About.com Home Recording

URS introduces N4 British-Style EQ Plug-In

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:00:14 +0000

Unique Recording Software, makers of affordable, high-quality plug-ins for PC & Mac recording packages, have announced the introduction of URS N4, a plug-in that emulates a British six-band vintage EQ in an RTAS or TDM package.

N4 is touted as having "smooth and silky" sound, perfect for mastering.

The TDM license (for Pro Tools HD) is $199, while the RTAS version -- for Pro Tools LE and most other editing softwares -- is $99. Introductory pricing is available until July 15.

Apogee introduces ONE

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:32:23 +0000

Apogee -- makers of highly-regarded converters and recording interfaces -- have announced the latest in their line of professional-quality recording interfaces.

ONE is a single-channel interface that can use either a built-in mic preamp or line input (via breakout cable) or a built-in condenser microphone. Recording quality up to 24-bit, 96kHz is achieved via USB. ONE is compatible with any CoreAudio-supported software package. ONE is priced at $249 and will be available at the end of July.

For Stage or Studio: Mixing In-Ear Monitors

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:34:16 +0000

If you're mixing a band live -- whether it's your own or someone else's -- chances are you'll come across in-ear monitoring. It's quickly becoming the most popular way for bands to monitor themselves, and it's taking a leap into studio situations, too!

In this new article, you'll learn the ins and outs of mixing "ears" -- and you'll quickly be on your way to making great monitor mixes. As an added plus, you'll be helping conserve hearing!

Reducing Noise: Powering Your Studio

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:49:19 +0000

Recently, a reader emailed with a very common question. He was experiencing lots of noise in his recordings -- including radio interference in his monitors while mixing. It's something that affects most home studios at one time or another!

In this new article, you'll learn the basics of eliminating noise and interference, while properly powering your studio to avoid equipment damage. It's not hard, and it's not expensive -- and the quality of your recordings will improve as a result!

McDSP releases Retro Recorder for iPhone

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:51:05 +0000

McDSP, maker of high-quality Pro Tools plug-ins, has announced the release of Retro Recorder for iPhone. While looking like a vintage analog cassette recorder on the screen, Retro Recorder promises to be one of the highest quality recorders for the price.

McDSP claims that, with their Patent-pending Audio Level eXtension (ALX) technology, Retro Recorder "...improves recording quality beyond the capability of hand held recorders costing many times more. Even without an external microphone, Retro Recorder can capture detail other recorders cannot - up to 32 times more signal level."

Retro Recorder is priced at $2.99, and is available starting today.

MXL introduces R44 Ribbon Microphone

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:43:00 +0000

MXL -- maker of value-priced but functionally rich condenser microphones -- has introduced the R44, a large format ribbon microphone. Designed primarily with vocals and guitar cabinets in mind, the R44 features a strong 20hz to 17kHz frequency response, and a max SPL of 130db at 1kHz.

The MXL R44 will have a retail price of $99, making it a strong competitor for industry standard dynamic microphones in the same price range. The R44 will begin shipping on June 29th.

Mixing Stevie Wonder: Deconstructing "Superstition"

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:50:53 +0000

Stevie Wonder's song "Superstition" is one of the top hits of the 70s -- a really great song, regarded by many as one of the top recordings of the 20th century. It's also a perfect example for new and experienced recording engineers alike: sometimes, less is more!

In this brand new article, we'll sit down with Stevie's original multitrack master recordings -- only 16 tracks -- and learn how this great hit was pieced together, with limited resources by today's standards. You'll be able to download mp3s along the way to see how such a great song was made using only a handful of tracks. And remember, this was before the days of multiband compression and Autotune!

Apple WWDC Update: Line6 and Planet Waves announce iPhone 3.0 guitar app for stage & studio

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:54:42 +0000

At this morning's Apple Worlwide Developer's Conference keynote, Apple officially announced iPhone software version 3.0 -- a long-awaited update to the iPhone's operating system. Alongside this exciting announcement, Line6 and Planet Waves have announced a new app for controlling both guitar and amplifier settings exclusively via iPhone on their popular Variax guitars -- known widely as a favorite for studio recording.

Although the on-stage demo failed due to a hardware malfunction, the app is expected to allow controlling of all recording and performance settings remotely -- including changing guitar tuning and amp simulation settings. No more information has been released, although it's expected that the hardware and software combo will be available later this summer.

iPhone version 3.0 will be available June 17th.

SSL comes to home studios: introducing SSL X-Desk

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:49:35 +0000

After a lot of buzz and a long wait for its introduction, SSL's newest console, X-Desk, has arrived!

Aimed at home recording studios and smaller mix studios, the X-Desk offers SSL's well-loved sound quality in a small, affordable package. X-Desk is a 16-channel summing mixer (by way of 8 stereo channels), complete with insert function on every channel and 3 monitor mix sends (one cue in stereo, two aux. sends). Other professional quality features include independent main and alternate stereo monitor outputs, dim & cut buttons, and high-quality D-Sub I/O options.

X-Desk is available in limited supply in the United States, as of now; additional availability is forthcoming; prices will be around $2900.

New reviews: Heil PR-30, PR-40 large-diaphragm dynamic microphones

Fri, 29 May 2009 04:19:51 +0000

Posting these reviews is a bittersweet experience: I feel really confident in recommending a great product to my readers, but at the same time, I feel like I'm giving away a secret!

Heil Sound is redefining the way we'll think of dynamic microphone technology; whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned working musician or sound engineer, the Heil microphones are well within your budget.

Check out this review of the PR-30, a superior drum, guitar, and vocal microphone, or if you're looking for a superior low-frequency microphone, check out this review of the Heil PR-40, quite possibly the best kick drum mic I've ever used. You'll be surprised at the great things coming from this little factory in Fairview Heights, IL!