Expert Advice
How to Mic an Electric Guitar Amplifier with Multiple Microphones
Here we will discuss recording electric guitar by miking the front and back of an amp as well as using a room mic. The front microphone is obviously going to give you the direct sound of the amplifier. By blending in the back side of the amp, you get a full picture of...
Warm Audio WA-84 Stereo Pair on Acoustic Guitar Demo
Take a listen to the Warm Audio WA-84 SDC microphone. Utilizing a high-quality acoustic guitar, offering a fundamental response, as well as some complexity - in particular, a James Goodall approach to bracing is an ideal choice. We’re going to process the microphones...
An Intro to Recording Acoustic Guitar – Sound Pure Gear Tip
Some of the most frequently asked questions here at the shop are “Where do I start?”, “How do I get into recording my guitar that I just purchased?”, or “Hey I'm getting into recording, where do I begin?”. An acoustic guitar is a really good place to start. There are...
How to Insert & Remove 500-Series Modules – Sound Pure Gear Tip
In today's installment of gear tips, we're going to be talking about 500 series and more specifically how to install and remove modules in your chassis. If you're not careful you might actually cause some damage to your gear, so this is what we do and just kind of a...
Ribbon Microphone Comparison on Electric Guitar Amp
In this microphone shootout, we’ve focused on four of our favorite and most commonly used ribbon microphones. The Shure KSM 313, the Royer R121, the Coles 4038, and the AEA R84. A reminder, these microphones are eligible for our free Try Before You Buy, demo program....
Studio Drum Overheads Mic Comparison
Today we’re going to discuss drum overheads. We’re starting out with 3 different types of microphones - things really typical to see in drum overheads. You’ve got a FET Large Diaphragm Condenser (LDC) with the Neumann U87. You’ve got a FET Small Diaphragm Condenser...
XY Micing Technique using the Peluso P84 SDC Microphone Stereo Kit
Today we are covering the XY mic technique. The XY micing technique utilizes two microphones that are positioned so that they come together at the point of the diaphragm. The benefit of this is that it allows you to put two microphones in the same place in...
Classical Guitar Recording Technique: Recording Acoustic & Acoustic/Electric Classical Guitars
Today we’re focusing on specific techniques for mic’ing and recording nylon-stringed instruments. We’re starting with the Schoeps CMC-6 bodies, with MK2H capsules on them. These are omni capsules with a slight high-frequency extension. They provide a nice warm,...
Rupert Neve 5211 2-Channel Mic Pre Demo
The Rupert Neve designs 5211 is a stereo solid-state pre-designed by Rupert Neve that's a bit of a departure for Rupert Neve designs in that it features a transformerless input stage. This allows you to keep things fairly transparent on the front end, but also allows...
Low Volume Alternatives for Recording Guitars – Sound Pure Gear Tip
Today we’re discussing some great alternatives to recording guitars through micing up your guitar cabinet in a large studio that you may not have access to. Particularly, if you lack the variety of microphones to use for that situation. In these circumstances, we...
How to Pack a Guitar for Shipping
What you'll need Packing tape – Moving or packing tape is preferred, Things like duct tape, electrical tape, other tape may not hold on to the box well enough during shipping. Scrap cardboard or foam – This will be used to insulate the gear from the inside of the...
Home Recording Startup Guide
Recording at home is not as daunting as it seems. While some aspire to record using a home studio, others may want to record practice sessions or write a song. Fortunately, not a lot of gear is needed. Here is an overview of what is needed to begin your recording...
Acoustic Guitar Body Sizes Explained
Some examples of acoustic sizes are: Parlor: A light, focused and balanced sound, in a smaller overall size for a guitar O: Balanced tone and response, slightly larger than the parlor guitar OO: Has a solid mid-range register, great all-around guitar OOO: Largest of...
Tips for Quieter Drums
As drummers, there are very few avenues where you can express yourself without being heard in some capacity. Let’s face it, drums can be loud. Whether it be acoustic drums or electronic drums, sound will travel and some people may be less than happy to hear your sonic...
Ribbon Mic Drum Overhead Shootout: Royer R121 vs. Coles 4038 vs. Shure KSM 313 vs. AEA R84
In this installment of our drum overhead shootout series, we put 4 of our favorite ribbon mics head-to-head: the Royer R121, the Shure KSM 313, the Coles 4038, and the AEA R84. All microphones were run through our Phoenix DRS8 mic pre, and into the first...
SDC Drum Overhead Shootout: Miktek C5 vs. Schoeps CMC6 vs. Neumann KM184 vs. Peluso P84
In this installment of our drum overhead shootout series, we've rounded up 4 SDC mics that we feel very passionate about: the Miktek C5, the Schoeps CMC 6, the Neumann KM 184, and the Peluso P-84. All microphones were run through our Phoenix DRS8 mic pre, and into the...
