Compressors: How They Really Work - Compressors Demystified
LearningIt's one of the most used, and most misunderstood, signal processors. While people use it to make a recording "punchier," it often ends up dulling the sound instead because the controls aren't set op…
The Next Big Thing in Guitar Distortion - A Guitarist's Guide to Multiband Distortion
LearningIf you're a guitarist and you're not into multiband distortion...well, you should be. Just as multiband compression delivers a smoother, more transparent form of dynamics control, multiband distortio…
Christmas Shopping 2010 - Gifts for Geeks
LearningClock is ticking, and there is still time to please and be pleased. Here are some ideas for Christmas gifts for musicians and gear heads to fit all tastes and wallet sizes.
How to Get the Most Out of Them - Multitrack Drum Libraries
LearningMore drum libraries are showing up in multitrack format from companies like Discrete Drums, Wizoo, East-West, Reel Drums, etc. Although these are sold on the basis of being useable out of the box for…
Whether for Recording or Live Performance, the Right EQ… - Making Equalization Work For You
LearningEqualization is one of the most important and powerful tools in the recording enthusiast’s arsenal, yet too many people adjust equalization with their eyes – not their ears. For example, one time aft…
Choosing a Laptop for Music Making: Part 1 - Lifting the Lid on Audio Laptops
LearningFinding the right laptop for music production can be rather troublesome. In this, the first of two articles, we're going to look at the reasons why laptops have problems and what can be done about it.
27 Acoustic Guitars Tried and Tested - How Does it Sound? Acoustic Guitars
LearningWhenever you choose a guitar you might first fall in love with appearances, but also, and above all, you cherish its sound character. Six-string fans sometimes don't have the opportunity to listen to…
Masters of their Craft - On Tour: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
LearningModern technology reveals traditional sounds for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 2010 tour.
How to Filter Out Vuvuzela Noise from FIFA World Cup Ga… - Vuvuzela Killers
LearningLet's face it, unless you are actually in South Africa attending the World Cup and blowing your very own Vuvuzela, you can't stand the cacophony that's blaring out of your flat screen TV in the form …
The Difference Between Bronze and Brass Cymbals - The Cymbal Rap for Newbies
LearningFor simplicity’s sake, there are basically three types and price levels of cymbals: beginner brass, intermediate sheet bronze and professional cast bronze. The brass are usually used only by young be…
How to Choose a Computer for Music Making (Part 2) - Mac vs. PC
LearningMore controversial than the Stones vs Beatles, more uncompromising than a Bush vs Obama debate, and hotter than the cold war, the Mac vs PC question ignites passions, endless debates and might even b…
7 Things You Should Never Do While Mixing - Live Sound Mixing
LearningTop 7 tips to learn and live by when you are behind the mixing console at a live show.
Fergie, Will.i.am, Taboo and Apl.de.ap are Off to See t… - The Black Eyed Peas: Live Sound on Tour
LearningAfter a few summer festivals, The Black Eyed Peas’ The Energy Never Dies tour began with September shows in Japan and October shows “down under.”
How to Choose a Computer for Music: A Dummies' Guide - Music Making with a Computer (Part 1)
LearningA computer to make music? Sounds great. Which computer should I get and with what specification? Good question. But first things first: what is a computer and how does it work?
The Audio & Musical Gear that Made the Show - Best of Musikmesse 2010: The Top 11
LearningThey came to Frankfurt, Germany, showed their stuff, we looked, touched and video taped. Now with everybody back home, it's time to make sense of the best gear presented at Musikmesse 2010.
