Compressors Explained

Written by Dave Martin on December 23, 2020.

Some of the items used every day in the recording studio make sense on an intuitive level: The primary function of a microphone is to convert sound waves to electronic signals; the primary function...

CD Duplication vs. Replication

Written by Julie Doust on December 14, 2020.

With the digital world evolving more and more, many artists have turned to releasing their songs digitally, but surprisingly there are still many people who want to have that physical product in hand...

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Written by Dave Martin on November 10, 2020.

Most of my friends are extremely creative: I know singers, songwriters, musicians, actors, authors, painters, sculptors, woodworkers, potters, gardeners, and chefs. In short, my friends are much like...

How to Get a Studio Internship

Written by Rachel Leonard on November 3, 2020.

So, you want to become a studio engineer and you need a good place to start gaining some hands-on experience. An internship is a great way to do that! Internships are usually unpaid but can really help...

A Discussion with Studio Engineers Phil Naish, Dave Martin & Bobby Dellarocco

Written by Phil Naish on October 12, 2020.

Earlier this year, Sweetwater Studio engineers Phil Naish, Dave Martin and Bobby Dellarocco met up virtually with Niclas Jeppsson from 'Your Audio Solutions' for a round table interview where they discussed...

Finding Your Sound in the Studio

Written by Shawn Dealey on September 15, 2020.

Walking into the studio isn’t the right time to decide what your record is going to sound like. I know the feeling of being a kid in a candy store is enticing, but this is the time where having a clear...

Miking Your Acoustic Guitar on Live Shows

Written by Dave Martin on September 8, 2020.

There are a number of reasons to consider playing live gigs using a microphone to amplify your acoustic guitar rather than a built-in pickup and a DI. Perhaps you don’t care for the sound of the pickup...

10 Ways to Get Inspired, and How to Capture Those Ideas

Written by Bobby Dellarocco on August 31, 2020.

Let’s face it, creative blocks are horrible. You want to write something, and you have this grand idea in your head but you can’t seem to make it a reality, so you end up fidgeting with your guitar...

Collaborating with Other Musicians, Studios & Producers

Written by Dave Martin on August 12, 2020.

As recently as 20 or 30 years ago, it was standard practice for album projects to be completed in a single studio. Tracking, overdubs, vocals, mixes — all were done in the same room, often in an unbroken...

Getting Ready for a Studio Session

Written by Phil Naish on July 27, 2020.

Recording is one of the most fun and entertaining jobs that exists. It can seem intimidating but should only be a great experience for you and your team. The following are a few hints that can help...