Whether you’re a creative in a bedroom setup or in a professional recording situation, signal flow is of utmost priority – yet often overlooked. At the core of each recording setup are reliable cables that help ensure workflow. From guitars to microphones to audio interfaces and all that’s in between – cables are the common denominator of what makes a session run smoothly. Our very own Dylan put it best:
“It’s often the things we don’t think about that can have a huge influence on our results. In the world of cooking, it may be the type of knife or cutting board we use; in automobiles, the grade of oil put in our engines; in audio & video, the quality and type of cables can make for dramatic differences that often get underappreciated.”
This month, we were fortunate enough to meet with Sam Pura of Panda Studios. Pura has worked with countless bands from all different kinds of life. Watch as Sam fills us in on his creative process and explains why Hosa cables are his favorite.
Sam Pura, Panda Studios, Interview
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Hello, welcome to the Panda Studios. Let me show you our first room here. We have nine beds in this room so bands can come and just crash here and just focus on making a record.
Here we are in the main hallway. I like to call this the Wall of Fame because it has all of the records that I’ve done that have been pressed to vinyl. It’s a room that I use for microphones and for reverb so it actually is an active recording room.
Okay so we’re in the west live room here at the Panda Studios. I like it to be a turnkey solution where you can just get off of a plane and show up at the studio. And I have everything for you. I have drums, I have guitars, basses – I have all microphones – everything you need to make a record. You just need to come experience it. You don’t need to bring anything.
So, now we’re in the west control room. That’s what I kind’ve like to explain to people what happens here – people with a strong vision and a strong goal of what they want to achieve and what they want to sound like and what type of art they want to make, they have a really good time making records here because there’s plenty of option for us to actually achieve the final end result and that’s what makes making records and collaborating with other so fun. Everyday when I’m making records or making any sort of audio, the audio path is going through Hosa cables. Hosa is involved in some way, shape, or form inside of the work that I do every single day at the studio. Hosa is the thing that helps empower what I do everyday.
Now we’re in the isolation room – as I like to call it. You might be able to hear by the sound of my voice, it’s very dead in here. We store a lot of guitars in here, I have a lot of cabs ready to go. I have a bunch of pedals in here and I’ve got a bunch of fun stuff. Every room has Hosa cables and is ready to just plug and play and walk in and have fun and start making noise and be inspired.
Okay, so now we’re in Panda East. This is the second control room, second studio we have here on the property. I usually start most of my records in this room. I it’s my production room where I can start throwing down some basic keyboard ideas. The other fun part about it is that it’s connected right to the other live room right here. So, this is the east live room – a fun second studio to have here on the property, to be able to use and bounce some ideas around.
Well, thanks for stopping by – I hope you enjoyed having a deep dive in the Panda Studios here. Come by anytime, you’re always welcome and thanks for checking us out. Cheers.
Popular Hosa Cables and Accessories for Audio Engineers
– Hosa Edge Guitar Cable
Every electric guitarist needs a guitar cable. Our Edge series isare designed to provide a lifetime of outstanding performance.
– Goby Labs Guitar Care Kit
Inevitably when you use music and audio equipment, you’re going to get some wear and grime build-up and potentially expose yourself to unwanted germs. Our Goby Labs Guitar Care Kit can help with that.
– Pro Headphone Extension Cable
Our Pro Headphone Extension Cables are designed to extend the reach of hard-wired headphones. These are especially useful when playing your instrument away from your console or DAW.
Hosa
Artist Endorsement Key Tips
Artist Endorsements and Sponsorships: The Right Approach
There are some helpful resources online about this topic, but many of them come from the artist or creator side of the proverbial fence. We here at Hosa work with many artists and creators, and get approached every day by people looking to build a direct relationship. While we can’t speak for other companies, we’ll go over some fundamentals that will make for the best approach when you’re ready to send that email.
Every Situation is Different
Companies come in all shapes and sizes, which means they have different sized budgets, marketing departments, staff, and requirements before working with artists. Some companies may require contracts, others a hand-shake agreement. Some may offer free product, others may only offer some kind of artist pricing structure. There is also the possibility there are certain metric thresholds that you’re required to meet beforehand, such as subscribers, follows, views, sales, streams, etc.
Important Things to Know and Do
We’ll list off 9 fairly universal things that will help you get off on the right foot and make companies more receptive to your approach.
