Vintage King Blog

Over 30 years ago, Empirical Labs' Dave Derr set out to design a compressor that would combine the sonic characteristics of faves like the 1176 and LA-2A. The end result was the EL8 Distressor, which debuted in 1996 and quickly became one of the most utilized compressors of the modern recording era. Continue reading →

Kali Audio has earned a reputation for producing studio monitors that punch far above their price point, going toe-to-toe with high-end competitors in terms of accuracy and detail. Now, they’ve moved into the headphone market with the HP-1, a “multi-reference” headphone that uses onboard DSP to offer three selectable tunings, Bluetooth and wired connectivity, Active Noise Cancellation, and impressive battery life, all for under $200. Continue reading →

At Vintage King, we’ve always believed that the right piece of vintage gear can transform a recording, adding warmth, character, and a touch of history that modern equipment simply can’t replicate. With one of the largest and most diverse collections of vintage and used pro audio gear anywhere, Vintage King is proud to offer access to these timeless tools for today’s studios. In this blog, we’re spotlighting some of the hottest vintage pieces currently available at Vintage King. From sought-after compressors and equalizers to iconic microphones that have shaped recording history, these pieces aren’t just tools; they’re storytellers. Continue reading →

We’re about halfway through 2026, and so far, it's been a pretty big year for studio gear. We’ve seen a wave of exciting new releases, running the gamut from reissues of vintage classics to innovative new designs. In this blog, we’re rounding up some of the biggest releases of the year so far, including microphones, outboard gear, audio interfaces, and more. Ready to check out some of this year's hottest gear releases? Let’s get started. Continue reading →

As the concept of the hybrid studio has continued to evolve, more and more engineers have become interested in gear that blends the worlds of analog and digital in a single package. WesAudio is one of the brands that has answered that demand, creating a plethora of gear with pure analog processing that can be controlled through digital plug-ins. Continue reading →

Universal Audio's comprehensive collection of gear, from modeling microphones and interfaces to plug-ins and DAW, makes staying within its impressive ecosystem a winning proposition. Not only can you streamline your workflow, but you can also amplify your creativity in ways engineers of the classic studio era never thought possible. Continue reading →

Solid State Logic has a long-standing reputation for delivering studio-quality audio interfaces. Just months after releasing the brand’s biggest interface (the rackmountable SSL 18), SSL is rolling out its most compact interface yet with the new SSL 1. Designed for musicians, producers, and creators, the SSL 1 delivers big studio sound in a compact, portable package. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the new SSL 1 interface and how it can streamline your workflow, both in the studio and on the go. Continue reading →

For decades, reverb has been a go-to effect for adding depth, dimension, and character to recordings. But over the years, we got away from room mics and massive plates in the basements of studios. and moved towards more convenient digital solutions. Now, Swedish manufacturer AfterSound is taking the concept back to its roots with the Reverbophone, a one-of-a-kind all-analog reverb unit built for modern studios.  Continue reading →

The Movement Festival is a special time of year in Detroit. Every Memorial Day weekend, the city celebrates the unofficial start of summer the best way it knows how: with pounding electronic music, non-stop dancing, and thousands of people coming together in the heart of downtown. It’s a chance to shake off the long winter, soak in the sunshine, and lose yourself in the rhythm and camaraderie of friends, strangers, and fellow music lovers from all over the world. For one weekend, Detroit feels completely alive with the pulsating sounds and rhythms of electronic music. Continue reading →

Vintage King and ATC Loudspeakers are heading to Seattle for a special day of monitor demos on Saturday, July 11, from 12 PM to 8 PM. Join us at Blash Studios to experience the SCM150ASL, SCS120 Pro, and SCM45A during one of four exclusive listening sessions designed for engineers, producers, and studio owners. ATC Loudspeakers are used by top studios...