The 15 Best Compressor Plugin VSTs in 2024 [Free & Paid]

A compressor is one of the most fundamental processors an engineer has at their disposal. We know them to be great at tightening up the dynamic range of a signal—in other words, making a signal more even and consistent in…

The 15 Best UAD Plugins in 2024

Universal Audio has a decades-long reputation as one of the premier manufacturers of pro audio equipment. Bill Putnam started the company in 1958 and was a pioneer his entire life. Putnam designed many products under different companies throughout the course…

The 8 Best Synthesizer Apps For iOS Mobile 2024 [FREE & PAID]

Making music on the go has never been easier! We’ve already covered some of the best DAWs for iOS and Android, and now it’s time to take a look at best synthesizer apps to go along with them. Mobile synthesis…

The 8 Best AKG Microphones for Any Budget in 2024

AKG microphones are among the most reputable in the industry. Best known for their high-end offerings, AKG produces a wide range of mics for any budget and application. For 75 Years, AKG Has Been Perfecting Their Line of Microphones AKG,…

11 Best Saturation VST Plugins Available 2024

Saturation is the secret weapon for adding some grit back to pristine digital recordings. Whether you just want to add a bit of body and richness to an instrument, or make it unrecognizable with blazing distortion, saturation is one of…

The 15 Best Small Tube Amp Options for Home Use in 2024

Being a guitar player sets you on a path of tone chasing — there’s no way around it! There are so many ways to tweak the sound of our instrument, from the guitar itself, to pickups, pedals, strings, plectrums, and…

6 Best Studio Monitor Stands for Your Studio [2024 Guide]

Studio monitor stands can substantially improve your working environment. They’re not the most glamorous of upgrades in the grand scheme of things—considering all of the “fun” studio stuff we could buy—but speaker stands are an easy, effective way to make…

Best Microphone Preamps For Recording Music In 2024
In this blog post, we're diving into the world of microphone preamps with a special focus on some top picks.. Warm Audio ToneBeast: Affordable Excellence The Warm Audio ToneBeast is an affordable microphone preamp that pleasantly surprises with its sound…
The 7 Best Electronic Drum Sets for Your Home Studio [2024 Guide]

There was once a time when an electronic drum set sounded and felt nothing like the real thing. The earliest electric drums, like the Pollard Syndrum, didn’t simulate acoustic kits at all. They could create a variety of different sounds,…

The 15 Best Analog Summing Mixers for Your Studio in 2024

A summing mixer is a very interesting, if not often overlooked or misunderstood, piece of gear. Like most pieces of hardware, summing mixers vary in mileage; some have no more than a few knobs, while others have a slew of…

In Ear Monitors vs Earbuds – What’s the Difference?

Technology moves fast these days. Everyone has a personal listening device in their pocket, and with those come a slew of choices for how to get that sound to your ears. IEM (short for in-ear monitors) vs earbuds appear fairly…

The 11 Best Headphones for Music Production 2024

Finding the right pair of headphones for music production can be tough. There are so many choices that if you ask engineers what their favorite headphones are, you’ll probably get different answers from each one. We’ve done our diligence to…

The Best Value Reverb Plugin in 2024? LiquidSonics’ Seventh Heaven Review
Today, we're diving into the world of reverb, a vital tool for music production and mixing. Join us as we explore LiquidSonic's Seventh Heaven Reverb, a plugin that's been making waves in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned pro or…
15 Best Closed Back Studio Headphones in 2024

Closed back studio headphones are an essential piece of equipment to have on hand. They provide the best isolation with minor sacrifice to sound quality. But because they isolate the listener from the room, they’re the ideal option to use…

The 9 Best Guitar Loop Pedals for Any Budget [2024 Guide]

Many guitarists don’t considerate it, but a guitar loop pedal is one of the best upgrades for your board. From a creative standpoint, loop pedals can completely change the way you write and practice music. What Is a Loop Pedal?…

The 8 Best Studio Desks for Home Mixing [2024 Guide]

The studio desk is the centerpiece of your creative space. It should have everything you need at arm’s length to keep the inspiration flowing! Not only that, but it should be comfortable, fit your space, and keep your workflow neat…

6 Best Practice Amps in 2024

Every guitarist could use a great practice amp, whether they’re a beginner or have been playing for years. The ideal choice should first and foremost provide great tone and flexibility, perhaps come with some onboard effects, and be small and…

The 8 Best Wireless Guitar Systems in 2024

A wireless guitar system is a perfect way to clean up and professionalize your rig. If you’re tired of lugging around long cable runs, then it’s time to go wireless. Why Consider Using a Wireless Guitar System The main reason…

