Milab has announced the newest member of their microphone family to join the world, the DC-96C side-address cardioid condenser microphone. The DC-96C is a cardioid microphone with a large, rectangular capsule mounted in a side-facing configuration. The DC-96C is designed to be used primarily for recording studio vocals and acoustic instruments, but also has a place on stage during live shows to mic guitar cabinets and cymbals. The DC-96C will officially showcased for the first time by Milab at the upcoming Musikmesse expo in Frankfurt. Pricing and availability has not been announced yet.Milab introduces DC-96C side-address microphone originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 03:28:46.Permalink | Comment | Email this

How do you feel about replacing drums in the studio? Like many of you, I've spent a lot of time with clients in my studio working very, very hard on getting perfect drum sounds, and sometimes, it's really hard; a drummer might have bad technique, bad gear, or both. I first started using Sound Replacer to replace individual drum hits a few years ago, and moved to Drumagog a couple years ago.So, what's the policy in your studio? Do you replace drums, or make it mandatory to get the sounds naturally the first time? Replacing drums: cheating or "the way it's done"? originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 02:22:42.Permalink | Comment |

I've been really impressed by the great responses lately from my readers -- thank you! This week, I'd like to ask a question about your humble beginnings. What was your first recording rig? What setup got you interested in recording, and how did it help your evolution as a recording engineer? For me, my first recording rig was very simple. I bought a pair of binaural microphones from a small company in New Jersey, along with a small battery power supply, and a Sony WM-D6C analog cassette deck. My goal was to make concert recordings, and maybe some home recordings playing guitar. It was all uphill from there! What's your story? What was your first recording rig? originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at 22:33:25.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Slate Pro Audio has announced the release of their DRAGON Dynamic Processor, a device aimed at smaller project studios needing excellent all-in-one dynamics processing at an affordable price. The DRAGON is a lot more than a basic compressor; with it's FET compressor with high-pass filter, added saturation options, and plug-and-play settings for "character" of your overall sound, the DRAGON attempts to cover many possibilities with one box. While it's not the cheapest on the market, the DRAGON's $1999 pricetag is great considering it's features. DRAGON is available now, worldwide, via the Web.Slate Pro Audio announces DRAGON compressor originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Sunday, February 21st, 2010 at 04:06:25.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Recently, there was a discussion started on a live sound engineering message board about overhead micing. I'd like to hear your ideas. There's been a lot of engineers going with an under-the-cymbal approach for overhead micing, instead of the traditional, truly overhead locations. Arguments for both are convincing; true overheads capture a lot of the kit, while underside micing adds a lot more elements of control over your cymbal sound (and where it sits in your mix. So, what's your opinion? Which of these techniques have you used to record or reinforce live sound? Overheads: Over or Under? originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 00:32:47.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Coles, famed maker of boutique microphones used in studios large and small around the world, has introduced the Coles 4050 stereo ribbon microphone. What makes the 4050 unique is the capsule mounting; the capsules can be adjusted at an angle to vary the degree of stereo spread, while the capsules can also be magnetically separated and used as two separate microphones. This allows total versatility in any situation. No price as been announced, but availability is expected later this year.Coles introduces 4050 stereo ribbon microphone originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 07:49:20.Permalink | Comment | Email this

