10MM120 Wah-wah
Loved by generations of guitarists, the wah-wah pedal has a voice all of its own. Mark Cousins is speechless...

10MM119: Boundary Layer Microphones
Also known as PZM microphones, boundary mics offer a number of benefits over more conventional designs in some recording scenarios. Grant Bridgeman remains unphased...

10MM 118 Mixer Routing
Mixers come in all shapes and sizes, but their common task is to route audio. Mark Cousins finds his destination...

10MM 117 Surround Sound Microphones
Surround recording is becoming increasingly popular, but what are the essential techniques behind it? Grant Bridgeman reveals all... enveloped...

10MM116 Limiting
In the ongoing quest for ever-increasing loudness, is a limiter always the simplest and most effective solution? Mark Cousins takes it to the limit...

10MM 115 Mic Positioning
How a mic is placed can make a great difference to the sounds it captures. Grant Bridgeman takes a stand...

10MM113 Modulation with Envelopes
Envelopes are a common function in synthesis, yet we often don’t utilise their capabilities to the full. Grant Bridgeman delves into the most dynamic of modulators.

10MM114 Audio Interfacing
Getting audio in and out of a computer can be achieved in a multitude of ways. Mark Cousins examines your options...

10MM112 Chorus, Flange & Phase
When it comes to thickening up sounds or finding ear-pleasing effects, few can resist the temptations of chorus, flanging and phasing. Mark Cousins takes the treatment...

10MM111_Audio_Connectors
Unless you work purely in the software domain, your various bits of audio gear will somehow need linking together. Grant Bridgeman plugs in...

10MM109
Harmonics, overtones and pitch are fundamental terms in synthesis, but what exactly do they mean? Grant Bridgeman explores a partially daunting subject...

10MM108 The Channel Strip
All mixers feature a channel strip, but how do their various controls integrate into the recording and mixing processes? Mark Cousins channels his energies...

10MM107 Formants
Formant filters are incredibly powerful tools for shaping sounds, but just how do they work? Grant Bridgeman applies the human touch...

10MM110 Sound to Picture
Despite their apparent differences, the skills and techniques required for sound-to-picture work are much the same as for music production. Mark Cousins gets filmic...

10MM106 EQ Curves
If you know how to interpret the curve of an equalizer, you’ll have a better grasp of its musicality and usefulness in music production. Mark Cousins gets equal…

10MM105 Noise Reduction Systems
Cleaning up a noisy recording is now a task that can be easily accomplished with the right software and a good ear. Grant Bridgeman investigates the art of digital noise reduction...

10MM103 Studio Cables
Every signal path is only as good as its weakest link – and in this respect, cabling is often the most regular offender. Grant Bridgeman finds the path of least resistance...

10MM104 The History of Sampling
From vintage Mellotrons to the explosion of digital recording technology, the sampler has had a profound impact on music production. Mark Cousins gets a slice of the action...

10MM101 Audio Editing
Unless you’re a one-take wonder, audio editing will be an inevitable part of your recording process. Mark Cousins gets his scissors out...

10MM102 1-Bit Recording
Bit depths have been steadily increasing for the past 10 years or more, but now 1-bit recording has reared its head. Grant Bridgeman explores the benefits of progress...

10MM100 Electric Pianos
From the silky Fender Rhodes to the rock‘n’roll Wurlitzer, the electric piano has become a cornerstone of contemporary music. Mark Cousins tickles the ivories...

10MM99 Gain Structure
Eliminating extraneous noise is a primary task in the studio, but we may be inadvertently generating it ourselves. Grant Bridgeman explains the importance of good gain structure...

10MM98 Distributed Audio Processing
A problem shared is a problem halved, but is distributed audio processing an essential requirement of today’s studio setup? Mark Cousins finds out...

10MM97 Portable Recorders
Laptops may well be portable, but an all-in-one hardware recorder can offer a much more compact alternative. Grant Bridgeman downsizes...

10MM96 MP3 Compression
Downloadable mp3s are the immediate future for the music industry, but how does its lossy compression affect what we hear? Grant Bridgeman listens carefully.

10MM95 Data Management
As our hard drives continue to swell, data management will become even more important to our working practices. Mark Cousins takes control of his megabytes...

Metadata
You might be unfamiliar with the concept of metadata, but every digital audio file you create or play has the capacity to hold and utilise it. Grant Bridgeman passes on the information...

10MM94 Impedance
Impedance is a term you’ll inevitably come across if you regularly deal with any kind of studio equipment. Grant Bridgeman explains why resistance is not always futile...