LDC Drum Overhead Shootout: Miktek C7 vs. Lauten Atlantis vs. Neumann TLM 107
In this installment of our drum overhead series, we showcase a few of our favorite LDC microphones: the Miktek C7, the Lauten Atlantis, and the Neumann TLM 107. All three mics were run through our Phoenix DRS8 mic pre and the first generation Apogee Symphony. It's...
Hear It: Soyuz 013 Tube Mic on Acoustic Guitar & Piano
In this video, pro audio specialist Chuck Giardino runs us through the many benefits of the brand-new Soyuz 013 Tube SDC microphone. We tested this amazing microphone on acoustic guitar and piano, using the talents of Sound Pure guitar specialist Michael Buckley....
Studio Monitor Orientation Tips
Ensuring proper positioning for your studio monitors is perhaps the most important step in setting up any listening environment. Improperly-placed monitors can trick your ears in a number of ways that will inevitably result in very poor decision-making in the context...
First Listen: Mesanovic Model 2 vs. Royer R-121 on Electric Guitar
In our latest demo video, we decided to test out 2 phenomenal ribbon microphones on electric guitar: the Mesanovic Model 2, and the Royer Labs R-121. We've had the Model 2 for a few weeks here in our studio, and we wanted to compare it with a classic that most of you...
Drum Overhead Mic Shootout: Neumann U87 vs. Coles 4038 vs. Neumann KM184
Neumann U87ai LDC vs Neumann SKM184 SDC vs Coles 4038 Ribbon This microphone shootout illustrates the differences between three different microphone classes on drum overheads: large diaphragm condenser, small diaphragm condenser, and ribbon. The Neumann U87ai LDC, the...
Bass Drum Pedal Drive Types
Which Bass Drum Pedal is Right for you? In this installment of Sound Pure Gear Tips, Drums & Percussion Specialist Paul Spencer walks us through 4 different types of bass drum pedals. This includes single-chain, double-chain, strap/belt-drive, and direct-drive...
Microphone Expertise: Series 1
Microphones: the way we capture and project our sound. With microphones being so important to a musician, it's crucial we understand them so we can capture the most authentic recordings and performances possible. Lucky for you, our experts here at Sound Pure want to...
Peluso Tube LDC Microphone Shootout On Male Vocals: P12, 2247 SE, P67, 22 251
For those audio guys who have been following us, you've probably heard over and over how much we love the work of John Peluso. John's job in creating modern versions of vintage vocal mics is outstanding. In this blind microphone shootout you will have a chance to...
4 Peluso LDC Microphone Shootout on Female Vocals: P12 vs 2247 SE vs P67 vs 22 251
In this blind microphone shootout we compared four of John Peluso's large diaphragm tube condenser mics: the P12, the 2247 SE, the P67, and the 22 251. These four mics are clones of the venerable C12, U47, U67 and 251 respectively, which are four of the...
Parallel Compression
Parallel compression is a classic production and mixing technique that can really add some density, punch, and excitement to an otherwise stagnant source. There really is nothing complicated about it because it’s as simple as adjusting a wet/dry blend knob on any...
The Right Drum Throne for You
In this episode of Gear Tips, Sound Pure percussion specialist Paul Spencer tells us what to look for when shopping for a throne. Although a throne might not be the most glamorous piece of equipment, it is the foundation of a player’s control and that makes picking...
Acoustic Guitar String Gauges
In this episode of gear tips, Sound Pure acoustic guitar specialist Barrett Brooks answers questions and provides some insight on string gauge for acoustic guitars. Most acoustic guitars will come standard with 12 gauge strings. While 12’s are a great...
Eddie’s Corner: A Horizontal Approach to The Em Pentatonic Scale
In this episode of Eddie's Corner, Sound Pure electric guitar specialist Eddie Berman provides some insight on how to play scales from a horizontal standpoint, helping you break out of your comfort zone of vertical pentatonic scales. E D B A G is the pattern of...
Exploring the Lynx Aurora(n) Series
The Aurora(n) Series is a reimagining of Lynx's Aurora converters, which have been one of THE most trusted converters in professional studios for the past decade. The new units feature upgraded A/D and D/A converters utilizing the same technology that led the Hilo to...
Converting a Mounted Tom Into a Floor Tom
In this episode of Gear Tips, Sound Pure drums specialist Paul Spencer Demonstrates how to turn a 14 or 16-inch hanging tom into a floor tom by using a WoldMax Floor Tom Support System. A lot of times, it is an issue to turn your 14-16in hanging tom into a...