This week, I'm researching for an article about software piracy in recording studios, and I'd love your feedback. Have you used pirated software (I'll admit it: I'm guilty of having done this in the past)? What's the biggest disadvantage you've found to using pirated software? For me, I soon realized that using pirated software made getting support impossible, and pirated software wasn't eligible for current updates, which kept my creativity stalled. Since going completely legitimate, it's helped me stay more production with better access to functional tools. So, your opinions, please? What was the turning point for you? And what advice would you give your fellow engineers on why using pirated software is so bad? Software Piracy in Studios: Your Feedback originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 03:54:50.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Blue Cat Audio has announced the release of a brand new version of Blue Cat's Freeware Pack, a free, high-quality audio plug-in suite. With RTAS support, 64-bit support under Windows and Snow Leopard, and several GUI and stability updates, Blue Cat's Freeware Pack is a promising suite of plugs with the perfect price: free! Blue Cat's Freeware Pack is available for free download via the Blue Cat Audio website, and includes modulation effects, EQ, and a top-notch frequency analysis tool. The Freeware Pack is available now.Blue Cat Audio releases updated Freeware Pack originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 11:45:12.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Presonus has announced the release of their long-awaited update to their StudioLive mixers: the StudioLive 24.4.2. Designed primarily as a dual-purpose mixer -- live sound alongside recording -- the StudioLive 24.4.2 offers high-caliber performance with a light pricetag. The 24.4.2 offers 24 channels of input with high-headroom microphone preamps, analog outputs for both auxiliary and main outputs, and, most impressively, direct recording interface compatible with Logic, Nuendo, and more. The 24.4.2 is a perfect solution for live sound mixing and live recording, with fully-recallable digital settings as well as seamless computer integration for recording and configuration. The StudioLive 24.4.2 is available now. Presonus introduces StudioLive 24.4.2 originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at 02:06:04.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Chicago-based Sensaphonics, a leading manufacturer of custom hearing protection and monitoring for musicians and sound engineers, has announced a major addition to their product line:  the 3MAX triple-driver custom monitor. The 3MAX contains a proprietary twin bass driver, along with a single high frequency driver per ear.  The 3MAX is said to be capable of delivering much higher SPLs at the eardrum when compared to the 2X-S and 2MAX, and, according to Sensaphonics president Dr. Michael Santucci, it's hoped that those using the 3MAX in monitoring situations will use the Sensaphonics dB Check device to monitor their SPL exposure.   The trademark 2X-S/2MAX sound signature has been retained, according to Sensaphonics, while the 3MAX have extended lower response than the Sensaphonics dual-driver monitors. The 3MAX comes with Sensaphonics' new field-replaceable cables, and is now available directly from Sensaphonics.  No pricing was publicly announced.NAMM 2010 News: Sensaphonics introduces 3MAX triple-driver custom monitors originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 18:54:23.Permalink | Comment | Email this

One of the most exciting microphone introductions at this winter's NAMM show is from industry trendsetters Neumann. They've introduced the micro-sized TLM 102 condenser microphone -- and there's a lot of buzz over this unique little microphone! The TLM 102 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone priced at $699 retail, and offers a very natural frequency reproduction with a minimally-hyped high end -- perfect for acoustic instruments and vocals. In a stereo pair, the TLM 102 is an excellent choice for recording acoustic instruments and drums in stereo. The TLM 102 is available now. NAMM 2010 News: Neumann introduces TLM 102 microphone originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 13:29:21.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Ultimate Ears, a longtime favorite of our readers at About.com, have introduced two new products at NAMM today: the Ultimate Ears UE-18 Pro custom earphones, as well as the new UE-1 mono earphone. The UE-18 Pro is the new flagship custom monitor for working musicians and audio engineers. Featuring 6 drivers per side, the UE-18 Pro is said to offer unparalleled sound reproduction -- especially in the mid-range and low-end areas, where many monitors have challenges. The UE-18 Pro is available now, with a cost of $1350, with an ambient option available for an extra $50. The UE-1 Pro is a single-ear, dual-driver earphone designed for those who need a single monitor for small venues, or have a unilateral hearing loss that requires only one earphone to be used. Pricing is at $449. Ultimate Ears has also announced new cables available for their custom monitor series, starting with the UE-18 Pro. The new cables are designed for better comfort, lower distortion, and better durability. NAMM 2010 News: Ultimate Ears introduces UE-18 Pro Custom Monitors, Updated Cables originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 13:09:00.Permalink | Comment | Email this

We've all been hopeful that this year will be a major turnaround for the music technology industry -- and the early news from this year's winter NAMM show has been encouraging! Starting today, we'll be updating live with the latest news from Anaheim -- so stay tuned, and make sure you're subscribed to the Home Recording newsletter. We'll be updating you there first!2010 NAMM show opens in Anaheim, CA originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 12:16:05.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Everyone I know is carefully following the upcoming NAMM show in Anaheim. While the last couple years' shows have been a relative bust, there's a lot of hope that this year, there'll be some really great new gear. So, what's your predictions? What are you expecting to be released this year in Anaheim? NAMM 2010: Your predictions? originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, January 11th, 2010 at 01:51:57.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Mic-W, a premier manufacturer of reference-grade microphones, has announced plans to exhibit their new product line at this winter's NAMM show in Anaheim, CA. Mic-W offers high-definition microphones for both live sound and recording, including precision omnidirectional microphones, standard cardioid microphones, and shotgun microphones designed for film and TV use. Mic-W will be announcing new products -- with no hints being leaked. Stay tuned for our full NAMM 2010 coverage!MicW to exhibit at NAMM 2010 originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 at 21:24:46.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Mic-W, a premier manufacturer of reference-grade microphones, has announced plans to exhibit their new product line at this winter's NAMM show in Anaheim, CA. Mic-W offers high-definition microphones for both live sound and recording, including precision omnidirectional microphones, standard cardioid microphones, and shotgun microphones designed for film and TV use. Mic-W will be announcing new products -- with no hints being leaked. Stay tuned for our full NAMM 2010 coverage!NAMM 2010: Mic-W Plans Exhibition of New Microphone Line originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 at 21:18:53.Permalink | Comment | Email this

