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  1. Best Control Surfaces Under $1500

    Posted by Eric Allen

    Best Control Surfaces Under $1500
    With the explosion of DAW-based recording set-ups, engineers worldwide entered an endless era of pointing and clicking. Cue the famous infomercial line: "There's got to be a better way." And there was, enter DAW control surfaces. Control surfaces resemble the look and feel of an analog console but offer tactile control over your digital domain. As these tools have become a significant part of the modern studio, more manufacturers have begun creating new models. They are available in all sizes, from the single-fader Solid State Logic UF1 and Presonus Faderport USB to the large-format Avid S6. Continue reading →
  2. 20 Questions With Mike Smith

    Posted by Robert Steiner

    20 Questions With Mike Smith
    Mike Smith of SMH Records posing in front of a wood wall. In addition to “Grammy-nominated artist,” Mike Smith’s resume includes a plethora of equally impressive titles. He’s also a talented musician, songwriter, producer, record label founder, IT wiz, reality TV judge, animated show creator, and most recently, the proud owner of Soundville Studios in Nashville. Ahead of his band Niosmith’s debut single “Take Me To The Edge” featuring Snoop Dogg, we recently caught up with Mike for our 20 Questions series. Of course, we had a lot more than just 20 questions to ask Mike, but we narrowed it down so he could get back to his many projects. Continue reading to learn more about Mike’s career before music, his experience working with hip-hop GOATs, what it was like making a TV show with Snoop Dogg, and more.   Continue reading →
  3. Buyer’s Guide: SSL Control Surfaces

    Posted by Robert Steiner

    Buyer’s Guide: SSL Control Surfaces
    SSL UF8, UF1, and UC1 control surfaces with the SSL 360 Link software in the background. Solid State Logic first cemented its legendary status in the music recording world with its one-of-a-kind consoles. Since then, they’ve thrived in the digital age thanks to their wide range of plug-ins that maintain the quality and versatility expected from SSL hardware.  So when it came to combining the analog and digital realms with their control surfaces, SSL pulled from decades of experience and engineering to deliver three one-of-a-kind devices: The UF8, the UF1, and the UC1. Continue reading →
  4. How To Build An Immersive Mixing Rig With Neumann Gear

    Posted by Dante Fumo

    How To Build An Immersive Mixing Rig With Neumann Gear
    Tonstudio Tessmar's immersive mixing rig, featuring three Neumann KH 420 tri-amplified mid-field studio monitors (L/C/R) and two Neumann KH 310 three-way near-field monitors (LS/RS) in a 3/2 arrangement. Neumann has always been known for making world-class microphones, but the Berlin-based company has expanded in recent years to offer top-notch studio monitors, headphones, and an immersive-capable audio interface. And the industry has taken notice: five out of six albums nominated for the Best Immersive Album at The Grammys were mixed using Neumann monitors. If you’ve been thinking about an immersive upgrade for your studio, Neumann now has everything you need to start working in Dolby Atmos, Ambisonics, and other immersive formats. Here’s how to put together an all-Neumann immersive system, starting with everyone’s favorite part: a whole bunch of speakers. Continue reading →
  5. Spec Check: Trinnov Audio Nova Loudspeaker/Room Optimizer & Audio Interface

    Posted by Eric Allen

    Spec Check: Trinnov Audio Nova Loudspeaker/Room Optimizer & Audio Interface
    Since 2003, Trinnov Audio has been a pioneering force in making monitors and studios sound better. The French brand's premium loudspeaker and room optimization hardware and software solutions can transform any environment. These tools have enabled engineers, producers, and artists to hear their projects accurately wherever they work. Trinnov's ST2 Pro has been a go-to resource for accessing this technology, but in 2023, the brand announced the streamlined-yet-feature-packed NOVA. The NOVA is a super sleek 1U rackmount unit that can easily be transported from studio to studio while offering the features that Trinnov has become known for. Beyond its optimization and monitor control toolset, NOVA can serve as your primary audio interface. Continue reading →
  6. Studio Spotlight: Hit Alley Installs SSL XL-Desk

    Posted by Kallie Marie

    Studio Spotlight: Hit Alley Installs SSL XL-Desk
    Chris Young sitting in front of his SSL XL-Desk at Hit Alley studio. After running Hollywood Way Studios in Burbank for several years, Chris Young decided it was time to move back home to New York and build his own studio. With the help of Vintage King, Chris outfitted the new Hit Alley Studios with a Solid State Logic XL-Desk at the helm. Built from the ground up to cater to Buffalo's burgeoning hip-hop scene, Hit Alley combines classic sound with inspiring vibes. We recently caught up with Chris to learn how the new studio is shaping up, how the XL-Desk has changed his workflow, and some of the records he's working on in his new space. Continue reading →
  7. Win A $250 Gift Card In Vintage King's 2024 Studio Showdown

    Posted by Brad Pack

    Win A $250 Gift Card In Vintage King's 2024 Studio Showdown
    An SSL G-COMP 500 Series compressor and a Standard Audio Levelor 500 Series module flanking a graphic of a reel of analog tape with the Vintage King logo in the center falling throughh a basketball net made of audio cables. Text at the bottom reads Vintage King Studio Showdown.What's your favorite piece of new outboard gear on the market right now? It's a challenging question, given the amazing array of releases out there, one that sparks even more thought than definitive answers. Do you choose a classic design that's withstood the test of time, or something new and innovative that pushes boundaries? Do you choose a "one-trick pony" that does one job exceptionally well, or a versatile "Swiss Army knife" that can tackle any task? This month, Vintage King is hosting the ultimate Studio Showdown outboard style! Keep scrolling to learn more about the 64 pieces of gear competing in this year's bracket, and how to vote for your favorite gear for a chance to win a $250 Vintage King gift card. Continue reading →
  8. The Studio Portland Brings Home API 2448 Console From Vintage King

    Posted by Eric Allen

    The Studio Portland Brings Home API 2448 Console From Vintage King
    Ryan Ordway, a versatile musician, engineer, and producer, along with his wife and business partner Emily, are garnering lots of local love for reviving the recording scene in Portland, Maine. The duo breathed new life into a formerly dormant space, now known as The Studio Portland. Prior to the pandemic, Ryan had spent time designing and building studios in New Hampshire and Maine. Amid the 2020 lockdown, Ryan decided to call about a building in Portland that was being used as a studio, but only sparingly. The new owner liked what Ryan offered and the couple soon took over the lease. Continue reading →
  9. The History Of Compressors In The Studio

    Posted by Dante Fumo

    The History Of Compressors In The Studio
    A rack of studio gear including Urei 1176, dbx 160A, and Teletronix LA-2A compressor.s Compression is one the most fundamental and widely used tools in music production and audio engineering in general. Compressors and limiters are used at every stage of the process, from pedalboards and vocal chains to mixing, mastering, and broadcast studios. They keep our mixes from clipping, smooth uneven dynamics, thicken vocal and instrument tones, and even provide creative effects when pushed to their limits. Continue reading →
  10. Five Sounds With Joey Raia

    Posted by Sonal D'Silva

    Five Sounds With Joey Raia
    Joey Raia sitting in his studio, in front of a console, outboard gear, and studio monitors. Recording and mixing engineer Joey Raia started his career in audio electronics at Apogee and then switched to engineering and mixing while working with mix legend Bob Clearmountain. Since then he’s racked up an impressive discography, working on albums and movie soundtracks, including Disney’s Encanto, for which he won a GRAMMY in 2023. In this edition of Five Sounds With… Joey takes us behind the scenes of five of his favorite records, sharing mixing techniques, workflow tips, and his favorite gear along the way.  Continue reading →
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