Explanation about class A, class B, class AB and class D amps
LearningThe basic function of an amplifier is to increase a low intensity signal capture. It can be a direct source such as a microphone, a musical instrument, or a signal corrected by an intermediary preamp…
PureMix mixing contest
Hot newsPureMix partnered with Dangerous Music and Sweetwater and launches a new mixing contest, with up to $3700 value prizes.
Mic placement for acoustic guitar recording
LearningWithout pretending to publish the definitive guide to guitar recording, here are a few tips on how to record an acoustic guitar with an electrostatic microphone.
How to get "hot" masters without losing dynamics
LearningI was driving along one of those Floridian roads that goes between the coasts, and is flatter than the Spice Girls without auto-tuning . . . in other words, a perfect place to crank up my car's CD pl…
There are varying factors in play, depending on the type of instrument...
LearningWhen amplifying an acoustic guitar, the use of a microphone can lead to concerns about feedback as well as being able to adequately amplify the instrument. With electric guitars, there are also conc…
Fix Vocal Pitch Without Nasty Correction Artifacts
LearningThe critics are right: pitch correction can suck all the life out of vocals. I proved this to myself accidentally when working on some background vocals.
Layered Vocals Sound Tighter and Cleaner with these Techniques
LearningLayering vocals is a common technique to thicken a vocal part, whether applied to a solo voice or to a massed group of backing vocals. However, there are certain considerations with layered vocals th…
Get a good mix with headphones
LearningMixing with Headphones can be a viable option to achieving great mixes. Although it’s always recommended to use high quality monitor speakers, sometimes they aren’t a viable option. It may be late at…
How to avoid ground loops
LearningThere are a few different reasons why a musician might wish to use multiple amplifiers as part of their rig.
Mixing your drums Part 3 : the toms
LearningToms are an interesting part of the kit that often add flare and excitement to a drum track, just look at the intro to Enter Sandman by Metallica, or the fill before the chorus of Africa by Toto. The…
Mixing your drums Part 2 : the snare
LearningNext to the Kick Drum, the Snare Drum is the most important component of the Drum Kit. So its paramount that we get it to sound as good as its potential.
Mixing your drums Part 1 : the kick
LearningIn most Genre’s the Kick Drum will be the Low End foundation of the song. So really we should treat it with respect and try and get the best out of it while mixing. If you have recorded the Kick Drum…
Gain without pain: giving the guitar cabinets their own space
LearningFor recording guitarists, one benefit of a head-and-stack configuration over a combo is that you can separate the amplifier from the speaker cabinet and run a long cable between the two.
How to get the levels "just right"
LearningOne of the questions that I get asked fairly often by neophyte recording enthusiasts is "how hot should I record?" The amount of signal you record per track can have an effect on not only the sound o…
How to Mix a Bass Guitar
LearningA good bass line, played on a good bass, can be made into a great Bass track. But you need to know your way around your Bass Guitar Processing. Lets take a look at giving your bass that extra little …