10MM93 Parallel Compression
Parallel compression offers an innovative and unique way of controlling dynamic range. Mark Cousins explores the hard facts behind this intriguing fad...

The Hammond Organ
The sound of the Hammond Organ continues to fascinate and delight musicians playing many different styles of music. Mark Cousins finds out what makes the Hammond tick...

10MM90 Earth Loops
Electrical noise can be one of the most frustrating problems encountered by the project studio engineer – and a tricky one to fix. Grant Bridgeman goes to ground...

10MM89 Surround Controllers
A surround controller is one of the most vital components of a 5.1 mixing environment, but what are they and which one best suits your needs? Mark Cousins takes control...

Mastering Processing
Could the difference between conventional studio outboard and mastering-grade processors be purely down to their price tags? Mark Cousins finds out...

10MM88 Headphones
There are many good reasons why you should equip your studio with a decent set of headphones, but remember to use them wisely. Grant Bridgeman dons his cans...

Sample Mapping
From round robins to release triggers, modern sampling is all about mapping and triggering sample data. Mark Cousins gets a slice of the action...

Stereo Wideners
The stereo width of a mix is surely determined by the space separating our monitors, so how can we get wider? Grant Bridgeman explores the world of stereo enhancers.

Leslie Cabinets
Software emulations of Leslie cabinets are becoming increasingly common, but the real thing is something very special indeed. Grant Bridgeman gets in a spin...

MIDI Control
Virtual instruments have replaced their hardware counterparts to some extent, but MIDI is still a vital tool for controlling the modern studio. Mark Cousins breaks down the bits...

Hard Drives
Currently the ultimate in volume data storage and retrieval, hard drives have become a cornerstone of the modern studio. Mark Cousins takes the hard line...

The Importance Of Dither
Deliberately adding noise to a pristine digital recording may initially seem like a rather insane thing to do, but there’s a good reason why it’s necessary. Grant Bridgeman explains...

The Evolution Of Reverb
From springs to plates, modelled to convoluted, the choice and variety of reverb available to the engineer has never been greater. Mark Cousins finds the room in his studio...

LA Synthesis
Hybrid synthesis has been around for a good 20 years now, but where did it all start? Grant Bridgeman revisits LA to find out...

Binaural Recording
Binaural recording can quite literally capture the world of sound as you actually hear it, but it’s a technique that hasn’t yet hit the mainstream. Grant Bridgeman dons his headset...

Phase And Recording
Summing two audio signals isn’t as straightforward as you might think – especially when phase issues are involved. Mark Cousins takes sides...

Ten Minute Masters 70-79
Download TMMs 70-79 for just £2.97 and save 70% on the full price of ten downloads!

Surround Sound Formats
Moving from stereo to surround sound can be a confusing business. Mark Cousins explains the principal differences and standards in multi-channel audio.

Room Modes
The size and shape of a room will have a profound effect on how your ears perceive music – both while listening and mixing. Grant Bridgeman explores the influence of room modes.

Additive synthesis
Why subtract when you can add? Mark Cousins explores the harmonic complexities and resynthesised delights of sound in the additive universe…

Sound absorbers
If your recording and listening environment suffers from poor acoustics, chances are your mixes are suffering as well. Grant Bridgeman is absorbed by sound.

Latency
Latency remains the curse of software-based recording, but what causes it and what technologies have been developed to combat it? Mark Cousins gets delayed...

Basic properties of sound
Sound is the fundamental building block of music technology and its properties affect everything we do in the studio. Grant Bridgeman goes back to basics.

Microphone selection
Microphone specification sheets provide a wealth of objective information that can help you choose one best suited to a specific task. Grant Bridgeman breaks down the figures.

Digital Errors
We might like to think of digital recording as being perfect, but errors do sometimes occur. Mark Cousins explores the hidden imperfections of the binary age...

Wireless Systems
Radio microphones and wireless systems can bring new-found freedom to a live performance. Grant Bridgeman rides the radio waves.

Granular synthesis
Using granular synthesis, it’s possible to create an entire symphony from just a few tiny fragments of sound. Mark Cousins finds out if small is indeed beautiful...

The decibel
The decibel is commonly referred to in the studio, but its true meaning is often misunderstood. Grant Bridgeman clears the air...

Mic frequency response
Microphone frequency-response charts provide valuable information about a mic’s performance. Grant Bridgeman explains the theory behind the terminology.

