When I try to teach what compression is and how to use it, I'll always use the "shape of a waveform through time" as a way to explain what compression can do. In the synthesizer world, this is referred to as the "envelope," which includes four stages of modulation: Attack, decay,...
The ubiquitous AKG C414 mic has been manufactured in various forms since 1971. I’ve reviewed the modern day C414 XLII [Tape Op#154] and given it high marks, so when the opportunity to check out its sibling microphone, the C414 XLS, came up, I jumped at the chance. Both of these large diaphragm multi-pattern...
LEWITT, the respected Austrian manufacturer known for its microphones and audio interfaces, has released its first plug-in: Space Replicator. Designed for headphone use, Space Replicator lets users experience how their audio would sound when played through speakers in various virtual environments. Unlike...
The Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a versatile desktop audio USB-C interface that provides four inputs and twelve outputs, along with CV (control voltage) I/O and MIDI capabilities. It also sports some cool monitor and DAW control features, not to mention a special Bitwig Mode that sets it apart when used with...
My first experience with Soyuz products in 2021 was brief but memorable. I still recall the smooth, rich sound of the 017 FET condenser and its distinctive aesthetic heirloom-quality construction. When I heard about The Launcher Deluxe, I wondered if it could offer the classy vintage vibe and meticulous...
A couple of years ago, I moved my studio, SoundShop370, from Manhattan to South Nashville. Since then, I’ve been refining my setup, making sure every piece of gear I use is intentional, functional, high-quality, and built for long-term reliability. Headphones have always played a role in my workflow,...
I have been a big fan of Audeze headphones for years and have enjoyed auditioning and reviewing almost everything in their line. Their open-back LCD-X [Tape Op#119] and MM-500 headphones are used daily in my studio for mixing, and I recommend them to anyone looking for an accurate playback complement...
I’m going to start this review describing an exemplary unboxing experience, which speaks to Audio-Technica’s all-encompassing attention to detail. All three models of the company’s R-Series open-back headphones are packaged in precisely-assembled cardboard boxes. The ATH-R30x and ATH-R50x models unveil...
Automated Processes, Incorporated, popularly known as API, has a rich history spanning over half a century. Since their first consoles were installed in 1967, API has developed new technologies, established important pro audio standards, and contributed to the production of many great records. Building...
VCA compressors are generally fast. Almost any other observation about them would depend on which one you’re talking about. Some are fairly transparent while nonetheless adding excitement to sources. Others – I’m thinking primarily of the API 2500 bus compressor [Tape Op#52] and the dbx 160 – are sought...
I was delightfully surprised when I happened upon the new 1029Stereo VCA Compressor from AEA. Isn’t the company best known for its great collection of ribbon mics? AEA’s incredible mics are a 21st century studio standard. My partners and I have eight of their ribbons living in our mic closet right now....
Subtitled a zine about sound, this mag includes a wide array of people and thoughts and features an arty screen-printed cover. Within its 21 pages, the first issue has an interview with Tape Op pal Matt Boudreau of Working Class Audio, an article with Kirsten Izer and Randy Belculfine discussing "Healthy...
Full disclosure: I was interviewed for this book and appear in the text a bit, plus Tape Op is mentioned. However, despite my own involvement, I found this book to be an important read. As a founding concept of Tape Op, I've long held that people who mostly fixate on recording equipment are missing...
For those of us constantly striving to maximize the potential of a hybrid workflow, the LPZ-2 from Avedis Audio can make the job a little easier. It offers two levels of stereo padding to convert balanced line level signal to microphone preamp input level, prevents nonlinear source/load impedance interactions,...
Anyone who mixes for hire knows the scenario: A client sends a song to be mixed without individual drum tracks (snare, kick, etc.) that are instead embedded in a single track. I'll send an email, "Hey, can I get the actual tracks for the drums so I can really mix your song?" They then...
I’ve been a long-time enthusiast/user of the AKG C 24 stereo mic, so it was a treat to review the new P-24 from Peluso Microphone Lab. I have been a fan of Peluso for years, and several mics in their line have been on a lot of albums that I have produced, including the P-12 [Tape Op #72], P-87, and...
The Vintage 11 is a large diaphragm FET condenser microphone and is part of JZ Microphone’s “Vintage” series that includes the Vintage 67 [Tape Op#133] and Vintage 12 [#147]. The Vintage 11 has discrete Class-A electronics, JZ’s Gold Drop™ capsule technology, and is hand-built in Latvia. Its flat, rounded...
I remember working with Greg Freeman [Tape Op#1] on a record, and he mentioned recording in a studio in L.A. that featured a console with a built-in cocaine mirror and rooms down the hall for shagging groupies or such. When your band’s making a record for $15 an hour, this not only sounds disgusting,...