How To

The connectivity options for the Universal Audio Apollo has always been one of the interface's greatest features. By combining multiple Apollos together, you can expand your processing power and feature set to make your workflow faster than ever before.

When specifically pairing a Universal Audio Apollo X interface with an Apollo Twin, there are some really handy features you can deploy for both recording and mixing. In this configuration, your Apollo Twin instantly becomes a monitor controller for up to three pairs of monitors and can be used as a talk-balk mic controller during your session. Not to mention, the Apollo Twin will also expand the processing power of your Apollo X rig. Continue reading →

Over the last few years, country music’s popularity has skyrocketed. According to the Country Music Association, 42 percent of the US population is country music fans as of 2017. Artists like Kenny Chesney, Cassadee Pope and the incomparable Taylor Swift are dominating the charts with their perfect combination of country and pop.

So what’s the secret to recording a crossover hit that takes the country by storm? We did some research on what the top engineers in country music are using to get achieve success. Here’s how some of the best in the business are getting their signature sound. Continue reading →

Look, I don’t want to be the one to break it to you, but your studio could be lying to you.

Picture this: You’re up late one night working on a new track. It sounds great, like really, really great. You’re super excited and you can’t wait to share it with others. But as soon as you play it in your car, at a friends house or anywhere other than your studio, it sounds like complete trash.

Sound familiar? It’s a cold hard fact for everyone who hasn't worked on their studio's acoustic treatment. The good news is there’s a solution to your problem and we can help! Continue reading →

Some people think the keys to a killer vocal sound are kept in high-end studios, surrounded by vintage gear. While many great records got cut that way, that’s not exactly how it works anymore.

You can achieve a great vocal sound on a laptop, as long as you understand how all the moving parts work together. There’s no big secret. It’s just EQ, dynamics, and effects. Oh, and a killer performance of course. Continue reading →



Mastering is a dark and mysterious art. It’s performed by sage-like engineers with super-human ears and years of experience. They take great mixes and somehow make them even better. They’re able to make the lows deeper, the midrange more punchy, and the highs more brilliant.

How? What are their secrets? Patience, Padawan. All will be revealed in time. But first, we must answer an age-old question... Continue reading →

Country music has seen a lot of changes over the years. From the ethereal sounds of Hank to the soft countrypolitan style of Patsy and the raucous rhythms of Merle and Buck to the dulcet sounds of Dolly. Heck, country musicians even became pop superstars, thanks to Shania, Garth and Taylor.

But in the midst of these hyper-produced sugar-coated country-pop mega-hits, some modern country artists are revitalizing the roots of the genre. Artists like Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton have become known for their honest, authentic recordings that find more in common with John Prine and less with Florida Georgia Line. Continue reading →

A lot of work goes into putting on a great concert. It can take days, weeks or even months of preparation to make sure that everything goes smoothly. When it's time to sound check a band through a venue's live sound rig, it's important that you have a solid grasp of what's going on and the day's schedule. 

While every show is different and some have more moving parts than others, there are some basic terms that apply to all levels of gigs. Check out our Live Sound Glossary below and learn more about a few of the key elements of sound check that will help you get each act sounding just right. Continue reading →

When you think of hard rock music, you probably think of roaring guitars and thunderous drums, but one of the most important parts of any song is the vocal. Think of what Metallica would sound like without James Hetfield's signature, growling "YEAH!" beckoning you to bang your head. It just wouldn't be the same.  

The key to getting a gritty, in-your-face vocal tones like Metallica, Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers all starts with finding the right mic. Read on to learn about some of the gear used by these rock heroes and work on bringing powerful vocals to your next session.  Continue reading →