Research the Company
If you’re attempting to create a relationship, you should already know about the company, what they do, and preferably already have experience with their product or service. There’s a big difference between someone who has a history and experience with them vs someone looking to try it for the first time.
Think of the Company’s Interests
It’s always helpful when the company you’re approaching can see that you understand some kind of equal value provided. Be as specific as you can with ideas so the artist rep has a good understanding that you’ve given this a lot of thought and value the mutually-beneficial aspect of the relationship.
Have a Plan
Like in the last suggestion, have your ideas already crafted to present. Know what it is you’re asking for and what you are offering in return. That could be promotion on social media in posts or videos, at events on banners, showcasing products in a tour or clinic atmosphere, etc.
Be Specific
Once you have your plan, be specific about your request and also the return value you’re offering, but also be open to alternatives if they’re proposed or required. The less specific you are, the less an artist rep knows where to start or what you’re going to do and may not take the time to respond.
Self-Awareness
Even though you’re emailing a company, you have to remember that you’re talking to another person, and they will be paying attention to how you present yourself. It’s okay to be smaller and growing, but it’s not okay to exaggerate your audience or buy followers/likes/engagement because those can be detected quickly and come off as dishonest.
Make it Easy to Find You
A good idea is to have a link or a document to copy from which includes clickable URL links to anything requested. Don’t just send @ handles or tell them they can Google your name or band, because you’re asking the person on the other side to do the work to find you, and that increases the odds that they may not.
Don’t Just “Fish” for Free Stuff
We get it, lots of companies send promotional products to artists and creators in order to advertise directly with their audience. However, remember that this is viewed as a relationship, which may be long-term or short-term. If it seems like all you want is something free for yourself and you don’t value that relationship, chances are very low that you get any type of response.
Have Confidence in What You’re Offering
If you’re approaching a company, you should have some honest understanding of the value you bring. You don’t have to over-promise or exaggerate. Part of that value is how you show sincere confidence in what you’re able to bring. Actions always speak louder than words, so this should be supported and emphasized with some kind of established content or example, such as a previous post or video that shows how you present other products and brands.
Spell Check and Format Properly
It may seem kind of silly, but we promise it’s not. While we’re all musicians and creative types, this is still a professional email and request. You should take care to spell correctly and use proper fonts and colors. It’s a simple thing to show respect to the recipient, and they notice.
Don’t Make Assumptions
It’s ok to take “no” as an answer, or accept less. Remember, if you value this relationship enough to make that initial approach, then you should understand that relationships can change and grow over time.
Business is Nothing but Personal
You’ve probably heard the old cliche that, “It’s business, it’s not personal” when in actuality, the polar opposite is true. You’re emailing another person who will read your email through their own prism and respond to you through theirs, as well. If you’re respectful, patient, personable, and reliable, people will notice. The music business is the people business.
Hopefully that gave you a little insight from “behind the curtain” that companies like Hosa are looking for, but a lot of these tips are just generally good rules to follow in many aspects of life. While we’d love to work with every artist who is interested in Hosa, there are only so many we can accept every year. If you have any interest in applying to be a Hosa artist, you can find our online form here.
Hosa
New Hosa Desktop Microphone Stands
Hosa Debuts Desktop Microphone Stands
Ideal for the streamers, creators, and podcasters
Buena Park, CA, May 2021 — Hosa is pleased to introduce two new microphone stands, ideal for the streamer, creator, and podcaster. Both offer familiar designs to complement any space requirement or setup, whether stationary or on the move.
The Hosa Desktop Microphone Stand features a light, foldable die-cast steel tripod base for quick setup and teardown wherever needed. The stand is height-adjustable from 4 to 6.75 inches (110-168 mm) and can hold up to 0.75 lbs (0.34 kilos). The non-slip rubber feet add increased stability, ensuring the stand won’t slip on even the most slick surfaces.
The Hosa Desktop Microphone Boom Arm features an easy C-clamp and scissor-style design for maximum adjustment on any table or desk. With an adjustable angle from 0 to 160 degrees, any position is possible to maximize even the most compact spaces. The all-metal construction creates a solid base, holding up to 4 lbs (1 kg) for stationary, multi-purpose setups.
