Dynamics Processing 101 - A guide to mixing music - Part 26
LearningThis week we'll tackle dynamics processing during mixdown, a very thorny subject if there ever was one...To approach the topic in the best way possible, it's useful to begin with a quick rundown of t…
Review of the Universal Audio Sound Machine Wood Works … - A Cure for DI Acoustic Guitar
Written testWhen Universal Audio announced Sound Machine Wood Works at NAMM this year, I was intrigued by what was promised: A plug-in that can change a DI recorded acoustic so that it sounds like it was miked. …
Which Comes First? - A guide to mixing music - Part 25
LearningBefore we tackle the next major section of this series ─ dynamics ─ let's diverge briefly to take stock of where we are in the process, and cover an important issue involving effect-chain order.
Put Your Best Feature Forward - 10 cool and innovative features from 10 top DAWs
LearningAll DAWS are definitely not created equal. Yes they can all record and edit audio and MIDI, host effects and software instruments, and provide facilities for mixing. But beyond those bread-and-butter…
Eiosis AirEQ Premium Review - Second Wind
Written testEight years after the original, Eiosis presents a "Premium" edition of the AirEQ plug-in.
EQing Tools of the Trade - A guide to mixing music - Part 24
LearningNow that we have analyzed EQing during mixdown, let's talk a bit about the tools capable of carrying out the task.
A Matter of Perspective - A guide to mixing music - Part 23
LearningIn this week's installment, we'll continue our focus on EQing during mixdown, with some additional tips and advice.
Get Up to Speed with Apple Loops - A video lesson on using Apple Loops in Logic Pro X and GarageBand
LearningWhether you're a Logic or GarageBand user, you can spice up your recordings with a huge range of instrument loops and sound effects via the Apple Loops that were included with your DAW. Here's a vid…
Trust Your Ears - A guide to mixing music - Part 22
LearningTo close this chapter dedicated to EQing during mixdown, I'll give you some tips and tricks that ought to help you adopt better habits.
Create Space and Depth with EQ - A guide to mixing music - Part 21
LearningContrary to popular belief, panning and ambience are not the only tools to use for adjusting the location of a track in the sound field of a mix. We are about to see that the sensations of space and …
And There Was Color - A guide to mixing music - Part 20
LearningIn this episode we'll discuss a pretty subjective application of EQing, namely, coloration.
A review of the Alesis DM Dock drum interface - It's Sittin' On the Dock While You Play
Written testFollowing in the footsteps of its I/O Dock, which provided iPad musicians with a fully featured audio and MIDI interface with a docking slot, Alesis has released the DM Dock. Aimed at iPad drummers a…
A review of Sound Radix Drum Leveler - A New Level of Control
Written testIf you use audio drum tracks in your productions, whether loops or multitrack recordings — you’re likely to have plenty of occasions where you wish you could adjust the levels of a particular drum or…
Lifting the Mask - A guide to mixing music - Part 19
LearningToday we'll deal with frequency masking ─ what is it actually, and how can we solve it?
If it Ain't Broke, Don't Fix it - A guide to mixing music - Part 18
LearningIn this installment, we'll do a quick review on how to deal with the rest of the mid frequencies and the high end. Why a "quick" review? Well, because there are no systematic rules this time around a…