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From time to time we publish articles on a range of topics that we hope fellow musicians will find useful. If you're specifically looking for music gear buying guides go to our Gear Guides section, or for analysis of specific makes and models go to Meta Reviews.

What Does Sonically Mean in Music Answered Here

What Does Sonically Mean in Music? Answered Here

Have you heard the word “sonically” in reference to your favorite music but are not sure what it means? Discover how to use sonic vibrations with this guide.

Using Sidechain Compression in Mixing

Using Sidechain Compression in Mixing

Sidechain compression is an invaluable tool within compressors. In this article, we will help you use them and provide you with sources to help open up your ears to its sound.

High Pass vs Low Pass Filter Ultimate Guide

High Pass vs Low Pass Filter Ultimate Guide

Everything you need to know about these popular audio pass filters. This includes what they do and when to use them correctly.

Sound Mixing Explanation & Techniques

Sound Mixing Explanation & Techniques

Mixing is a critical aspect of producing music. This article covers the basics of sound mixing, including how it functions and how you can mix your own tracks.

Speaker Test: Let's Walk You Through

Speaker Test: Let's Walk You Through

It's always a good idea to test your speakers before using them. Follow these steps to run a speaker test on speakers that have been unused for a while.

Drum EQ: All The Facts You Need To Know Here

Drum EQ: All The Facts You Need To Know Here

Need help Equalizing your drum kit? Click here to learn 5 different methods and learn the 5 types of equalization along the way, including the terminologies.

Guitar Micing 101: Step By Step

Guitar Micing 101: Step By Step

Guitar micing for recording is much trickier than it may sound. Find out how to set up your mics to get the best guitar sounds!

Studio Monitors vs Speakers: Let's Be Clear. Read This

Studio Monitors vs Speakers: Let's Be Clear. Read This

Speakers vs studio monitors: a short and comprehensive guide to what you need to know. This includes the differences and benefits, giving you an idea of which you should get.

What is the Ideal DJ Setup?

What is the Ideal DJ Setup?

From a DJ masterpiece complete with a stunning light show to boosting the vibe at a house party, the right DJ setup is crucial - read on to learn more!

The 5 Most Impressive Japanese Guitar Brands

The 5 Most Impressive Japanese Guitar Brands

Japan has a long history of stringed musical instruments. Find your Japanese guitar and discover the best Japanese guitar makers.

Pro Drum Setups

Drum Setups

Are you looking to create the best drum setup? Get inspired and design a drum kit that complements your style and music with these innovative setups.

Stage Lighting Design Explained: Step by Step

Stage Lighting Design Explained: Step by Step

Want to manage your own stage lighting fixtures? Click here to learn about stage lighting, from lighting fixtures to the elements that make a good stage lighting design.

Types of Amps and All Their Different Uses

Types of Amps and All Their Different Uses

Investing in an amplifier is important if you own an electric guitar. Keep reading to learn about the various types of amps available.

When to Use a Shotgun Mic and What Makes It Unique?

When to Use a Shotgun Mic and What Makes It Unique?

When do you use a shotgun mic and what situations is it best used? Read along. We take a deep dive into shotgun microphones, exploring their features their applications.

Understanding Line Level in Audio

Understanding Line Level in Audio

Line level is an audio signal, but how does it work, and why is it so important? This guide explains what you need to know about this signal.

How to Record Music Step by Step

How to Record Music Step by Step

Learn to record music right. We'll guide you through essential steps for high-quality recordings. From choosing the right microphone to setting levels and acoustics, we'll cover all the details.

Audio Limiter Explained

Audio Limiter Explained

In the mastering process, there are lots of devices for you to use. Here is everything you need to know about the audio limiter and how it works.

Reamp to Unlock the Full Potential of Your Recordings

Reamp to Unlock the Full Potential of Your Recordings

Reamp is a must-learn technique that can help you take our music and recordings to the next level. We have put together all you need to know to execute this process.