I'm day two into a tour mixing on a digital console, and I'm really enjoying it. If you're a working musician, chances are you've had to mix sound for your band before -- or if you're an aspiring engineer, you've probably been working on perfecting your technique. So, which do you like better, digital or analog? And why? Live sound mixing: Digital or analog? originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, December 28th, 2009 at 19:26:01.Permalink | Comment | Email this

I've heard from a lot of readers in the last couple years about how much they've learned on this site, and how they've applied it to their home studios.  Now, thanks to the tech gurus at About.com, I've got a much easier way for you to share your home studios with me, and the world. Click here, and you'll be taken to my new online submission form.  Tell your fellow readers about your great studio and show off your new gear -- but please, no commercial advertisements! I'd love to see your home studio space, and your fellow readers may just be further inspired by your choice of equipment!Share Your Studio! originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 03:13:55.Permalink | Comment | Email this

FiveFishStudios has announced the release of the TS-2 dual channel, battery-powered portable microphone preamp. Offering true 48v phantom power, top-quality Burr-Brown transformers, and a 12-step gain switch per channel, the TS-2 offers superior, high-definition quality in a small, 6.25" x 6" x 2" package.Designed with input from the field recording experts at Taperssection.com, the TS-2 is called a remarkable design for anyone who needs two channels of clean, pleasant sounding preamp for their recordings. TS-2 is currently available for $590, factory direct.FiveFishStudios releases TS-2 preamp originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 02:23:17.Permalink | Comment | Email this

A reader recently emailed me about using Auto-tune in their mixes. A lot of his studio clients have been demanding more and more pitch correction, thanks to many hip hop and pop songs overusing the effect on vocals. How much is too much when mixing with Auto-Tune? At what point do you usually recommend your client stop using Auto-tune, and how often is this effect the end result? I'd love to hear from you for an  upcoming article on using Auto-tune.Auto-Tune: How much is too much? originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 02:39:25.Permalink | Comment | Email this

With the 2000s coming to a close, what's been the biggest advancement in audio and recording that you've seen? For me, personally, it's been small flash-based recorders. I remember hauling a pair of microphones, preamp, analog-to-digital converter, and DAT machine into concerts to record just ten years ago. Now, we have all-in-one boxes that replaces this, at a fraction of the cost! What's your favorites of this decade? I'd love to hear from you!What's the biggest audio advancement this decade? originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Friday, December 4th, 2009 at 02:09:19.Permalink | Comment | Email this

If you're like me, you rely on your iPhone for a lot. I use mine to control iTunes, navigate, and, on a recent flight to Vegas -- although it didn't help much -- I used my iPhone to teach me how to play better Blackjack. Better yet, my iPhone also helps me when mixing live sound, and when working in the studio. Check out my list of Top 5 iPhone Apps for those who work with music. You'll find something useful, no matter if you're mixing on stage or studio.Have an iPhone? Check out the top 5 recording & sound apps... originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Sunday, November 29th, 2009 at 04:50:59.Permalink | Comment | Email this

This year, just about everybody's on a budget. If you're shopping for someone who loves making or recording music, I understand how frustrating it can be buying for someone with an expensive hobby! Check out my picks for this year's top stocking stuffers. You'll find something for every budget!Holiday Guide 2009: Top Stocking Stuffers for Musicians & Engineers originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 01:54:25.Permalink | Comment | Email this