Options for Setting Up Your Tom-Toms
In this episode of Gear Tips, Sound Pure Percussion expert Paul Spencer explains the two major ways to set up toms and how each setup affects your sound. The first method for setting up a tom-tom is mounting it to a cymbal stand or bass drum. When you...
An Intro to Recording Acoustic Guitar
In this episode of Gear Tips, Sound Pure pro audio specialist Doug Wessling walks us through three methods used to record an acoustic guitar. The first and simplest way to record an acoustic guitar is to use a single microphone for a mono recording. This can be done...
How to Wrap a Cable & Extend Its Lifespan
In this episode of Expert Advice, Sound Pure pro audio specialist Marc Kuzio walks us through how to properly wrap a microphone cable to lengthen its lifespan. Often times folks just starting out, be it musicians, live sound engineers, studio engineers,...
Torrefied Guitars Explained
Torrefaction, all in all, is the process of baking the woods used in the construction of the guitar, most often the top. This process is typically done with high-quality pieces of wood such as Adirondack Spruce or Sitka. The pieces of wood are...
Humidity and Your Guitar
In this episode of Gear Tips, Sound Pure acoustic guitar specialist Derek Lebo answers questions that are frequently asked regarding humidity and guitars. The best range to keep guitars in is 45-55% relative humidity. 40-60% is the wide range you want to...
Dave Hill Designs Europa 1 Mic Preamp
Simply put, this is a must-have preamp for anyone doing virtually any type of music production in their studios. The ability to change the speed and response of the transient content, and dial in 2nd and 3rd order harmonics at the twist of a few knobs is...
Bass Drum Pedal Cam Types
Drums specialist Paul Spencer walks us through how different bass drum pedal cam shapes affect the responsiveness and feel of your pedals in this installment of Sound Pure Gear Tips. The cam is the piece of metal on your bass drum pedal that transfers...
8 Microphone Drums Setup
In this installment of Sound Pure Gear Tips, pro audio specialist Marc Kuzio gives us the rundown on an 8-microphone drum setup. Using 8 mics instead of 4 gives you the ability to be more creative with your drum sound. It provides you with additional...
Eddie’s Corner: Using a Graphic EQ to Reshape Your Solo Tone
In this installment of Eddie’s Corner, electric guitar specialist Eddie Berman shares some tips on using a graphic equalizer after your overdrive pedal to adjust your guitar sound. To demonstrate the changes you can make using a graphic EQ pedal, Eddie...
Vintage Neve 1073 vs. Vintech X73i Mic Pre Shootout
The Vintech X73i (Neve 1073 replica) is compared side-by-side an original pair of Vintage Neve 1073's in this mic preamp shootout. For the shootout, The Sound Pure Steinway Concert grand piano was recorded using a matched pair of Peluso P12 tube...
CharterOak SA538 vs. SA538B Microphones on Saxophone
The CharterOak SA538 and CharterOak SA538B are compared in this demonstration on alto saxophone and baritone sax. As a tube microphone, they possess some of that rich vintage-style warmth, but at the same time as a modern tube microphone, they also have a...
Snare Mic Comparison
In this Sound Pure Gear Tip, pro audio specialist Marc Kuzio looks at the differences between a few of the most common dynamic and condenser microphones in the context of recording snare drums. Marc says that context plays a lot into the decision of...
A No-Distortion Microphone Preamp: the Earthworks 1024
The Earthworks 1024 Mic Preamp With Zero Distortion Technology Looking for a microphone amplifier that “lets your sources come through with only your mics and other processors to flavor them”? Then maybe the Earthworks 1024 mic preamp is your piece of...
Budget-Friendly Peluso VTB Microphone Vs Legendary Sony C800G
In this blind test, we compared the budget-friendly Peluso VTB vs the legendary Sony C800G. The Sony C800g PAC is one of the most well-respected microphones in the world (and also one of the most expensive.) About 9 years ago, John Peluso of Peluso...
Vintage Neve 1073 vs. Vintech 573 500-series Mic Pre Shootout
In this shootout, we put an original and a clone pre head to head on acoustic guitar. The contenders include: a vintage Neve 1073 and a Vintech Audio 573 500-Series. The preamps chosen for this shootout are preamps that have come through Sound Pure...
Royer 101 and Royer 121 Comparison Demo
We dove into the differences between two ribbon mics in this Royer shootout. The Royer R-121 and the newer Royer R-101 were put head to head on electric guitar with the help of guitarist Scott Sawyer. The mics chosen for this shootout are mics that have...
Vintage Neumann U67 vs. Peluso P67 Microphone Shootout
We put two 67-style mics head to head on male and female vocals in this shootout. Guitarist Duncan Webster and cellist Leah Gibson of the band Prypyat lent their talents as we put a Neumann U67 and a Peluso P-67 (a microphone modeled after the U67) up...