Understanding Audio Clipping

Understanding Audio Clipping

Is audio clipping ruining the quality of your music and tracks? Find out everything you need to know about audio clipping here - including how to avoid it.

Making the Most Out of Audio Distortion Techniques

Making the Most Out of Audio Distortion Techniques

Audio distortion is a fundamental aspect of music production, particularly during mixing. But what exactly is it, and how does it impact your tracks? Discover all the technical details you need to know below.

Tube Amp vs Solid State: Everything You Need to Know

Tube Amp vs Solid State: Everything You Need to Know

Amplifiers are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Discover the benefits and disadvantages of tube amp vs solid state with this guide to finding the right amp for you.

What Is MIDI? An Overview

What Is MIDI? An Overview

MIDI is an easy-to-use tool that has transformed modern music production. Discover what MIDI is and how to use it.

Headphones vs Earphones: A Pro Audio Perspective

Headphones vs Earphones: A Pro Audio Perspective

Headphones vs earphones - the different types explained with pros and cons, plus which you should use for professional music production and recording.

What is Panning Music? Learn To Move Your Sound

What is Panning Music? Learn To Move Your Sound

Are you familiar with panning in music production? It's a simple technique that can help you balance your tracks. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Gain On an Amp: A Clear Explanation

What Is Gain On an Amp: A Clear Explanation

Confused about "Gain"? Click here to learn all the technical and basic concepts around gain control. Use this knowledge to enhance your music!

What is an IR and How To Make Impulse Responses

How To Make Impulse Responses Sound Seamless

Know all about impulse responses and their importance in music. And learn how to capture spaces and amplifier cabinets to turn them into IRs.

How to Re-String a Guitar In No Time

How to Re-String a Guitar In No Time

Have a guitar? Need new strings? Find out in this guide how to re-string a guitar, from the tools you will need to the step-by-step method to follow.

What is a Preamp and Do You Need One?

What is a Preamp and Working Out if You Need One?

The preamp is vital for audio quality when recording music. Continue reading to uncover what a preamp is and why you need one.

 

The Sound Check Process That Never Fails

The Sound Check Process That Never Fails

Looking to improve your live performances? This guide will help you achieve the best sound from your setup and performers every time.

Types of Clarinets: How Each Produce A Unique Sound

Types of Clarinets: How Each Produce A Unique Sound

Are you looking to learn more about the different types of clarinets to choose from? Then read on for your ultimate guide, and discover all you need to know!

Bass Ukulele: The Complete Guide

Bass Ukulele: The Complete Guide

Love the ukulele? Want to try the bass ukulele? Find out everything you need to know about the bass ukulele in this guide.

 

A Walkthrough: The Best Method for 7-String Tuning

A Walkthrough: The Best Method for 7-String Tuning

Tuning a 7-string guitar can be confusing! Pick the wrong standard, and you'll end up creating the wrong sound. Click here to learn the right way to tune your 7-string guitar.

How Do Wireless Microphones Work: A Closer Look

How Do Wireless Microphones Work: A Closer Look

Are you trying to figure out how wireless microphone systems work? Click here for a complete guide that will explain everything you'll need to know.

The Bass EQ Elements For Improving Your Music

The Bass EQ Elements For Improving Your Music

Learning how to make the most of bass EQ can really help you take your music to the next level, but what does this mean? We took a closer look.

Mastering Music: The Ultimate Guide

Mastering Music: The Ultimate Guide

Mastering is an essential part of post-production in the music industry. This guide explains everything you need to know about mastering music.

Left Handed vs Right Handed Guitar

Left Handed vs Right Handed Guitar

Not sure if you want a left-handed or right-handed guitar? Take a look at my quick guide on right- and left-handed guitars and their differences.

Mic Polar Patterns: Let's Explain How They Work

Mic Polar Patterns: Let's Explain How They Work

Your simple but complete guide to polar patterns - the different microphone polar patterns explained and which polar pattern you should use for recording.

