The distinction between feedback and feed-forward compressors is one of those more advanced topics that we should ask about once we understand the essentials of audio dynamic range compression. What is feedback compression? Feedback compression feeds the audio signal into the sidechain just after the gain reduction element. This compressor type reacts to the signal amplitude…
Peak and RMS values are a hot topic in audio, so it is no surprise that these different values also apply to dynamic range compression. What is peak compression? Peak compression means that the compressor will react according to the peak of the input or sidechain signal. As the peak of the compressor control exceeds the…
Modulation effects (and modulation in general) are powerful tools when it comes to processing audio. There are plenty of distinct effects that fall into the great category of modulation that we should understand and have at our disposal when mixing audio or sculpting the perfect tone in our instrument. What are audio modulation effects? Audio…
Basses find their place in genres across the musical spectrum. Though perhaps not the most flashy instrument, the bass guitar is a staple in a lot of the music we listen to and cherish. Because this instrument is so important, the market has brought forth many different brands and a great variety of basses. Though…
From Country to Jazz to Deathcore and everything in between, the electric guitar can be found fulfilling numerous roles. This versatile instrument is one of the most popular among amateur and professional musicians alike. This popularity and demand have given rise to a huge market for electric guitars. Most local music stores will have walls…
From the world’s largest stages and around the campfire, acoustic guitars are beautiful and popular instruments for professional and amateur musicians alike. They sound great live and on record and are the first instrument for many people. It makes perfect sense, then, that the market for acoustic guitars is massive. With so many choices, from…
When it comes to home studios, project studios or any other “studio” that doesn’t bring in serious cashflow, spending tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars on a mixing console likely isn’t the best investment. The truth is that, for the vast majority of studios, SSLs, APIs, Neves and Tridents are out of the…
Modular synthesizers have been around for quite some time now (developed in the 1950s). In fact, modular synths came well before the modern synthesizers we know today. In 1964, Robert Moog brought the Moog Synthesizer to the market: the world’s first commercially available [modular] synthesizer. Since then, many other companies have developed their own modules…
Since 2018, Eurorack has been the dominant hardware format for modular synthesizers. The popularity of Eurorack has brought plenty of module options and manufacturers to the market. Companies large and small offer Eurorack modules, and many even supply DIY kits. When it comes to knowing the brands to look out for in Eurorack, there’s a…
Audio recording has become increasingly accessible since the introduction of personal computers and the internet. Yet, when it comes to the biggest names (and biggest money) in the audio industry, professional studios and high-end studio consoles are still the way things are done. A beautifully performed, recorded and mixed studio recording is a piece of…
They say the mixing engineer only gets noticed when something goes wrong in a live set. The mixing board, along with the overall sound system, are the tools of the trade and should be sufficient and dependable enough for the situation. Live performances are an important part of the music/audio industry and of the culture…
A DAW controller (aka control surface) can really improve workflow and add intuitive tactile convenience to a studio set up. Having physical faders, knobs, buttons and other controls laid out in front of you can really enhance your overall enjoyment and performance over keyboard hotkeys and mouse clicks. Of course they aren’t for everyone but…
