Exploring the Art of Filthy Signal Mutation - Extreme Drum Processing
LearningI like music with a distinctly electronic edge, but also want a human "feel." Trying to resolve these seemingly contradictory ideals has led to some fun experimentation, but one of the more recent "h…
Multi-Channel Micing for Live Sound - Capturing Guitar Amps in the Wild
LearningThere are almost as many ways to capture guitar amplifier sound with a microphone as there are for a piano. And as with piano (and kick and snare drum, for that matter) single-mic approaches can’t al…
All About DC Offset - DC Offset: Case of the Missing Headroom
LearningIt was a dark and stormy night. I was rudely awakened at 3 AM by the ringing of a phone, pounding my brain like a jackhammer that spent way too much time chowing down at Starbucks. The voice on the o…
How to Compress a Guitar or Bass - Dynamics Processing Meets Rock Guitar
LearningDynamics processing with studio-oriented processors? Been there, done that. But have you re-visited it lately in a guitar context? Dynamics control for vocals or program material is very different co…
Curve Analysis and Acquision Software - Curves of Steal: Fabulous Frequency Felons
LearningBob Ludwig, Doug Sax, Bernie Grundman - they're masters of mastering. They produce hit after hit, with nothing at their disposal other than...well, experience, talent, great ears, the right gear, and…
Cables: The Most Important Piece of Gear - All About Wires
LearningNo matter how much caffeine you've consumed today, you're not as wired as your studio - or your stage rig. But how much do you really think about those little spaghetti-like critters that form the ce…
The Audio & Musical Gear that Made the Show - Best of NAMM 2011: The Top 11
LearningFollowing tradition, we present to you Audiofanzine's Top 11 gear picks from NAMM 2011.
How to Compose Music in the Studio - Music Composing on the Fast Track
LearningDon't let technology get in the way of your inspiration—tame that technology, and make it work for you.
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…
Speakers, Amps & Impedance Feature Article - An Ohm Story
LearningConsidering that speaker/amp connections, impedance, the different combinations, and incorrect wiring are a recurring source of confusion for audio heads and musicians, we decided to try to clear thi…
How to Master Your Music at Home - Mastering: The DIY Guide
LearningMastering is one of the few creative processes that still finds itself quite high up on a pro-audio pedestal. The creation of music, the recording, mixing and production is all within the hands of th…
sE Electronics Factory Tour - The (other) Land of Microphones
LearningWe had the opportunity to fly to Shanghai where the sE Electronics factory is based. The static and ribbon microphone manufacturer celebrates this year its 10th anniversary.
Masters of their Craft - On Tour: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
LearningModern technology reveals traditional sounds for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 2010 tour.
Marketing 101 for Musicians - How to Sell Your Music
LearningYou've recorded and produced your killer single. Now comes the really tough part: selling the drama. Here we will recap and add some steps in order to implement your marketing plan- putting it all …
Vocal Health for Singers - The Emotional Cords
LearningAs summer arrives, singers begin to worry about vocal health as summer is the season when most artists have most bookings. "Will I be able to manage all the upcoming shows without vocal fatigue?" The…
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 …
Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions - Audio Mastering
LearningTom Volpicelli of The Mastering House answers the top 10 common questions about mastering.
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…
