Gain-Based Effects: Distortion, Overdrive, and Fuzz Pedals
Posted August 16, 2018 by
In the early days of amplification, the goal was to simply make something (a guitar or voice) louder while maintaining the original sound quality. However, when guitarists raised their volumes on those tube … Read more
Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
Posted August 15, 2018 by
Table of Contents
Basics
Must Know Details
Light strings
Nylon strings
Guitar Variance
Gauge Types
String Construction
Wound Strings
Roundwound
Flatwound
Halfwound
Coated Strings
Top Picks
Elixir
Martin
Audio Sample
D’Addario
Cleartone
2018 Updates
For 2018 … Read more
A Guide to the Best Reverb Pedals for Guitarists
Posted July 4, 2018 by
For as long as humans have been playing music, we have utilized the natural sound of different spaces, whether that’s a cathedral, concert hall, or even a cave. This natural sound is called reverberation, … Read more
Best Essential Guitar Pedals for Beginners
Posted June 7, 2018 by
If you are a beginning guitarist, you might be feeling overwhelmed thinking about pedals. With so many options on the market where do you start?
We've broken down the top factors of what you need … Read more
Best PA Systems for a Large Venue
Posted June 3, 2018 by
The cutting edge of live sound consoles is evolving and changing at an astonishing rate. Every few years, leading manufacturers will design new consoles that outstrip their older counterparts in all respects including channel … Read more
Best Portable PA Systems
Posted June 3, 2018 by
With the increasing demand on artists and audio engineers to supply their own PA systems, investing in a reliable and great-sounding portable PA is important for gigging musicians. Portable PAs are a great solution … Read more
Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers
Posted May 26, 2018 by
Though the same brands that dominated last year will most-likely dominate in 2018, innovation will be the biggest thing to set the controllers apart.
This MIDI controller master list includes key-beds of different sizes, actions, weighting, … Read more
Best 25 Audio Engineering Schools in the U.S.A
Posted May 24, 2018 by
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From creating musical scores in movies to orchestrating sound systems for live events to designing beats for songs, audio engineers focus on the science behind … Read more
Best Recording Microphone For Vocals in 2018
Posted May 21, 2018 by
Choosing the right vocal microphone for your studio recordings is a major up-front factor in the quality of your end-result. Barring the pop filter, your microphone is the first thing your voice "touches" in … Read more
Best DAW Control Surface
Posted May 17, 2018 by
Updates for 2018
Flexibility is the trend among the best new digital audio workstation (DAW) control surfaces of 2017. While it was once necessary to design your studio around the needs of your DAW surface, … Read more
Pass the Mic: Best Vocal Mic for Rappers
Posted May 14, 2018 by
There may not be a genre where microphone choice is more important in relation to the human voice when it comes to clarity beyond the dynamic range than rap and hiphop. Though not all … Read more
Status Audio CB-1 Review: One of the Best Pair of Closed-Back Headphones Under $100
Posted April 23, 2018 by
Summary:
The STATUS AUDIO CB-1S's are a very intriguing pair of headphones. At the price point of $79 (they're on Amazon for $63) you are pretty much guaranteed to not be dissapointed. They are a … Read more
Best Music Production Software
Posted April 16, 2018 by
In 2018, music production software has become more mobile than ever. This updated list of the best music production software includes packages that automatically scale to fit any screen size. New technologies in modern … Read more
Best MIDI Keyboard for Beginners
Posted April 13, 2018 by
A MIDI keyboard is essential for anyone looking to produce music and break into audio engineering. What can be confusing is where to start when first choosing one. For a quick look at our … Read more
Best Vocal FX Plugins
Posted April 11, 2018 by
Now that we’ve gone over the ideal vocal processing tools that all happen in earlier stages of the mixing process, it’s time to dive into the best vocal effects plugins.
Though many multi-effects plugins can … Read more
Best Pitch Correction Software
Posted March 30, 2018 by
It’s been a long time since Cher introduced the world to Autotune, but from the moment she believed in love the world became enamored with the tool turned production toy, but we've come a … Read more
Essential Vocal Production Tools
Posted March 28, 2018 by
The Engineer’s vocal toolbox is a collection of essential vocal production tools that help with pitch correction, vocal presence, and vocal mixing.
So it finally happened, you got your first big gig as a mixing … Read more
How to Build a Home Recording Studio on a Budget
Posted December 10, 2017 by
Building a home recording studio can be a daunting task for beginners. This is especially true if you are trying to get it done for close to under $1,000. Fortunately for you, we've done … Read more
The Top “Mumble” Rappers in 2018
Posted November 28, 2017 by
This list of mumble rappers could literally change every week. The amount of music that is being put out on a daily basis (especially in rap music) is unprecedented.
If you feel like someone should … Read more
Full Sail University Review
Posted November 27, 2017 by
Editors Note: Below is a Full Sail review and opinion piece from former student Sean Davis. Sean graduated from Full Sail University and is currently working in the music industry. All opinions and experiences … Read more
Best Music Schools in Washington
Posted October 21, 2017 by
If location is one of the factors you are taking into heavy consideration when choosing a music school, know that there has never been a better time to live in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). … Read more
Best Portable Audio Interfaces
Posted October 2, 2017 by
In the untethered world of recording the best portable audio interfaces come from big names and unexpected ones too.
