How To

Dante is an AV-over-IP technology that makes it possible to send hundreds of channels of high-resolution, low-latency audio between devices using standard Ethernet cables. Created by Audinate and licensed to third-party manufacturers, the Dante protocol has been widely adopted by top brands like Focusrite, Universal Audio, Apogee, Avid, PreSonus, and RME. Dante networks are used in major recording studios, post-production houses, broadcast facilities, and music venues around the world, but even the humblest home studio can take advantage of it, too. While networked audio may seem complex at first glance, it’s actually very easy to implement and has the potential to dramatically streamline your setup and workflow. In this guide, we’ll explain how Dante works and how to configure a few different types of Dante systems for different applications.  Continue reading →

While DAWs have technically made analog mixing consoles obsolete, many studios still use them because running tracks through real transformers and op-amps imparts a subtle tonal coloration, even without engaging any channel EQs or bus compressors. But what if you don’t have the space or budget for a full-sized console? Enter the summing mixer: the perfect solution for getting the sound of an analog console without sacrificing the convenience and flexibility of a DAW-based workflow.  A summing mixer is essentially a console stripped of its faders, preamps, EQs, and most other bells and whistles, leaving just the line inputs and the circuitry that combines (or “sums”) them to a master output. Multitrack outputs or mix stems are sent from a DAW and combined inside the summing mixer, and the two-track output is then routed back to the DAW and recorded.  Continue reading →

Neumann RIME (Reference Immersive Monitoring Environment) is a virtual immersive monitoring solution made specifically for Neumann headphones that puts you in the sweet spot of a world-class 7.1.4 studio. Using real-world acoustical data and AMBEO virtual acoustics algorithms, RIME allows you to hear your mixes as they would sound coming out of real speakers, so you can mix confidently and accurately in immersive formats such as Dolby Atmos and Ambisonics using only a pair of headphones.  Continue reading →

For over 25 years, AEA has been at the forefront of modern ribbon microphone design. Inspired by the iconic RCA 44, AEA has built an entire line of ribbon mics that deliver warm, natural sound with a signature blend of vintage character and modern performance.  While ribbon mics have traditionally been considered a studio staple, AEA has proven they’re equally at home on stage. With rugged construction, innovative designs, and a growing community of live engineers who swear by their sound, AEA ribbons are showing up on more stages than ever before.  Continue reading →

Universal Audio’s next-generation Apollo X interfaces bring several new features that promise to improve monitor accuracy in any studio. The Gen 2 Apollo Twin X DUO, Twin X QUAD, x4, x6, x8, x8p, x16, and x16D all support the following new features: Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks® Headphone correction for 500+ models Bass Management functionality in UAD Console Individual Solo, Mute, and Trim controls for each speaker Continue reading →

It has become crucial for studios and artists to adopt a forward-thinking approach towards preserving their life’s work by archiving their sessions so that they are safe in the event of a natural disaster, technological glitch, or an unknown variable further down the line.   To understand the importance and intricacies of session archiving, we turned to someone with decades of expertise: Kelly Pribble, Director of Media Preservation Technology at Iron Mountain Media & Archival Services. Kelly is a veteran studio engineer who has spent a lifetime dedicated to music and audio restoration.  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 →

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 →

Genelec monitors are one of the top choices for immersive studios—in fact, you’ve probably seen a few Genelec-equipped Dolby Atmos rooms on our blog. Genelec’s extensive product range, advanced GLM configuration software, and solutions like the UNIO Personal Reference Monitoring System make it possible to create almost any kind of immersive mixing system. And, with immersive monitoring bundles based on price point or room size, going all-Genelec in your studio can be affordable, too. Continue reading →

Ribbon microphones do what no other type of mic can, and Royers do what no other ribbon mics can. With their mellow but musically flattering high-end response, extraordinary sound pressure tolerance, and impressive durability, Royer Labs ribbon mics can handle pretty much anything you throw at them. Continue reading →