“Hosa has long offered popular microphone stands and stand accessories at accessible prices to musicians and creators,” adds Jose Gonzalez, Hosa’s Director of Marketing & Product Development. “With the explosion and ease of home content creation, this was a natural fit, and one that longtime Hosa customers have been asking for.”
The New Hosa Desktop Microphone Stand is available at an MSRP of $14.95, and the Hosa Desktop Microphone Boom Arm is available at an MSRP of $71.95.
Getting Started with DI Boxes
DI Boxes: Getting Yourself Started
If you’ve spent any amount of time in recording or watching studio recording breakdowns, you’ve likely heard the term “DI” or “DI box” thrown around quite often. It’s so commonplace that often it’s accompanied with little-to-no explanation.
What is a DI Box?
DI boxes, or “DI’s” (standing for Direct Inject) are primarily known for use in guitar and bass applications in the studio. However, their function is to correct mismatched impedance signals between instruments and equipment. For example, guitars have a high impedance, unbalanced output that is prone to pick up noise and degrade signal over longer distances. A DI box will convert that signal to a low impedance, balanced signal that will be compatible with outboard equipment and reduce noise for longer runs.
What is Impedance?
In simple terms, impedance is the opposition of a circuit to electrical current, or how much the circuit impedes the electrical flow. Unbalanced signals, like those in a guitar’s output jack, would have higher impedance and thus need to be converted for use in microphone preamps or mixers without picking up a lot of undesirable noise.
High-Z vs Low-Z
“Z” is the letter and mathematical value given for impedance. When you see “High-Z” or “Low-Z” labeled on an input or output, it’s telling you the type of impedance signal coming from that respective input or output. The Hosa DIB-443 Sidekick Passive DI Box, for example, has a switch on one side for you to select an instrument (High-Z) or line-level (Low-Z) input, and a “Low-Z” output on the other end.
DI Box for Guitars
The most common use for DI boxes are with guitars. In a studio setting, these are most often used to track a clean guitar signal at the same time as an affected signal through an amplifier. This helps the performer play and react to the sound being recorded while preserving the original signal should that need to be altered or reamped later. This can save a lot of time without having to re-record or perform already recorded parts.
DI Box vs Reamp Box
These two are often confused for each other, or at least why each must exist independently. The reason you want to use a designated Reamp box for any reamp functions is because it’s built to perform the opposite function, taking a low impedance signal and converting it to a high impedance signal that guitar amplifiers are supposed to receive. Reamp boxes can also be useful in very complex live setups where you send the guitar through a DI into line-level processing that then needs to be converted back to instrument-level to feed into an amplifier on stage. With so many players opting for digital and computer processing, that kind of setup continues to grow in popularity.
What is a Wet/Dry Signal?
In guitar terminology, a “wet” signal is a fully affected sound. If you have your guitar running through pedals, effects, amplifiers, or anything that alters the original clean signal out of the guitar, that is considered a “wet” signal. The “dry” signal is the unaffected signal from your guitar. DI boxes allow you to preserve your “dry” signal even while manipulating it with other pieces of equipment.
Passive vs Active DI Boxes
If you’ve spent any time looking at DI box options, you’ll have noticed there are “active” and “passive” options. The most common DI boxes are passive, which use an internal transformer to isolate ground-level voltages and eliminate any ground loops. The impedance will be matched to that of a low-Z microphone preamp. Passive DI boxes are straightforward and simple in design, making them the less expensive option.
Active DI boxes, on the other hand, include an active preamp, creating more headroom than passive DI boxes. This includes a “signal boost” for the preamp, which also helps preserve a stronger signal for very long cable runs, though any boost will often be accompanied by some kind of sound “coloration”. Active DI boxes can be a favorable option for keyboard players or instruments that use active electronics. These will require power, whether in the form of a battery or external power supply.
Things to Look For in DI Boxes
DI boxes perform a relatively limited function, so there’s not much deviation between models. However, here are things you would most commonly see and what function they perform.
Ground Lift
Balanced signals are designed to cancel noise by carrying 2 duplicate signals with reversed polarity. However, introducing more equipment and even the environment itself can add hums and noise to balanced signals. The “ground lift” on a DI box disconnects pin 1 of the XLR on the output in order to break the ground loop, if necessary. As a general rule, the switch should be left in the “ground lifted” position unless otherwise needed.