SDC Microphone Shootout: CharterOak M900 vs. Josephson C42 vs. Neumann KM184 vs. Miktek C5
In this shootout, we've put 4 SDC mics head to head in recording acoustic guitar. We've used all of these mics in a variety of applications all over the studio, so we knew we would be able to get some great audio samples. The mics featured are: The...
Ribbon Microphone Comparison Shootout: Shure KSM313 vs. Royer R121 vs. Coles 4038 vs. AEA R84
We put 4 of our most commonly used ribbon microphones head to head on recording electric guitar in this shootout. The contenders include: The Shure KSM313, the Royer R-121, the Coles 4038, and the AEA R84. The four ribbon mics chosen for this shootout are...
SDC vs. LDC Microphone Comparison: Miktek C5 & C7 Microphones on Grand Piano
While every mic has it's own unique voice and response, there are broad characteristics and differences can be found in all Large and Small Diaphragm Condenser microphones. For this comparison we chose the Miktek C5 SDC and the Miktek C7 LDC microphones to...
84-Style Microphone Shootout: Vintage Neumann KM84 vs. Neumann KM184 vs. Peluso P84
This shootout features 3 microphones that are tied together by history. The Neumann KM84 was developed in the 1960s, and is a SDC mic with a warm, natural, and detailed sound. The modernized version, the Neumann KM184, features a slightly different tone...
SDC vs. LDC Microphone Comparison: Miktek C5 & C7 Microphones on Acoustic Guitar
There are multiple factors that determine what makes microphones sound different from each other, but when speaking about SDCs and LDCs, size is the most important. In this shootout, the Miktek C5 and the Miktek C7 go head to head in showing the effect...
How Does the Peluso P87 Compare to the Classic Neumann U87 Microphone?
The Peluso P-87 versus the classic Neumann Microphones Do you wonder how does the Peluso P87 compare to the classic Neumann U87 microphone? And to its newest offspring, the Neumann U87ai? Check out the video above, where Sound Pure pro audio expert David...
$30,000 Mic Shootout: Bock 47 vs. Telefunken 251E vs. Manley Reference Gold vs. Telefunken U47
It's hard to determine what's the best of the best, but in this shootout, we tried to do that with 4 of our top tier mics. Here are the LDC tube mics we put head to head: The Manley Reference Gold, the Bock Audio 47, the Telefunken 251E, and the Telefunken...
DPA 4006A vs. 2006A SDC Mic Quick ‘n’ Dirty Shootout
If you're on the lookout for high-definition, extremely detailed, and honest microphones, DPA is the manufacturer you're looking for. We decided to put two of their microphones head to head in this shootout: the DPA 4006A and the DPA 2006A. The mics chosen...
DPA 4011A vs. 2011A SDC Mic Quick ‘n’ Dirty Shootout
The DPA 4011A is known for being an incredibly accurate SDC microphone. We decided to put this mic head to head with the newer DPA 2011A to compare the two. We found that the two sound very similar, but listen for yourself! The mics chosen for this...
Voiceover LDC Mic Shootout: Neumann U87Ai vs. Peluso P87 vs. CharterOak E700 vs. Peluso 2247 SE
In modern voiceover recording, the standard LDC to use is the Neumann U87Ai. We decided to put this mic to the test and do a blind shootout with three other similar LDCs: The Peluso P87, the Peluso 2247 SE, and the CharterOak E700. The LDCs chosen for this...
LDC Kick Drum Mic Shootout: Neumann U47 FET vs Bock iFET vs Soyuz SU-019
While it might be more common to see a dynamic mic on a kick drum, in this shootout we've put three LDCs to the test with a little help from pro audio specialist David Barrett. The contenders include: The Neumann U 47, the Bock Audio iFET, and the Soyuz...
LDC Vocal Mic Shootout: Neumann U87Ai, Neumann U47 FET, Bock Audio iFET & Soyuz SU-019 LDC FET
In the market for a higher-end LDC mic that sounds great on vocals? Then check out this shootout where we put four LDC mics head to head on male vocals with the help of pro audio specialist Marc Kuzio. The contenders include: The Neumann U87Ai, the Neumann...
3 Budget-Friendly SDC Microphones: Lauten LA-120 vs Peluso CEMC6 vs Avantone CK-1
If you are looking for a budget-friendly SDC (Small Diaphragm Condenser) microphone, make sure you check out this blind test we made on acoustic guitar between the Lauten LA-120 vs the Peluso CEMC6 vs. the Avantone CK-1. All of the microphones have cardioid capsules,...
Common Metal Snare Drum Shells
Drummers who have an ear for tone and desire multiple options when playing live or recording in the studio know that a drum’s tone is dependent not only on its material, but on how that material is made into a drum. Metal snare drums offer entirely...