The Difference Between Mixing and Mastering

The Difference Between Mixing and Mastering

Looking to improve your mixing and mastering skills? This guide covers everything you need to know about the importance of mixing and mastering music.

What is an Audio Mixer? The Art of Combining Audio Sources

What is an Audio Mixer? The Art of Combining Audio Sources

An audio mixer can enhance recording quality. Learn what it is and how to select one. This article provides insight into an audio mixer's functionalities and critical selection factors. Make an informed decision that aligns with your audio recording needs.

 

Guitar Neck Relief Guide

Guitar Neck Relief Guide

Check out this practical guide on all the things guitar neck relief, how to measure, and how to make neck relief adjustments.

THD Stands for Total Harmonic Distortion. What are its Effects

THD Stands for Total Harmonic Distortion. What are its Effects

Harmonic distortion is a common concern for audio and music producers. In this article, we'll delve into Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and explore the recommended THD levels for optimal audio quality.

Note Frequency Chart: How to Apply It in Mixing

Note Frequency Chart: How to Apply It in Mixing

Want to know more about notes, the sound waves they produce, and the frequency of these notes? Check out our note frequency chart in this handy guide!

Simple Steps To Truss Rod Adjustment

Simple Steps To Truss Rod Adjustment

Truss rod adjustment made simple. Learn how to adjust the truss rod and fix common guitar neck problems.

Line Level vs Instrument Level - A Simple Explanation

Line Level vs Instrument Level - A Simple Explanation

What is line level and instrument level? Learn what these mean in this guide, including the differences between mic and line level and how to use them to get the best recordings.

How To Tune a Bass Guitar in No Time

How To Tune a Bass Guitar in No Time

Always keep your bass guitar at a perfect pitch by tuning it properly. Here are simple to follow ways to tune a bass guitar.

What Is A Dreadnought Guitar? The Ultimate Guide

What Is A Dreadnought Guitar? The Ultimate Guide

With so many acoustic guitar body shapes, how do you know which one is right for you? Check out this guide about dreadnought guitars, their features, playability, and more.

A Comprehensive Guitar Parts Diagram Guide

A Comprehensive Guitar Parts Diagram Guide

Want to learn more about the different parts of the guitar? Read this guide for all the info you need, including diagrams for both Acoustic and Electric Guitars.

What Is a Deesser and How to Use It

A deesser is an essential part of music production. This guide explains what a de-esser is, why it is essential for vocal tracks, and how de-essing works.

Everything You Need to Know About Guitar Frets

Everything You Need to Know About Guitar Frets

Meta description - Want to learn more about your guitar's fretboard? Check out this guide with everything you need to know, from fret markers to notes!

What is 432 Hz and is There Substance Behind the Claims?

What is 432 Hz and is There Substance Behind the Claims?

This guide is about everything you need to know about 432 hz. We do a deep dive on its claims and controversies and all the important information you need to know about the elusive 432 hz.

Neck Through Guitar vs. Bolt On vs. Set Neck

Neck Through Guitar

Want to learn more about different neck joints on guitars? Find out here what a neck-through guitar is, along with bolt-on necks and set-neck guitars.

What Is a Condenser Microphone and Why Use One

What Is a Condenser Microphone and Why Use One

A complete guide to condenser microphones: What is a condenser microphone, what condenser mics are used for, and the pros and cons of condenser microphones.

Guitar String Gauges Explained By Our Guitar Guru

Guitar String Gauges Explained By Our Guitar Guru

The guitar string gauge refers to the thickness of the string. Learn how different guitar string gauges affect tone and playability this guide.

 

Stereo vs Mono: The Key Differences Explained

Stereo vs Mono: The Key Differences Explained

Trying to choose between stereo vs mono sound? Then you are in the right place - we have all you need to know about mono vs stereo in audio.

