Brad Pack

When a vintage Neve 33609 compressor arrives at the Vintage King Tech Shop, it's always cause for excitement. Especially the original “Metal Knob” 33609 units, which are becoming increasingly rare finds. This particular unit represents the first iteration of what would become one of the most revered stereo compressors ever made, featuring a completely discrete signal path and custom transformers that helped establish the signature Neve sound.   Continue reading →

The 2025 NAMM Show was packed with exciting new gear, from groundbreaking innovations in audio technology to reimagined classics that pay homage to the past. After exploring every corner of the Anaheim Convention Center, we’ve narrowed it down to 10 standouts that captured our attention. Scroll down to explore our favorite new releases from the 2025 NAMM Show, complete with exclusive photos and videos from the showroom floor. Continue reading →

For over four decades, Solid State Logic has defined the sound of professional recording studios with the brand’s legendary consoles and outboard gear. Today, SSL continues to push the boundaries of professional audio with the introduction of the SSL 18 audio interface and ALPHA 8 Expander. These powerful new additions to the SSL lineup deliver the brand's signature sound quality and workflow innovations in a format that's perfectly suited for modern production environments. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find our in-depth video breakdown of both new products, but first, let’s take a look at what the new SSL 18 and ALPHA 8 are all about. Continue reading →

The NAMM Show 2025 is here, and Vintage King is on the ground, bringing you all the latest and greatest gear straight from the showroom floor! From state-of-the-art audio interfaces to game-changing recording tools, this year’s event is packed with innovations that you won’t want to miss.  Keep reading to explore some of the exciting new products that have already been unveiled, and stay tuned as we continue to share more updates and highlights throughout the show. Don’t forget to check out our New At NAMM category to shop all of the new gear released at the 2025 NAMM Show.  Continue reading →

The Neve 1073® preamp/EQ has held its place as a studio icon since its debut in 1970. Designed by Rupert Neve, this legendary piece of gear quickly became a staple in professional studios worldwide, celebrated for its rich, warm tone and unmistakable character.  Its Class A discrete, transistor-based design and hand-wired craftsmanship set the 1073 apart, creating a sonic signature that’s as timeless as the music it has helped shape. From its thick, mid-forward presence to its silky smooth high end, the 1073 delivers a sound that’s as inspiring today as it was over 50 years ago.  Continue reading →

In this month's Staff Picks blog, we're chatting with Vintage King Audio Consultant Chris Karn about his favorite equalizers for tracking and mixing. Before joining the Vintage King team, Chris established himself as an accomplished musician and producer, securing multiple record deals and landing placements in major TV shows like How I Met Your Mother and Scrubs. His work alongside legendary producers like Daniel Lanois, Joe Chiccarelli, and John Shanks has given him a unique perspective on crafting great sound.  Continue reading →

With over two decades of experience crafting cutting-edge digital audio equipment, Antelope Audio has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in professional audio. Now, the brand is breaking new ground once again with the A4-1B Analog Automated Opto Valve Compressor, an innovative new piece of outboard gear that marries the cherished sound of classic tube-opto compression with groundbreaking modern functionality. Continue reading →

Want to mix with Neve’s signature rich tone and musical saturation, but don’t have the budget (or space) for a full console? Lucky for you, Rupert Neve Designs offers a range of rackmount summing mixers, channel strips, and 500 Series modules that make iconic Neve circuits accessible at any budget. This guide will highlight three different ways to build a mixing rig on a budget using Rupert Neve Designs gear: an entry-level setup based around a pair of Newton Channels supplemented by 500 Series gear, an intermediate rig featuring the 5059 summing mixer, and a mastering-grade configuration involving the Master Buss Converter.  Continue reading →

The art of audio compression has seen many legendary units throughout history, but few are as revered as the Rohde & Schwarz U-23 broadcast limiter. Often called the "German Fairchild" for its similarities to the iconic Fairchild 660/670, this rare piece of broadcast equipment found new life through Vacuvox's innovative reimagining. Vacuvox first captured the magic of the U-23 with their CL-2 tube compressor/limiter, which quickly became a favorite among top producers and engineers, including members of Oasis, Coldplay, and Madonna. Building upon this success, Vacuvox introduced the U23m—a mastering-grade evolution that maintains the soul of the original while adding precision controls essential for modern production.  Continue reading →

Compressors are the unsung heroes of the studio. From shaping dynamics to adding character, they play a pivotal role in everything from tracking to mixing to mastering. Over the years, compressor technology has evolved, offering engineers and producers an array of tools to achieve polished, professional results. Thankfully, you don’t need a limitless budget to get your hands on a high-quality unit. Brands like SSL, Rupert Neve Designs, and Empirical Labs have created standout compressors under $1500 that deliver exceptional performance and versatility.  Continue reading →