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.
How To Revive Bad Sounding Snare Drums
Many engineers will have been faced with snare drum recordings that are far from ideal. Whether it’s a self-recorded session from the artist, or a time-poor studio recording, here Luke shows some fast go-to methods to revive snare drums’ sounds, using what’s already there.
How Snare Sounds Have Changed In 50 Years Of Music Production
As sounds go, apart from the voice, the snare drum is one of those things that can help tell you whether you’re listening to Sinatra or James Brown. Its recorded presence has changed enormously through different eras. Here we take a look at the sounds behind the music.
How To Avoid Common Mistakes With Compressors
Knowing when or when not to reach for the compressor is just as important as knowing how to dial in the best settings. Here in our guide we explore some of the common pitfalls engineers must navigate to get the best out of their gear.
SSL 360 Link Controller - First Look
SSL’s UC1 hardware was created to control the company’s audio plugin channels strips. Answering many users’ requests, now hands-on control awaits any third party VST3 audio plugin. We get up-close to see how 360 Link can supercharge the UC1 in more ways than one.
Practical Ways To Get To A Great Mix Faster
Engineers are being bombarded with information along the lines of “STOP DOING THIS”… Whether you’re a new engineer or just fancy a fresh perspective, here we flip that to talk about some positive techniques to get the mix most of the way there.
How To Use Two Compressors To Control And Shape Vocals
With all ears on the song’s vocal, using compression can be used to control levels, but also to shape voices creatively. Here we show you different ways to use two stages of processing to get the sound.
Why Using Saturation To Increase Loudness May Be Best
Driven sounds can bring an addictive edge for some extra density in the mix, but our beloved saturators can do more than just add mojo. Here we show how they can be used to control perceived level and why that can be useful.
7 Audio Plugins I Can’t Live Without In 2024
Engineers can find themselves leaning on a small band of trusted tools that earn their keep, mix after mix. Despite an almost endless list of options out there, everybody has theirs; here Luke talks about the tools that he turns to nearly every day.
Submission Audio Flatline 2 Plug-in - First Look
Offering creative clipping and limiting effects, Submission Audio’s latest offering sets out to deliver hard-edged sounds without the red lights. Here we take a look and listen at Flatline 2 to see if there really is an intelligent way to hit the top.
7 Compressors For Any Flavour In The Mix
When it comes to injecting character into the mix, compressors can play a pretty big role when they’re not being used for plain old dynamic control. Here we share our pick of classic devices and some legends-in-waiting for some tasty mix infusions and more.
Why Mix Saturation Is Your Friend
In the digital age, the idea of saturation across the entire mix might sound weird, but used carefully it can serve up some of the same sweetening usually left to other processes. With any flavour just a click away, we talk about how saturation can help.
How Many Times Should You Compress In The Mix?
With track compression, submix compression, and treatments across the entire mix all useful tools, engineers often compress more than once, but when is it needed, and why? We shine a light on dynamic dealings for your mix.
Third Party Audio Plugins - Why You’re Going To Buy Them Anyway
Most engineers know that nearly all stock audio plugins are more than up to the task in hand. That said, many of us still find ourselves duplicating folders packed full of highly capable tools, but why? We discuss…
My Fantasy Audio Christmas Present - SSL Duality Fuse
In this series of articles, running until Christmas, we asked the Experts team what audio product they would like to find under the tree. Luke’s first choice was a rather desirable console…
Audio Production Things We Loved In November 2023
With the end of the year fast upon us, there was still chance to check out some tasty new releases before heading out for a ski, a surf, or whatever Christmas is going to look like for you. Whatever your distraction, here are our favourites from November…
Get Fast Level Control Without Automation or Compression
Wildly varying levels in things like speech or certain instruments can be dealt with using automation into compression, but when the amount of work seems never ending, tools exist to rival the old ways. We show you one of them and how to use it.
Waves Silk Vocal - First Look
Free On Black Friday Only! - Combining a number of powerful processes for vocals into one place, Waves’ freshly announced Silk Vocal promises much firepower for artists and producing engineers. Hear its adaptive chops for yourself in our first look video.
SSL 4K E Plugin - Expert Review
For many, SSL’s 4000E is the classic analogue console personified. With dozens of software channel homages out there, SSL themselves now step into the game to bring their own creation back into the DAW. We put it to the Experts.
Audio Production Things We Loved In October 2023
Whether summer seems like a distant memory, or you’re finally waving goodbye to longer, colder nights, engineers the world over had some formidable choices on the table in October. Here we list some of our favourites…