Jake Weston

Podcasters and music producers are not ultra picky when they are searching for a reliable audio interface. They merely want a simple unit that can be relied upon to work well and produces great sounding audio. MOTU’s M4 and M2 models are ideal for those wanting a solid audio unit for recording podcast or even for livestreaming because its loopback feature and mix knob offer more flexibility. They are also bus-powered which lets them be used quite handily as a portable device.

Key Takeaways:

• MOTU’s latest products feature sharp design, top level performance, terrific sound.
• The M2 and M4 are tailor made for podcasting and livestreaming in part due to their loopback function.
• The M2 and M4 make recording a cinch thanks to their one touch monitoring abilities.

“This enables you to blend your mic and other input signals with your computer’s output and then send the blended signal back to your computer, where it can be recorded. The M4 takes this functionality to a higher level with the inclusion of a Mix knob that balances your live input with your computer’s playback.”

Read more: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/first-look-motu-m2-and-m4-audio-interfaces/

Parallel Compression ( or New York Compression) is a technique in audio mixing to increase the quality and depth of sounds on tracks. It was first discovered early in the ’60s and ’70s in a Dolby mixing studio. The technique grew to prominence in NYC. Contrasting with traditional compression, parallel compression uses the upward peaks of audio waves. Traditional compression uses the downward direction. Parallel compression is difficult to discover on one’s own, but easy to learn, implement and improve dynamics with.

Key Takeaways:

• Parallel Compression is a range compression technique that provides depth and layering in sound mixing.
• It may be difficult to discover parallel compression on your own, but it is easy to learn.
• Parallel Compression uses the upward peaks of audio range, in contrast with traditional downward styles.

“Parallel compression, commonly called New York compression, is a method of dynamic range compression used in audio mixing and sound recording to provide a more consistent volume while preserving aspects of the natural dynamic range of a sound.”

Read more: https://ledgernote.com/columns/mixing-mastering/parallel-compression/

The French electronic company Arturia has unveiled a new MIDI controller that packs a huge amount of valuable features into a tiny package that is also portable. The new controller has the company’s same trademark slim keys but with a few additions as well. Among the controller’s 25 keys are shift and hold buttons. Purchasing the product will also give you three software titles. Its rubber shell offers extra protection from accidents and it has an easy to store USB cable.

Key Takeaways:

• Traveling music producers might be thrilled with Microlab, a new portable MIDI controller with some amazing features.
• The controller’s unique, slim keys feature both hold and shift buttons . which can help users to assign chords.
• The controller comes in a rubber shell that shields it from scrapes and bumps.

“For MicroLab’s keys, Arturia has opted for the same velocity-sensitive, slim-keys as its KeyStep controller.”

Read more: https://www.musictech.net/news/gear/arturia-microlab-controller-25-keys/

Producers have various options to choose from for DAWS, plug-ins, and bytes, each with distinctive benefits. The Apogee Clearmountain has a plugin released by legendary producer Bob Clearmountain that showcases his signature sounds. The Sonnox Oxford drum gate has a personalized and fully customizable drum suite with analysis. The Ozone 9 allows many easy tweaks. The SigMod has new and improved controls. CakeWalk has a free, but highly regarded software. Skytracks involves cloud technology for seamless upload and downloading.

Key Takeaways:

• Clearmountain’s Domain is a plug-in producer by Apogee with the assistance of Bob Clearmountain, who has worked with the like of David Bowie on numerous hit records.
• The Sonox Oxford Drum Gate saves time and hassle when dealing with acoustic drums.
• The new Ozone 9, from iZotope, has some great new features, including Master Rebalance.

“The improved SigMod can now host multiple instances of the insert module, and includes hosting support for third-party VST2 and AU plug-ins. Additionally, the updated software features a wet/dry parameter control for the insert module, giving users the convenience of blending their affected audio signal with the original without the use of an AUX send.”

Read more: https://www.musictech.net/news/gear/best-software-aes-2019/

We have all heard the saying “You get what you pay for”. But this is not a hard and fast rule by any stretch of the imagination, especially when it comes to great quality recordings. In this industry, you can get decent equipment for well under $1000. Some items are more of a personal choice but if you, the user, have a great sound and a decent skill set then you can make amazing recordings without spending a fortune. In fact, this is what it all boils down to, not the product but the person.

Key Takeaways:

• Did you know that a thousand dollars is all one needs to start producing quality recordings from their home?
• If a recording is subpar, chances are, the person who recorded it, not the equipment should bear the blame.
• You r recordings need to be good from the source; otherwise, the mixing process can be a headache.

“If your recordings don’t end up sounding great, it’s usually not the gear. It’s the skills of the person using the gear.”

Read more: https://www.audio-issues.com/recording-tips/myth-1-you-need-high-end-gear-for-great-recordings/