Shootouts

The Neumann Large Badge U47 is a true legend. This early variation of the large-diaphragm condenser microphone was produced only between 1949 and 1950, with just a few hundred ever made. Revered for its stunning presence and remarkable three-dimensional sound, it remains one of the most coveted microphones in history. Continue reading →

For over a decade, Warm Audio has been synonymous with delivering classic-inspired gear that combines exceptional sound quality with unparalleled value. Known for their precise recreations of legendary equipment, Warm Audio’s WA76 compressor has become a studio staple, beloved for its faithful homage to the iconic 1176-style compression. Continue reading →

VCA compressors are one of the most common types of compressors on the market. Known for being clean, predictable, and exacting, VCA compressors use a control signal to determine when the gain reduction is applied to a signal. Oftentimes, VCA compressors have a wide range of features and flexible controls, making them a highly versatile tool in the studio.  Continue reading →

Warm Audio has really been making waves this year, thanks to its stunning Ampex preamp reproductions and top-notch pedals like the ODD Box V1 and Mutation Phasor II. But hold onto your seats because the Austin, Texas-based company is wrapping up 2023 with an absolute banger. Here comes the WA-1B compressor. The WA-1B is an all-tube transformer-balanced optical compressor that...

The ELA M 251 is an iconic microphone that has left an indelible mark on the recording world. Renowned for its excellence as a vocal mic, the timeless collaboration between Telefunken and AKG has sparked the imaginations of countless other manufacturers, leading them to embark on their own journey to replicate its greatness. Continue reading →

Back in August, storied microphone maker Neumann announced the release of the M 49 V, a stunning recreation of its legendary M 49 condenser mic. The M49's silky sound holds a special place in recording history, capturing everyone from Miles Davis to Adele. The only problem is there aren’t many around and vintage models can cost a pretty penny. Enter the M 49 V! Continue reading →

Earlier this year, H2 Audio brought new life to the Helios name with fantastic 500 Series reproductions of the classic console brand's mic pre and EQ. H2 Audio is now taking the Helios love to the next level with its latest release, the 0011 Mic Pre and 3-Band EQ ($1999). This painstaking recreation of the original channel module will inspire those who love the sound of classic Helios records like Are You Experienced?, Exile on Main Street, Led Zeppelin I and countless others. Al Sutton and Tim Mead of H2 Audio have worked tirelessly to stay true to Dick Swettenham's original design work and perfect the 0011 down to its smallest detail. Continue reading →

At the tail-end of what would traditionally be AES season, Warm Audio is putting an exclamation point on the current crop of new releases with the WA-67. That's right, the pro audio brand that has given us wallet-friendly versions of the 47, 87, and 251 is now back with its own take on the classic workhorse microphone. For the uninitiated, the U67 came about when Telefunken would no longer produce the VF14 steel tube used for the U47. Neumann began working on the microphone's successor and introduced the U60 in 1960. This mic would eventually become known as the U67. Since its launch, the microphone has reached Mt. Rushmore-level status, a must-have for any session. Continue reading →

Whether you’re looking to glue your mix together, fine-tune the dynamics of a performance, or just add some color and character to your sound, a quality bus compressor is a must-have for any mix engineer.Since Warm Audio recently released its new BUS-COMP, we decided to take it into the studio and shoot it out with several fan favorites. In this video, we put the Bus-Comp up against the TK Audio BC1-THD, Overstayer Stereo Voltage Control, Dangerous Music COMPRESSOR, and SSL Stereo Bus Compressor, so you can hear how each of them perform in different scenarios.We tested each compressor on the drum bus, both in solo and with the mix, as well as on the mix bus. Although each compressor has its own unique sound and features, we used the same settings on each one to help you hear the differences. Continue reading →

By now you've heard the fantastic news that AMS Neve has revived the beloved RMX16 for the 500 Series rack. The new module was the talk of the NAMM Show in January and had pro audio lovers speculating just how close AMS Neve would get to the original unit. Newsflash! They don't disappoint. The 500 Series version of the RMX16 follows suit with the classic nine reverb programs (plus nine rare aftermarket programs) and allows users to control all parameters in three distinct ways. Dialing in the perfect reverb for your source is possible by way of the pot control section (a rotary dial), the nudge section (Down/Up buttons), and Alphanumeric keypad entry. How does it sound though? Continue reading →