Audio By Design: Mary C. Gruszka

Mary C. Gruszka is a systems design engineer, project manager, consultant and writer based in the New York metro area. She can be reached via TV Technology.

The Function of Channel Status

by Mary C. Gruszka, 8.20.2008

The channel status bits provide a wealth of information about its associated audio channel, which can be used by an AES receiver/decoder for subsequent processing. more

Demystifying AES3 Digital Audio

by Mary C. Gruszka, 2.20.2008

We casually speak of digital audio, often referring to it as AES audio, perhaps AES3 (for the number of the AES standard), or by an older term AES/EBU. But what exactly is this AES3 signal? more

The Sound of Love in ‘One Six Right’

Part 2

by Mary C. Gruszka, 12.19.2007

“You can make a love story about anything, and in this case it’s a long piece of pavement in the middle of the San Fernando Valley in southern California that has the name ‘One Six Right.’ And for me the way to do that was to take the viewer flying.” more

Sound Design for ‘One Six Right’ Part 1

by Mary C. Gruszka, 11.21.2007

While Audio by Design usually examines issues relating to audio systems design and engineering, this month we’re going to look at another aspect of design—sound design—for the high-definition documentary feature “One Six Right,” by Producer/Director Brian J. Terwilliger. more

Understanding Consumer Digital Audio Formats

by Mary C. Gruszka, 9.19.2007

Last time we looked at the standards for the professional digital audio interface, AES3-2003 and SMPTE276M, as well as an AES information document, AES-3id-2001 (r2006). AES3 describes a balanced interface using 110 ohm shielded twisted pair ohm audio cable, while SMPTE276M and AES-3id specify an unbalanced interface using 75 ohm coax. more

5.1 Audio for HD: YES Case Study, Part I

by Mary C. Gruszka, 6.27.2007

When designing and building an HD facility, the video part can be relatively simple compared to audio. more

Searching for a Surround Sound Audio Console

by Mary C. Gruszka, 4.02.2007

With NAB2007 fast approaching, here are some tips to help in your search for a surround sound mixing system. more

5.1 Source Channels for Digital Audio Consoles

by Mary C. Gruszka, 1.24.2007

Last time we looked at some general characteristics of digital consoles. Now we will look more closely at those specifically needed for surround sound mixing. more

Microphones With Switchable Polar Patterns

by Mary C. Gruszka, 10.18.2006

It is consistent with what I've learned, taught and lived with through the years: slits behind the microphone diaphragm allow the sound to enter and create acoustic cancellations. more

Listening With Nature's Gear to Fix Audio

by Mary C. Gruszka, 8.23.2006

As much as I like test and measurement equipment, sometimes the best troubleshooting tools for a job are two good ears and the gray matter between them. more

What to Do About Microphone Pet Peeves

by Mary C. Gruszka, 6.28.2006

An Audio By Design reader named "Bro Duke," writes in about his microphone pet peeve, "their lack of internal filters. more

Understanding Microphone Specifications

by Mary C. Gruszka, 4.03.2006

While microphones may not have the same glitz factor as some of the new digital audio recording devices to be unveiled at NAB2006, they are first in line in capturing a quality acoustic audio signal, with appropriate frequency response, polar pattern, level, dynamic range, and low noise. more

The Importance of Spec Design, Part 2

by Mary C. Gruszka, 1.25.2006

Last time we started to take a critical look at audio specifications by using as an example, a particular audio mixer with both digital and analog inputs and outputs. Most of the inputs and outputs on this console are analog, while only a few are digital, namely program outputs, aux sends and returns, and two-track inputs. more

The Importance of Specifications in Design

by Mary C. Gruszka, 10.19.2005

As audio systems designers, we rely on manufacturers' specifications not only for a list of features, but for how a piece of equipment can be integrated into a system. more

Back to Basics: Balanced And Unbalanced Audio

by Mary C. Gruszka, 8.17.2005

A chief engineer at a post house in New York recently shared this observation with me. The computer generation, he said, tended not to know about audio connections or connections in general, and was often mystified on how to deal with different audio connectors as well as balanced and unbalanced I/Os (inputs and outputs). more

Audio Interconnections Make a Difference

by Mary C. Gruszka, 6.22.2005

Keeping an audio system (or any electronic system) free of noise and hum requires at least these three important and interrelated factors: a good grounding system, well-designed equipment, and proper interconnections. more

Resolving Pin-1 Problems

by Mary C. Gruszka, 4.18.2005

Now what do you do when you find a pin-1 problem? more

How to Test for the Pin-1 Problem

by Mary C. Gruszka, 3.28.2005

How can you find out if your audio equipment has the dreaded pin 1-problem? more

The Pin-1 Problem

by Mary C. Gruszka, 2.16.2005

While I've seen coverage of this topic in the commercial sound realm, I don't think it's gotten as much attention in the broadcast world. more