Budget FET Vocal Mic Shootout: Lauten LA-220 v. Studio Projects C1 v. Miktek C1 v. Avantone CK-7
In this comparison between 4 FET vocal microphones, we've blind-tested some of our favorite budget FET mics, and put them head to head on male vocals with a little help from pro audio specialist Marc Kuzio. The contending microphones are the Lauten...
Budget Tube vs. Solid-State Microphone Comparison: Lauten LA-320 vs Lauten LA-220
In this shootout, we've compared 2 different types of microphones and put them head to head on male vocals with a little help from pro audio specialist Marc Kuzio. The contenders include: The LA-320 and the LA-220. Each mic brings a different sound to the...
Lauten Series Black Mic Shootout: LA-120 SDC, LA-220 LDC & LA-320 Tube LDC
In this shootout, we've rounded up 3 microphones from the Lauten Series Black and put them head to head on male vocals with a little help from pro audio specialist Marc Kuzio. The contenders include: The LA-120 SDC, the LA-220 LDC, and the LA-320 LDC....
87-Style Male Vocal Mic Shootout: Warm Audio WA87 vs. Neumann U87Ai vs. Peluso P87
In this shootout, we've rounded up 3 of our favorite 87-style mics and put them head to head on male vocals with a little help from pro audio specialist Marc Kuzio. The contenders include: The Warm Audio WA87, the Peluso P87, and the Neumann U87Ai. The...
87-Style Female Vocal Microphone Shootout: Neumann U87Ai vs. Warm Audio WA87 vs. Peluso P87
In this shootout, we've rounded up 3 of our favorite 87-style mics and put them head to head on female vocals with a little help from Ayisa Adderley of the band Eyes Eat Suns. The contenders include: The Warm Audio WA87, the Peluso P87, and...
Tour of Types Vocal Microphone Shootout: Shure SM7B vs. AEA R44 CXE vs. Manley Ref C vs. Neumann U87Ai
In this shootout, we've rounded up 4 different types of microphones and put them head to head on female vocals with a little help from Ayisa Adderley of the band Eyes Eat Suns. The contenders include: The Shure SM7B, the AEA R44 CXE, the Manley Ref C, and...
2K LDC Tube Mic Shootout on Female Vocals: Pearlman TM1, Miktek CV4, Peluso P67, Telefunken AR51
In this shootout, we've rounded up 4 of our favorite LDC mics in the 2k price point and put them head to head on female vocals with a little help from Ayisa Adderley of the band Eyes Eat Suns. The contenders include: The Telefunken Elektroakustik AR-51,...
Changing Strings with Locking Tuners
In this Sound Pure Gear Tip, guitar specialist Michael Buckley runs us through his process for changing strings using locking tuners. Michael explains that the most important thing about changing strings is making sure everything is taught and running in...
Sebatron VMPQuadPlus Demo
Pro Audio specialists Doug Wessling and Marc Kuzio got the chance to take a deep dive into the Sebatron VMPQuadPlus 4 Channel Tube Mic Preamp while recording drums. The VMPQuadPlus is the next generation from the original VMP series which adds several new...
Effects of Hammering and Lathing Cymbals
The hammering and lathing steps of the cymbal manufacturing process are crucial to shaping the overall sound profile of a cymbal. Understanding how these processes change the physical and sonic properties of an unfinished cymbal is important for any...
The Basics of Nut Width and String Spacing
In this installment of Sound Pure Gear Tips, acoustics specialist Barrett Brooks runs us through the basics of nut width and string spacing. Nut width refers to the width of the guitar’s neck at the nut. String spacing is the distance from the low E string...
A Quick & Easy 4-Mic Setup for Drum Kits
Possibly the most daunting task for an engineer new to recording is getting a great drum sound, so, since we’re doing some training with our drum team at the shop and teaching them more about miking up a kit, we decided this was a great opportunity to...
Eddie’s Corner: 5 Slide Guitar Tips
Playing slide guitar might seem difficult at first, but our electric guitar specialist Eddie Berman has five helpful tips to make it easier. 1) Learn how to mute with both hands. A lot of people automatically drag their fingers behind the slide or play...
Eddie’s Corner: 6 Tips For Better Guitar Tuning
Tuning guitars is easier than ever. Players are now relying more and more on electronic tuners, rather than tuning by ear. But there are still many factors that can affect the outcome. “If you are tuning by ear, your ear is king,” says our very own...
Electric Guitar Microphone Comparison
When mic'ing an electric guitar, there are countless options, avenues, and tools that you can explore to capture the most authentic sound of your instrument, or shape your tone into something entirely different. Three types of microphones that are commonly used are...
