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 […]
Beat Roots: Understanding Generative Music
On this edition of Beat Connection we dive into the macro idea of this thing called generative music. Some of you may not know it, but in some fashion you’re experiencing (or have quietly experienced) the rise of it. From apps like Endel, to things like YouTube algorithms generating playlists for you, we’re living in […]
New Synths Debut at Superbooth 2019
If the recent announcement of the Moog Matriarch wasn’t enough, the opening day of Superbooth in Berlin has seen a slew of synth announcements from major brands like Korg, Novation, Elektron and IK Multimedia. We’re bringing you the rundown on some of the biggest releases, so read below to get caught up. And best of […]
Restoring a Guitar
What does it take to restore an old guitar? A little know-how, some elbow grease, and the right set of tools and equipment can help bring a dusty guitar back to gigging shape. We enlisted one of our resident bloggers and guitar experts, David, to take on the task of restoring an Italia Mondial Classic […]
Recording Guitar Tracks with IK Multimedia AXE I/O
IK Multimedia’s new AXE I/O interface (endorsed by Joe Satriani!) is aimed at the recording guitarist, with the goal of making it easier and faster to get a great tone — especially on direct injection, or DI, recording. To that end, the AXE gives you a few key options for tone shaping: 1. A Passive/Active […]
