Kyle Novak works for American Musical Supply as a contributing author and technical writer and is excited to share his knowledge with you. He plays clarinet, saxophone, flute, and keyboards, and is a composer, arranger, and producer, with live performance experience in a multitude of musical genres ranging from classical, jazz, popular styles, and everything in between. For over thirty years, music has been his ultimate creative travel agent. Bands, solo projects, a private music studio, collaboration with community arts groups, venue management – he has been fortunate to work in all of these areas alongside so many wonderful colleagues from around the Midwest.
Kyle is also a freelance professional sound engineer in rural Minnesota, specializing in portable on-location live sound and live recording. His work and experiences in this arena have fueled a growing love for sound, production, and recording equipment, while guiding him to always be learning. New gear, vintage gear, tried-and-true techniques, experimentation – it’s all about being intentional with equipment, staying flexible, and seeing how you can best bring out the capabilities you want for yourself.
When he’s not writing, on stage, or behind the mixing desk, Kyle can be seen with his daughter Marion cheering on his wife Maria’s visual arts and performance projects, as well as playing with his two dogs Coda and Tempo.
Ever wonder what your voice or wind instrument would sound like through guitar effects pedals? Well wonder no more! Because we've done it, and here are all the secrets to unlocking unlimited tone — no guitar needed.
Ever wonder what a real professional event management production setup looks like? Well wonder no more! Because here's a rundown of all the gear AMS Technical Writer Kyle Novak uses for live sound engineering.
Ever wish you could ditch those long, unruly cables for something a bit cleaner? Well you're in luck! Becuase here's your go-to guide for how to set up a wireless system in your live sound setup.
How do you connect this to that? Well, if you read this article, you'll know! Learn about all the different types of cables you'll need to connect various pieces of music gear.
Ready to take the plunge into the wide world of recording? Bring your ideas into reality by learning how to set up your very own home recording studio and all the pieces you'll need to get started.
If you're into live sound, you need both a Shure SM58 and an SM57. It's not even really an option. But what's really the difference and when do you use each? It's the showdown of the two most hardworking mics in the music world: Shure SM57 vs. SM58.
Not sure what to get that gigging musician or audio engineer on your list? Check out the AMS-approved list of the best live sound gifts that'll be sure to put a smile on their face and take their performances to new levels.
Shure makes some of the best gear in the game; there's no doubt about it. But with a catalog as big as theirs, how do you know where to start? Check out our AMS-approved list of the Top 9 Shure Products for all the answers you seek!
They both might sound similar, but they're two unique models for a reason. Not "Shure" when to use each? Here's the breakdown between the Shure SM58 vs Beta 58A and why they're two of Shure's most iconic and trusted vocal mics.
You have a DJ name picked out. Now all you need is the gear! Check out this handy guide to choose the right DJ gear for the type of DJ you want to be — so you can get on your way to packing the clubs.
Want a wireless hands-free microphone option that doesn't make you look like a 90s pop star? Check out this guide to wireless lavalier mics and how to set them up properly.
USB mics are all the rage these days, but are they replacing XLR? Not quite! Learn the difference between USB vs. XLR microphones to find out which is best for your needs.
DI boxes come in two flavors: Active and Passive. Which one is right for you? Learn all about the differences between Active vs. Passive DI Boxes and when to use which.
You've probably heard the term "DI," but what does it really mean? Learn all about Direct Boxes and what they can do for your live sound and recording right here.
Running live sound takes a lot of gear. But you better not leave the house without these six absolute essentials. Here are the key pieces of gear every live sound expert needs.
Is your guitar not playing like it used to? It might just need a truss rod adjustment. Learn how to adjust your guitar truss rod correctly and get back your playability.
In-ears are great, but they're only as good as the system they're attached to. Learn all about IEM systems to find the one that'll give you clear, rock-solid performance at every show, so you can FINALLY ditch those floor monitors.
We were tired of bad recordings, so we went to visit Kevin Antreassian at Backroom Studios for some tips. Want to take your recordings to the next level? Here's how.
Studio time is a big deal, and it's important to be prepared. That's why we asked Kevin Antreassian, owner/producer of Backroom Studios, what he wishes his clients knew before getting into the studio. Are you ready for your studio time?
It was definitely hot when we interviewed Chris and Ryan from Hot Mulligan — the weather wasn't friendly... But we still got to talk all about their time at Warped Tour, the rebirth of emo, and of course their signature Reverend guitars.
Gibson has officially opened their vault. What treasures lay inside? All the most influential guitars of the 20th century — and we got to check it out FIRST! You won't believe what we saw.
Ever wonder what a battle between a plane, tank, and submarine would look like? So do we! That's why we caught Tigers Jaw before their show to ask them. It's a fun interview you don't want to miss.
It takes a lot to build some of the best acoustic guitars in the game? What does it take exactly? Well, we went and asked one of the top builders in the business: Bob Taylor himself! If you like acoustic guitars, you don't want to miss this interview.
Ready to rock the turntables and get everyone out on the dance floor? Check out the ultimate DJ buyer’s guide to learn everything you need to know about becoming a DJ.
It’s not easy to build the perfect live sound setup, but we’re here to make it at least a little bit easier with the AMS ultimate live sound buying guide.