ISOL8 is a freeware mix monitoring tool that is designed for monitoring different frequency regions. It is released by TBProAudio and can be used in VST, VST3, AU, AAX, and RTAS plugin formats.
It also features a filter bypass switch, monitoring channel adjustments (solo buttons for the Left, Right, Mid, and Side channels), an output volume control, and an attenuation switch. It claims to more streamlined than a multi-band compressor as it allows precise monitoring of the mix.
Good news is that it is free to download and does not require a sign up from the developers website.
Read more about this here: https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2017/12/06/tbproaudio-isol8/
Ways to Make Using EQ Easy
Equalization is really a very straightforward process. We really only use an EQ to correct a sound or to make our sound more creative.
People tend to look for things that aren’t there, which makes the process more difficult than it actually is. Instead of looking for excuses to reach for an EQ, look for excuses not to EQ. It’s best to identify what you are hearing first and try to imagine it in your brain so that you only turn to EQ’ing like its your only option.
Read more ways here: https://theproaudiofiles.com/make-eq-easy/
Smoothing Guitar Fizz with EQuivocate
Equivocate is a new EQ plug in that can be used to reduce nasty fizzy, ringing frequencies and for a smoother guitar tone. It was previously released for free but a month ago was priced at $99. It is developed by Newfangled Audio and distributed by Eventide.
EQuivocate has up to 26 bands which makes it easier to isolate and notch out any annoying frequencies and use filter in mixing and mastering in your guitars.
Watch the demo here: https://reaperblog.net/2017/12/equivocate_guitars/
Plugins from Airwindows Worth a Listen
Since August 2016, Airwindos has been funded entirely by donations via Patreon. One of the very few plugin makers that strives to serve the customers, without trying to squeeze every penny out of them. There are no meters on the plugins so you definitely would need to use your ears to make decisions on adjustments.
One of their plugins ,ADClip7, is an incredibly transparent loudness maximizer with three output modes to choose from. Console4 emulation plugin package for your DAW without tone shaping which provides more internal space. Busscolors4 closely emulates consoles. PurestDrive is a virtually transparent clipper.
Read more about these plugins here: https://reaperblog.net/2017/11/4_airwindows_plugins/
Best External Microphones for Your Smartphones
Having a great camera probably is included in the top three of what consumers look for in a smartphone. From 4K video capture, to ridiculous slow-motion, there’s no denying the swarm of features that our smartphone cameras can tap into. Video recording can be a drag if you have a great camera but your audio is not as good.
One of the best external mic in the market is the Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel Microphone Kit. It connects via the headphone jack on your smartphone, requiring very little setup to get running. This is the cheapest, arguably most effective way of improving your audio quality.
Check out the complete list here: https://www.phonearena.com/news/5-Best-External-Microphones-for-Smartphones_id100259