Blog - Sweetwater Studios

5 Voice Effects to Add to Your Song

Written by Bobby Dellarocco on October 26, 2021.

When you’re a singer, your voice is your instrument. It sadly has its limitations because, well, you’re human. Many times, your voice is perfect; other times, it could use a little something extra to...

10 Things to Prep Before the Band Gets to the Studio

Written by Rachel Leonard on August 25, 2021.

As an intern, assistant engineer, or even head engineer you want to make sure you are as prepared as possible before the band gets to the studio. Getting things set up ahead of time will help make the...

Re-amping Guitars for Fun and Profit

Written by Dave Martin on August 18, 2021.

OK, I lied about the “profit” part, but re-amping — that is, coming out of the DAW into an amplifier or effects box and then re-recording the new, processed signal — can be lots of fun and can add to...

Gain Staging in the Workstation

Written by Dave Martin on August 11, 2021.

Gain staging is the process by which you manage the signal levels in the various sections of the signal path to minimize noise and distortion while maintaining the best signal level. The basic principle...

Why Bit Depth Matters

Written by Dave Martin on August 4, 2021.

While discussions of bit depth may seem a bit esoteric, the subject has real-world ramifications for those of us working with audio. Let’s start with the basics. While the sampling rate of a digital...

How to Use Crossfades in Pro Tools

Written by Dave Martin on July 28, 2021.

You can create crossfades in a couple of ways — easy and complex. We will show you the complex method, using the menu, and the easy method, using the Smart Tool.

Dave’s 5-step Speedy Vocal Microphone Audition

Written by Dave Martin on July 21, 2021.

How do you choose the right lead vocal mic for a project? There are many approaches; one engineer friend would regularly spend a half day or more auditioning various microphones with the artist, while...

Sweetwater Studios Engineer Rachel Talks GearFest

Written by Rachel Leonard on July 14, 2021.

Join our very own Rachel Leonard for a deep dive into June at Sweetwater, including highlights from GearFest Online 2021! You won't want to miss out on a special segment on why GearFest 2021 was so...

How to Capture a Live Feel in the Studio

Written by Dave Martin on July 6, 2021.

When bands come to the Sweetwater Studios to work on a project, they’ll often talk about wanting to capture a “live feel” on their record. We’re happy to help, of course, but I’m often amused by the...

Saving Tips for Local Bands on a Tight Budget

Written by Julie Doust on June 29, 2021.

If you’re a member of a local band, then you know how tight funds can be, especially when you’re just starting out. If you’re anything like a lot of small bands, perhaps you’re looking for ways to save...