Studio Recording

by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
Realistic artificial reverbs and other time-based processors are commonplace in today’s music technology, so it’s easy to overlook how much of a technical marvel it was when reverberation could be divorced from the physical location of a performance, and how quickly it transformed recorded music. From Bill Putnam’s reamping technique using physical echo chambers, to the Brobdingnagian 600-pound EMT plate reverb machine, to the complex digital convolution and algorithmic reverbs we have today, artificial reverbs have been sculpting the sonic
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
Sennheiser has unveiled the new HD 480 Pro professional recording and monitoring headphones, positioned as their highest tier closed-back pro-audio headphones for monitoring, music production, and mixing (not to be confused with the iconic open-back HD 600 series and audiophile reference-monitoring HD 800 series). Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Plus Professional Recording and
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
In the business of producing music, podcasts, or live performances, one of the most overlooked tools is the humble mic stand. The stand may not steal the show, but it does have the important role of acting as a conduit between the performer and the audience. So, whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, a well-built and versatile mic stand is a key accoutrement to any audio/visual setup. In this guide, we'll cover some great options we have from Auray* as well as other manufacturers so you can walk away knowing exactly what you need to look
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
When recording, mixing, or mastering, it’s critical to refer to meters to ensure the project is properly balanced and leveled but the nature of metering can be difficult to parse. The philosophy and mathematics of different methods of metering can produce vastly different results even when analyzing the same exact audio signal. Understanding how metering works and how to use it is key for creating professional sounding music.   In this guide, we discuss the basics of metering, the science and philosophy behind the different methods, and
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DPA Microphones' 4099 is already a beloved instrument mic, so how does the CORE+ version improve on what was already impressive? Andrew and Gabe are joined by Marco Panascia at the Atomic Sound recording studio to put this supercardioid microphone to the test. As always, we will share the final track as well as the raw, unprocessed audio. 0:00 - Overview & Today's Recording Session 1:01 - Demo
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The Universal Audio Volt 876 USB-C Audio Interface is another one of their products that brings an analog sound to our digital age. Andrew records a track using this eight-channel audio interface, showing you how the various modes can affect your track's sound. 0:00 - About 0:30 - Song Demo - "Cat's Meow" 1:53 - Inputs & Preamps 2:14 - Vintage Mode & 76 Compressor 2:47 - Recording Drums 3:10 - Assitive Auto-Gain
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
It’s impossible to deny the role the synthesizer has had in shaping our culture—from defining the sound of music from the mid-twentieth century and today, to creating the quirky beep-boops of R2D2, these electronic instruments have left an indelible mark on the eardrums of modern society. In this guide, we will give an overview of some of the holy grails of electronic instruments and appreciate the specific synthesizers that defined the sound of generations. Roland Jupiter-8 If you even get the opportunity to play one of the roughly 3,300
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
Synthesizer manufacturers have given us a lot to fawn over in the last few years, from superpowered creation stations to compact gear that packs a punch—but sometimes, it’s best to stick with the tried-and-true classics we know and love. In this shopping guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best synthesizers that B&H has to offer—whether it’s the hottest new gear or one of the mainstays of the market. Flagship Models ($3000+) These synthesizers are the best of the best manufacturers have to offer—and their price point reflects it. If
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
Equalizers affect the fundamental character and quality of sound more than any other tool in audio engineering and sound design, making it perhaps the most common and useful tool in the industry. Like compressors, equalizers were originally meant to be a corrective tool, developed to increase the range of transmission for telecommunications by AT&T engineer George Ashley Campbell in the early 1900s—a few decades before John Volkman first used the technology in the method we use today while working for RCA, equalizing the audio of early
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
Equalizers are the most powerful tool any audio engineer or musician has in their arsenal. Like many tools in the world of pro audio, while its concept and function are simple to understand, the different philosophies of a given EQ’s design and application can result in numerable sonic outcomes. Understanding how an EQ works is extremely helpful in deciding when and where to use a certain type and will work wonders for live setups, mixing, mastering, and perfecting tone. In this tutorial guide, we’ll begin with the basics of equalization and
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
Recording is much more of an art than a science, and every recording engineer has their preferences and techniques to achieve the sound they’re aiming for. With the current accessibility of recording technology, people have created incredible, high-fidelity productions despite limited budgets and unlikely recording environments—all they needed was some knowledge, a good idea, and the passion to experiment and explore different methods. In this guide, we will explore different established recording techniques that will give you solid knowledge
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
Modern pop vocal processing is meticulously crafted to present the upfront and clean sound we’re used to hearing on the radio—oftentimes, even advanced engineers have trouble capturing the vocal clarity and presence that’s required to get on the charts. In this guide, we talk about some of the most popular gear and reveal the vocal chains of some famous recording artists, the meaning behind their choices, and how to get a similar sound at a fraction of the cost via clones. What Is a Vocal Chain? A vocal chain is a series of hardware used while
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
Beyerdynamic has introduced the DT 270 Pro Compact Studio Headphones, a sleek and small entry to their lineup. With a durable spring-steel headband, detachable cable, lightweight build, and foldable frame, these compact and wired close-back phones are perfect for creators, musicians, and audio professionals who need accurate reference monitoring both at home and on-the-go. The DT 270 Pro headphones make no compromise to
by Freddy Gerngross ·Posted
Antelope Audio’s new Discrete 8 Oryx is a desktop interface intended to be the centerpiece of a home studio or small studio space, perfect for a four-piece band, electronic music producers with hybrid in-the-box and outboard setups, and hybrid mixing and reamping for guitar productions. Featuring eight discrete preamps and an additional channel via ADAT from an external preamp, the Discrete 8 Oryx boasts high-quality AD/DA
by Gabby Bloch ·Posted
If you’ve just started diving into the world of microphones and are overwhelmed by all of the options out there, you’re not alone. There is a myriad of mic types to choose from, and it can be challenging to understand how each one works. So, we’re going to give you a brief breakdown of the different categories of microphones to help you find the most suitable type for your needs. Condenser Microphones Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone If you’re recording vocals, it’s likely that you will be using a