Attack and Release in a Compressor - A guide to mixing music - Part 29
LearningIn this installment, I'll show you a way to set a compressor that helps you understand what each parameter does. This method is by no means the ultimate solution, however it ought to help you grasp t…
Understanding Compressor Parameters - A guide to mixing music - Part 28
LearningNow that we've discussed the possible uses for compression, let's take a look at the way a compressor works. To do that, I'll explain to you, in a theoretical way, the different parameters commonly f…
Signal processing and effects plug-ins that won’t break… - 12 Quality Plug-ins for $100 or Less
LearningAlthough top-of-the-line processor and effects plug-ins can be expensive, there are alternatives available that offer quality performance at budget-friendly prices. In this article, I’ll look at 12 s…
Sonokinetic Capriccio review - Sonokinetic Plays a Capriccio
Written testBest Product awardThe supply of virtual orchestras has become more and more abundant. There's a seemingly never-ending rise in the number of samples, instruments and content available, in general. But what about how t…
A synth expert picks his top 5 virtual instruments - These Are a Few of My Favorite Synths
LearningI’ve been writing about synthesizers since the 1970s and reviewing virtual instruments since the 1990s. Still, when Audiofanzine asked me to pick my "top 5" software synths, it was no easy feat, as t…
Why We Compress - A guide to mixing music - Part 27
LearningIn this second installment dedicated to dynamics processing during mixdown, we'll take some time to discuss the whys before moving on to the hows.
Review of the Slate Digital Virtual Mix Rack - Slated for Excellence
Written testValue For Money awardThe release of a channel strip plug-in doesn’t typically generate a lot of excitement, but it sure has in the case of Slate Digital’s Virtual Mix Rack (VMR). Slate’s hardware emulations are considere…
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 testInnovation awardWhen 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 testBest Product awardEight 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…
