Buyer's Guides

Our Apogee and IK Multimedia immersive bundles are some of the most accessible ways to get into immersive audio. Whether you’re setting up a brand new immersive mixing room or upgrading your existing stereo setup for Dolby Atmos, these bundles give you professional audio quality and comprehensive monitor control at a price point that’s realistic for small studios and even home setups. To understand how these products work together, we spoke with Apogee’s Product Evangelist, George Williams. Well-versed in Apogee products and immersive audio workflows, Williams spends lots of time in the IK Multimedia-equipped Dolby Atmos studio at Apogee Headquarters, filming videos like the one below. With his guidance, you’ll be up and running with your Apogee/IK Multimedia immersive bundle in no time.  Continue reading →

At Vintage King, we’re always looking for ways to honor the past while pushing studio gear into the future. That’s why we’ve partnered with a number of boutique manufacturers who share our love for innovation, craftsmanship, and the golden age of audio.  From meticulously recreated tube microphones and compressors to modern takes on spring reverbs and electric pianos, these collaborations blend vintage inspiration with modern performance. Whether you're chasing that classic tone or adding something fresh to your setup, these Vintage King Exclusives are built to stand out.  Continue reading →

Ask any of today’s top engineers and they’ll tell you—there's something magical about tube microphones. Known for their warm, rich sound and ability to bring any source to life, tube mics have been used on countless classic records over the years.  Unfortunately, classics like a vintage Neumann U47 or Telefunken ELA-M 251 may be out of reach for some budgets. Thankfully, there are plenty of great, high-quality tube mics available for less than $2500, so you can still get that coveted tube tone without breaking the bank.  Continue reading →

A great vocal performance deserves a great preamp—one that captures every nuance, adds the right amount of color, and elevates the recording from good to unforgettable. But with so many preamps on the market, how do you choose the right one for your voice? The answer depends on what you’re looking for. Some preamps deliver pristine transparency, letting the natural character of the vocalist shine through. Others add warmth, saturation, or harmonic richness, imparting a vintage vibe or modern polish. And then there are those versatile workhorses that can do a bit of everything, adapting to any genre or vocal style.  Continue reading →

For nearly three decades, RME has been at the forefront of digital audio, pioneering innovative new solutions for professional recording, mixing, and post-production facilities.  Founded in Germany, RME’s comprehensive range of professional audio tools combine precision engineering with cutting-edge technology. Trusted by top-tier studios, broadcast facilities, and touring engineers, RME’s designs are known for rock-solid drivers, incredibly low latency, and transparent sound. Continue reading →

The 500 Series format revolutionized modern recording by offering studio-grade processing in a compact, modular design. From pristine preamps to colorful compressors, surgical EQs to vibe-filled effects, the 500 Series ecosystem has something for every engineer, producer, and artist. But with so many great 500 Series modules on the market, how do you narrow it down? We’ve combed through the best 500 Series modules under $1500, prioritizing versatility, sonic character, and real-world usability.  Continue reading →

When it comes to mixing, the stereo bus compressor is the glue that holds everything together. It’s the final touch that can take a good mix and elevate it to greatness, adding punch, cohesion, and that elusive “finished” sound. Whether you’re looking for transparent control, bold character, or something in between, a great stereo bus compressor can make all the difference. The good news? You don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on a world-class unit. Over the years, pro audio manufacturers have brought the magic of legendary console compressors and boutique designs into more accessible price ranges. Today, you can find stereo bus compressors under $3500 that deliver the same sonic mojo and studio-grade performance as their high-end counterparts—without the five-figure price tag.  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 →

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 →

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 →