A good audio interface is generally the first step in realizing a song after the … Read more
Music Degrees
Posted October 2, 2017 by
You'd like to land a high-paying job in music, and you're willing to do what it takes to make that happen. You're thinking about getting a music degree, but you wonder if the expense … Read more
Best 49 Key MIDI Controllers
Posted September 26, 2017 by
In the world of keyboard controllers, 49 key MIDI controllers are the new standard.
How did 49 become the new 61? No one knows, I would assume a great deal marketing and cost-effective engineering, … Read more
Best Soundproof Foam for Music Production
Posted September 21, 2017 by
Are you planning to build a new studio for music production or trying to improve the sound quality of your existing studio? Resonant sound -- echoes bouncing off of smooth walls -- is one … Read more
Best Guitar Pick Punch
Posted September 20, 2017 by
Making guitar picks has never been easier than it is now. Guitar players have an abundance of options when it comes to tools for creating your own picks. One of these tools is the … Read more
Best Schools In Detroit For Getting Into The Music Industry
Posted September 18, 2017 by
Detroit is a city with world-renowned history, and this holds true as it pertains to music and audio engineering. From The Tempations, to Derrick May, the city has produced music phenoms in every single … Read more
FL Studio 12 Review
Posted September 17, 2017 by
FL Studio 12 at a glance
FL Studio 12
Yes
No
Price
$99-$899
Free Trial
x
Third Party FX
x
Film Scoring
x
OSx
x
PC
x
iOS
x
Android
x
See on Amazon
Brandon Shaver
4/5 stars
Formerly known as Fruity Loops, FL Studio began making waves in the beat making community in 1998 when it … Read more
Akai MPC Live Review
Posted September 16, 2017 by
If Akai's MPC X replaces your laptop and Maschine, the MPC Live is coming for Ableton Live.
With the leak that kept on giving, the second item from the MPC 2.0 family goes a bit sleeker, … Read more
Best Drum Machine 2017
Posted September 16, 2017 by
Updates for 2017
This is a great time to be in the market for a new drum machine. For 2017, we've added two products to our list of the best drum machines. Each one has … Read more
REAPER DAW Review
Posted September 15, 2017 by
Update: We recently updated our review to include a star rating and gave it 4.5 start based on its extensive features, plugins, compatibility, and of course Reapers incredible price point.
REAPER at a Glance
REAPER Pro 9
Yes
No
Price
$60
Free … Read more
A List of Our Favorite SoundCloud Alternatives
Posted August 9, 2017 by
Though reports of SoundCloud’s death may be greatly exaggerated when was the last time that you willingly removed 40% of your body and were still living to tell about it? So with the latest round … Read more
SoundSport Wireless vs Powerbeats3 Wireless
Posted July 9, 2017 by
Comparison Table
Full Review
Pricing
PowerBeats
SoundSport
PowerBeats Pricing
$199 on Guitar Center
$199 on Amazon
$87 used - Amazon
$198 - B&H (lowest price and variety)
SoundSport Pricing
$149 on Guitar Center
$149 … Read more
Best Electric Guitar Strings of 2018
Posted June 13, 2017 by
Table of Contents
Basics
Must Know Details
String Compobillysition
String Gauge
String Winding
Roundwound
Flatwound
Halfwound
String Coating
Top Picks
Ernie Ball
Elixir NANOWEB
D’Addario
DR Tite-Fit
Experimenting with new gear is one
of the most fun … Read more
Best Keyboard Controllers with Pads
Posted May 11, 2017 by
No matter the key configurations, the most popular MIDI controllers are keyboard controllers with pads.
As the most popular style of MIDI controllers in the world, keyboard controller with pads cover a wide range … Read more
Best Cloud Collaboration Services for Musicians
Posted May 11, 2017 by
As our world becomes more and more wireless, the cloud has become an integral part of both creation and collaboration. From file storage to untethered workflows powered by digital handoff Audio Assemble is here … Read more
Best 32 & 37 Key MIDI Controllers
Posted May 5, 2017 by
The white elephant of the keyboard controllers, 32 and 37 key MIDI controllers are the rarest key configuration.
As the rarest key configuration available in the world of keyboard controllers, you generally expect companies … Read more
Best 25 Key MIDI Controllers
Posted May 5, 2017 by
As the smallest of the keyboard controllers, the best 25 key MIDI controllers need to be as compact as they are feature-packed.
Not made for real pianists, these micro MIDI controllers are usually used … Read more
Best 61 Key MIDI Controllers
Posted May 5, 2017 by
The 61 key MIDI controller is the most common configuration of all MIDI controllers, check out what makes these 5 controllers uncommon.
Most producers that grew-up with a keyboard in their childhood homes are … Read more
Best 88 Key MIDI Controllers
Posted May 5, 2017 by
As the large of the keyboard controllers, the best 88 key MIDI controllers are made for pianists or at least a producer who knows their way around a piano.