Thru/Bypass
Sometimes referred to as “throughput”, this output is for the unaffected signal to pass. This is necessary for any guitar tracking where you need a “wet” and “dry” signal to be recorded simultaneously, or you have multiple signal paths. On the Hosa DIB-443 Sidekick Passive DI Box this would simply be called the “output”.
Pad
This is a built-in attenuation on any DI box, reducing the levels somewhere around -20db. A pad is especially valuable to keyboard players that use line-level outputs rather than instrument level. Typically, this would mostly be reserved for any active electronics going into the DI box.
Cables You’ll Need With a DI Box
While there is some variation, most common uses begin with instrument cables. Instrument cables are shielded to resist noise and interference since they carry unbalanced signals. If you are using the thru/bypass, you would need another instrument cable running to your signal chain.
While the outputs in a DI box are usually XLR, once the DI box has converted the high impedance signal to low impedance, you’d need a balanced interconnect with the proper connector types for your equipment.
To purchase the Hosa Sidekick Passive DI Box or learn about the functions and features, visit the product page here.
Hosa
Hosa Partners with Gigging Innovators Gruv Gear
Hosa Partners with Gigging Innovators Gruv Gear
Hosa will distribute bags, cases, straps, and accessories in the US
Buena Park, CA, May 2021 — Hosa is delighted to announce they will be joining forces with Gruv Gear for USA distribution of Gruv Gear products.
Established in 2007, Gruv Gear has quickly become a trusted brand for gigging and touring musicians for their innovative bags, carts, and accessories. What started as a personal passion project has quickly evolved into an ever-expanding line of unique solutions that professionals around the world rely on every day.
Hosa will be stocking a range of Gruv Gear’s unique and inventive products including:
Tech bags and cases specifically designed with mobile creatives and jetsetters in mind, such as the Club Bag and SLNG FretWrap string dampeners for guitarists, bassists, and players of other stringed instruments
Adjustable, padded guitar and bass straps, including the ergonomically designed John Patitucci Signature Strap
“We connected with Hosa way back in 2010 when we first launched our company,’ shares Jay Baldemor, President of Gruv Gear. ‘I’m thrilled to join forces to bring our products across US retailers in a bigger way! Mayumi, Jose, and the rest of the Hosa team have been awesome and I love their passion for excellence; we’re honored to be working with them.”
Mayumi Allison, CEO of Hosa says: “Gruv Gear has been dedicated to creating innovative products since its inception. Today, the Hosa family is excited to embark on a journey to get Gruv Gear’s products to more people than ever before. We are confident the combination of Hosa’s reach and experience in the music instrument space and Gruv Gear’s product innovation will make this a fruitful partnership for years to come.”
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Noise Engineering is a small modular synth company based in Los Angeles, California. They’re sort’ve like Legos for sound. And so you can take these different things and connect them with cables to produce really any sound you can imagine.
Hi, I’m Stephen McCaul and I’m Kris Kaiser and we’re the owners of Noise Engineering. I think getting the right module in the customer’s hand is really critical and that’s a question of the sound, whether a question of workflow – whatever the customer really wants or needs. And so we really like to work with customers and say, “What are you trying to do with this? What really matters to you in this product?”
When we make a module, well we usually have at least twenty things in the queue at any time. We come up with the concept, we come up with a list of features – what we want it to be. The ideal size. We design the layout – if we’re happy with that, we come up with art. We work on the schematic – we send it off for a prototype when it’s ready and then we start testing. We continue to revise the firmware, and when we are happy with it – we put it out into the world.
When a customer emails us or comes up to us and tells us how much they love our products – it’s really rewarding. You know – we put a lot of effort into these modules and it’s really great to hear that people are enjoying them.
Our products literally do not work without cables. Each module has a number of empty jacks on it and to make a modular synthesizer work, you need cables. For us, a reliable cable is really important. I have fielded a number of questions from customers thinking that their module was broken when it was just one of their cables that had gone bad. So clearly, we have a large us case in our business.
Hosa cables are great because they stand the test of time. They’re a known brand, they’re a known quantity, they’re durable, they make the exact cables that we need, they’re cost effective, they come in lots of colors.
Hosa cables really make out jobs easier. I love them. They’re strong. They’re well built. They’re long lasting. They’re great prices. I definitely recommend Hosa cables. Yeah if you’re looking for new cables for your modular system you should definitely check Hosa out.