As a dedicated Apple user, I've been really excited about the prospect of the rumored Mac Tablet. It'd be a really great thing to have in audio, at least for me -- I'd use it for both recording and sound analysis for live mixing. A small, Mac compatible, affordable tablet would be great -- especially at the rumored $600 price point. So, if the $600 Mac Tablet comes out, how would you use it in your recording setup? I'd like to hear from you!The rumored Apple Tablet: how would you use it? originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 02:23:26.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Blue Microphones -- a popular brand of microphones for budget-conscious recording engineers -- has announced the release of Yeti, a THX-certified, multi-pattern condenser microphone with USB connectivity. Yeti offers a proprietary triple capsule array with four selectable patterns (omnidirectional, cardioid, stereo, figure-8) alongside zero-latency headphone monitoring and hardware-based gain adjustment. MSRP on Yeti is $149.99, and availability is expected in December.Blue Microphones announces Yeti USB Condenser Microphone originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 11:08:59.Permalink | Comment | Email this

I'm a big fan of modifying your own gear. There's some really good microphones and preamps out there at really good prices -- that sound many times more expensive once you modify them.Personally, my favorite mod is the inexpensive ribbon mic mod I've written about before. What are your favorite mods, and what's made the biggest difference? Join the discussion in the Home Recording Forum.Modifying Your Gear: Your Tricks? originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 04:27:45.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Focusrite has introduced Scarlett, a do-almost-everything plug-in package compatible with RTAS and VST plug-in suites. Scarlett features top-quality compression, gating, reverb, and EQ in a single package. Designed as an affordable step up from included plug-ins, Scarlett is available at most music retailers starting immediately. Scarlett is priced at $99.Focusrite releases Scarlett plug-in suite originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 04:05:56.Permalink | Comment | Email this

This is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while! Tommy Lee, the legendary Motley Crue drummer, is recording a new album, and giving recording engineers and musicians around the country the opportunity to add their touch. On Tommy Lee's The Public Record website, you can download raw tracks to remix and jam alongside. Record yourself adding whatever you want, and Tommy and his producer will consider it for possible inclusion in the album. This marks one of the first times fans have been allowed to literally "be the band". Are you planning on submitting? I'd love to hear your story!Recording musician? Join the Public Record originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 05:43:29.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Wow -- this has to be one of my favorite products I've seen in a while! WaveMachine labs, makers of the famous Drumagog drum replacement and sampling software, have released iGOG, a fantastic drum sampler for the iPhone. iGOG delivers stunningly realistic samples in one of two ways: either via the on-screen drum pads (which are velocity- and touch-sensitive, an industry first for iPhone), or, my favorite method, via Trigger Mode with the iPhone's built-in microphone. Using Trigger Mode, you can sequence -- including a click-track -- entire drum recordings by tapping any available surface near your iPhone. And suprisingly, it sounds great! I'll be getting hands-on with a copy of iGOG this week. Stay tuned for a full review! WaveMachine Labs releases iGOG drum sampler for the iPhone originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 02:55:59.Permalink | Comment | Email this

At this past week's AES convention in New York, some exciting introductions from some top microphone manufacturers. Audio-Technica, a leader in value-priced, high-performance microphones, has released the AT4047MP and the AT4050ST microphones. The first is a multi-pattern, large-diaphragm condenser with a wide frequency response. The AT4050ST is a stereo version of the AT4050, offering both cardioid and figure-8 elements for a mid-side recording setup. Audio-Technica also has released the AT4080, a spectacular sounding ribbon microphone designed primarily for vocal and orchestral recording.AES 2009: New Microphones from AKG originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 02:26:14.Permalink | Comment | Email this

This weekend, the 127th AES convention opened in New York City, bringing together the best products for the recording & live sound industries along with special sessions geared towards every level of professional. This week, we'll be running a special feature with the highlights of this year's AES show. We'll be showing off some of the best gear direct from the show floor -- but to get it, you'll have to be subscribed to the About.com Home Recording Newsletter. If you're not signed up for the newsletter, join today!127th AES Convention opens in NYC originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Sunday, October 11th, 2009 at 03:47:16.Permalink | Comment | Email this

I was recently working with a fellow engineer -- a top-notch mixer whom I share a lot of work -- and he mentioned that his "tone" was very similar to mine: Heil microphones through QSC speakers. Talking to him, it was obvious that I was, too, felt like that was my "tone" -- and when not mixing with those tools, I feel a little shorted. So, what's your "tone", on stage or in the studio? What are the tools you can't live without when mixing, and what makes your "signature sound"? I'd love to hear from you! Live sound engineers: What's your "tone"? originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at 22:12:49.Permalink | Comment | Email this