Capo Chart: How to Use It. Best Process Explained

Capo Chart: How to Use It. Best Process Explained

A capo is a useful device to change the notes of your guitar without re-tuning but what's a capo chart? This guide explains how to use a capo chart.

How to DJ from Scratch - Follow these Steps

How to DJ from Scratch - Follow these Steps

The ultimate beginner's guide on how to DJ, including beginner DJ equipment, vinyl vs digital DJing, how to start DJing, how to use DJ effects, and more.

What is Sample Rate in Audio? In Simple Terms

Sample Rate in Audio Explained in Simple Terms

Want to learn how sample rates work in audio? For everything regarding digital audio, sample rates, and audio quality, click here for the total guide!

Spring Reverb Explained

Spring Reverb Explained

Spring reverb is a music effect that uses vibrations traveling along a coil to add layers to the music. Find out more about what it is and how to use it.

How To String Acoustic Guitar - The Right Way

How To String Acoustic Guitar - The Right Way

Changing guitar strings is quick and easy, even without special skills. Here is my easy-to-follow guide on how to string an acoustic guitar.

Guitar Pedal Order: What is The Correct Sequence?

Guitar Pedal Order: What is The Correct Sequence

Making your own pedal board can be tricky. Which guitar pedal should go where? Check out this easy guide for the best guitar pedal order to begin with!

Active Vs Passive Pickups - Tips From a Seasoned Guitarist

Active Vs Passive Pickups

When you pluck a string on an electric guitar, the pickup converts the string vibrations into electrical audio signal. Discover the differences between active vs passive pickups here.

 

What is a DI Box? A Clear Sound Explanation

What is a DI Box? A Clear Sound Explanation

When recording music, there are many different pieces of equipment to learn about. Click here to discover what is a DI and how it works.

What is an Equalizer? You Need To Read This

What Is an Equalizer?

An equalizer is a key gear for anyone interested in shaping their audio - here you'll find essential informations about this essential equipment.

Hanging Guitars On Wall Hangers - Safety & Style

Hanging Guitars On A Wall - Safety First

Turn your guitar into a nice-looking display. Here is quick guide on safely hanging guitars on wall hangers, covering all important safety considerations.

TRS vs TS Cable - Why TRS is More Versatile

TRS vs TS Cable - Why TRS is More Versatile

Ever mix up TRS and TS cables? Check out this guide to learn all the differences between these two types of cables and which one you should use.

How Often Should You Change Guitar Strings?

How Often Should You Change Guitar Strings?

Want to know how often you should be changing your guitar strings? Learn the signs and timing of string changes and other valuable insights.

Powered vs Passive Speakers: A Clear Explanation

Do you know the difference between powered speakers and passive speakers? Read on to learn the difference and discover which one you should use.

What is a Dobro Guitar? What You Should Know

What is a Dobro Guitar? What You Should Know

What is a Dobro guitar? Find out everything you need to know in this guide, from types of dobros to resonator guitars and lap steel guitars.

Guitar Intonation and Pitch Accuracy Adjustments

Guitar Intonation and Pitch Accuracy Adjustments

Want to learn more about guitar intonation and why it is important? Find out what it is here, and learn how to intonate your guitar yourself.

How to Remember Guitar Strings the Easy Way

How to Remember Guitar Strings the Easy Way

Want to memorize the names of guitar strings? Find out how to remember guitar strings quickly and easily in this handy guide!

Preamp Vs Power Amp: A Clear Explanation

Preamp Vs Power Amp: A Clear Explanation

What is the difference between a preamp vs power amp? In this guide, we'll look at the two types of amplifiers, how they work, and why you need them both.

Painting a Guitar the Right Way. Step by Step

Painting a Guitar the Right Way. Step by Step

Want to give your guitar a new finish? Discover how to refresh and rejuvenate your instrument with our guide to painting a guitar, from materials to polishing.

Audio Connector Types: Refer to This

Audio Connector Types: What Goes Where?