Popular Hosa Cables and Accessories for Synthesizers
– Unbalanced Patch Cables
These cables are designed to interconnect pro audio gear with unbalanced mini phone jacks. They are ideal for use with modular synthesizers and sound modules. – Knucklebones
Knucklebones are the ideal way to multiply an outbound signal. They work great in modular synthesizer rigs where creativity and fun are dependent on the available patching options. Use them to send a sequence to various modules or to add musical layers to an existing signal. – Monkey Bars
The Hosa Monkey Bars Patch Cable Holder is designed to keep patch cables organized and within reach. It is ideal for modular synthesizer rigs and recording studios of all sizes.
Hosa
History of Gaming Setups – 80’s, 90’s & 00’s
Level Up Your Knowledge: A Blast Through Video Game History (70s, 80s, 90s, & 00s)
Video games. They’re more than just a pastime; they’re a cultural phenomenon, a technological marvel, and a multi-billion dollar industry. From humble arcade beginnings to the immersive worlds of today, video games have captivated generations. Did you know nearly two-thirds of American households have regular gamers? And contrary to popular belief, these gamers aren’t just isolated figures in their bedrooms. Today’s video games offer incredible opportunities for connection, fostering communities that span the globe and transforming gaming into a powerful social experience. That makes understanding video game history more than just fun trivia – it’s understanding a significant part of our modern world.
While the first video game-like devices appeared in the 1950s, it was the late 70s that truly ignited the spark, followed by the explosion of the 80s. Let’s take a nostalgic trip through the most influential trends and consoles that shaped gaming as we know it!
The Dawn of Home Consoles: The Atari Era (1970s)
While the Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, holds the distinction of being the first home video game console, it was Atari that truly popularized the concept and brought video games into homes across the world. Nolan Bushnell’s vision and the success of Pong in arcades translated into the hugely successful Atari 2600 (originally called the Atari VCS).
The Atari 2600, with its simple gameplay and instantly recognizable joystick, became a cultural phenomenon. It introduced iconic arcade games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Asteroids to a mass audience. For many, the Atari 2600 was their first experience with video games, sparking a lifelong passion. The 2600 sold millions of units, making it the first truly successful home console and proving that there was a huge demand for gaming experiences in the home.
While Atari’s dominance wouldn’t last forever, its impact on the industry is undeniable. It laid the foundation for the console market we know today, paving the way for the “console wars” to come.
From Atari to 8-Bit: The Console Revolution (1980s)
The groundwork laid by Atari in the late 70s paved the way for a true console revolution in the 1980s. While Atari’s star began to fade, a new generation of consoles emerged, each vying for a place in living rooms across the globe. This era saw the rise of 8-bit technology, bringing improved graphics and gameplay experiences. However, the early 80s also saw a major market crash in 1983. This shakeout, while painful, ultimately helped transition the industry from arcade dominance to a focus on home consoles – the beginning of the console wars!
This era also saw the rise of third-party publishers like Activision. These companies, with lower publishing costs for console games, took risks and created innovative titles, diversifying the market. However, the crash of 1983 significantly impacted the landscape.
“Activision’s success as a third-party developer for the Atari VCS and other home consoles inspired other third-party development firms to emerge in the early 1980s; by 1983, at least 100 different companies claimed to be developing software for the Atari VCS.”
Out of this shakeout, one console rose to prominence, changing the course of video game history:
NES Family Computer (~62 million sold) | (1983) The NES wasn’t just a console; it was a savior. After the crash, the NES revitalized the industry with groundbreaking titles like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. Its innovative licensing model with third-party developers, coupled with impressive sales of roughly 62 million units, cemented its place in gaming history.
Other consoles also emerged during this period, each contributing to the evolving landscape:
Sega Master System (~13 million sold) | (1985) Sega’s attempt to compete with the NES. While it offered some compelling games, its sales of approximately 13 million units paled in comparison to the NES’s dominance.
Atari 7800 (~2 million sold) | (1986)Atari’s attempt to regain market share. Despite some promising titles, it only sold around 2 million units, struggling against the NES’s momentum.
Sega Genesis (~35 million sold) | (1987) While technically a 16-bit console, the Genesis’s release towards the end of the decade marked a transition. It challenged Nintendo’s dominance and introduced the world to Sonic the Hedgehog. With sales of around 35 million units, the Genesis proved to be a formidable competitor.
