DI Boxes Comparative Review - Seven DIs on the Spot
LearningIn the studio and on stage, DI boxes are indispensable to match impedances, make re-amping or avoid noises. However, it's not easy to choose a DI box from the multiple options available. So, when Fre…
Here's How to Fix those Pesky Timing Problems - Quantizing Guitar Parts with DAW Software
LearningEver play the perfect solo or riff except that one note was just a little bit early, or a little bit late? If you never have, then stop reading this article immediately, move to Los Angeles, New York…
Optimize Your Reverberant Space for the Best Possible S… - Understanding Digital Reverb Parameters
LearningThere's nothing like the sound of real reverb, such as what you hear in a cathedral or symphonic hall. That's because reverb is made up of a virtually infinite number of waves bouncing around within …
Have Fun with Noise Gates - Noise Gates Don't Have to be Boring
LearningNoise gates aren't as relevant as they were back in the analog days, when hiss was an uninvited intruder on anything you recorded. But noise gates can do some really cool special effects that have no…
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…
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…
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…
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…
iPhone/iPod Touch Sequencers Report - My iPhone is a Sequencer
LearningIn addition to recording music with your iPhone, you can also edit and produce your music with the little magic machine. A DAW in your pocket!
EQ and Compression Techniques Pt.2: Drums - EQ and Compression Techniques Pt.2: Drums
LearningDespite the preponderance of exceptional drum samples and loops on the market, for certain genres of music (notably country and rock) there is no substitute for a great session drummer playing on a w…
Recording Bass - In the Studio with Michael Wagener Pt.4 - Bass
LearningWe've already dealt with drums and guitar, now it's time for the bass...
Recording Electric Guitar - In the Studio with Michael Wagener Pt.3 - Electric Guitar
LearningAfter having detailed how he records drums, Michael Wagener tackled guitars in this episode.
Recording Drums Part 2 - In the Studio with Michael Wagener - Part 2
LearningAfter explaining how he mics up drums, Michael Wagener now talks more about ribbon microphones, which he considers much less understood than their condenser or dynamic counterparts.
Recording Drums Part I/2 - In the Studio with Michael Wagener
LearningRecording is an art and often a matter of experience, and so what better way of gaining some understanding of what's involved than by listening to the prestigious American engineer Michael Wagener ta…