Learn to recognize important audio connector types, from the versatile 3.5mm to the widely used XLR. Find the perfect plug for your sound setup!

Types of Stages - An Interesting Insight

Types of Stages - All Types Explained

Different types of stages require various equipment, layout, and positioning. We'll help you recognize the different types of stages, so you can plan your production better.

Audio Interface vs Mixer: Know the Difference

Audio Interface vs Mixer: Know the Difference

Audio Interfaces vs Mixers comparison. Understand their unique functionalities, applications, and how they can enhance your music production setup.

What is a Synth? - The Ultimate Guide

What is a Synth? - The Ultimate Guide

What is a Synth? Why do synthesizers have a special place in the hearts of musicians and listeners? Read on to find out.

What is a Noise Gate? How To Use It - Read This

What is a Noise Gate? How To Use It - Read This

Noise gates are one of the more subtle effects that can improve audio quality. But what is a noise gate, and how is it used? Find out here!

Tube Buzz Hiss & Hum - What? Why? How to Fix?

Tube Buzz Hiss & Hum - What? Why? How to Fix?

A bit of tube buzz can be desirable, but too much can overpower your tone. Discover how to find the source of tube buzz and fix the problem with this guide.

Reverb vs Echo: Both Explained and How to Use Them

Reverb vs Echo: Both Explained and How to Use Them

Reverb and echo are audio effects caused by sound reflecting off hard surfaces of varying distances. Discover the difference and how to use reverb and echo in your recordings.

Gain vs Volume - At Last a Great Explanation

Gain vs Volume: At Last a Great Explanation

Confused about why gain and volume are different? This simple guide will help you see the difference between gain vs volume, including when to use them.

What are 808s? - Bass, Kicks & Beats

What are 808s? - Bass, Kicks & Beats

808s are legendary beats that have come to define hip-hop and electronic dance music. Discover where 808s come from and how they revolutionized music.

Ribbon Mic Uses and How to Get the Best Out of Them

Ribbon Mic Uses and How to Get the Best Out of Them

Ribbon mics are the less popular type of mic compared to dynamic mics and condenser mics. In this article we talk about the history and use cases for this vintage sounding microphone type. 

Drum Stick Sizes Explained - Which Should You Use?

Learn about drum stick sizes & what they mean for your music. Click here for a breakdown & a guide on which stick you should choose depending on your genre.

EQ Before Or After Compression - Chicken or the Egg?

EQ Before Or After Compression - Chicken or the Egg?

In mixing, there are a lot of ways you can adjust your tracks - but should you EQ before or after compression? Find out here how each can affect your audio!

Home Recording Studio Equipment List for Professional Sound

Extensive Home Recording Studio Equipment List

Whether you're setting up your first project studio at home, or even if you have quite a bit of experience in this area, you'll find this long list of home studio equipment will cover just about every type of gear you'll need to consider.

Things To Consider When Buying An Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Guitar Buying Guide

Guitar teacher Alexander Briones explains what you need to know about acoustic guitars before buying your first one, or perhaps before upgrading to a much higher priced guitar.

The Best Guitar Pedals: Eleven Essential Effects

11 Essential Effects

The guitar is unique in that its tone can be manipulated to a greater degree than just about any instrument out there. We can distort it and modulate it to our hearts content. When the right effects are used, the possibilities are endless.

The Different Ukulele Sizes Explained

Ukulele Sizes to Scale

Unlike some other instruments, ukulele sizes aren’t named like separate instruments (violin vs. viola, and mandolin vs. mandola). This has led to confusion, and because the different body types sound and feel different to play many musicians aren’t sure which body style will be right for them - this guide will help you understand what each shape and size is.

Reverb vs Delay Guitar Pedals

Reverb vs Delay Pedals

A primer on how reverb and delay pedals work, the differences between them and the types of sounds you can get from them, along with advice on where to put them in your signal chain.

