We are reader-supported. Links on our site may earn us a commission. More about us
Normalizing tracks has been a common practice among artists since the dawn of DAWs, but with the advent of streaming platforms and the subsequent loudness standardization, as well as new, less invasive ways to make tracks louder, you might wonder whether it’s still worth it normalizing your tunes before publishing them.
Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to record music, with many audio interfaces offering performance that rivals far more expensive gear. A wide range of options is available for macOS and Windows users alike, from USB to Thunderbolt, and for everything from home setups to professional studios.
While audio production and engineering isn’t the most financially sound hobby or passion, there are plenty of options out there that are perfectly affordable. I’m going over a handful of budget-friendly audio interfaces that I consider the best in their class.
When it comes to vocal production, oftentimes the most important decision is which microphone to use.
While the perfect candidate depends largely on the singer and the style of music, my personal experience has shown that there are a handful of microphones I consistently rely on and trust for their exceptional performance in the recording studio.
Finding a microphone that can handle all the abuse of a live performance, as well as life on the road, while still capturing the full range of your voice, is one of the most important decisions a singer can make.
Whether you’re mixing down tracks in a professional studio or setting up a small home recording environment, having a solid pair of monitors is paramount.
Finding the perfect budget studio monitor is no easy task, especially for beginners. But worry not – there’s at least a handful of options in the $100 to $500 range that are worth looking into.
Whether you’re recording or monitoring, at home or in a professional studio, a quality pair of studio headphones is always essential.
When you’re just starting out or working on a tight budget, finding affordable gear that’s actually worth the expense can be a challenge – and the same goes for studio headphones.
No matter whether you find yourself in a home studio, on stage during a live performance, or producing music on the go, a good MIDI controller is essential, and choosing the best one for your setup can significantly increase your productivity.
A good MIDI controller is often one of the most powerful tools a musician/producer can buy, and you don’t have to pay a small fortune.
I’ve tested a range of budget controllers to find the best options available between $100 and $200. These MIDI controllers are ideal for beginners on a tight budget but are good enough for advanced musicians.
A digital audio workstation is to a music producer what a studio is to a painter: the perfect environment for creativity, a blank canvas ready for your vision.
Like a painter needs colors, you need plugins, time, and a clear vision. The right DAW provides a clean workspace to start from.
Here it is folks, one of those coveted lists of goodies for producers, mixing engineers, and indie bedroom artists.
I’ve got the sauce for your studio in the form of all the free plugins you could ask for, so strap in for this rapid-fire rundown of the best free plugins you can get in 2026.
There’s no doubt that there’s never been an easier time in our history to write, record, and release music than right now.
While this is beautiful in more ways than I can say, the problem that comes with this new territory is that the music world has become oversaturated.
An overabundance of new songs are being uploaded every single day making it difficult for an emerging artist to be heard above the noise.
Writing songs is its own form of storytelling that can take as many unique forms as there are emotions associated with the messages conveyed in the music. When I say storytelling by the way, I’m not necessarily referring to lyrics.
Though lyrical content is without a doubt crucial in most genres, history has shown that you don’t need lyrics to write incredible and memorable songs (Thanks Bela Fleck and The Flecktones!)
I’m a long-time fan of Studiologic keyboards, whether synths, stage pianos, or MIDI controllers.
In this review, I’m testing Studiologic’s latest mid-priced full-size keyboard controller, the SL88 Mk2. I’ll discuss how it differs from the original and how it stacks up against the competition.
If you produce music, learning how to use compression isn’t optional. This is not a tool to embellish your tracks – it’s an effect that can drastically shape the vibe of a composition and bring to life a cohesive and professional mix.
AKG’s latest refresh of its microphone lineup has done more than replace a few aging models. Alongside the C104 and C114, the company has introduced the C151, a compact small-diaphragm condenser that takes over from the older Perception P170 while moving it into the more prestigious C-series family.
AKG has been making studio microphones for a very long time, and the company’s C-Series includes some of the most recognizable condensers ever made.
The C104 is part of AKG’s newer, more affordable C-Series lineup, aimed at musicians, podcasters, and streamers who want something more serious than a basic USB mic without jumping straight into C414 money.
Genelec is a company that needs little introduction. One of the leading loudspeaker manufacturers for about 40 years, Genelec’s long-standing dedication to innovation and sustainability has made the company a household name amongst engineers and audiophiles alike.
In this review, I’ll be taking a look at the 8351B SAMs, the sub-flagship of Genelec’s The Ones series.
Manley has been operating since the late 80s, and has always held an amazing reputation in the industry as one of the most reliable and impressive boutique manufacturers around.
In this review, I’ll be taking a look at a slightly newer model from the company, a tube condenser named the Reference Silver. I don’t want to waste much time so let’s get into it.
