The Pros and Cons of Mixing with Headphones
The more you get into the nitty-gritty of mixing, the more you realize that a lot of decisions are subjective. There’s no “right” way to do anything. Some mixing methods are better for certain situations,
Continue readingWhy Do I Need a Microphone Preamp?
As you begin putting together your home studio, you might start to realize you need more gear than you initially thought. Don’t be turned off by this–in fact, you can make some great music with
Continue readingHow (and Why) to Mix in Mono
We all want to produce huge, swirling, spacious mixes. Utilizing the stereo field by panning tracks left or right is a powerful tool for expanding the scope of a mix. However, mixing solely in stereo can
Continue readingWhat are the Different Types of Microphones?
Understanding mic types and characteristics, as well as their applications, is critical for effective audio engineering. There’s no single type of mic that does every job well. Even within individual
Continue reading3 Reasons your Mixes Sound Muddy (and How to Fix Them)
You’ve put your heart, soul and many hours into your latest tune, yet when you play it back on your buddy’s killer car stereo, it’s a tubby, muddy mess of low frequency mush; nowhere the punchy powerhouse
Continue readingWhat is an Audio Interface Used for?
It was in the 1990s that home computers became viable recording platforms, and the accessory that first captured the imaginations of budding home studio recordists was the Soundblaster audio card. Though
Continue readingA Legend in Four Microphones – The Glyn Johns Drum Recording Method
Learning his trade in the Sixties, engineer and producer Glyn Johns knew the environment of the low-track recording world. Yet, as track counts increased, Johns’ technique for miking drums didn’t change. Rather
Continue readingHow to Build a Home Recording Studio for $500 or Less
It wasn’t that long ago when owning a world-class recording studio was the only way to produce world-class recordings. It meant a major investment in dollars. It took literally millions to acquire serious
Continue readingBasics of Music Sampling
Sampling is a commonly used compositional device in recorded music. The practice can basically be described as taking something from a recording and using it for your own. The length of samples can range
Continue readingHow to Properly Mic a Drum set
It is true that drums that sound good can really shape the overall sound of a band on a recording. Along with a solid bass track, drums form the foundation of almost any song. Think of some of your favorite
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