Drum Miking Techniques: How to Mic Drums for Recording

How to Mic Drums for Recording

Drum miking is almost a "lost art" in the time of 40GB drum sample libraries, electronic music and home music production. Audio engineer Raphael Pulgar explains different techniques for miking drums using from 1 to 8+ microphones

Choosing the Right Type of Studio Recording Microphone for Your Vocal Type

Choosing The Right Mic For Your Vocal Type

Everyone's voice is different: Different timbres, volumes, ranges, and textures distributed across different ages, genders and languages. That's just for the voices; microphones on the other hand have different circuitry, quality, and frequency response -- it can all get too overwhelming to even mention how each mic is different.

Why Electric Guitar Knobs Matter

Why Electric Guitar Knobs Matter

A complete walkthrough of the two main electric guitar knobs: volume and tone. Along with practical tips on their use.

Best Electric Guitars - The All-Time Classics

Classic Electric Guitars

The history of modern music has been significantly shaped by one instrument - the electric guitar. So much of the music we love today simply wouldn't be possible without it and a large part of that is down to the all time classics featured in this list.

Different Types of Microphones - Everything You Need to Know

The Different Types Of Mics And Their Uses

This will help you understand the what the main kinds of microphones are that are used in music production, both live and recording, and what each type of mic is typically used for.

Topics covered include: Microphone Polar Patterns, Diaphragm Sizes, the 3 Main Types of Microphones used in Music, and the practical applications of each type of mic.

Building Your First DIY Guitar Kit

DIY Guitar Kits

DIY electric guitar building and modding aficionado Matt Dunn provides some very good advice you should read before attempting your first guitar kit build.

11 Very Best Acoustic Guitar Brands

The Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar Brands

An objective data-driven approach to finding the very best acoustic guitar brands, and the reasons why these top guitar brands deserve a closer look.

The Different Types of Acoustic Guitars Explained

Acoustic Guitars

Our guitar expert walks you through the different types of acoustic guitars and tonewoods. Learn the differences so you can choose the one that fits your needs

The Difference Between Overdrive and Distortion Explained

Overdrive and Distortion Explained

Though they’re often lumped together, overdrive and distortion are two very different effects. They both work towards different purposes, and they both have a different impact on your tone. If you’ve ever asked yourself: “What is the difference between overdrive and distortion?" - you’ve come to the right place!

Musical Instrument Amplifier Overview

Musical Instrument Amplifiers

Because different instruments have different timbres, each type requires specialized amplifiers. This has given birth to the many amp types that are available today, including guitar amps (which also branch out to acoustic and electric guitars), bass amplifiers, acoustic instrument amplifiers, keyboard amplifiers, drum amplifiers and multi-purpose amps

What Makes Affordable Guitars So Cheap?

What Makes Affordable Guitars So Cheap?

Matt Dunn explains the differences between cheaper and more expensive guitars and highlights how some cheap guitars can out-compete big brand names and domestic built options...

The Different Types of Guitar Pickups Explained - May 2023

The pickup(s) in your guitar are what allows your instrument to be heard. They’re just as important as the wood your guitar is made from, your strings, and your amp; and they deserve an equal amount of consideration.

Tremolo vs Vibrato: The Difference Between These Two Effects Explained

Vibrato and Tremolo pedals

Tremolo and vibrato are two terms that are constantly confused, and because these effects are no longer widely used, a lot of guitarists don’t have a ton of experience with them. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference between tremolo and vibrato is, you’ve come to the right place!

Thinking About Upgrading Your Pickups? Read This First!

Thinking About Upgrading Your Pickups? Read This First!

While journalists and YouTubers like to wax about how impactful different tone woods or stainless steel frets can be, the pickups are really supplying most of your guitar’s tone.

The Highest Rated Ukulele Brands For Beginners

The Highest Rated Ukulele Brands

Here are the highest rated ukulele brands.

We calculated this list by taking into account more than 18,500 reviews, ratings and opinions of musicians from around the world.