How-To Guides 5
UAD-2 Preamp Bass Overdrive Shootout
Ever since I picked up my first electric guitar, I’ve always loved the sound of overdrive. Now, of course, when I first started playing, I thought that distortion was an effect or a sound only reserved for guitars, and preferably generated from a monstrous tube amp. As I grew older, I started aligning myself more […]
Dynamic vs. Condenser Microphones: Which to Use?
The argument between which is better, condenser or dynamic microphones has been raging on for ages. Though the differences are immense, it’s important to figure out exactly what you need for the project at hand. So with the vast dynamic and condenser microphone options available today, what should you use? Dynamic Microphones Dynamic microphones are […]
The History of Electronic Drums
To some, an electronic drum kit just seems like a gift for a kid; it won’t be loud like acoustic drums, they will learn a great skill and the kit itself is inexpensive at the entry level. To others, its the perfect modern gigging kit — giving you a ton of sounds in a lightweight, […]
Setting Hot Cue Points
As technology progresses further in the DJ field, the preparation of music for a set has never been easier. A cue point or hot cue is a designated spot set by the DJ to start the song. As new CDJs and media players are released, more and more of the cue points you set in […]
A Beatmaker’s Guide To Music Production Tools
Welcome to Beat Connection, a series dedicated to promoting modern and vintage dance styles the only way we know how…by providing you a musical starting point to help you create that beat. In the majority of our recent posts, we’ve been taking you on a journey to what I’d dub “foundational beats.” These are standard […]
iZotope RX 7: Spectral Repair
Spectral Repair is a module available in iZotope RX 7 Standard and RX 7 Advanced audio restoration software that lets you remove and replace unwanted sounds and frequencies in audio. Two things make Spectral Repair much more precise at removing problem sounds than simple EQ’ing or filtering: 1. visualization of the audio and 2. algorithm-based audio […]
Building a Guitar, Part 5: Installing Tuners
Welcome back! In this installment, I’m going to do a basic walkthrough on a very common and practical guitar modification: installing tuners. Depending on the model and brand you have, this process can have slight variations, but the installation is largely universal. Here’s what you’ll need: Supplies Tuners of your choice (I went with Gotoh […]
Direct-Drive vs. Chain-Drive Kick Drum Pedals
In the world of professional drumming, “feel” is almost always the most important aspect of picking components and hardware for a drum kit. This is why online forums are set on fire when the discussion of direct-drive vs. chain-drive bass drum pedals comes up. Those who love chain-drive for its “solid and real feel” argue […]
Analog Mixers for Multi-Track Recording
At the heart of countless performance venues, recording rigs, practice spaces, and broadcast facilities, you’ll find analog mixers. For any music project that involves more than one or two simultaneous mics or instruments, a mixer can be of great use. With a mixer, you can balance levels between multiple sources, sweeten your sound with the […]
