Here’s a way to seriously improve your productions without relying on sonic choices Editing better. With DAWs, there is little reason to have extraneous noise or unwanted artifacts in the audio that could distract from the listening experience. To drive this point home further, there are three major areas I think people should spend more time on.
Read moreDIY Recording Equipment OLA5 - The Best Vocal Compressor?
DIYRE built the OLA5 compressor as a modern take on the not so loved LA4A. While the LA4A may have not been widely loved, the OLA5 is a whole different story. A “best of both worlds” type of compressor is how I would describe the OLA5. With a quick modern grabbiness and musical, program dependent release, this compressor shines on many things, but it might just be my new favorite vocal compressor. Check it out in more detail below and let me know your thoughts!
Space in a Production | Production Tips from a Mix Engineer
Space and depth are really important to me when mixing. (And listening.) I love when things feel three dimensional and have a tangible sense of depth and front-to-back perspective. My guess would be that most producers feel similarly and strive to do that in their productions before a mix engineer like myself gets involved. Having said that, I’ve identified two main ways that a production can be better set up for a more believable sense of space and depth.
Read moreFocus on the Midrange | Production Tips from a Mix Engineer
When it comes to production and mixing, I find that people love talking about two things: The low end, and the top end. Is it tight enough, is it punchy enough? Does it feel bright, dark, smooth, harsh? What is often overlooked, however, is everything in between – the midrange. The quality of the midrange is actually the defining characteristic of a “good” and well-planned production.
Read moreShould You build and modify your own audio recording gear?
Transistors, opamps, tiny screws, small wires, and hot solder. The thought of building or modifying your own audio gear can be intimidating and rightly so. Taking the top off of a piece of gear reveals a scene that looks like something you’d see in a science lab. The components that allow us to EQ, compress, and process audio are complicated and should more than likely be left to a professional to deal with, right? Maybe not.
Read moreIs Music A Numbers Game?
Somewhere along the way music started becoming a sport of sorts. A “game” more or less. Depending on how you look at it, you can argue it always has been, but in modern times, it feels to be very much driven by digital streaming. A game where streaming numbers feel like the points and everyone is interested in getting a new high score.
Read moreFreelancers, What happens when Business is Slow?
While not the most exciting or glamorous part of business, slow times are normal. They’re part of the process and will never go away. Learning how to adapt and healthily handle these times will be the key to ensuring you’re always at the top of your game and ready for whatever comes.
Read moreBarefoot Sound Footprint 01 - Studio Monitor Review
The barefoot sound footprint 01 claims to be the best 3 way active monitor in its class. Do these powered near field monitors really deliver the same clarity, separation and tight low end that barefoot is well known for? How do they compare to other speakers in the same price range? Here are my thoughts and review.
Read more