How To

The SSL 4000 G console’s stereo bus compressor is one of the most beloved audio processors of all time. Providing fast-reacting VCA compression with a simple set of controls, the “G Bus,” as its fans call it, seems to enhance anything that goes through it, making mixes sound like more than the sum of their parts. Solid State Logic’s THE BUS+ features the same legendary compression circuit at its core, repackaged into a rack unit and augmented with multiple compression modes that provide different sonic “flavors,” a new 4K Mode with nine levels of harmonic distortion, dynamic EQ, flexible sidechain options, and the ability to rearrange the internal signal chain.  Continue reading →

The original version of this article appeared in the first issue of Vintage King's Playback. If you haven't subscribed digitally to our new magazine, you can do so right here. Here at Vintage King, we often get asked, “How do I build a studio for _____ amount of money?” This question is an interesting one, and we can certainly help you find an answer that fits within your budget. The starting point is most likely a question that you must ask yourself: “What is the goal for my studio?” In upcoming issues, we’ll be tackling how to build out several kinds of studios on a budget, but for the purposes of this article, we thought it best to start out with the essential gear needed for a basic recording and mix room. We’ll be covering three pieces of gear in particular: microphone, interface and monitors. Continue reading →

It's no secret that Billie Eilish has taken over the world of pop music. She's everywhere! One of the most endearing elements of Billie's ascension to stardom is the bedroom studio production process she shares with her brother and producer, Finneas. The fact that two twenty-somethings can create global smashes with a minimal set-up is inspiring for a whole new generation of music makers. In the newly released documentary The World’s A Little Blurry, we get a look at Billie's career so far and a window into her creative process. Showing scenes from the recording environment as well as stadium level tour stops, we hit pause whenever gear came up on our screen and took notes of what Billie and Finneas are utilizing. Check it out below! Continue reading →

As one of the most popular techniques in modern recording, reamping allows engineers the flexibility to capture the best sounding guitar takes and send them through any amp or chain that they desire. This practice gives users the chance to experiment with different microphones, various settings on amplifiers, and unique pedal combinations without having to re-record another take. Want to know the best part? It's pretty easy to do! In this blog, we'll be going over the basics of reamping and the gear that you'll need to get the job done right. So sit back, plug in, and let's talk about how to get pristine takes that you can do whatever you want with later. Continue reading →

Over the last few years, podcasting has continued to rise in popularity. Now with social distancing in effect, podcasts have become one of our primary forms of media. You’d be surprised at how easy it can be to create a professional-sounding podcast from the comfort of your own home. If you've got the knowledge and a concept, we can certainly help you achieve podcast glory. Continue reading this blog to discover some of the essential gear needed to make your own podcast or improve your current set-up, in addition to some proper techniques for recording, editing, and mixing. Continue reading →

Since its release, Dolby Atmos has exploded in popularity and proven to be the next big thing in post-production. But making the switch to Atmos can be intimidating, especially when it comes to buying the right equipment and setting up a certifiable Atmos mix room. Thankfully, the new Avid MTRX Studio makes it easier than ever to incorporate Dolby Atmos into your studio setup.Throughout this blog, you’ll learn everything you need to know about setting up a Dolby Atmos mix room using the new Avid MTRX. To get the details, we spoke with Vintage King’s Dolby Atmos expert, James Good. James has more than 15 years of experience in pro audio and has helped build, design, and maintain some of the best studios around the world. James helped us break down each component Continue reading →

Building your first Eurorack rig? Here’s a checklist to make sure you have everything you need to get started!If you're reading this, you are probably in the same position a lot of us have been. You're intrigued by the idea of building your very own, one-of-a-kind modular synthesizer, but feel completely overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options and information out there. You may be wondering if it's even worth wading into the vast ocean of modular synthesis when there are already so many ready-made all-in-one hardware synthesizers on the market today. We're here to clear the air, help you decide if modular synth is right for you, and get you started down the right path. Continue reading →

Clean power is essential to any recording or mixing studio. It can be the difference between professional-sounding records and noisy tracks riddled with hums, buzzes and other complications. But for those who just want to make music, learning the basics of power can seem complicated and overwhelming. So we reached out to electrical guru Arthur Kelm to answer some of your questions. Arthur Kelm is CEO of Ground One AV Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in power and grounding for professional recording facilities and high-end home installations. Arthur has overseen the electrical and grounding design for some of the world’s most iconic recording studios, including Capitol Records Studios, Warner/Chappell Music, and Sonoma Mountain Studio. Continue reading →

It’s no secret that with the current pandemic, lifestyles and working conditions have drastically changed for all of us. Whether it be closing down our businesses or working from home, we've had to make some big adjustments. Even simple pleasures like going to see live music have fallen by the wayside. As a response, many of our favorite artists have adapted and found ways to be there for fans with live stream performances. For those looking to take their music to the world of live streaming, there are a lot of questions to be answered regarding your set-up. We recently sat down with Vintage King Audio Consultant Jeff Ehrenberg to talk about the tools and software that will help ensure that your performance is high quality and meets the standards viewers have come to expect. Continue reading →

In 2020, songwriters and producers of every genre and experience level are relying on technology to create and explore music like never before. While EDM and hip-hop comes to mind for most people who think about tech’s relationship with music creation, music-makers of all backgrounds are using tools like MIDI to shape musical ideas, record, and perform live. If you don’t fancy yourself an especially tech-savvy musician, you may have been interested in exploring MIDI for music creation or performance, but have put off trying because it seems too intimidating. The good news is that MIDI is affordable, accessible, and easy to wrap your head around! That’s why so many musicians are using it. Continue reading →