Recording & Studio

No matter how awesome your studio is, it can always get better. That's where we come in! Microphones: Any industry professional worth a salt knows that the microphone is one of the most important parts of the signal chain. Garbage in, garbage out. Well, wired and wireless, professional and karaoke, cables and accessories; we've got it all! We carry microphones with brand names that are trusted in the industry such as Shure, Audix, Audio-Technica, AKG, and Sennheiser. We've also recently added a broad selection of Blue microphones, for those of us who enjoy their gear having quirky names as opposed to standard model numbers. Through our "guided browsing" sidebar on the left, you can easily locate specific microphones such as those designed for instruments and/or vocals, you can specify polar patterns like cardioid and omnidirectional, transducer types like dynamic and condenser, and connection types such as XLR, USB and 1/4" TRS. To learn more about polar patterns and transducer types, please visit our blog here, and here. Studio Mixers: Whether you're in the market for a compact 4-channel board for a simple session or an all-inclusive 24-channel digital mixer for a full studio session with several musicians, we've got you covered. Many people don't realize what effect having a quality mixer can have on the signal, but truly, every link in the signal chain has an effect albeit not always perceivable. In addition to the effect your mixer can have on your signal, just think of the drastic effect it could have on your workflow. If you take the time to learn your gear, you'll no longer have to spend lots of time hunched over your keyboard making adjustments with a mouse; you'll be able to mix and master much faster with your assortment of faders, knobs and buttons. Many mixers are compatible with a variety of DAWs, so if you invest the time, your reward will be great. Control Surfaces & Sampling Workstations: Just like mixers, control surfaces work with DAWs to expedite your workflow. If you're unfamiliar with control surfaces, just think of them like big computer mouses with lots of extra buttons, knobs and faders. As said previously, if you take the time to learn how to use these little darlings, your reward will be great. For producers and performers alike, we've got an awesome selection of samplers that are sure to give you the power you desire over your music. With just a few simple taps on the sampler drum pads, you can punch out a funky beat that'll make the crowd go wild or trigger samples that'll enhance your already fantastic tunes. Audio Interfaces: Audio interfaces are the way you get your music into your computer, and just like mixers and mics, they do affect the signal chain. Consider the size and importance of your project(s), and be sure to select something that gives you a variety of input and output options so you don't need to introduce converter cables into your signal chain. Some of the best audio interfaces will have 24-bit/192kHz ADC/DACs (Analog-to-Digital/Digital-to-Analog Converters) built-in to them, giving you the highest resolution available so that your music, dialogue, etc. retain quality through the course of editing and mixing and such. Preamps: Because microphones have low input levels, they require preamplifiers to boost their signal strength; to make them loud enough to sit well in a mix alongside other loud signals like those picked up from guitars, drums, etc. Sometimes audio interfaces have built-in preamps, making them the obviously more convenient solution. Some people prefer to separate the microphone signal from the interface due to the coloration that certain preamps can add. Purely a matter of preference there if the audio interface does have a preamp built-in; if not, it's a necessity. Studio Monitors & Monitor Systems: The last part of the signal chain is the monitors. You'd be wise to invest in several pairs of monitors actually, for a wider frame of reference. All mixing engineers know that if you can make your song sound good on small, low-quality speakers, then you're doing it right. Primarily because many people listen to music through low-quality speakers, but also because if it sounds good through bad speakers, it'll most likely sound great through good speakers. We also carry monitor stations that enable you to switch between sets of monitors, communicate with artists in a booth, and even listen your mix in mono to check for phase coherency. Signal Processing & Effects: This is the section you want to look to when you want to add some spice to your mix, or just simply control the levels a little. From compressors, limiters, gates and equalizers to reverbs, delays, echos, flangers and the Korg Kaoss Pad, we have a wide variety of effects processing units and recording studio equipment that will make your music otherworldly. Here you will find everything you need to set up and operate a professional recording studio. Whether you are just starting out or you're a seasoned professional, all of the necessary equipment is here.