Jake Weston

Parallel Compression: The Weird Compression Technique for Better Mixes

May 4, 2017 by Jake Weston Leave a Comment

Rob Mayzes discusses in length “parallel compression”, a sound recording and engineering technique that has been shown to create a quality sound and really affect the way the final audio product is rendered. Mayzes discusses the definition of what the technique really is, his personal method and opinion on what can be achieved with said technique, and offers several very helpful tips for experts and beginners on how the technique can be used to one’s benefit. The article also challenges the reader to try the technique and to not be afraid of taking risks in their projects.

Key Takeaways:

Parallel compression makes drum and vocal tracks sound more exciting.
Parallel compression can be used subtly on the entire mix to increase character or thickness.
Listen critically to determine if parallel compression improved the sound or simply made it louder.

“Rather than applying compression directly to an audio source, parallel compression is the act of applying compression to a duplicate of that audio source.”

Critical listening outside your studio

May 3, 2017 by Jake Weston Leave a Comment

Everyone listens to music, right? But how do people exactly listen to music? Compare the home studio to a CD player in your car. Both have limitations. If you want to listen to your mix, for example, you could transfer it to a CD or USB stick where you can just plug it in and jam out. Different types of files have different limitations. The MP3, for example, loses some of the quality of the music compared to the WAV. Overall, it’s your decision on how YOU want to listen to music.

Key Takeaways:

Because you most often listen to music outside of your home studio, you need to test your mix outside of your home studio.
Export your stereo file in a lossless format like WAV–never used compressed files like mp3.
Check the perceived loudness of your mix and adjust it to match a reference song.

“The idea is to use the playback device you use the most.”

Video Guide Overlays – Video Processor Presets for REAPER 5

May 3, 2017 by Jake Weston Leave a Comment

Using the Reaper program can be very helpful for editing professional or personal videos, but some of the features may be confusing. Or maybe you’re a veteran looking for a tips you might not have thought about before. Reaper’s official blog brings us an in-depth tutorial on three important features. The narrator speaks in clear, easy to understand terms on how to add a border, what the “rule of thirds” is and how to utilize it, and creating a “safe area” overlay.

sE Electronics V3 & V7 Reviewed – Serious Vocal Mics

May 2, 2017 by Jake Weston Leave a Comment

sE Elecrronics has introduced two brand new microphones to their line of products. Available at www.seelectronics.com, both the new models, the V3 and V7 are very stylish. The V7 is already being raved about for having a super cardioid pickup pattern and a smooth and refined upper midrange. Meanwhile the V3 has a very hyped presence and is not prone to feedback. Both microphones are considered to be inexpensive, but the quality of these mica is very much outstanding.

Key Takeaways:

Company sE has released not one, but two microphones for it’s first foray into the microphone market.
The two microphones are visually similar, but the V3 was slightly superior due to it’s less pronounced proximity effect.
Both microphones are labeled as “vocal” but can be used for a variety of other uses as well – such as recording instruments.

“Visually, the two microphones have a similar aesthetic, with a grille more similar to the Beta 58A than the SM58. Both microphones have a solid-feeling metal body with a black finish.”

iZotope releases RX 6 Audio Editor in their biggest ever update

May 1, 2017 by Jake Weston Leave a Comment

iZotope has release four new versions of their very popular audio repair software. These four versions include RX Elements, RX 6 Standard, RX 6 Advanced & Post Production suite. These products are now on the market and what’s so great about it is the fact that iZotope software owners who do not own the RX software can save up to 50% on the cost right now with the limited time RX 6 cross grade. This is a deal that you just can’t beat!

Key Takeaways:

This audio repair software has new updates to make the user experience better.
There are many new features that make it easier to produce music.
There are exclusive pricing that engages new customers and current.

“Composite View – bring in up to 16 individual audio tracks and edit them as if they were one, easily removing audio issues that appear across multiple microphones – a huge time saver!”