This week marked a year since I first started using a set of Sennheiser E904 drum microphones. As a fan of the Sennheiser MD421, I was really surprised to find that they sounded nearly identical -- with a very big price difference! Check out my review of the Sennheiser E904. They're great mics with a great price, and offer phenomenal performance on drums, percussion, and horns.Review: Sennheiser E904 Drum Microphone originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, September 28th, 2009 at 02:00:21.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Digidesign has announced the release of the Eleven Rack, a revolutionary new tool for working guitarists seeking perfect tone through digital amp modeling on the stage or in the studio, as well as a simple yet powerful Pro Tools interface. Eleven gives guitarists unparalelled flexibility on stage and in the studio. According to Digidesign, Eleven Rack utilizes a unique tone cloning design and one-of-a-kind, custom-designed True-Z input to re-create the experience of playing through a full guitar rig. This incredibly useful combination is is achieved by combining studio-standard Pro Tools software with a DSP-accelerated high-resolution interface. Eleven Rack can be used in stand-alone mode -- straight into a PA via the on-board DI. Eleven Rack also has a digital I/O and XLR microphone input. Eleven Rack is available now with a street price of around $900.Digidesign releases Eleven Rack originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Friday, September 25th, 2009 at 02:05:33.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, has launched enCORE, a new series of live sound microphones. The enCORE 100, 200, and 300 models are designed and priced for any live application where studio-quality sound reproduction is a priority. All three models will be available in October, with varying features; the low-end model will retail for $99, and the high-end for $199.Blue goes live with enCORE live sound microphones originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, September 21st, 2009 at 14:12:46.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Audio-Technica has announced the debut of the AT4050ST stereo condenser microphone. The AT4050ST is a side-address, stereo microphone with independent cardioid and figure-eight elements. This allows the engineer to select how wide of a stereo signal they want via the microphone's internal mid-side matrix, handy for recording in difficult surroundings. The AT4050ST will be available in November with an MSRP of $1625.Audio-Technica introduces AT4050ST stereo microphone originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Sunday, September 20th, 2009 at 22:28:10.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Yamaha has announced the retirement of the PM-1D digital console -- a staple for audio engineers worldwide since it's introduction. Working musicians have long appreciated the PM-1Ds relative value in the world of digital mixing, while engineers have loved the ease of use and sound quality.> The PM-1D is the board that many of us engineers used as our first introduction to digital consoles for live sound -- and while it's sad to see it go, Yamaha has announced plans, via a white paper available on their website, for the next generation of digital consoles. The PM-1D orders currently on file will be filled, and the PM-5D will continue to be available.Yamaha retires the PM-1D digital audio console originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 at 16:42:52.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Cloud Microphones has announced the availability of their new ribbon microphone, the Cloud JRS34. The JRS34 is built as a "homage mic" to the RCA 44, using the same ribbon element and transformer used in Stephen Sank's legendary RCA 44 refurbishment jobs. While the Cloud 34 isn't the cheapest, it isn't too expensive for the stated performance, either: $1250 gets you a microphone that, according to the manufacturers, works perfectly for recording acoustic instruments and vocals. Sound clips on the Cloud Microphones website of a singer-songwriter recording sounded phenomenal. The Cloud JRS34 is available now through Cloud Microphones' website. Cloud Microphones introduces Stephen Sank JRS34 ribbon mic originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Sunday, September 13th, 2009 at 02:01:40.Permalink | Comment | Email this

In a highly anticipated move, Digidesign has announced the availability of the Pro Tools 8.01 update. While it takes care several important driver and stability issues, one feature is noticeably missing: support for OS X Snow Leopard. It's common knowledge that most audio engineers are on Macs, so it should go without saying Snow Leopard support would be widely appreciated. Until the next update comes along, Pro Tools 8.0 and above will be compatible with Windows XP or Mac OS X up to 10.5.Digidesign releases Pro Tools 8.01 update originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Sunday, September 6th, 2009 at 04:51:47.Permalink | Comment | Email this

