There are so many choices when it comes to studio monitors these days that I often forget that one of the original names in that space is JBL. For years, JBL was the monitor found in many of the best studios. As the smaller choice in JBL’s 7 Series line, The JBL 705P dual-amplified powered monitor...
"Wow, I don't feel like I'm listening to headphones. They sound so open" were the universal reactions from mastering engineers at Infrasonic Sound and students at The Blackbird Academy that I witnessed when they tried the first production prototype of the HEDDphone TWO last...
ARC Studio is an easy-to-use acoustic room correction tool, and one of my favorite recent studio upgrades. Set up is relatively simple; while it does require a computer for the calibration, once calibrated it runs computer-free. It’s easy to forget it’s even there until I hit the bypass button and...
If you’re of a certain age (mid-40s/50s), you probably remember sifting through and being raised on the records of your parents and/or siblings. Such listening sessions probably included the likes of ABBA, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Queen – these are still all bands I love to listen to regularly –...
I’ve loved everything Soyuz has made so far and own many of their mics, but ambisonics seemed like an odd direction for them. When Soyuz announced the 013A Ambisonic Mic, I began doing more research on the topic. From the little I knew of ambisonics, it was a bit of a complicated process with a lot...
Before delving into this review we should first clarify what is an EQ and what is a filter. EQ refers to tonal equalization with cuts or boosts of amplitude across the frequency spectrum. The most flexible form is parametric EQ, which provides frequency, bandwidth, and cut/boost controls. On the...
Universal Audio recently released a saturation and coloration UAD Native plug-in named Verve Analog Machines. Verve is a bit of a departure and something new for UA, as none of these machines are modeled after any specific piece of hardware, old or new, and they all feature minimal controls. Verve...
Gone are the days when a handful of record company executives controlled the means of mass distribution to the general public. Recording tools are now offered at entry-level prices, and there is more than enough information (some excellent, and some terrible!) available on the internet to get you...
I always have a need for good headphones, and I am fortunate enough to own several different types from various manufacturers. Like reference monitors, they each have a different sonic profile, and provide a unique perspective on program material. I have some high-end models from Audeze that I use...
It can be particularly challenging to capture the full nuance and resonance of the cello in recordings. For someone who plays an instrument designed for un-mic'd classical music, I spend a lot of time doing the exact opposite. My music relies on treating my cello as if it is a guitar – lots of...
We need to talk about the elephant in the room: the room itself. Many of us work in acoustically compromised spaces. From the card table in the corner for a remote session to the spare bedroom project studio, we can all relate. Even if you operate out of a professional facility, a voice in your...
The Baby Audio AtomsPhysical Modeling Synthesizer plug-in is a wild virtual instrument created in collaboration between Baby Audio (plug-in developers in Pasadena, California) and Silvin Willemsen, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands). What stands out to...
There has been so much talk about AI and its uses, but I haven't come across many products that are practically useful within the scope of my daily work. There are many fun products out there for generating audio, lyrics, images, and more, but they all feel more like entertaining toys and less...
The Nuance Select is Radial Engineering's new desktop stereo monitor controller from the bench of their lead designer, W.C. “Hutch” Hutchison (formerly of Manley Labs and Rupert Neve Designs). Radial supplies engineers and performers with utility products that fill a market gap left by other...
LEWITT is one of the most innovative and thoughtful microphone designers right now. In a sea of manufacturers churning out knock-off mics, they stand out for releasing fresh, exciting designs. I recently enjoyed recording with their PURE TUBE mic [Tape Op#156] and was excited to try their latest...
At Panoramic House, more and more sessions primarily take place in our fairly large control room. It seems that the studio paradigm has shifted a bit from the days of large studio spaces and smaller control rooms, and now it's not uncommon to have five or six people in the control room with...
Previously, we discussed instrument-related essentials that every studio should have on hand. With "Part 2," we're looking at items that keep the humans in your studio more comfortable, creative, and productive. Look for "Part 3, Studio Supplies," in a future issue of Tape...