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NAMM 2021 is officially here and Antelope Audio is announcing the rollout of its new interface, the Zen Go Synergy Core ($499). As the latest addition to be added to the Synergy Core lineup, the Zen Go is a USB-C powered desktop interface that is designed for portable use while still delivering elite-level sound. This top-tier audio is achieved, thanks to Antelope Audio's class-leading AD/DA conversion, clocking technology and premium mic pres. The Zen Go features two discrete ultra-linear preamps with 65 dB of gain and switchable mic, line and Hi-Z modes. The interface is digitally expandable over S/PDIF and includes analog monitor outputs over RCA, a stereo output over TRS and two stereo headphone outputs with separate controls. Continue reading →

Based out of Miami, Florida, Ricardo Sangiao is one of the hottest names in mastering at the moment. Known for his work in the Latin, hip-hop, and dance genres, Ricardo has had a hand in many platinum releases in the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down. He's mastered records for Rick Ross, Danny Ocean, and Diljit Dosanjh, just to name a few. Working under legendary engineer Bob Katz, Ricardo has learned from the best and is now applying his knowledge at his own studio, World Class Mastering. Ricardo recently sat down with Vintage King for a Five Sounds With interview to talk about a number of records he has worked on, his process and the gear he uses. Continue reading →

With NAMM's Believe in Music Week less than a few days away, pro audio brands around the world are starting to announce new gear releases. One of the first drops of the NAMM 2021 season comes from Sequential who have just launched the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 desktop modules. Back in October, Sequential reintroduced the legendary Prophet-5 synthesizer, in addition to a Prophet-10. For the new Prophet-5 ($2499.00) and Prophet-10 ($3299.00) desktop modules, Sequential founder and designer Dave Smith managed to fit the big sound of the full-scale synthesizers into a smaller form factor. Just like the classic version, the Prophet-5 desktop module features five voices while the Prophet-10 has, you guessed it... 10! Continue reading →

Serge Espitia is a mastering engineer out of Maplewood, New Jersey. With over a decade of experience in the music industry, he has spent time working in some of the most recognizable studios in the world, including Blue Jay Recording in Boston, and East Side Sound, Stratosphere Sound and Masterdisk in New York. In 2011, Serge began putting together his own Brooklyn-based studio space under the banner of Tiny Thunder Audio. Eventually, he headed to New Jersey and shifted focus from tracking and mixing to predominantly mastering. Recently, we sat down to talk with Serge about the history of Tiny Thunder, his philosophy on mixing vs. mastering, and some of the gear choices that he’s made for his studio. Continue reading →

For IDLES' followup to 2018's Joy As An Act Of Resistance, the British rock band went to France to work with producers Adam "Atom" Greenspan and Nick Launay. The resulting record, Ultra Mono, quickly became a huge success, hitting #1 on the UK charts and making appearances on many 2020 year-end lists. This isn't the first time Atom and Nick have worked together on a record. Their partnership dates back to a chance meeting which led to Nick becoming a mentor to Atom. While both have done incredible work on their own, together they've made albums with the likes of  Arcade Fire, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Refused.   We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Atom about his experience working on Ultra Mono. Read on to learn about recording drums in a stone wine cellar, his go-to vocal chain for vocalist Joe Talbot and what it's like making a record with his friend Nick. Continue reading →

With 2021 nearly here, we're concluding our blog wrap-up of the best selling pro audio gear of 2020. You didn't think we would skip synths and pedals, did you? Fear not, filter sweepers and fuzz lords! We've got you covered! While few will reminisce about 2020 with great fondness, one positive to come from this year is an overwhelming amount of new tools for tinkering in the studio. From pedals built in collaboration between companies to synthesizers that revive classic designs, this is the gear that got our customers through the past 365 days. Continue reading →

2020 has certainly been a year of innovation in the world of audio interfaces. Antelope Audio, Apogee, Avid, Focusrite, Solid State Logic and Universal Audio all gave us brand new gear that says a lot about the next generation of interfaces. They are getting smaller and sounding better and better. While the new kids on the block certainly made an impact this year, our list of the best selling audio interfaces of 2020 includes a wide range of releases. Continue on below to find out where your interface of choice lands or start scouting out the next purchase for your studio. Continue reading →

As more recording and mix studios move to hybrid workflows, one thing is for sure... No one is leaving behind their analog outboard gear completely. Digital may be easier and getting closer in sound, but most engineers prefer to have a rack of analog goodies at the ready for working on tracks. 2020 was another banner year for outboard gear at Vintage King and we are going to break down our top ten best-selling mic pres, compressors, and EQs below. Continue on to find out what tried-and-true classics from Neve, API and Rupert Neve Designs made the list, in addition to some newer offerings from Solid State Logic, Radial Engineering and Cranborne Audio. Continue reading →

2020 has been a stressful year, to say the least. Now that the holidays are and things are starting to slow down a little bit, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax and toss on a flick. Instead of reaching for the same Netflix or Hulu series that you’ve been binging all year, why not spark your creativity with some films about music? Every year, we compile a list of music documentaries for your viewing pleasure, and we've got a fresh batch of must-watch movies for 2020. This time we're venturing into artists' studios, learning about their history, and discovering what makes them tick. Maybe, just maybe, you'll pick up a new trick or two to apply to your own art. Continue reading →

2020 has forced music makers to work in new and inventive ways, but when it comes to microphones, they are sticking with what they know. Our list of best selling microphones of 2020 includes many of the same timeless classics and new modeling mics that have appeared on our countdown in recent years. How did it all shake out? Who's number one?! You're about to find out! Continue on below to see what microphones made our top ten and discover why each piece of kit is a worthy addition to your studio's mic locker. Continue reading →