The Z-Bar is one of my favorite items I've reviewed this year! It's not a new product, but it answers an age-old problem -- how to properly place a microphone for recording or amplifying a speaker cabinet. Check out the full review here. Once you try it, you won't want to work on stage or in the studio without one!Review: Z-Bar Microphone Mounting Bracket originally appeared on About.com Home Recording on Monday, August 31st, 2009 at 01:46:44.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Swedish keyboard manufacturer Nord Keybords has announced their new C2 combo organ, building on the already legendary C1 organ, used by many top touring and recording musicians. The C2 features expanded capabilities including a pipe organ simulator; improved, firmer key action; improved output routing capabilities; enhanced click artifacts; and improved positioning of percussion controls (now featured in the "classic" B3 position). Nord has also added a monitor input -- allowing you to jam along with practice tracks. Other legendary features of the C2 remain unchanged -- including the 11-pin Leslie cabinet output. Pricing is around $2,999 in the U.S.

Heil Sound, Ltd. has proudly announced availability of their new drum microphones -- the PR48 kick drum microphone, and PR28 drum microphone. As reviewed here, the Heil microphone line is well-known for high quality and affordable pricing. The PR48 -- based on the PR40 -- is suited best for kick drums and bass instruments, while the PR28 -- based on the PR20 -- is ideal for toms (and it includes a very nice quality microphone clamp). Pricing is $239 for PR48, $139 for PR28, and both are available now through select retailers.

Today, the recording and music world was saddened to hear of the passing of music industry legend Les Paul. Mr. Paul died this morning in White Plains, NY from complications of pneumonia. Everybody knows Les Paul as a guitar legend;  what's less recognized is that Mr. Paul was the mind behind many of our modern innovations in recording.  In the 1940s, Paul released the first-ever multitrack recording -- made using a unique recording system on acetate disks.  Later, he moved to using mono analog tape as his multitrack format while working with Bing Crosby, revolutionizing recording forever. Les Paul was 94.

Talking to a knowledgeable professional before making a major purhcase is generally the best way to make your purchase worth every hard-earned dollar;  unfortunately, if you're buying your microphones at your local big-box music supply store, those working sales generally don't have a working knowledge of these products. In this new article, you'll learn the basics of selecting a microphone -- and making the most of this very important purchase!

Shure -- longtime maker of industry-standard microphones for recording & live sound -- has announced the availability of two new microphones designed primarily for recording: the KSM353 and KSM313 ribbon microphones. Ribbon microphones are a highly preferred type of microphone for guitar cabinets, vocals, and drum overheads. The KSM353, a bi-directional ribbon, and the KSM313, a dual-voice ribbon, are constructed with Roswellite ribbon material, a high-quality and durable ribbon element designed for the rigors of both live sound and studio recording. The KSM353 retails for around $2600, while the KSM313 retails for $1300. Both are available now.

Part of our summer NAMM 2009 round-up: Check out this full review of Microphome, a powerful and inexpensive sanitizer and cleaner for vocal microphones. Priced at only $8.98, Micropome is a useful accessory for any working musician or recording studio engineer. Check out the full review -- this was a great product to try out!

As any audio engineer will tell you, a great compressor will do wonders for certain recordings. My favorite compressor, the vintage DBX 160X, makes even the dullest bass tracks come alive with great sustain and detail. So, what's your favorite compressor? Is it hardware of software? What do you like about it? I'd love to hear from you!

If you've been following the music technology news this week, you know that the biggest news has been the introductions at Summer NAMM. All the best blogs and forums are buzzing with information on this year's products. Stay tuned this week for a full roundup of the best gear from Summer NAMM!

If you're like me, your iPhone continues to amaze you. I use it for everything -- I even fixed mixes during a live show using my iPhone, VNC, and a Mackie digital board. Taking recording with their Cubase suite into the iPhone world, Steinberg Media Technologies has announced availability of Cubase iC, a remote control application for Cubase and Cubase Studio 5.01 music production systems, available for free. This application allows full transport control along with arranger functionality, allowing iPhone and iPod Touch users to manipulate their recordings via their screens. The iC remote control application is available now at the iTunes Music Store.

Most engineers I know have a pair of Sony MDR-7506 headphones in their bag; it's the industry standard for live and studio headphones. At the summer NAMM show in Nashville, Sony has introduced the MDR-7509HD, a major upgrade for their professional line of headphones. The 7509HD features extended high-frequency response to help with mixing and listening to high-definition audio. The headphones feature 3000 mW power capacity for high-volume situations, and exceptional midrange and low-end reproduction. The MDR-7509HD are available now, with a retail of around $200.