MCCORMICK'S
Software Avenue

Educational TechGuides

Many of these publications are available as Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files for download and printing, or as a web page to view and print online.

	NEW! Introduction to Recording and Sound Reinforcement PDF 456KB Written for the beginner, this guide will help you choose and set up equipment for a variety of typical applications.
	NEW! Selection and Operation of Audio Signal Processors PDF 1.8MB For any sound system, the primary goal is good sound. What, however, constitutes "good" sound?
	NEW! Selection and Operation of Personal Monitor Systems PDF 2.1MB Divided into two sections, the first section gives a short history of monitoring, and describes in detail the benefits of using them. Section two provides specific information on choosing the proper system to meet your needs, and the various ways personal monitor systems can be configured.
	NEW! Critical Distance and Microphone Placement Audio and acoustic principles involved in finding the critical distance where the direct speech and the reflected (or reverberant) speech are equal in intensity.
	NEW! Microphones on the Ceiling? Shure strongly advises "NO!" Shure feels strongly about not placing microphones on a ceiling. If you decide to install ceiling microphones, you need to address the problems in this technical bulletin.
	NEW! The Myth of Microphone Reach Shure is often asked "How far away will my microphone pick up?" or "Which microphone has the best reach?" Both questions are based on a misunderstanding of how microphones work. This bulletin attempts to debunk the myth of microphone reach.
	NEW! Phantom Power and Bias Voltage: Is There a Difference? This bulletin explains the differences between phantom power and bias voltage, and addresses common misconceptions.
	NEW! VU and PPM Audio Meters: An Elementary Explanation Meters which monitor audio levels are typically one of two varieties: VU (Volume Unit) or PPM (Peak Program Meters). Though both perform the same function, they accomplish the function in very different manners.
	NEW! Wireless Frequency Finder This selection guide provides recommended frequencies for your zip code and the estimated number of compatible systems for all Shure Wireless Systems and PSM Wireless Systems. Shure Applications Engineering updates these lists regularly.
	Antenna Set-Up for Wireless Systems PDF 2,795KB These recommendations are useful guidlines to help achieve satisfactory performance from wireless audio systems.
	Audio Systems for Houses of Worship PDF 793KB Comprehensive review of microphones, wireless microphone systems and mixers for church sound applications. Specific sections covering miking techniques for altar, lectern and choir.
	Audio Systems for Music Educators PDF 376KB This guide covers everything from recording to live sound reinforcement and will help you choose equipment for a variety of applications.
	Audio Systems for Theater Production PDF 1,5782KB The purpose of this booklet is to provide useful tips, practical advice, and a general knowledge of microphones and other audio tools – all with the clear intent of making theater productions as understandable, clear, and impressive as possible.
	Audio Systems for Video Production PDF 279KB The purpose of this booklet is to provide useful tips, practical advice, and a general knowledge of microphones and other audio tools – all with the clear intent of making theater productions as understandable, clear, and impressive as possible.
	The Basics of Equalization and Feedback How to effectively approach equaliztion and avoid feedback.
	Cleaning Microphones This document provides several simple, yet effective techniques for cleaning microphones.
	Introduction to Wireless Microphone Systems Basic review of how wireless microphones work: written for the non-technical or first-time user.
	Microphone Techniques for Drums PDF 308KB Some suggestions to follow when miking musical instruments and drums for sound reinforcement.
	Microphone Techniques for Music - Sound Reinforcement PDF 1,466KB Recommended microphone type and placement for a large variety of vocal and instrument situations.
	Microphone Techniques for Music - Studio Recording PDF 755KB In this guide, Shure Application Engineers describe particular microphone techniques and placement: techniques to pick up a natural tonal balance, techniques to help reject unwanted sounds, and even techniques to create special effects.
	Microphones and Multitracks PDF 597KB Essential steps to quality recording using a microphone and multitrack recorder.
	Selection and Operation of Wireless Microphone Systems PDF 801KB Continuing where "Introduction to Wireless Microphone Systems" leaves off, this comprehensive booklet provides the reader with a more in-depth understanding and knowledge of wireless systems and their operation.
	Understanding Sound System Design and Feedback Using (Ugh!) Math PDF 262KB Explains how to use the Potential Acoustic Gain equation to estimate the amount of gain (volume) that a sound reinforcement system can produce before feedback occurs.