Mixing & Monitoring
Consoles, Loudspeakers, Subwoofers, Headphones & Software
Welcome to the September issue of RECORDING Magazine. This month we turn our attention to the art and science of mixing and monitoring—from the speakers, headphones, and subwoofers we trust to make critical decisions, to the hardware, software, and tools that help shape the final mix. Whether working in a dedicated control room, a home studio, or a hybrid production environment, this issue explores the technologies and techniques that help engineers hear more clearly and mix with greater confidence.
REVIEWS
Our review section is packed with a dozen products designed to improve every stage of the mixing process. After all, you can’t mix what you can’t hear, so we begin with reviews of the Barefoot Sound Footprint 01 Gen2 and Footprint 02 Gen2 monitors. While the low end gets equal attention with the IK Multimedia iLoud Sub and Neumann KH 805 II powered subwoofer.
For personal monitoring, we evaluate the new Manny Marroquin signature MM-520 open-back headphones from Audeze.
Next, in hardware processing, we put the SPL Venos stereo bus compressor and the Dangerous Music BAX500 EQ through their paces.
On the software side, we restore, refine, and finish mixes with iZotope RX 12 Advanced, PSPaudioware PSP Levelizer, and the CEDAR Audio Apex limiter plugin.
Finally, we straddle the line between hardware and software with the Slate Digital VMS ML-2A virtual microphone system.
FEATURES
This month’s cover feature takes readers inside the legendary Real World Studios in Box, England, where Paul Vnuk Jr., Giles Reaves and producer Jim Combs document a week of recording sessions with Jim and his project, Sensitive Chaos, in The Destination & The Journey: Recording at Real World Studios. [GET IT HERE]
In Studio 101, Joe Albano continues his year-long guide to audio terminology with an exploration of mixing console concepts, covering both traditional analog desks and today’s digital workflows. [GET IT HERE]
Recording Techniques finds Dave Martin sharing the mixing lessons he wishes he had learned earlier in his career, offering practical advice readers can immediately apply to their own productions. [GET IT HERE]
In Field Notes, Giles Reaves examines the often-overlooked craft of the rough mix and what it looks like in today’s modern production world. [GET IT HERE]
This month’s Recording Remastered revisits April 2006, where we rediscover ten timeless low-frequency mixing tips from Eric Ferguson that remain just as valuable today as when they first appeared. [GET IT HERE]
In Inside The Studio, Mark Hornsby offers practical insight into today’s monitoring environments and the decision to add a sub, or not add a subwoofer. [GET IT HERE]
REGULARS
Finally, Studio Spotlight takes readers to Audio Confidential in Manhattan for a tour of Marc Urselli‘s new studio and then we wrap up with a guest editorial bu the Audio Alchemist himself, marek stycos. [GET IT HERE]
From monitoring systems, headphones, microphones, processors, plugins, and more, the September issue brings together authoritative reviews and educational content focused on some of the most important stages of music production. Hear better, mix better, and work more efficiently with the September issue of RECORDING Magazine.