Audio Analysis
The ‘sound’ of music is familiar to us all, but have you ever wondered what audio actually ‘looks’ like? Mark Cousins takes a peek at the spectral delights of audio…

Metering
An engineer’s ears might be their most important asset, but without informative metering a balanced recording is hard to achieve. Mark Cousins takes a closer look…

Making harmony work
Adding harmony lines to a song can greatly enhance its presence and punch, but can leave a track sounding cluttered if used inappropriately. Dave Gale keeps it simple.

Compression types
Compression – one of the engineer’s most essential tools – comes in many different shapes and sizes. Mark Cousins mixes his own unique blend of squash…

Microphone Design
The key to correctly using different types of microphone lies in understanding how they work. Grant Bridgeman guides you through the Polar regions.

Manipulating time and pitch
Manipulating the pitch and timing of a performance has become an accepted part of music creation. Mark Cousins stretches himself to find out more…

Rhythm section arrangement
No band is complete without a rhythm section, but getting everything to sit together in the mix takes skill and patience. Dave Gale picks up the beat...

Convolution
In the few short years since its arrival, convolution has revolutionised audio processing as we know it. Mark Cousins takes a sample of the future.

Arranging for horns
Adding a horn section to a track can make a dramatic difference to its impact and overall groove. Composer Dave Gale shows you how...

Patchbays
Patchbays are among the humblest of studio peripherals, yet they can transform studio operation, flexibility and productivity. Grant Bridgeman gets connected...

Physical modelling
Shrouded in unapproachable maths and DSP processing, the art of physical modelling is surprisingly more accessible than you might initially think. Mark Cousins gets stuck in...

Psychacoustics
Recording technology has developed over the last 100 years, but our ears have evolved over thousands. Grant Bridgeman looks into your auditory organs...

Multi-band processing
Multi-band processing has revolutionised mastering techniques and defined the sound of modern radio and pop music. Mark Cousins explains why three bands are better than one.

Analogue tape recording
The world’s top studios still offer analogue recording facilities. Keith Gemmell looks into the advantages and disadvantages of recording the old-fashioned way.

Delay
Delay is one of the most fundamental and important types of effect in use today. Mark Cousins taps into the secrets of its success.

Exciters & enhancers
Exciters and enhancers add sparkle and depth to sound in ways that are impossible to achieve with standard EQ. Mark Cousins sees a brighter future…

Sequencers
Over the years, sequencers have evolved from modular hardware devices into sophisticated computer software such as Logic Pro 7. Keith Gemmell investigates their roots.

Recording formats
Over the years, R&D teams in the audio industry have provided us with many ways to capture sound. Keith Gemmell examines the formats used for recording, from wax to hard disk.

Gates and expanders
Gates and expanders once played a vital role in every studio, but are now being increasingly sidelined due to the prevalence of software alternatives. Mark Cousins expands his horizons...

Automation
Unless you’ve got plenty of hands to spare, automation is essential to refining the perfect mix. Mark Cousins investigates a more controlled approach to mixing.

Copyright
Copyright protects the music business as a whole – aspiring artists, big-name stars, independent record companies and the major labels alike. Keith Gemmell explains how it works.

Drum machines
The TR-909 kick drum – probably the most sampled sound ever? Mark Cousins takes a closer look at the continuing popularity of the drum machine.

mLAN
mLAN has been an industry buzz word for several years, but what exactly is it? Rob McMinn explains how this exciting new technology works and what it can do for your music making.

Stereo Recording
Creating a professional-sound recording can require as little as two carefully positioned microphones and a 2-track recorder. Mark Cousins takes a look at the choices involved.

MIDI controllers
MIDI controllers come in all shapes and sizes – resembling pianos, guitars, saxophones, drums, pedals and mixing consoles. Keith Gemmell explains how they work.

Royalties
Who gets paid what, when and how? Keith Gemmell explains the difference between recording and publishing royalties and how they are collected and distributed.

FM Synthesis
FM synthesis lost favour after its impressive run of success in the mid-80s, but it still has plenty to offer, as Mark Cousins explains.

Arpeggiators
More than just a rudimentary auto-accompaniment control, arpeggiators offer an insight into real-time performance processing. Mark Cousins takes you through the ups and downs.

Signal matching
Minimising noise and maximising signal levels is a vital part of the recording process. Keith Gemmell explains the concepts of signal matching and impedance.

Distortion
Distortion was once the bane of recording equipment design – now it’s a welcome part of creative sound engineering. Mark Cousins pushes it hard into the red.