The 90s: 3D, Genres, and Growing Up
The 1990s were a pivotal decade. Technology leaped forward, allowing for the transition from pixelated sprites to the dawn of 3D graphics. New genres emerged, including first-person shooters, real-time strategy, survival horror, and MMOs. Arcades, while still popular, began their decline as home consoles became increasingly powerful.
Super NES (~49 million sold) | (1990) The 16-bit war between the SNES and Genesis defined the early 90s. The SNES, with sales of approximately 49 million units, boasted classics like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. SNES received largely positive reviews and was a global success, becoming the best-selling console of the 16-bit era after launching relatively late and facing intense competition from Sega’s Genesis console in North America and Europe. It continues to be popular among collectors and retro gamers, with new homebrew games and Nintendo’s emulated rereleases, such as on the Virtual Console, the Super NES Classic Edition, and Nintendo Switch Online.
Sega CD (~2 million sold) | (1991) An add-on for the Genesis that explored CD-ROM technology. Its sales of roughly 2 million units were hampered by inconsistent game quality.
Sega Saturn (~9 million sold) | (1994) Sega’s attempt to enter the 32-bit era. Despite some innovative features, it struggled to compete and sold only around 9 million units.
Sony Playstation (~102 million sold) | (1994) The PlayStation changed everything. Its use of CDs, powerful hardware, and focus on 3D games catapulted Sony to the top of the gaming world. Its massive sales of over 102 million units demonstrated Sony’s dominance.
Nintendo 64 (~34 million sold) | (1996) Nintendo’s entry into the 3D arena, featuring iconic titles like Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time. It sold approximately 34 million units.
Sega Dreamcast (~9 million sold) | (1998) A console ahead of its time. Despite innovative features like online play, it sold only around 9 million units, marking the end of Sega’s console hardware business.y.
The 2000s: The Internet Age and Beyond
The 2000s weren’t just about technological advancements; they also marked a profound shift in how we experience games. While the image of a lone gamer in a darkened room persists, the rise of online gaming platforms like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network shattered that stereotype. Suddenly, players weren’t isolated; they were connected. Games became vibrant social hubs, allowing friends and strangers alike to team up, compete, and build communities that transcended geographical boundaries. This interconnectedness has become a defining characteristic of modern gaming.
This spirit of connection is something we deeply value at Hosa. Just as online gaming bridges distances and brings people together, Hosa’s mission is to connect people through reliable and high-quality cables and adapters. We understand that seamless connectivity is essential, whether you’re battling a final boss with your online squad or simply enjoying a game with friends in the same room. Our products are designed to ensure that your gaming experience is uninterrupted and that those crucial connections, both in-game and in real life, are always strong.
Xbox (~25 million sold) | (2001) Microsoft’s entry into the console market, selling around 25 million units and establishing a major player in the industry.
Xbox 360 (~86 million sold) | (2005) A console that emphasized online gaming and digital distribution. With sales of around 86 million units, the Xbox 360 solidified Microsoft’s position in the market.
Wii U (~14 million sold) | (2012) Nintendo’s attempt to innovate with a tablet controller. However, it struggled to find an audience and sold only around 14 million units
Nintendo Switch (~68 million sold) | (2017) A hybrid console that can be played both on a TV and as a handheld device. The Switch became a massive success, with sales currently exceeding 79 million units.
The Story Continues… (2020s and Beyond)
Video game consoles are in a constant state of evolution. From the rise of cloud gaming to the development of even more immersive virtual reality experiences, the future of gaming is full of exciting possibilities. But beyond the technology, what truly defines modern gaming is connection. Games like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto V boast massive online communities, with millions of players worldwide joining together in shared experiences. The esports industry has exploded in popularity, with professional gamers competing for lucrative prizes and millions of fans tuning in to watch. In 2020 alone, the global esports audience reached nearly 500 million viewers, and in 2025, the market is projected to be valued at approximately $2.89 billion. This demonstrates the incredible power of gaming to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared passion that transcends geographical boundaries.
Elevating Your Connection with Hosa
For the modern, connected gamer, the quality of your physical setup is just as critical as your internet speed. Every digital interaction, whether a high-speed data transfer or clear voice chat, relies entirely on a stable, durable cable.
