Brad Pack

Mastering engineers know that the right equalizer can be the key to unlocking a mix’s full potential. The IGS Audio 825EQ Stereo Tube Mastering EQ is designed to bring precision, warmth, and depth to any project, combining classic analog character with modern mastering-grade accuracy.  In this edition of Hear The Gear, Vintage King’s Bryan Reilly puts the 825EQ through its paces, using this versatile mastering EQ to shape five tracks across a range of genres. Continue reading →

For those looking to get into immersive mixing, picking out monitors can present a tough choice. Should you get more of the monitors you already use or start fresh with a new brand? Should you prioritize performance, price, or flexibility? How much do you value conveniences like DSP and automatic calibration? Monitors are the most important piece of any immersive setup, so it’s wise to consider all of these questions in your search.  To make the process a little easier, we’ve done the research and put together a shortlist of immersive-ready monitors suitable for any studio (and almost any budget). This article won’t cover subwoofers, but many of the brands listed here offer immersive bundles complete with subs, mounting hardware, and other accessories.  Continue reading →

At the Vintage King Tech Shop, we’ve had the privilege of working on some of the most iconic microphones in recording history. Each one tells a story, from the engineers who designed them to the artists who brought them to life in the studio. But every now and then, something truly special arrives on our bench—like this rare Neumann U60. Continue reading →

AEA has long been a leader in ribbon microphone design, crafting mics that capture sound with rich detail and a smooth, natural character. The brand’s latest NUVO N28 active stereo ribbon mic continues this tradition, delivering the classic ribbon warmth in a compact and modern package.  Continue reading →

When building an immersive mixing system, your two biggest investments will be your speakers and your monitor controller—so put your best foot forward and choose high-quality, trustworthy products that won’t let you down. When it comes to the two most critical elements of your system, Ex Machina Soundworks and Dangerous Music make a great pair. Ex Machina offers a range of professional monitors in various sizes and price points, all featuring coaxial drivers for point-source spatial accuracy and phase coherence. Dangerous has been making advanced surround monitor controllers long before Dolby Atmos entered the arena, and the brand's MONITOR-SR expansion unit makes it possible to control large speaker arrays with ease. Continue reading →

Love is in the air—and so is the sound of classic studio gear! This Valentine’s Day, Vintage King is back with our third annual collection of custom, hand-drawn cards inspired by legendary recording equipment. Continue reading →

For generations, AMS Neve’s consoles have been a cornerstone of professional audio, shaping the sound of countless chart-topping records. Now, the legendary manufacturer is bringing its coveted console dynamics to your desktop with the 88C Dual Desktop Dynamics.  The Neve 88C is a studio-grade desktop compressor that captures the essence of the brand’s revered 88R console compression in a compact, portable format. You read that right, authentic Neve compression right on your desktop. Continue reading →

Let's face the facts. Ribbon microphones have a mystique that's hard to deny. These vintage-inspired transducers have been a staple of studio recording for decades, offering a unique sonic character that can bring any instrument to life. As audio technology has evolved, ribbon mics have gone from being delicate, temperamental studio rarities to robust, versatile tools that can handle everything from whisper-quiet vocals to thundering guitar cabinets. Continue reading →

Few microphones can claim to capture the essence of a performance with the precision, warmth, and clarity of the Manley Reference Gold tube condenser microphone. Renowned for its stunning accuracy and versatility, the Reference Gold has become a go-to tool for engineers and producers seeking a microphone that delivers both technical excellence and musicality. In this installment of Hear The Gear, showcasing the Manley Reference Gold in action, with sound samples recorded by Vintage King’s own Bryan Reilly. For this session, Bryan captured drums, percussion, electric and acoustic instruments, piano, and vocals to demonstrate the mic's versatility and sonic character.  Continue reading →

Every acoustic sound source, be it a delicate violin, a powerful vocal, or the subtle nuances of an acoustic guitar, requires a microphone that can capture its true essence. When it comes to capturing those intricate details, the condenser microphone reigns supreme. With any recording project, you want to have a solid foundation. The microphone is that foundation. Choose the right condenser mic and your life just got easier. Choose the wrong one and you'll be fighting an uphill battle all the way through the signal path. And nobody wants that.  Continue reading →