Cymbal Anatomy 101
Cymbals come in a variety of weights and sizes, and produce an array of sounds. They can be bright and explosive, dark and complex, warm and full, classic, modern, and every description in between. Understanding how the physical properties of a cymbal...
How to Record Grand Piano: Cardioid vs. Omni Microphones
In this video, Sound Pure's Todd Atlas explains how using a four-mic setup while recording an acoustic grand piano can make a small, dry room sound like a concert hall. Omni and cardioid capsules are compared using 2 Miktek C5 stereo kits. The omnis pick...
Single Coil vs. Humbucker Pickups
One of the more important aspects of your electric guitar choice is your pickups, so it's good to keep in mind their tonal and practical differences. Using the Tyler Studio Elite Retro guitar with the JTS2 Hot Laura Single Coil Pickups, and the Nash T-72...
Understanding Frets to the Body vs. Scale Length
A question we often get is how scale length relates to the number of frets to the body on guitars, with a common misconception being that short scale means 12-fret-to-the-body guitars, while long-scale means 14-fret-to-the-body guitars. In order to clear...
The Proximity Effect Explained
Our pro audio specialist Tim Oliver quickly explains the proximity effect using a classic Neumann U87Ai microphone to demonstrate. Getting too close to a microphone, in particular a cardioid or directional mic, will produce an increase in low frequencies...
Eddie’s Corner: How To Play All Your Major Chords within Five Frets
Eddie shares a bit more of his magic mojo with us in this short tutorial covering how to play all the major chords within five frets to make it easier for soloing. This is a great method for playing over chord changes, and really just involves looking at...
Eddie’s Corner: Add Some Flat 5 Spice to Your Solos
In this guitar lesson, our very own Eddie Berman goes over a simple way to add a little spice to your guitar vocabulary by adding a flat 5th to any scale. The flat 5 tone is heard a lot in blues, especially in the minor context, but it can also be used from a major...
Low Volume Alternatives for Recording Electric Guitar
In this Expert Advice video, Sound Pure Pro Audio Specialist Ted G. walks us through a great alternative for recording electric guitar, when you don't have access to a huge studio or mic locker or need the flexibility of tweaking your audio extensively after...
Cymbal Alloys 101
This post is “Part Two” of our educational series on cymbals. In the previous installment, our drums specialist Paul Spencer dug into the differences between cast and sheet metal cymbals. This time, he discusses the alloys that go into making cymbals....
Cast vs Sheet Cymbals: What You Need to Know
Sound Pure specialist Paul Spencer covers the differences between cast vs. sheet cymbals in this short video (with sound examples). For those of you unfamiliar with the cymbal-making process, cymbals begin life as a molten copper alloy of some sort,...
Eddie’s Corner: Alternate Approaches to a I-iii-IV-V Chord Change in E
SoundPure's Eddie Berman teaches an abridged approach to playing a 1-3-4-5 chord change in the key of E. Eddie demonstrates the chord change in both the classic "bar chord" fingering and in a condensed method. This lesson shows the viewer the sonic...
Patchbay Basics
A patchbay is one of the most useful tools and investments you can make in your studio, whether you have loads of gear or are just starting out with using compressors, EQs, and preamps. Even a minimalist patchbay setup can save you tons of time and rescue...
XY Miking Technique on Acoustic Guitar: 2-Part Master Class Video Series
One of the easiest setups for acoustic guitar recording is the XY miking technique. Not only is it one of the quickest setups you can do to capture acoustic guitar in stereo, it also is one of the few coincident miking techniques that minimizes phase...
The Parts of an Acoustic Guitar
When you're shopping with us for the perfect acoustic guitar, whether you're considering volume, tone, comfort, or any other feature, there are a few details our specialists will inquire about. For beginners and seasoned players alike, we'll want to know what you've...
How to Measure Scale Length on a Guitar
If you've ever been a little confused about how to measure scale length precisely on a guitar, you're not alone. The scale length of a guitar is, in common parlance, the distance between the nut and the bridge, or the length that the strings freely...
How Drumstick Tips Can Affect Your Sound
Sound Pure percussion specialist Paul Spencer explains how different types of drumstick tips can affect your drum and cymbal sound. Each type of drumstick-tip type is going to have a different effect. Teardrop-shaped tips will give you a really focused...
Why and When to Consider Reduced Frequency Cymbals
If you're a gigging drummer that plays in smaller venues, you've likely encountered the following scenario: your kit is set up, and you begin the sound check as normal, only to realize that the venue is too small and too poorly treated acoustically to...
Eddie’s Corner: How to Play over Dominant Chords in the Keys of A Minor and C Major
Our very own Eddie Berman teaches an approach to playing over dominant chords in the key of A minor/C major. Eddie demonstrates how adding a B-flat to the A minor/C major pentatonic scale expands the player's sonic possibilities. For everything from smooth...
