Mac OS X memory allocation. Want to devote more memory in Mac OS X? Well, things have changed! The “Memory View” window is gone from OS X, and allocation listings have moved. Fortunately, the solutions are simple - find out!


Inexpensive monitors. You’re getting your studio in order but the budget is just a bit too tight. Monitors, though vital, sometimes seem to slip to the bottom of the list. Never fear, viable solutions for under $500 can be had.


Specs on the new G5. Get the lowdown on Apple’s newest tool, the Power Mac G5 computer. What are its specs as they relate to audio applications? Find out!


Sheetblok versus drywall. What wall material makes for the best isolation? Does Auralex Sheetblok added over drywall help with overall STC ratings? A look inside acoustic materials for your studio.


Three mics on drums? Rec Pit’s own Fletcher weighs in with an excellent discussion and tutorial on miking drum kits, most often using just three mics. He also addresses a number of other factors to try as you seek that optimum drum sound.


Inexpensive monitor upgrades. While your studio monitors are probably the biggest cause of monitoring quality problems, there are other factors that can also have significant impact. Let’s have a look.


Loading line output? Just how many devices can be supported by the line output of your mixer or other gear in the chain? Here’s a clear, straight-ahead way for getting it right every single time.


Chain, Chain, Chain! Whether you record and mix with hardware consoles or operate in the virtual world of the digital audio workstation (DAW), you need to know the various ways to route signals to effects processors in order to get optimal sound from your equipment. Here's some tips!


Mastering wonders? Jackson Jackson has identified what he sees as the lie of the new millennium: “we’ll fix that during mastering.” Uh, not exactly. He gets to the root of the problem, lays out definitions and addresses misconceptions. Unless you’re a mastering engineer, you’re not a mastering engineer!

The recording view. PSW’s Barry Rudolph looked long and hard at the numerous new offerings at NAMM, and files his report on the Top 10 picks. A look at new software and hardware and even a microphone about the size of an official Amateur Softball Association/USA softball!


Review: Shure KSM141 dual pattern condenser mic - L.A. studio veteran Barry Rudolph recently tried out the new Shure KSM141, a condenser mic offering cardioid and omnidirectional pattern. He offers his take on this instrument mic intended for instruments.


How’s it work? Chris Kathman explored the potential of the Tascam Pocketstudio, by recording one of his original songs in one evening. He describes the features of the compact four tracker, and tells readers about some computer-related phenomena he also encountered. And download the MP3 created by Chris!

No hassle digital tuning. Barry Rudolph wonders why a digital tuner isn’t included with recording or live consoles… for just a moment, that is, before he figures out several methods for adding this very useful feature. Check out Barry’s latest trick - no more out-of-tune musicians!


Automatic two-way studio talkback system. Having a hard time talking with musicians in the studio when you’re in the control room? Is that what’s got you down, Bunky? Barry Rudolph saves the day with a nifty two-way talkback solution he’s developed. And it actually works!


Virtual cables? How do you interconnect your gear when its software? Go to the virtual realm, naturally. Learn about the concept and the best ways to route signals in your software. Hey, signal flow is still key!


A Musician's Guide to Pro Tools. Everything to know about best use of the D-Verb plug-in. Aux effects discussion, using aux sends with the D-Verb, and more!


Chain, chain, chain. Michael Cooper explains ways to route signals to effects processors to get optimal sound. The "why's" of various inserts and sends, and advanced apps involving the use of mults. Plus, great illustrations!


Guitar recording trick. Barry Rudolph shares a method he’s developed for recording electric guitars with a figure-of-eight microphone that increases low-end coupling and adds “air.”


Fletcher of Mercenary Audio (and PSW Rec Pit fame) talks about the nature of "vintage" equipment and its application.
Part 1 - Preamps, old and new.
Part 2 - Classic compressors/limiters

The world of PC recording. Get your PC ready and optimized for recording apps, find out what to buy and how to put it all together!



A microphone odyssey. A reference resource including in-depth analysis of recent trends in condenser microphones, preamps and digital microphone modeling.


Mic modeling limitations. DSP works wonders, but can it really turn a humble collection of dynamic mics into a closet full of prime vintage condensers? Ty Ford reports, with comments from AKG’s Norbert Sobel.


Klaus Heyne: Mic modification master. For more than a decade, Klaus Heyne has been recognized as the foremost practitioner of condenser microphone modifications in America—perhaps in the world. Bruce Borgerson finds out why.


Mic modeling: Boon or bust? Can DSP really turn a humble collection of dynamic mics into a closet full of prime vintage condensers? No way, reports Ty Ford. But that doesn’t mean they’re worthless. Ty Ford reports, with additional commentary from AKG’s Norbert Sobel.


Matching mics and preamps. A microphone is only as good as the preamp you plug it into. And a preamp that sounds stunning with mic can sound mediocre-or worse-on another. Ty Ford has guidance on how to pair mics and pre’s, with help from notables John Hardy and George Massenberg.

Progress toward DAW file interchange standard. Just back from AES in New York, Mel Lambert issues a comprehensive (yet easy to digest) report on the emerging AES31 digital file interchange standard and a new industry trade group formed specifically to promote it.


Lambert on DAWs: Past is prelude. Choosing the right digital audio workstation (DAW) is crucial to the success of your studio. Which DAWs are the wave of the future? Which are future boat anchors? Mel Lambert looks to the past for possible clues in Part One of a series.


Large diaphragm condenser mics. Ty Ford covers the price trends and performance characteristics of a bumper crop of new large diaphragm condenser mics.


Guide to condensers and pre's. Looking for a large diaphragm condenser mic? Dazed and confused by the mind-boggling number of choices? Ty Ford shows the way.


Basic guide to video sync. Prepping your audio room for full-fledged video. Guide to video sync II. More info and basic facility configurations.