Everyone likes familiarity, but sometimes engineers find themselves on unfamiliar ground in a new DAW. Whether you’re working on location or have decided it’s time for a change, here we talk about the things that really matter to get the job done.
Julian Rodgers - My First Studio
In this article, a follow up on Russ’ popular article on his first studio, Julian shares details and his thoughts on his first set up, a mixture of long-forgotten rubbish and a very desirable classic. In those pre-internet days it was all just stuff he could find and afford…
The Pros & Cons Of Using Templates In The Studio
Templates promise a streamlined workflow, consistency, and a reduction in mundane setup tasks. But could these conveniences be subtly undermining the very creativity they aim to support? In this article we consider the pros and cons of using templates for the creative professional.
Things That Changed Audio Production
In this article Julian suggests 5 technologies which changed the sound of music, leaving a sonic fingerprint on the sound of records so significant that it wasn’t just engineers who noticed the difference, the listening public were just as aware. As such they represent watershed moments in recording history.
Collaborator Or Hired Help - What's Possible In Freelance Audio Work?
Any audio professional worth hiring is always going to try and do their best on a project, but how far is it possible to go from hired-help to collaborator? We explore this question.
How To Get The Best Out Of Drum Replacement Techniques
Whether it’s for managing recording disasters or supercharging existing sounds, replacing or layering up drum sounds is yet another DAW technique that keeps on giving. Here we round up reasons to fly in new sounds and some ways to do it.
Why Audio Marketing Claims Need To Be True More Than Ever!
The audio production market is flooded with software tools promising to revolutionise the creative process. The choices are vast, but so are the claims. The integrity of these marketing claims is more important than ever. We call out some of the more dubious claims and say why they matter.
Harrison Mixbus 10 - New Features Explored
Now in its second decade, Harrison’s Mixbus sets out to bring the American console manufacturer’s sound and workflow into the box. Here we give an overview of Mixbus 10 and its new features, get some user opinion, and some background from the people behind it.
How To Get Easy Hybrid Drum Sounds Fast With EZdrummer 3
With layered acoustic and electronic sounds a great way to supercharge any drum part, up until recently getting those could be clunky. We show you how to get fast, streamlined results in just a few moves.
My First Studio Set-up - Russ Hughes Recording In The Early 1980s
My first home studio sounds like something made by Fisher Price, now there’s a thought for a good kids gift. However, in this article, Expert’s founder Russ Hughes tells us what his first home studio consisted of. Read it and weep!
We Check Out UJAM Virtual Guitarist Silk 2
With acoustic guitar underpinning a number mixes, getting it right with a virtual one could be a tall order. Luckily UJAM hope to have a solution with their latest nylon-strung flavour for digital troubadours across the board. See and hear it for yourself as we check it out…
How Intelligent Audio Plugins Can Streamline The Mix Process
With a new generation of tools using either advanced algorithms or AI to do what they do, engineers can achieve more than ever in the mix. Whether it’s a fresh take on an old favourite, or the latest restorative fix, here we take a look at what can be achieved with these magic modern helpers.
Generative AI Is The Porn Of Creativity
This article explores the provocative comparison between generative AI and pornography, examining their implications for human expression, connection, and the erosion of creativity's essence.
Remote Audio & Video Collaboration Software Choices In 2024
This decade has seen some big changes in how the industry gets things done remotely. With a number of competing platforms letting audio pros do their thing wherever they are, here we round up some of those out there and what they offer.
Imposter Syndrome: Turning Doubt into Productivity
While Imposter Syndrome is typically viewed as a hindrance to success, it can actually be reframed and used as a catalyst for growth and productivity. In this article, we will explore how composers, musicians, and audio professionals can harness Imposter Syndrome to their advantage, turning doubt into fuel for personal and professional development.
An Accurate Way To Make AB Audio Comparisons
Although most DAWs have their own way of bypassing chains of audio plugins for decision-making, none do what is really needed for meaningful choices: loudness and delay-compensated monitoring. We check out one tool that can do it all…
How Different DAWs Do Offline Audio Processing
The all-conquering real time audio plugin might be the first stop for audio processing, but rendered treatments can still have their place. Here we look at the Why and How of offline audio processing in the age of mega-track counts and ever-faster computers…
Understanding Loudness Part 6 - Using Loudness Meters For Music And Post Production
We are seeing loudness normalisation in more workflows, not just broadcast audio but music streaming services, too. There is a wide range of Loudness meters out there now, and we thought it would be helpful to provide a round-up of the different options that are now available. We know it is not completely exhaustive, but it covers the main players in the loudness meter plug-in sector.
Two Character Traits To Set A Modern Audio Professional Apart From The Crowd
Audio production is facing attack from several sides, some technology based, and attitudes that expect us to do more with less. I've come to realise that technical skills alone are no longer sufficient to stand out. Today, distinguishing myself requires a blend of abilities and character traits that extend beyond mere technical proficiency. In this article, I'll look at two fundamental character traits that I believe set modern audio professionals apart, the second one may surprise you.
Iconic Song Intros That Prove How Powerful A Piano Can Be
In this article, we name some of the most iconic piano intros in music history, saying what we think makes them truly stand out.