At Hosa, we provide the essential connectivity solutions that power your competitive and social gaming experiences. Ensure your critical connections are ready for the next level:
Immersive Audio: Extend the reach of your favorite wired gaming headset for comfortable couch co-op or late-night sessions with a reliable Pro Headphone Extension Cable.
Crystal-Clear Streaming: Connect your dedicated streaming microphone with a high-quality Pro Microphone Cable to ensure your audience and teammates hear every call-out perfectly.
What will the next chapter in video game history hold? Only time will tell—but with Hosa, you can be sure your connection will be ready for it
Hosa
Hosa Scholarship Winner at MI
Hosa Announces Audio Engineering Scholarship Winner
MI to Be Jungwon Shin’s Launch Pad
Buena Park, CA, April 2021 — Hosa Technology, Inc., the leading provider of analog and digital connectivity solutions for the modern musician, is pleased to announce Jungwon Shin as the winner of the seventh annual Hosa Audio Engineering Scholarship at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA.
Jungwon Shin, a native of South Korea, wrote the winning essay outlining his career goals as a producer & audio engineer. Jungwon has previous professional experience as an audio engineer and a wide interest in every style of music, including R&B, Soul, Rock, Lo-fi music, and Hip Hop.
Asked why he chose to study in the Audio Engineering Program at Musician’s Institute, Jungwon said, “I want to learn about mixing and mastering in detail. Every teacher at MI is great, so that’s why I chose to study here. My dream is to make my own album. And to be a great vocal teacher and engineer.”
Mayumi Allison, CEO of Hosa, added the following, “We are excited that Mr. Shin is the winner of this year’s scholarship. At Hosa, we believe in helping the musicians and audio engineers of tomorrow find success and believe that begins with education.”
Hosa extends our congratulations to Jungwon and are honored to be part of his journey in the music industry.
The Hosa Technology Audio Engineering Program Scholarship is available to new students enrolling in the Audio Engineering Program at MI. Eligible students must provide a completed application along with an essay detailing their career goals in the audio industry. The awarded tuition credit is applied to the initial quarter of the program as long as the recipient maintains satisfactory progress.
Hosa
Shielded Cables – Braided vs. Spiral Shielding
Shielded Cable – Braided vs. Spiral Shielding
Cables today have an infinite number of designs and purposes. Outside of musical equipment, cables of the same build help run video, computers, and telephone and video networks. Cables using more than a single conductor tend to use twisted pair construction. One major area where construction still differs from cable to cable is in its protection; its shielding. Today, we’ll be discussing the differences between braided and spiral shielding. It’s important to note that each type has its own unique advantages and disadvantages so we’ll let you be the judge on deciding which one is the best fit for you.
Twisted Pair Cabling
First, let’s talk about what’s inside of a typical cable. Twisted Pair cabling is the industry norm used for multi-conductor cables on the market. By standard definition, “twisted pair cabling is a type of cabling in which two conductors of a single circuit are twisted together for the purposes of improving electromagnetic capability.” But what does it mean?
In short, a twisted pair can be used as a balanced line – which greatly reduces the amount of noise transmitted through the cable. What the “twisting” provides – in theory – is that the currents in each of the cables are near equal. The twisting simply ensures that each is equal distance from the interrupting source – which would in turn, affect them equally. On the other hand, twisted pair cable’s resistance to interference depends on the twisting scheme to remain in place, and so its efficiency can vary.
Now let’s look at shielding, the first line of defense against external interference in a traveling signal.
Spiral Shielding
This is a spiralling shield of strands of copper running parallel that is made fairly inexpensive. Since the ends of the cable do not need to be untangled, its build can be done pretty quickly.
Because the strands are in a spiral – it is easier to extend. The stretching, theoretically, makes the strands less likely to break when pulled. When the cable is bent or twisted, the spiral strands can gap apart – allowing exposed areas – resulting in frequency interference. For example, patch cables are generally bent and twisted the most – so spiral shielding may not be the best fit for such use, whereas for guitar cables, it’d make more sense.
Advantages of Spiral Shielding
typically cheaper to make
easy handle and installation
Disadvantages of Spiral Shielding
easier for frequency to slip through exposed areas
breakage is much more frequent
Braided Shielding
Braided shielding is the most “traditional” form of shielding. Braided cables are woven – thus making it much more difficult to assemble. Typically, braided shielding is stiffer and just as flexible.