The 88 key MIDI controller … Read more
Where to Go for Pro Tools Certification
Posted April 26, 2017 by
You can get a Pro Tools certification any way you would like because regardless of where it’s from, they all hold the same weight. But if all certifications are created equal, all Experts are … Read more
Best MIDI Foot Controller
Posted April 26, 2017 by
A MIDI foot controller gives you the freedom to switch back and forth between preprogrammed effects while leaving your hands free to play your instrument. Using signals known as continuous controller (CC) messages and … Read more
Expand Your Reverb Palette: Convolution reverb plugins
Posted April 5, 2017 by
Reverb is one of those tools that can be used (and misused) in an extraordinary number of ways. From creating a natural sense of space in your mixes to drenching them to the point … Read more
Best Powered PA Systems
Posted April 5, 2017 by
If you're looking to upgrade from a small PA system, then full-featured powered mixers are a great place to start. You won't have to worry about purchasing both a mixer and power amp as … Read more
Best Audio Samples Subscription Services
Posted April 1, 2017 by
Sample subscriptions services are nothing new, I personally subscribed to my first sample subscription when I was around 15 years old in the form of Computer Music, before the advent of the age of … Read more
Best Plugin Subscriptions for Audio Engineers
Posted March 21, 2017 by
It once was frowned upon to mix strictly “in the box,” but with the ever-growing library of high-fidelity tools being offered to mix-engineers paired with a previously unattainable and equally unaffordable amount of computer … Read more
Best PA Systems in Different Price Ranges
Posted March 12, 2017 by
PA systems vary in size, shape, functionality, price, and quality. There are hundreds of models to choose from dozens of manufacturers. With so many options available on the market, it’s often hard to find … Read more
A First Look at the MPC X
Posted February 27, 2017 by
Akai's new MPC X could replace your laptop!
It's rare that an eighty-year-old company experiences a leak, but on January 9th that's exactly what happened to Akai Pro with an early release of the product photos, … Read more
Best Guitar Pedals in Each Price Range
Posted February 27, 2017 by
2017 is shaping up to be a great year for guitar pedals. The industry is showing major growth and is refreshingly innovative. But before we can consider the best, how do we know which … Read more
Best Combo Guitar Amps Under $1,000
Posted February 25, 2017 by
Like buying most music gear, the consumer is given an ocean of choices, and guitar amplifiers aren’t immune to this phenomenon either. Here, we’ve chosen a handful of amps that cover the spectrum … Read more
2018 Best Semi-open Back Headphones
Posted February 19, 2017 by
The preferred headphones of mastering engineers and the perfect compromise for artists and tracking engineers, semi-open-back headphones allow for critical listening with minimal bleed.
Typically seen as the headphone of compromise for tracking engineers, or … Read more
2018 Best Open Back Headphones
Posted February 18, 2017 by
The preferred headphones of mixing engineers and audiophiles, open-back headphones allow for critical listening and real-world perspective.
To close off my series about the best studio headphones on the market, let’s talk about the best … Read more
2018 Best Closed-Back Headphones
Posted February 18, 2017 by
The savior of a tracking engineer's job and the solace of a music producer's creativity, closed-back headphones are a key component of the music making process.
Closed-back headphones are the most-versatile pair of headphones … Read more
Best Digital PA Systems
Posted February 13, 2017 by
Digital PA systems are rapidly changing as technology continues to develop more powerful, compact, and faster computer systems. That means there’s a lot to think about when purchasing a digital mixer. However, if you’re … Read more
REASON Review
Cakewalk SONAR Review
Acid Pro 7 Review
ProTools 12 Review
Logic Pro X Review
Cubase Pro 9 Review
Ableton Live 9 Review
Best MIDI Pad Controllers
Posted January 10, 2017 by
Over the span of a decade fewer people have felt the need to get an MPC or groove box, instead opting for digital step sequencer and a MIDI drum controller. This is due in … Read more
The Best MIDI to USB Cables For Any Computer
Posted August 14, 2016 by
Electronic musical instruments and personal computers connect to MIDI keyboards to allow musicians to produce digital music tracks. These devices can also be used as music education tools for aspiring musicians. MIDI to universal … Read more
The Best Audiobooks in Each Major Category
Posted July 1, 2016 by
Let's face it: With the hyperactivity of today's busy lifestyles, more people have difficulty finding the time to simply read for pleasure. Between work, school and extracurricular activities, the downtime necessary to enjoy … Read more
4 Best Guitar Chord Books For Beginners
Posted February 23, 2016 by
1. “The Ultimate Guitar Chord Chart” by Hal Leonard Coporation
Pros: It’s essentially a simple, no-frills quick-reference chart in book form. Because it’s so small and light, you can carry it inside your guitar case. Plus, … Read more
Best Audio Engineering Book
Posted February 23, 2016 by
Searching for the best audio engineering books to study, learn, grow, and advance your skills? Look no further, we at Audio Assemble have done the research for you. Below are a list of the best … Read more
Best Pro Tools Books
Posted February 22, 2016 by
Books are great for supplemental learning as well as getting your foot in the door. Ultimately it is on you to learn but you can take a book around with you anywhere you go … Read more