Issue No. 108

Dynamics

ADR Compex F760X-RS dynamics processor

by Q2 Audio  |  reviewed by Chris Koltay

I've been thinking a lot lately about how we evolve as engineers, and in a way, it's my favorite part of the job. You wake up one day and realize you are doing something totally differently, like the...

Converters, Mic Preamps

ASP880 8-channel mic preamp & ADC

by Audient  |  reviewed by Will Severin

I first came across the ASP880 when I was looking to expand my mic preamp inputs for an upcoming recording project. I was looking for a multichannel preamp unit to augment my collection without...

All-In-One's, Microphones

d:dicate ST2011A stereo cardioid mic kit, d:dicate MMC2006 omni mic capsule, d:dicate SBS0400 stereo boom

by DPA Microphones  |  reviewed by Joseph Lemmer

When I was in school at the University of Michigan, I did a lot of recital recording of ensembles and piano. Through this, I learned that all the orchestra recording was done with DPA mics (marketed...

Control Surfaces, MIDI

Komplete Kontrol S49 keyboard, Komplete 10 Ultimate bundle

by Native Instruments  |  reviewed by Dana Gumbiner

You guys, my home studio now sounds like the Blade Runner soundtrack, and looks like the set of TRON. And, what? There are Ks where all the Cs should be! Wait — lemme explain. Native...

Microphones

U 47 fet condenser mic (reissue)

by Neumann  |  reviewed by Geoff Stanfield

The U 47 fet reissue from Neumann is a faithful recreation of the solid-state version of the U 47 manufactured from 1972 to 1986. It has a fixed cardioid polar pattern and employs a K 47 capsule and...

Signal Processors, Software

StereoMonoizer software

by Soundizers  |  reviewed by Adam Kagan

One of my biggest frustrations as a mixer is importing audio files from a client and finding 160 stereo audio tracks have been created in my DAW. Most of the time, I'll figure out that the bulk of the...

Consoles/Summing, Monitoring

A320 & A360 Personal Mixer, AN-16/i v.2 Input Module, A-16D A-Net Distributor

by Aviom  |  reviewed by Eli Crews

It has always been a priority for me to provide the ability for each member of a band to dial in her or his own headphone mix during a tracking or overdub session. It was essential to me when building...

Dynamics, EQs, Plug-Ins

+10db Compressor & EQ plug-in bundle

by Boz Digital Labs  |  reviewed by Dave Hidek

I'm a fan of compressors that bring something to the table other than transparency, so I've had an eye on the legendary ADR F769X-R Vocal Stressor, an early outboard "channel strip" incorporating the...

Monitoring

Two18 studio monitors

by Amphion Loudspeakers  |  reviewed by Tom Fine

A few months ago, I took on a project that pushed me into the dreaded realm of needing new studio monitors. After about ten years of using a pair of Behringer Truth B2031A passive monitors (don't turn...

Monitoring, Software

Reference 3 speaker & headphone calibration software

by Sonarworks  |  reviewed by Adam Kagan

It goes without saying that our studio monitors, be they speakers or headphones, influence the sound of our productions more than any other processor, instrument, or device. Recently, the technologies...

Tools

Cassette tape splicing block

by RG-Recording  |  reviewed by Garrett Haines

Many of us remember the days of cassette-based 4-track machines. Likewise, we can recall the days of receiving mixtapes on actual cassette tapes, not over email. I have found that the problem with...

All-In-One's, Interfaces

AudioBox iTwo Studio, AudioBox Stereo bundles

by PreSonus  |  reviewed by Andy Hong

I'm always impressed with the sheer value that PreSonus is able to offer across its product lines. For decades, the company has been selling affordable audio gear and software, while still managing to...

Monitoring

SM9 active studio monitor

by Focal Professional  |  reviewed by Eli Crews

The quest for the right studio monitor can be long and frustrating. Or, the first pair you audition can instantly become the pair you know and trust, allowing you to do your best work right from the...

Mic Preamps

Lineage 8-channel mic preamp

by Harrison  |  reviewed by Andy Hong

I haven't spent any time on a Harrison console, but I do know that many important albums and films were recorded or mixed on Harrison consoles over the decades, and company founder Dave Harrison...

Monitoring

ATH-R70x open-back reference headphone

by Audio-Technica  |  reviewed by Andy Hong

I love this new model from Audio-Technica's growing line of professional studio headphones. It features open-back earcups housing proprietary 45 mm drivers, and a unique headband with spring-loaded...