Studio Solutions 64
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Studio Solutions Collection: DAW Production Techniques
Audio production has come a long way since the advent of the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Whether you’re just starting to mix and master your own tracks in your DAW at home, or you’re a more experienced producer, check out this collection of zZounds Blog posts and pick up a new technique to try on […]
Savory Softube Plug-ins
We all have our own obsessions. Some musicians drool over the newest boutique guitar pedals. Another musician that works at zZounds may dream about a tweed couch that matches all of his vintage Fender tweed amps. I, on the other hand, obsess over my new favorite plug-ins. I recently purchased a bundle of Softube plug-ins, […]
How to Use a SubKick on Studio Drums
The SubKick has been around for a long time, or at least the idea of it has. Using a reverse-polarity speaker as a dynamic microphone has been around since at least the ’60s as a recording technique, but didn’t popularize until the early 2000s when Yamaha released the SKRM-100. The SubKick uses the physical movement […]
The Spongy Sounds of the IK Multimedia UNO Synth
Why do you need an analog mono synth? Surely any sound that you can make with an affordable, tabletop analog model like the IK Multimedia UNO can be recreated digitally, right? Wrong. Serious synth players know that analog has its own inimitable vibe and sound. As interest in analog synthesizers remains high, it can be hard […]
How to Fatten Up Those Guitars
So, you’ve managed to record the perfect guitar take, but now you’re playing back the mix and and there’s something just a tad off. Maybe the guitars don’t seem quite big enough, or maybe they just aren’t as punchy as what you were looking for. Well, fear not my friends! I’m here to give you […]
Beefing Up Your Drum Mix
Great recordings are defined by their drum sound. Think about your favorite album — can you picture that snare timbre in your head? Arctic Monkeys’ AM is a perfect example of a drum sound that truly defined an album. Tchad Blake took a high-energy group of performers and matched the mix to their personalities. I’ll admit […]
