Summer NAMM 2019: New Gear & Rumors
With Summer NAMM just around the corner, buzz is starting to build about new gear from top brands. We’ll be keeping you up to date right here as always, so continue to check back to this page as the rumor mill turns! Walrus Audio Walrus Audio has just released the Kangra — a unique filtered […]
Talking Shop: Your Signature Gear
Getting a signature model is a dream for many musicians. Creating something to your exact specs, tastes and sonic preferences is definitely a sign you’ve made it. We asked zZounds staffers what their dream signature gear would look like and we got a range of cool ideas. Check them out below and let us know […]
The Basics of Synth Sound Design
The first time I sat at a synthesizer I didn’t care about the knobs and faders, I was just excited about the sound coming from my speakers. As I became more comfortable with synths, I started picturing the specific tones in my head, and how I could use those same knobs to create them. Today […]
How Drum Heads Affect Your Tone
Drum heads: an oft-debated subject for drummers in which hard-and-fast opinions abound. Clear or coated? Single ply or double ply? Let’s dig into this debate and learn what impact drum heads have on the sound of your kit. Ply Put simply, the ply refers to how many layers of material your drum head has. More […]
A Guide to Studio Compressors
What is Compression? As many (or maybe all) of you already know, dynamic range compression is basically a particular type of audio signal processing that attenuates the peak audio wave decibel level while increasing the dB level of the quieter signals. In the easiest possible terminology, compression makes loud stuff a bit quieter and quiet […]
Exploring the Korg Monotron Delay
Introduced in 2010, the original Monotron was Korg’s first analog synthesizer in 25 years. Two years later came the Monotron Delay, which added a built-in digital delay (as well as UV-reflective paint on the front panel). With a synth that’s so basic in functionality, the addition of a delay effect does a lot to help […]
Perfect Pairings: Moog Grandmother and Eventide Rose
Sometimes pairing up a few pieces of gear can help squeeze the most versatility out of each. In this edition of zZounds’ Perfect Pairings, we’re partnering up the Moog Grandmother analog synthesizer with the Eventide Rose modulated delay pedal to create fat, lush soundscapes that are guaranteed to surround you with pulsating rhythms. Moog Grandmother […]
Cymbal Cleaner Shootout
Cleaning and polishing your cymbals not only preserves their look and shine, but also extends their life and tone! We all know that nearly every cymbal maker and tons of third-party companies make polish, but what works the best for you and could a D.I.Y. solution work just as well? Probably not. But that’s okay! […]
Fixing an Old Upright Piano with RX 7
Sample libraries have come a long way and I can’t deny it, but there’s something beautifully organic about capturing live acoustic instruments. It’s similar to the pictures you take on an old disposable camera. That being said, nobody likes seeing a zit in their photo. I’m going to show you how I find the happy […]