Under $500 LDC Mic Blind Shootout: sE2200a II vs. WA-47 JR vs. LA-220 vs. WA-14
Looking for the best LDC mic under $500 on a limited budget can be daunting research! Luckily, there are some great large diaphragm condenser microphone options under $500 out there, and getting the most bang for your buck given your specific setup and...
Selecting Drumheads
One of our most frequently asked questions is "what is the best drumhead out there?" How to select a drumhead is a tough question to answer, because it depends on your preferences and what you want from your sound. Do you want a lighter, brighter sound, or...
How to Insert and Remove 500-Series Modules
In this installment of Sound Pure Gear Tips, pro audio specialist Marc Kuzio shows us how to properly insert and remove a 500‑series module. Marc demonstrates how to install units with an API Audio 500V 10-space rack (API Audio, incidentally, being the...
Choosing a Neve 1073 Clone
Not only one of the most recognizable preamps on the market today, but almost certainly the most copied, the 1073 has been a staple in recording studios for decades. At any point in our studio, we have had four to five different "1073-style" preamps that we could...
Finding That Neumann U 47 Sound
The Neumann U 47 is not only one of the most iconic microphones in the world, it is possibly the most sought-after mic for that "big and warm" vintage sound. For everything from country and rock to pop and hip-hop vocals, the U 47 is a sound nearly everyone can agree...
Mic Placement as a Form of EQ: Electric and Acoustic Guitar
In this video, Sound Pure Pro Audio specialist Marc Kuzio provides tips on using mic placement as a form of EQ for both electric and acoustic guitar. Plugin and hardware EQs are great tools to have for tone sculpting, but there's no replacement to actually...
251-Style Vocal Mic Shootout: Telefunken 251E v. Bock 251 v. Upton 251 v. Neumann M149
In this blind mic shootout, we give you a chance to compare three of our favorite high-end 251-style vocal microphones: the Telefunken 251E, the Bock 251, the Upton 251. We also brought in the Neumann M149 as a similarly priced control. It won't have the...
Tonewood Spotlight: Maple, the Overlooked Alternative
Sometimes life hands us a binary choice; I recall how my heart would sink when the middle school lunch-lady would issue her daily demand, "peas or fruit?" (I suppose a tossed salad would be out of the question, then?). Acoustic guitar buyers have, for...
Tonewood Spotlight: Mahogany
How do I love thee, mahogany? Let me count the ways: L‑00, D‑18, O‑22, J‑45, Les Paul Junior.... Mahogany is the cornerstone tonewood of the fretted instrument world. What it lacks in dramatic visual appeal and breathless testimonial from wood-sniffers, it...
A Simple 4-Mic Drum Recording Setup Using Peluso Mics
Sound Pure pro audio specialists Travis Hall and David Barrett showcase a simple 4-mic setup for recording drums. This mic setup aims to capture the whole set as a single instrument, and is perfect for capturing David's intimate playing style with brushes,...
Your Tone Begins with Your Top
Your tone begins with your top... but that's not where it ends! The great luthier Antonio Torres Jurado proved the importance of a guitar's top in 1862, by crafting a fine guitar with a solid spruce top and papier-mâché back and sides (the guitar can be...
Archtop Tonewoods: Maple vs. Mahogany
One question that is very common and quite relevant to most archtop players is the difference between maple and mahogany when used on the back and sides of an archtop. In order to understand this issue a little better, it is important to consider a few...
“Open” Up to Alternate Guitar Tunings!
"Standard" tuning allows you to easily play in every key using recognizable scales, patterns, and shapes, but it's not the only way to go. Besides, barre chords hurt like hell and open strings will always sound better than fretted ones. They simply have more sustain,...
Sebatron Axis 200VU Mic Preamp Review
We have found a treasure of a microphone preamp in Sebatron's Axis 200VU! Considering how reasonable this mic pre is, we expected the quality to have a fair amount of saturation/grunge. However, this mic preamp is clean, clear, and open, which is...
How to Get a Quick Electric Guitar Sound with Stereo Amps
Learn how to mic an amplifier and get a fast guitar sound! This demo shows a simple, "quick and dirty" way to set up ribbon mics on a pair of stereo amps. In order to achieve this sound, SoundPure expert Fletcher shares a quick trick with a pair of 65 Amp...
Lauten Audio Torch ST-221 Stereo Pair Microphones Review
Looking for a unique small diaphragm tube microphone? The Lauten Torch is modern made and perfect for different types of applications. The Torch is very different from so many mics we have heard. It's a great addition to any mic locker due to its unique...