Best Home Studio Microphones For Recording Music In 2024
Sweetwater is a treasure trove of gear, with an enormous store and massive warehouses filled with musical goodies. So, we took up the challenge and decided to embark on a journey to uncover our top eight best home studio microphones.…
The 8 Best DJ Headphones in 2024 (Our Top Picks for Any Budget)

The best DJ headphones aren’t the same as the best studio headphones. We’ll discover what sets them apart and how to pick the right set for you! Why Having a Quality Pair of Headphones for DJing Is a Must Nearly…

The Best Distortion Pedals for Live & Studio Playing [2024 Guide]

A distortion pedal is an indispensable effect for every guitar player — even those who don’t necessarily play heavy music. At light settings, they can give your tone a bit of crunch and compression. At more extreme settings, you can…

The 12 Best Acoustic Guitar Pickups for Any Playing Style in 2024

Acoustic guitars benefit from pickups when you need to amplify the signal in live settings. Having a microphone on stage fixes the player to one spot, and the sound might suffer from bleed or being off-axis should the guitarist move…

Top 10 Transient Shaper Plugins [2024 Guide]

A transient shaper lets you control the attack and sustain of a signal. Unlike a compressor, they do not affect the level or the entire envelope of a sound. Transient shapers (also called ‘designers’) can increase or decrease the attack,…

The 15 Best MIDI Controllers for Music Production in 2024

Wondering which is the best MIDI controller for you? Take your pick from 12 of the top choices, whether you’re after a portable 25-note controller for production on-the-go, or a full-sized keyboard for ultimate playability. What Is MIDI? MIDI is…

Neural DSP Quad Cortex: Next Generation Modeling

The Neural DSP Quad Cortex is the most hyped piece of gear for guitarists right now. Neural have already garnered praise for their high-quality plugins, and their first foray into hardware appears to be a game-changer. Neural DSP Quad Cortex…