Advantages of Braided Shielding
as strong as it is flexible
can be installed next to products without power loss
performs best at low frequency
Disadvantages of Braided Shielding
does not guarantee 100% coverage as its coverage is dependent on how tightly it is woven
typically, a bit bulkier
If You Wish To Learn More
Part of audio quality is in cancelling or limiting noise that the conductor picks up between sources. In the case of balanced cables, shielding is less important because they typically transmit line-level audio signals that don’t need to be boosted, and part of their design is to carry two identical signals in opposite polarity before reversing one in the end, which cancels the noise. Hosa carries both a variety of cables with braided and spiral shielding.
For more information on cable shielding and signal flow, check out our video on Do Cables Matter?
Hosa
Artist Spotlight: Miles Dimitri Baker
Why Quiet Matters (in Cables)
Cables have a pretty thankless job. The best ones work all the time and you never hear about them. And that’s exactly what they should do. Miles Dimitri Baker, guitarist and part of the band Interloper, said it best:
“You can’t have noise. It’s, like, not an option. So if someone asks [which cables to buy] I’m going to say Hosa because that’s what I personally use on all of my gear.”
This month, we were fortunate enough to meet with Miles in his home studio and he fills us in on his creative process and why Hosa cables are the best fit for him.
Miles Dimitri Baker, Artist and Guitarist, Interview
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
One of my favorite things about music is obviously the emotion it can create. It gives you a feeling, you know you hear a song and it can take you back to a place in your life, like a memory or it can give you a feeling whether it’s like sadness or triumph or any of those types of emotions. Music has the power to do that.
Hey, I’m Miles Dimitri Baker. I’m a musician, I play in the band Interloper and I also teach music. And this is my cat, Sabrina. I like the things I’ve been able to do with it, honestly. You know, I’ve been able to put music out and people enjoy what I do which, I think, for most people – at the end of the day people feeling appreciated, you know, is a basic human need. So I feel really lucky and fulfilled that way.
The creative process for me can be different. It almost starts, sometimes, like a calculated approach. For certain things, you know, do I find this certain chord progression in like its purest form – you know, through position triads or 7th chords. Do I find that, like, appealing? And then it becomes like a manipulation process – of like – how can I make this actually sound cool, in like, an actual musical idea. You know, taking sort’ve like a more like calculated, sort’ve scholastic approach to it and then like really manipulating it. That’s a lot of times my approach for it and then other times, you know, you really get that where you’re hearing something and you’re like, “Oh wow, I need to record, like, right now.” And that’s really exciting, turning that and developing it. Same kind of approach, like, “what’s really going on here?” What do I hear next, if I don’t hear something next, maybe I’ll hear, like, the structure of it. Maybe, what harmonically is going on that, maybe I can use to get to this next section that I have yet to have an idea for.
Every little thing that becomes like an ease abuse type situation. It’s the smoothness in which that workflow is interrupted by saying like, “how do I do this or I need to go get this, or whatever.” You know, I have the ability to run things however I want.
Every single piece of gear I have in here is using Hosa cables (laughs). Literally everything. Every single piece – from the monitors to all of my rack stuff to any sort of connection running to like, this cab. Speaker cables, power cables, it’s all Hosa. You know, they’re durable, they sound good, they’re quiet – that’s another thing that’s worth mentioning with cables. Some cables are noisy. If you’re trying to track like a DI guitar, or you know, re-amp something, you can’t have noise. Or if you’re running cabling through FX things like a reverb pedal or delay pedal, you know, your tuner to your guitar. You can’t have noise, you know? It’s like not an option so it’s nice having dependable things. It’s like, I literally use them for everything – so if someone asks I’m going to say Hosa because that’s what I personally use on all of my gear.
Popular Hosa Cables and Accessories for Guitarists (H2)
– Hosa Edge Guitar Cable
Every electric guitarist needs a guitar cable. Our Edge series are designed to provide a lifetime of outstanding performance.
– Goby Labs Guitar Care Kit
Inevitably when you use music and audio equipment, you’re going to get some wear and grime build-up and potentially expose yourself to unwanted germs. Our Goby Labs Guitar Care Kit can help with that.
– Pro Headphone Extension Cable
Our Pro Headphone Extension Cables are designed to extend the reach of hard-wired headphones. These are especially useful when playing your instrument away from your console or DAW.
