Best Mastering Equalizers Introduction Mastering is the final stage any piece of music goes through before being released on streaming platforms or physical media. It’s the last opportunity to add professional polish to a recording and make it engaging for listeners. In practice, effective ...

Top 10 Shotgun Microphones Introduction Shotgun microphones are essential tools in professional movie and video production. Whether attached to the end of a boom pole, mounted on a camera, or set up somewhere around a set, a shotgun microphone is a must-have for your location or film sound ...

Best Compressors - Hardware Introduction A compressor unit is a staple in every studio, whether it’s hardware or a plugin. Controlling your dynamics is essential when working with an audio signal that has inconsistencies. Basically, compression reduces the dynamic range of your recording ...

500 Series Effect Processors Introduction So far on our website, we’ve covered the key points of the 500 series world and highlighted the most important modules you can add to your setup. We’ve already published a complete guide to the chassis—the fundamental and most essential unit where ...

Top 10 Stereo Microphones Introduction A stereo microphone can be a great choice for capturing ambiance. When you record audio in stereo for your videos, it creates a stronger sense of place and a more immersive listening experience than a mono mic can provide. Using a stereo mic is ...

Best Boundary Microphones Introduction A boundary microphone, also known as a pressure zone microphone, features one or more small omnidirectional or cardioid condenser mic capsules positioned close to or flush with a boundary, such as a floor, desk, or wall. The capsules are often mounted ...

Best Midfield Studio Monitors Introduction Studio monitors are essential tools in any recording setup because so many of your decisions depend on what you hear from them. That’s why accuracy and proper placement of your studio monitors are so important. Midfield studio monitors are ...

Best 500 Series Equalizers Introduction Don’t let the small, compact size of this equipment fool you—this gear can make a big difference in your workflow and dramatically improve the sound quality of your signals. Many professional recording studios are embracing the 500 series format, ...

Top 12 Closed Back Headphones Introduction There are all sorts of audiophile headphones out there, but this guide is for those of us who love a good closed-back pair. If you want to block out the world and enjoy nothing but your favorite music, you’re in the right place. That’s why we’ve ...

Best Measurement Microphones Introduction If you’re about to get your first measurement microphone, you probably want to make sure your measurements are accurate and reliable. It's important to get things right from the start, so you don’t end up with misleading results. That's exactly what ...

Best Mixing Subwoofers Introduction Owning a professional, studio-quality subwoofer isn’t just a dream for audiophiles—it’s something anyone serious about sound can aspire to. Unlike professionals, regular consumer subwoofers simply won’t cut it. These often come with built-in EQ curves ...

Top 10 Best 500 Series Compressors Introduction The need for a modular rack system with outboard gear led to the creation of the 500 series rack system by API in the late 1960s. This innovation allowed audio engineers to customize their signal chains with compressors, EQs, and eventually ...