About Aural Ideas

I’m thrilled to share my “Aural Ideas” website, a bit about myself, and how my life, through various careers, has been a constant mixture of music and sound engineering.

Nearly six decades ago, I fell in love with playing music. The moment I picked up an instrument, I knew I’d found my life’s calling.

My first and favourite instrument has been the violin. I loved being the fiddler in the band and often found myself lost in the variety of feelings that could be expressed.

It’s been a lifelong journey.

Over the years, I’ve ventured into various corners of the musical world, from classical to jazz to folk and folk rock. Whether performing on stage or jamming with friends, music’s been a driving force in my life.

They were all experiences that allowed me to connect with people with a similar passion (rarely exactly the same interests) on a deeper level, crossing boundaries and language barriers and creating bonds that transcend words.

My fascination for recording naturally led me to sound engineering, a field that’s allowed me to explore the technical intricacies of sound.

Working with a myriad of microphones, sound systems, and recording equipment, I’ve learnt that music is as much about feeling it as listening.

This emotional connection has been a cornerstone for me. My involvement in musical activities kept me grounded when times were tough.

Recently reflecting on these experiences, I realised I’ve got some knowledge to share. The concept of ‘Aural Ideas and Sound Choices’ was born.

This platform is for sharing knowledge I’ve gathered over the years, starting at the end.point with headphones, earbuds, and speakers.

Aural Ideas and Sound Choices: Birth of a Brand

Having been building websites since 1998, ‘Aural Ideas and Sound Choices’, although perhaps a little late in my life, feels like a natural progression.

It’s a way to share my love for music and experience of sound technology. It’s about providing ideas for great sound to a community of people who appreciate auditory experiences but have no interest in getting lost in the technicalities unless they want to.

Starting by focusing on headphones and earbuds was inspired by my desire to make high-quality sound accessible to everyone.

It all starts with listening—the nuances of sound can transform a simple moment into an extraordinary experience—which motivates me to help you find your perfect audio match.

At ‘Aural Ideas and Sound Choices’, we’ll explore the art of listening, scrutinising equipment to ensure each person finds something that aligns with their unique taste.

As a musician and sound engineer, I can guide you through a range of brands and models, helping you discover what works best for you.

Our mission here is simple: to elevate personal sound enjoyment. It’s about ensuring everyone can clearly hear the intricate layers and the subtle tones that bring music to life.

Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, our goal is to enhance your auditory experience.

Moving forward, over time I’ll share the essentials from my sound engineer’s toolbox—unveiling more than just headphones and earbuds, but also the secrets behind top-notch sound engineering and equipment expertise.

The Sound Engineer’s Toolbox: My Expertise

I’ve spent countless hours mastering microphones, sound reinforcement systems, headphones, and more. Whether in a studio or a live concert setting, every piece of equipment has its own story and potential.

The intricacies of setting up studios, whether permanent or mobile, have taught me something of the delicate balance required to capture or amplify sound accurately.

With ‘Aural Ideas and Sound Choices’, I aim to share this knowledge.

From selecting the right equipment to understanding the subtleties of sound dynamics for those who want more. I’m here to guide you in navigating the technical aspects so you get the best out of your listening experience.

Of course, there’s more to me than just technology and music. Beyond the knobs and cables, I find inspiration in a variety of personal passions and hobbies.

Beyond the Music: Personal Passions & Hobbies

When not immersed in the world of sound engineering or curating audio experiences, you would have found me playing rugby, tennis, or sailing something, and the solitude of windsurfing helped to keep me sane. At my age now, I’m an avid watcher!

Having had an 18-year career with IT, nowadays I spend most of my time writing at a laptop, creating posts that I sincerely hope are helping people to succeed, at whatever it is they aspire to.

However, sound, in all its forms, is an integral part of life’s melody.

Here’s the author, photographed at a festival in 1974, showing off a Rebec!

I hope to connect with you, and together we’ll continue to explore and enjoy the world of sound. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
😉
Richard