JazzTech Hardware/Software
The following hardware and software options are recommended for JazzTech projects due to their affordability, ease of use, and ability to produce professional results:
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The following stand-alone microphones plug directly into your computer and do not require an additional audio interface:
- AKG ARA Dual-pattern Condenser Microphone ~$100
- Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP Cardioid Condenser Microphone ~$169
- Apogee MiC Plus Cardioid Condenser Microphone ~$199
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If you plan to use an XLR (non-USB) microphone or a direct audio connection, such as from a guitar, the following audio interfaces are recommended:
- Zoom U-22 Audio Interface ~$100
- PreSonus Studio 24c USB-C Audio Interface ~$149
- Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 USB Recording Interface ~$199
Reminder: An Audio Interface is not required if using a USB Microphone
Suitable XLR microphone recommendations (for use with the above interfaces):
Shure SM58 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone ~$100
AKG P220 Project Studio Condenser Microphone ~$159
Audio-Technica ATM250 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone ~$199 -
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software applications are used to edit audio files and create finalized recordings. The following software is recommended for their ease of use and affordability:
- Apple GarageBand (Mac only, built in. Highly recommended for Mac users)
- SoundBridge (Mac/Win), simple to use, free option
- Cakewalk (Windows only), free
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Video Editor software applications are used to edit video files and create finalized movies. They also allow you to import audio files and align the audio to the video. The following software is recommended for their ease of use and affordability:
- Apple iMovie (Mac only, built in. Highly recommended for Mac users)
- OpenShot (Mac/Win), simple to use, free
- ClipChamp (Windows), simple to use, free option
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Reasonably recent models of Mac or Windows computers should work for JazzTech projects, preferably models within three years of age. The operating system version should be reasonably current with system updates and patches. Overall, utilizing any computer containing less than 8GB RAM and/or less than 150GB available hard drive space is not advisable. The recommended options to purchase a newer-model computer would include a minimum of 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD storage drive.
Note: Tablet devices (Android or iOS) are not recommended as a replacement for laptop/desktop computers unless they contain a powerful processor and ample RAM and drive space, and are specifically certified to run audio and video apps.