Choosing PA Speakers: Beyond Wattage

When selecting PA speakers, many people initially focus on wattage. However, speaker wattage alone doesn’t tell you how loud a speaker will be. The key metric to consider is Sound Pressure Level (SPL). Understanding SPL “Sound pressure level (SPL) or acoustic pressure level is a logarithmic measure of the effective Read more

By Margus Kaare, ago

Calibrating Studio Monitors by Ear

Did you know you can calibrate your studio monitors without specialized equipment like measurement microphones, software, or processors? All you need is a computer with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Professional monitor calibration typically requires a measurement microphone, a processor, and companion software. However, for our purposes, we’ll substitute our Read more

By Margus Kaare, ago

Choosing a Podcast Microphone

When selecting a podcast microphone, you’ll encounter choices like condenser or dynamic, cardioid or omnidirectional, and USB or XLR connectivity. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these options. Acoustics and Room Environment Room acoustics are crucial and often overlooked. Many people invest in large-diaphragm studio microphones expecting a drastic Read more

By Margus Kaare, ago

Strymon Iridium: Simple Simplicity in a Complex World

The world of guitar amp simulation pedals is vast and sometimes overwhelming, offering myriad options with deep editing capabilities. For some players, this complexity is a blessing, but for others—like me, the self-proclaimed “single-channel amp guy”—it’s often too much. That’s where the Strymon Iridium steps in, offering a refreshing blend Read more

By Margus Kaare, ago

SSL G Series Bus Compressor Plugin Quick Shootout

The SSL G Series Bus Compressor is a legendary piece of studio hardware, renowned for its ability to “glue” a mix together, providing cohesion and punch that elevates a track from good to great. Its unique VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) design, often characterized by its aggressive yet musical compression, makes Read more

By Margus Kaare, ago

Choosing the Right Studio Monitors: A Guide

Whether you’re a songwriter, producer, or mastering engineer, a reliable set of speakers is crucial for reproducing your audio creations. The ideal studio monitors for you will depend on your specific role, the level of your work, and your budget. This guide will focus on near-field monitors, categorized by price Read more

By Margus Kaare, ago