Mix Music ANYWHERE! – Kali Audio IN-UNF Review
If you want to turn out pro-quality mixes, you need a reliable listening environment. - And a great speaker setup is the  #1 prerequisite for that! A huge problem that many up-and coming engineers face is that it's very hard…
The FUTURE of Surround Reverbs? LiquidSonics Cinematic Rooms
Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to a ‘golden nugget’ I’ve recently discovered, a plugin that has allowed me to greatly enhance my mixes and productions. Cinematic Rooms by LiquidSonics RELATED: Best Surround Reverbs for Dolby Atmos Mixing…
I’ve compared 8 Vocal Mics from $30,000 – $100 – Can budget mics stand their ground?
When you're in the market for a new vocal mic, you have a LOT of options. With this video I'd like to bring light into the confusion and help you to find the microphone that's the perfect fit for your…
Finally! AudioScape Released A PLUGIN – The XL-305r Reverb Plugin Review
The AudioScape XL-305R has its roots in the all analog XL-305 Spring Reverb from the early 1980's. Unlike many spring reverbs, this Spring Assembly has 12 individual springs tuned together making it equally tempered, very similar to opening the lid of…
The Most VERSATILE Audio Interface under $400? The Audient iD24
The new Audient iD24 audio interface is a compact and highly versatile device that is designed for musicians and audio professionals who need a high-quality audio interface that can deliver exceptional performance in a variety of settings. One of the…
Favourite Microphones Used at Sweetwater Studio | FAQ Friday With Shawn Dealey
Today, I'm joined by my good friend, Mr. Shawn Dealey, the head engineer at Sweetwater Studios, and we're here in Studio A. For this Fact Friday, I'm breaking the usual black attire and sporting a Led Zeppelin t-shirt with a…
Mixing Country Music with AUTOMATED Hardware Reverb | Tegeler Audio Raumzeitmaschine Review
The Raumzeitmaschine by Tegeler Audio offers one of the most unique experiences for hybrid mixing - not only is it an all-analog reverb unit but it is controlled and automated digitally using a DAW plugin. We head back to Joe…
Acoustic Guitar Recording MASTERCLASS | Warren Huart At Sweetwater Studios
In a live masterclass at Sweetwater Studios, the renowned producer and engineer, Warren Huart, shared his insights on small diaphragm and large diaphragm microphone techniques for acoustic guitar recording. We'll break down his key tips and tricks to help you…
Joe Carrell | Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin (Cover + Mix Breakdown)
Today, Joe Carrell mixes the Aretha Franklin classic, Natural Woman. You can see the video performance of the cover and the mix breakdown in full but here's some of the highlights from Joe's quick tips when you're mixing this track.…
Steve Hackett: The Interview | From Genesis Lead Guitarist And Beyond
In a recent interview, Steve Hackett, the former guitarist of Genesis, delved into his remarkable journey in the world of music. He discussed his renowned "Genesis Revisited" series, his unending passion for pushing musical boundaries, and the timeless appeal of…
Upgrade Your Microphone Locker On Any Budget | Manny’s Mic Locker
Today, Manny up opens the doors to his microphone locker, giving us a glimpse of the tools he uses to craft sonic wonders. Choosing the right microphone is a crucial decision for any audio professional or enthusiast. Each of the…
Gear Giveaways with Elysia, Telefunken, AEA & More | Studioszene 2023
Elyssia Audio Mpressor 500 The Elyssia Audio Mpressor 500 is a high-end, 500-series module that redefines dynamics processing in the pro audio world. Known for its outstanding sonic qualities and innovative features, the Mpressor 500 has quickly gained a reputation…
Audioscape, Dangerous Music, Session Desk & More | Studioszene 2023
Unlike many digital controllers masquerading as analog, the UNO Synth Pro X is the real deal. Its three fully analog oscillators deliver that sought-after warmth and character. With analog drive for added grit, this synth is a powerhouse of authentic…
Exploring Abbey Road’s Legendary Audio Equipment | The History of Gear
Once gain, we find ourselves inside the iconic Gatehouse at Abbey Road Studios, a place filled with history, creativity, and a plethora of legendary audio equipment. Join us as we're joined by the knowledgeable Mr. Mirek Styles, the Abbey Road…
Audioscape, Dangerous Music, Session Desk & More | Studioszene 2023
Unlike many digital controllers masquerading as analog, the UNO Synth Pro X is the real deal. Its three fully analog oscillators deliver that sought-after warmth and character. With analog drive for added grit, this synth is a powerhouse of authentic…
Abbey Road & The Mics That Made Music with EXPERT Lester Smith
Abbey Road Studios, known worldwide as the iconic recording studio where legends like The Beatles and Pink Floyd made their musical magic, is more than just a place of music history. It's a treasure trove of innovation, craftsmanship, and technology.…
Focal’s new Trio6 ST6 Three-Way Monitors | Review
A New Sonic Adventure Begins Just a few days ago, the music production world was abuzz with the arrival of Focal's latest offering: the Trio6. These aren't your run-of-the-mill speakers; they're a new breed of three-way monitors that promise a…
Do You Really need VINTAGE Mics? – Are Modern MICS Really THAT Great?
Joe Carrell, like many of us, has certain model numbers that he's attached to—numbers like 47, 67, and 87 mean a lot to him. But sometimes, he realizes he might be holding onto these models too tightly. In the world…
Mixing Creed III’s Original Film Score | Masterclass with John Chapman & Reuben Cohen
In the world of filmmaking, there are countless behind-the-scenes heroes who contribute to the magic of cinema. One often underappreciated aspect is film score mixing. Today, we have the privilege of delving into this fascinating world with John Chapman, a…
The Brandi Carlile Interview – Grammy Award Winning Producer and Artist
Brandi Carlile is a name that resonates with fans of folk, rock, and Americana music. With her soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and magnetic stage presence, she has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Born on June 1, 1981,…
Recording Country – Mäag Audio PREQ2 Preamp Review | Joe Carrell
The Maag Audio PREQ2 is a highly regarded piece of audio equipment that has found its place as an invaluable tool in professional recording studios and among audio enthusiasts. This two-channel microphone preamp and equalizer combines the best of both…
Inside Abbey Road: A Day in the Life of Abbey Road’s Engineers
Abbey Road, London—a name that resonates with music enthusiasts and aficionados worldwide. The iconic studio has been the backdrop for countless legendary recordings, and today, we have the privilege of sitting down with Chris Parker, Sarah Meyz & Marta Di…
Abbey Road’s Software Collaborations with Waves Audio, Spitfire Audio & Native Instruments
Abbey Road Studios: A Legacy of Excellence Abbey Road Studios, located in London, holds an unparalleled place in the annals of music history. Its legendary status stems from its role in recording timeless albums by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and…
BRAND NEW Universal Audio OX Stomp Pedal Review | Mic’d Amp Tones At Your Feet
Building off Universal Audio’s industry-defining Ox unit, the Ox Stomp Dynamic Speaker Emulator is a single-pedal solution for perfectly produced guitar tones. Simply pair the Ox Stomp with your preferred amp-in-a-box or digital amp modeler to elevate your tone with…
Capturing The Emotion of Abbey Road | Spitfire Audio
The Spitfire Strings library recorded at Abbey Road Studio is a symphonic masterpiece that represents the pinnacle of virtual orchestral instruments. Renowned for their dedication to capturing the essence of live orchestral performance, Spitfire Audio's collaboration with the world-famous Abbey…