Linear phase EQ is a powerful audio effect/process that deserves to be understood by audio professionals and hobbyists alike. This tool can be used to great benefit regardless of how experienced we are with EQ. What is a linear phase equalizer? A linear phase EQ is a type of equalization that does not alter the phase…
Though equalization is an incredibly common practice/process in the world of audio, there are not a whole lot of passive EQ units on the market, making passive EQ rare and intriguing. What is a passive equalizer? A passive EQ uses passive filters in order to sculpt the frequency content of audio signals. However, these equalizers are powered devices…
Equalization is easily one of the most important audio processes/effects. Among the different types of EQ, there are a significant number of semi-parametric EQ units to choose from. What is semi-parametric audio equalization? Semi-parametric EQ (sometimes referred to as quasi-parametric EQ) offers some of, but not all, the customization of a parametric EQ. Parameters of the…
Among the many different types of compressors, the pulse width modulation compressor is often overlooked. That being said, this powerful type of compression is worth knowing about and understanding. What is a pulse width modulation compressor? A PWM compressor is a type of compressor that utilizes pulse width modulation to effectively alters the amplitude of the…
The VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) compressor is one of the most common types of hardware compressor (or plugin emulation) on the market and should be understood on our way to audio mastery. What is a VCA compressor? A VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) compressor is an analog compressor that utilizes a VCA control to apply compression. The input signal…
The variable-mu (tube) compressor or “delta-mu compressor” is one of the most common types of hardware compressor (or plugin emulation) on the market and should be understood on our way to audio mastery. What is a variable-mu compressor? A variable-mu (variable gain) compressor is an analog compressor centred around a vacuum tube. As the input signal…
The FET (field-effect transistor) compressor is one of the most common types of hardware compressor (or plugin emulation) on the market and should be understood on our way to audio mastery. What is a FET compressor? A FET compressor is an analog compressor that utilizes a field-effect transistor at the core of the circuit. These compressors…
The optical compressor is one of the most common types of hardware compressor (or plugin emulation) on the market and should be understood on our way to audio mastery. What is an optical compressor? An optical compressor is an analog compressor that uses a light element and optical cell to alter the dynamics of an audio…
The diode bridge compressor type is a lesser-known type of compressor but is worth knowing about when studying audio production and the tools of the trade. What is a diode bridge compressor? A diode bridge compressor is an analog compressor that utilizes pairs of diodes in a balanced bridge configuration to apply variable attenuation (compression) to…
Multiband compression is a powerful audio processing tool that can truly improve your mixing when understood and used correctly. What is multiband compression? Multiband dynamic range compression is a type of processing that splits the frequency spectrum of the input signal into different bands and compresses (reduces the dynamic range) of each band by its own…
Audio effects and processors have become critical parts of music and audio production. Whether it’s crafting the perfect mix or the perfect tone for your instrument, audio effects and processes will help you get the sound the results you’re after. In this article, we’ll look at the audio effects and processes used by musicians, producers,…
Whether it’s a simple labour of love, a lucrative business, or an overly expensive hobby, owning (and/or working) at an audio recording/mixing studio can be deeply rewarding. Regardless of your personal goals and the work that needs/wants doings, a studio will need tools to function properly. In this article, we’ll go over the top 45…
