have good results too.
In addition to improving acoustics, you should also ensure that speakers are in the right place as well. So simply by making some small additions to your main listening room, you can help your audio sound so much better for a longer period of time.
Carefully Move the Equipment
Some people will keep all of their audio equipment in the same room at all times, but many others will often move them from room to room. Some might even be moved from venue to venue. If you are moving these expensive pieces of audio, even over small distances, you need to be sure to do it carefully.
Ensure they are properly secured before you move them, and request assistance if they are too heavy to move on your own. Even a single drop of a piece of equipment can break it or impact how it sounds. While items that are durable might survive a couple of drops, it's better not to put that to the test. Take a bit of extra time to make sure everything goes smoothly instead of rushing the process and potentially damaging something.
Keep Everything Clean
If your audio equipment is covered with dust, dirt and other debris, it can not only make it look bad, but also affect how it performs. So look to clean your audio equipment from time to time. Everything from your record player, to turntable, to speakers will likely get a little dirty over time and require a bit of care.
Of course, when cleaning audio equipment that is ripe with electronic components, be sure to do so very carefully. Use only safe products like some types of contact cleaners or small brushes or towels/cloths in most cases. Always read the labels on products and even consider doing some research to ensure it is safe to use and won’t damage your equipment.
Store Your Gear with Care
While many of us want to be enjoying music on our equipment 24/7, there are some times where it will need to be stored away. You might think you can just store this equipment anywhere for the best results, but that isn’t actually the case. If you store the equipment wrong, it could contribute to how quickly it deteriorates.
In most cases, audio equipment should be stored in a dry place. If there is a lot of humidity or moisture, it can lead to corrosion on audio equipment, as well as hurt how they will work over time. Keep equipment off the ground and potentially covered with some sort of casing or in a container. Storing at room temperature is also a good idea. If it is too cold or too hot, it could damage the equipment and it may not even work until it reaches a more neutral temperature.
Getting the Most From Your Audio Equipment
With how expensive some audio equipment can be, it makes sense to want to make the most of them. If you follow the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you will surely be able to extend the life of your audio equipment for your video production, and ensure the sound quality remains high-quality for longer.
About the Author
Ashley Lipman is an award-winning writer who discovered her passion for providing knowledge to readers worldwide on topics closest to her heart — all things digital. Since her first high school award in creative writing, she continues to deliver awesome content through various niches touching the digital sphere.