Former audio engineer, current editor-in-chief of zZounds.com. When I’m not geeking out about recording gear and enforcing proper punctuation, I can be found playing the keytar. It’s a serious instrument, you know.
Bose L1 Pro vs. Bose L1 Model II, 1S, and Compact
When Bose first announced their L1 “Cylindrical Radiator” loudspeaker system back in 2003, it was considered a radical approach to a live PA system. Over the years, as musicians increasingly adopted the new design, countless competitors began to launch column-style PA systems of their own. When Bose retired their original L1 Classic and L1 Model […]
Comparing iRig Audio Interfaces for Streaming on iOS Devices
It’s easy to “go live” with your iPhone or iPad. But to deliver pro-level audio on your livestream, you’ll need an audio interface that lets you connect microphones, instruments, or the stereo output from your mixer. IK Multimedia makes a variety of iRig audio interfaces that connect directly to the Lightning port on your iOS […]
Hands-On with the Softube Console 1 + Console 1 Fader
Softube’s Console 1 and Console 1 Fader control surfaces give you hands-on, tactile control over the Softube Console 1 DAW plug-in — a powerful piece of software packed with sound-shaping tools. The Softube Console 1 plug-in lets you load up emulations of console channel strips — like the included Solid State Logic SL 4000 E, […]
TS vs. TRS vs. TRRS Cables
Do you know the difference between TS, TRS, and TRRS? The connector plugs and jacks found on your headphones and audio cables have come a long way from their roots on the telephone switchboards of the early 20th century. Most mobile devices with a headphone jack use the TRRS standard — read on for tips […]
Making Studio Magic with the PreSonus Quantum 2626
Launched at NAMM 2020, the Quantum 2626 is PreSonus’ first Thunderbolt 3 audio interface — with round-trip latency of less than 1 millisecond, making it a solid choice for small studios looking for a low-cost way to step up to Thunderbolt 3. The included Studio Magic software makes it an even better value — with […]
Chameleon Labs 7721 Stereo VCA Compressor Demo
In our demo video, we review the features of the Chameleon Labs 7721 VCA compressor, then put it through its paces on drum submixes and stereo mixes. Grab your headphones (or turn up your studio monitor speakers) and hear how the 7721 adds punch, loudness, and acoustic “glue” — resulting in tracks that sound tighter, […]
Hybrid Mixers: Analog Mixers Meet Digital Tech
Not quite digital mixers, but with capabilities beyond the basics of analog mixers, hybrid mixers employ both analog and digital signal paths, with features like USB inputs/outputs, digital effects processing, or built-in digital recorders. Mixers that combine analog and digital tech have existed for decades. But more recently, manufacturers have been touting the “hybrid mixer” […]
Coaxial Studio Monitors in the Real World
Kali Audio’s “Project Independence” IN-8 studio monitor speaker is notable for its three-way architecture, with the midrange driver and tweeter nested together in a coaxial, or coincident, design. With the release of the Kali IN-8, we’re taking a close look at coaxial studio monitors — and how they can help solve the real-world problems of […]
Neon Vines’ Music Gear Picks
Multi-instrumentalist Neon Vines climbed into the electronic music production scene in early 2018, poised to outgrow her singer-songwriter roots. In just a few short months, she began to amass a dedicated fanbase on YouTube and Instagram — and an ever-expanding collection of high-tech music-making tools like the ROLI Seaboard, Ableton Push, and Akai MPC X. […]
