Jake Weston

Andy Jones for MusicTech rates the ISO Acoustics ISO-Puck as the top accessory for 2018. Many consumers may not have considered the need for this product but Jones states that it is very useful for music fans who want to improve the sound quality of their speakers. The ISO-Puck works by eliminating the vibrations emanating from the surface on which you place your speaker. It equally, if not more, effective than expensive speaker stands at ensuring pure sound quality for the listener.

Key Takeaways:

• Although some would perceive the Accessory category as a category where anything could be thrown in which doesn’t fit elsewhere, but in music technology, it is very important.
• A studio cannot do without its accessories, without any acoustic panels on the walls, without any headphones, or cables.
• ISO Acoustic’s ISO Pucks are monitor isolators. That means what they do is to stop vibrations from the surface where you place your speaker from coloring the sound.

“This year’s winner of Best Accessory is something you might not have considered before, but has emerged as being your most essential purchase of 2018 – and something to keep your monitors stable.”

Read more: https://www.musictech.net/2018/12/gear-of-the-year-2018-best-accessory/

The Tascam iXR is an affordable priced iOS/PC dual-compatible interface that provides fantastic speed and value for a very modest £124. Meanwhile, the MixPre-6M performs multiple roles as a recorder, interface, hardware DAW and mixer. It looks great, and packs a real shallow into its compact size. Steinberg’s UR-RT4 takes the prize for best flexibility, with fantastic versatility on both input and output. The Clarett 8Pre, from Focusrite, gets the Best Sound category.l, while Universal Audio’s Arrow wins for the best way to get into UA.

Key Takeaways:

• This Tascam iXR interface marries the desktop and the iOS world into one fold. For 124 pounds, it is a great bargain.
• The Sound Devices MixpRE-6m is more than just an interface. It is a mixer, recorder, hardware DAW and interface combined in one package.
• According to the experts, the MixPre-6M can do anything the studio wants. It might be small but delivers mighty punches.

“One of the most important devices in your studio setup is the interface between the real recording world and your virtual one.”

Read more: https://www.musictech.net/2018/12/the-best-interfaces-to-get/

Sound enhancement and modification using software like Neutron 2 and Nectar 3 in audio mixing using corrective equalization techniques, such as by either cutting frequencies or boosting them, are decisions that Engineers face throughout production. Although there is common knowledge where it is more advantageous to cut frequencies versus boost them, there are situations that are based on common parameters such as the Frequency being manipulated, the amount of said frequency that is to be augmented or subtracted from the signal or the Gain and the form of the frequency curve, its steepness and width. Signal issues stemming from rumble, bleed, resonances and other unwanted frequencies can be corrected by the elimination of the troublesome frequency, but another method would be to boost first. Doing this allows an Engineer to better isolate those signals that need to be enhanced. Using the Learn feature in Neutron’s EQ allows for enhanced indication on problem areas. Boosting also can modify tonal shapes, by using the Tonal Balance Control tool. This tool will allow for a visual representation of the frequency and allows the Engineer to track problems live. Other features that can be found within both the Neutron 2 and Nectar 3 software includes Track Assistant and Vocal Assistant tools, which offer the ability to make edits that will provide even greater control and flexibility to Engineers.

Key Takeaways:

• Many engineers think that it’s better to cut than to boost especially when one is involved in mixing audio.
• Equalization is found to be a very simple tool that a sound engineer will have in his toolkit. It controls the frequencies in audio signals.
• Although EQ is simple to handle, it takes a lot of practice to master and the three main aspects to master are three controls: Frequency, Gain and Q.

“Lots of other engineers seem to boost all the time, and if we really weren’t supposed to, EQ consoles wouldn’t include the option in the first place.”

Read more: https://www.izotope.com/en/blog/mixing/eq-tips-when-to-boost-when-to-cut.html

Today digital recording is commonplace. However, some musicians still use analog, which has its own benefits. Here are three ways digital is better than analog: 1. Digital files can easily be copied exactly, with no signal loss or degradation. 2. Unlike analog, with digital there is no fixed limit on the number of audio tracks you can have. 3. Digital formats are standardized. There are also some ways in which digital is not necessarily better: 1. Analog has “character”. 2. Learning to produce music with the limitations analog imposes can be a good way to learn to master the basics of production.

Key Takeaways:

• You can copy the digital file on a computer and there won’t be any degradation of the sound.
• Analog systems have a finite number of tracks, whereas digital has no limit.
• By using analog equipment, you learn a lot about how the recording process really works.

“Although digital recording is now commonplace, there’s still a vocal minority of musicians sticking with analog. But which is better?”

Read more: https://ask.audio/articles/3-ways-digital-audio-is-better-than-analog-for-musicians-and-2-ways-its-not

If you use a microphone for recordings, there are many accessories available to help you get the sound that you desire. When going to a recording studio, for example, do not assume that everyone will have things that you feel that you need. Microphone stands are always nice to keep handy. Some offer adjustable mic holders to get help get the right angle/ If one desires a new shock mount on their mic, make sure it is a good fit. Also other handy equipment to have are power supply boxes, extra cable wires, and even electric tape.

Key Takeaways:

• It is essential that before the recording session is initiated all necessary accessories are made available. When a live recording is being done, have a go-bag of needed accessories.
• Always have the mic cables ready. Sometimes a longer cable run than anticipated occurs or some of the cables can fail. It is safe to be ready.
• Be ready for mic stands also when recording. Don’t assume the club would have a mic stand. Also, make sure the mic stand is compatible with the microphone.

“When recording with microphones, whether in the studio or in live/remote situations, the microphones themselves are, of course, not the only gear required—a host of essential accessories are also needed, and various additional items may also come in handy.”

Read more: https://ask.audio/articles/the-accessories-your-recording-microphones-will-thank-you-for