Lauten Audio Horizon Microphone
Looking for a microphone that can do it all and sound great in many applications? The Lauten Horizon Tube Microphone has proven to do just that. This extremely versatile, single-pattern, large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone can be used ranging from...
Phoenix DRS-8 Microphone Preamp Review
Looking for a high-quality preamp that is reasonably priced? The Phoenix DRS-8 is exactly what you've been looking for. With a Class A design, this 8-channel microphone preamplifier has a discrete, truly balanced, and transformerless input stage that was...
Lauten Audio Oceanus LT-381 Tube Microphone Review
No microphone collection is complete without this unique gem! The Oceanus from Lauten Audio is modern and creative not only in sound, but also in its circuit design. This large diaphragm tube condenser has a rich, dark tone that captures every nuance of...
A Designs Nail HM2 Stereo Compressor Review
Check out these videos from our series on the A Designs Nail HM2 Stereo Compressor, where we focus on several different features of the Nail and listen to some examples of the Nail in action. These videos include detailed overviews of the high-pass filter,...
Millennia HV-3R Preamps
Millennia started off as a recording and production company for classical music. When they discovered that most recording gear on the market exhibited coloration, they created the Millennia HV-3 preamp---a transparent, colorless preamp that could...
Millennia’s TCL-2 Twin-Com Compressor and the STT-1 Origin
Check out our video on the Millennia TCL-2 Twin-Com and STT-1 compressors below. In the demo, we utilize our pair of STT-1 Origins, which use the same compressor design as Millennia's TCL-2. Like the Twin-Com, linkable by the front panel button, our pair...
CharterOak M900T and S600 Mics as Drum Overheads
A simple drum microphone setup is one of the best ways to really hear the definition of the microphones you're using and the ways in which they work. Here are two videos using a simple four-mic setup, featuring several microphones in the CharterOak line....
Using Millennia’s NSEQ-2 and the STT-1
The EQ section of the STT-1 is virtually identical to the EQ that is in Millennia's NSEQ-2. Millennia's EQ features a 4-band parametric EQ that enables you to choose either a class-A vacuum tube signal path, or a more transparent, class-A solid-state...
Millennia Preamps
In most professional recording studios there is a baseline mic pre---a starting point, a preamp that typically always works, gives you a sound that you can rely on and trust, and a preamp by which all of the other mic pres in your studio are judged. In our studio,...
Tyler Guitars: Meet Your “Super Strat”
There seems to be a cult following for Tyler Guitars that we find to be present with collectors, studio musicians, and on guitar forums. Check out a Tyler thread on the gear page, and you’ll find words of praise, lust, and, of course, tons of pictures of...
Analog Warmth on Your 2 Bus Is as Simple as the A Designs Hammer!
We are pretty spoiled at Sound Pure Studios, to be honest. For outboard gear, we have a little bit of everything under the sun. An ADL 670 (Fairchild compressor clone), CharterOak SCL1, Tube Tech Multiband Compressor, Great River Mastering EQ, Avalon 2055…...
Sebatron’s VMP Series of High-Voltage Tube Microphone Preamps in the Studio
Here at Sound Pure Studios we have a nice healthy choice of tube microphone preamps: Presonus ADL 600, Millennia Origin, Avalon 737, A Designs MP2A, etc. But one of our favorites is the Sebatron VMP series, and we own the Sebatron VMP 4000e, which is the 4...
CharterOak E700 Mics on Fingerstyle Guitar, Piano… Even Kick Drums
The CharterOak E700s are becoming one of our go-to microphones for recording at Sound Pure Studios, and for great reasons. With a very large 1.2” diaphragm, you get amazing low end from this microphone (as heard on our piano videos). But what is truly...
Great Microphone Stands Are Essential in the Studio
On almost every large session here at Sound Pure Studios there will be complicated microphone setups or situations where we really need to be able to maneuver microphones into tight places. We always pat ourselves on the back for spending a little more on our...
Solderless Analog Patchbays Changed Our Life in the Recording Studio
While we will be the first to admit that a new patchbay is not the sexiest of studio upgrades, it very well may be one of the most important! In short, a patchbay is your central control for interfacing every input and output between each and every analog...
Ribbon Mics on Acoustic Guitars: Royer R121 Ribbon Mic with AEA RPQ Mic Preamp
It's a mistake to say any one microphone is good for every task. However, microphones can shine in places where you wouldn't ordinarily think that they would---it sometimes just takes a little extra care to have them performing their best. We recently...
Using the Bricasti M7 to Add Reverb to Drums
Todd Atlas from Sound Pure Studios sits with Casey from Bricasti Design to discuss adding reverb to drums using the M7's very simple presets. The Bricasti M7 is the world-shaking reverb processor that has proven to be, among the top recording engineers and...