Peak vs RMS vs LUFS Introduction If you work in the audio industry, it’s important to understand the differences between loudness measurement units. We all want our tracks to sound loud, but have you ever really thought about how loud your song actually is? It might seem like a simple ...

What is Passive EQ Introduction For those of us just getting started with music production, EQ can be a confusing term. EQ stands for equalization, and in music, it refers to a plugin or hardware tool that helps you shape the frequency content of your recordings. This process allows all the ...

Top 8 Best Patchbays Introduction As your recording setup grows—from a simple laptop with a few plugins to a desk filled with outboard gear—changing cables to adjust your signal path can become increasingly time-consuming. Audio patch bays are a great solution for both professionals and ...

What is FET Compressor Introduction Welcome, everyone! If you’re here, you’re probably interested in learning about FET compressors. As you may already know, there are four basic types of compressors: Variable Mu, VCA, Optical (or Opto), and the star of this article—the FET compressor. ...

What Are Optical Compressors? Introduction On our journey to audio mastery, it's important to understand the optical compressor (or its plugin emulation), as it’s one of the most common types of hardware compressors. So, how do optical compressors work? An optical compressor shapes the ...

Top 10 Vocal Mixing Plugins Introduction Vocals are the centerpiece of any vocal mix. They’re usually the main focus of a track and demand the most attention. However, mixing vocals isn’t easy—there are countless techniques and tools for getting vocals to sound just right. Listing the ...

What is Linear Phase EQ? Introduction Before we dive into linear phase EQ, let’s first go over the basics of standard equalization and how it relates to phase. Understanding this foundation will help you see just how powerful linear phase EQ can be. A minimum phase EQ is simply another ...

What Are Microphone Transformers Introduction When audio technology was just starting out, transformers played a crucial role in the first generation of electronic circuits, which relied entirely on tubes. Around 1920, radio broadcasts were just beginning to reach the public, and the demand ...

How To Reduce Harshness In Vocals Introduction Many mixers struggle with harsh vocals. There are several common vocal issues that can be solved with basic microphone placement and tracking techniques, especially if you’re not involved in the original tracking process. While mixing music, ...

What Is Hi-Fi Audio Introduction You’ve been thinking about investing in high-quality audio equipment for a while now. After researching your options and weighing the pros and cons, you’ve decided to take the plunge and purchase a complete hi-fi system. Congratulations on stepping into the ...

Studio Monitor Placement Introduction Studio monitors are the best tool for spotting flaws in a mix. However, simply owning a pair doesn’t mean much on its own. While studio monitors are better for music production than consumer speakers like hi-fi systems, it’s important to think about ...

Tips for Better Home Recordings Introduction If you have a microphone and a computer, you’re probably already making recordings at home. While it’s possible to create tracks that sound as polished as studio releases, it’s not very likely. Home recordings often can’t quite match those made in ...