As a follow-up on Mike’s Understanding Loudness, which is now free, in this article, we are going to cover loudness for music streaming services, including loudness normalisation, album normalisation and how to prepare music tracks for music streaming services, with three free tutorials.
SSL MODULE8 - Expert Review
Known for their legendary studio hardware, some of SSL’s best known creations might live outside the box, but the announcement of MODULE8 promises to bolster the company’s expanding line of virtual devices with a brand new multi effects audio plugin. We put it to the Experts to get their verdict.
We Name Our Favourite Weird Song Intros
Over in the pop world, the song’s intro is usually a taste of things to come, but some songs have other ideas. Here we round up some of our favourite tunes whose opening statements are anything but a prelude to the creation that follows…
Waves Stream Announced
Waves’ new Stream ecosystem marks the audio plugin giant’s arrival to the collaborative working arena. Following a period in early access beta, now anyone can plug into mixes from anywhere in the world. We have the details…
Apple Releases macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 With Fixes To Key Issues
Just over three weeks after releasing macOS Sonoma 14.4 on March 7th 2024, Apple has released macOS 14.4.1, an update that Apple says fixes three of the main issues that plagued the macOS 14.4 release. We have the details…
Has Recording Quality Really Improved in the Last 50 Years?
Spend some time listening to tracks recorded in the 70s and 80s, even further back, and they often exhibit a quality that belies the limitations of the equipment. It leaves one asking; “Has recording quality really improved in the last 50 years?”
oeksound Bloom - Expert Review
With two well-regarded intelligent fixers already under their belt, oeksound have now turned their attention to something different with distinctly artistic leanings. Here we put Bloom to the Experts for them to deliver their verdicts...
The Shocking Truth About Pro Tools Stock Plugins
We decided to put some 20 year old plugins you get free with Pro Tools up against the latest premium versions. The results were shocking… really!
Understanding Loudness Part 4 - Creating Loudness Compliant Mixes For Broadcast And Netflix
In part four of a free six-part tutorial series, Mike Thornton shares some tips and tricks for mixing to the loudness standards, explains the importance of ‘loudness planning’ before ending with some specific tips and tricks for mixing short form content like adverts and promos. Mike goes on to look at the changes needed to mix content for Netflix.
We Still Need A Red Light In Our Studios
The days of big studios and illuminated ‘Recording In Progress’ signs may have largely gone, but Russ Hughes argues we need the sign more than ever!
macOS Sonoma 14.4 More Problems Found - Why We Advise Not To Upgrade - Updated
Since Apple released macOS Sonoma v14.4 on March 7th 2024, not everyone who updated their macOS to this latest version has had a smooth transition. In this article we look at the issues that have caused some people problems.
How To Avoid Common Mistakes With Compressors
Knowing when or when not to reach for the compressor is just as important as knowing how to dial in the best settings. Here in our guide we explore some of the common pitfalls engineers must navigate to get the best out of their gear.
6 Must-Have Utility Plugins For Dolby Atmos Production
Following up on our recent round-up of primo Dolby Atmos-enabled effects for music and media production, we take a look at some of the less overtly ‘exciting’ software utilities that are essential for getting the immersive job done.
oeksound Bloom First Look
With corrective therapies already under their belt, oeksound have now turned their expertise towards more creative tonal shaping. So what does Bloom do and how does it sound? See and hear it for yourself as we take our first look.
Inspiration - The Mistake Of Professional Creatives
Inspiration is often heralded as the critical fuel of artists—a divine spark that magically transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. However, in the demanding world of professional music production, this romanticised notion of inspiration is not just impractical; it's a potential career pitfall.
Why Does Studio Software Keep Letting Us Down?
Overnight Universal Audio issued a support email telling users of their software to defer updating due to a problem with macOS 14.4. An issue that was first highlighted by multiple developers at the end of last week. We’ll go into the details in this article and ask why does studio software keep letting us down?
Understanding Loudness Part 3 - Calibrating Your Monitors
In part three of a free tutorial series, Mike Thornton covers how to calibrate your monitors. We look at how monitoring should be configured and provide an explanation of bass management and what your sub should be doing before moving on to a practical demonstration of how to calibrate your monitoring with a sound pressure meter.
Three Elements That Have Disappeared From Modern Music Production
Certain techniques and elements that once defined the sound of popular music have gradually disappeared, making way for new trends and technologies. This article considers three music production techniques that were staples of past decades but have now largely disappeared from the mainstream.
How To Transform Your Guitar Amp Simulator Plug-in
Guitar amp simulators are one marvel in the DAW that some cannot live without. Some guitar heavy productions will always need to move some air, but others rely on virtual amplification. Here we round up some of our favourite ways to turn the realism up to 11…
Why Most Sound Engineers Never Reach Their Full Potential
There’s a simple reason why many sound engineers will never reach their full potential, it has nothing to do with gear, money, or even luck! Russ Hughes explains.