Synchronisation
When used together, devices like audio recorders, video decks and sequencers must run at exactly the same time and tempo. Keith Gemmell unravels the mysteries of timecode.

Sidechain processing
Sidechain processing is the key that unlocks a number of advancing signal processing techniques. Mark Cousins takes a look at the principles involved.

Mixers
Are mixers just a mad confusion of knobs and sliders, or a simple and coherent collection of switches? Howard Turner explains how to gets on the busses…

Effects routing
Next time you use your favourite plug-in, signal processor or effects unit, consider some different signal routing options. Mark Cousins gets effected.

Scales
Scales provide the raw materials needed for composing music and improvising – but do you know your majors from your minors? Keith Gemmell gets into the modes.

String synths and samplers
Many best-selling artists use a string section on their records, but are they the genuine article? Not always. Keith Gemmell looks at what can be done using string synths and samplers.

Audio transfer
With so many different audio formats and platforms out there, moving material between them can seem daunting. Hollin Jones gives you the lowdown on audio transfer and format conversion.

Filters
Filters are hugely powerful sound design tools and essential to the process of subtractive synthesis. Mark Cousins explores the principles of filtering.

Audio compresion
Nearly all audio for multimedia and the web is compressed in some way. Here Hollin Jones explains which format to use for what application if you’re producing for these environments.

Modulation
Modulation is a core element of almost every sound from vocals to guitar, but it comes in a variety of guises. Ian Waugh examines the warps and whoops of musical life…

Monitors and monitoring
Your monitors want to tell the truth – are you listening? Howard Turner hacks through the monitoring myths to help you hear what’s really happening.

Reverb and echo
Reverb and echo are two of the most essential core studio effects. Ian Waugh looks at why their popularity goes on and on and on and…

Cabling
An often overlooked aspect of setting up a studio, but Rob Holsman explains the importance of cabling to signal quality, and advises how to avoid spaghetti hell.

Samplers
Once a rock star’s luxury, now an essential instrument in every professional and home studio. Ian Waugh explores the core features of the sampler…

Plug-in formats
Don’t know your VST from your MAS or your TDMs from your AUs? Mike Collins lifts the lid on plug-in formats and explains which ones will work for you…

Vocoders
The vocoder is one of the most enduring audio processing effects of all time. Ian Waugh explains how to make it sing. And talk, and dance, and mutter, and play the drums...

Song Structure
Creating a song is more than simply stringing verses and choruses together.Ian Waughlooks at how to plan and assemble the disparate elements that go together to make a great number...

Surround Sound
So you thought stereo would never die? Greg Marshall explains that the latest sonic format revolution is already here, why it’s set to explode and how to use it.

Alternative synthesis
Forms of synthesis other than analogue have become more widespread as computer technology has progressed. Ian Waugh examines a few alternatives that you might want to get your teeth into.

Naming Chords
Do you know your major 6th from your minor 7th? Your tetrads from your triads? Joe Bennett explains the notes behind the jargon.

Analogue synthesis
Analogue synthesis laid the foundation for most modern synthesizers. Ian Waugh looks at the father of all synthesis types and explains how to get a charge from voltage control.

Fades & crossfades
Fades and crossfades are an essential part of audio editing. Ian Waugh explains how to cross your fades when you come to them…

FireWire
Its use became widespread with the rise of Digital Video, now it’s threatening to take over the music protocol arena, too. Ian Waugh takes a close look at FireWire.

Envelopes
Envelopes play an essential part in all types of synthesis. Ian Waugh has the details wrapped up and stuck down…

EQ
Confused about what shelves, notches and band-pass filters actually are? Well, they’re all part of the process of Equalisation. Ian Waugh charts the peaks and troughs of EQ.

Burning CDs
There’s more to creating an audio CD than simply clicking the Copy button. Ian Waugh discusses formats slips in a disc and goes for the burn…

Oscillators
Oscillators form the core of many synthesis systems. Ian Waugh gets good vibrations as he explains how they work and what they do…

Digital Audio
How is sound digitally recorded? And how important are sample rates and resolutions to the process? Ian Waugh looks at the crystal-clear world of digital audio.

Microphones
What are the differences between microphone types? And which is the best model for a particular application? Ian Waugh explains what to consider when choosing a mic.

Time signatures
Ever wondered what the numbers mean at the start of a piece of music? Ian Waugh takes a look at time signatures and how they describe the beat and pulse of music.

MIDI
MIDI is omnipresent in the studio environment, be it amateur or professional. Ian Waugh describes what it is, how it works and its role today’s music making.