A drum set is pictured before a concert, and the microphones that are picking up the drummer's sound are showcased in the photo.

Drum Mics: How to Place Microphones Around Your Kit for a Live Concert

Choosing the correct microphone for the job is key to achieving excellent mix results. Nowhere is this more apparent than when you’re miking a drum kit for a live show. In this course excerpt from the Microphone Techniques for Live Sound Production course, you’ll learn the right way (and some of the wrong ways) to mic a drum kit.

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Some of the guitar pedals that Berklee Online Academic Adviser and guitarist Mark Hopkins has bought over the years are shown in a pile.

Guitar Pedals: Why Do We Keep Buying Them?

In this video, Senior Academic Advisor Mark Hopkins shares why he thinks guitarists like himself buy so many guitar pedals and so much gear. For one, it’s fun!

Fender Stratocaster is shown, showcasing the middle pickup, which Mark Hopkins says is a hidden secret!

Fender Stratocaster Guitar Pickups Secret: The Magic of the Middle

If you own a Fender Stratocaster, you’ve probably already delved into the differences between the pickups. But listening to the tone of most guitarists you see playing a Strat, you’ll notice that the middle is probably the most overlooked pickup. Here is what makes it so special.

Left: O.C.E. They Don’t Compare (distortion), Right: O.C.E. Wrench (fuzz)

Distortion and Fuzz Guitar Effect Pedals: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to guitar effects, most guitarists will begin their journey with distortion, fuzz, or overdrive. So what’s the difference? Guitarist and gear fanatic Mark Hopkins weighs in.

Proper Recording Studio Setup

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the best gear money can buy if your studio isn’t properly set up. I can’t tell you how many home studios I’ve seen with improperly positioned monitors

An illustration of a vintage synth next to a laptop displaying a DAW program. 

How to Connect Vintage Analog Synths into Your DAW

Incorporate some vintage synths into your computer setup, and you’ve got yourself an incredibly powerful music production and sound design toolbox. But first you need to know the best way to plug these old machines into your modern DAW.

A Behringer K-2 Synth next to the Korg MS-20.

The Behringer K-2 Synth Revitalizes the Korg MS-20

One aspect about the Behringer K-2 that’s especially cool is that the original Korg MS-20 patches match up very closely with the K-2’s front panel.

How Chromeo Built Their Sound

Patrick “P-Thugg” Gemayel breaks down Chromeo’s extensive synth collection.

Real Analog Tape Sound: Is It Worth the Hassle?

What happens when you take a virtual instrument out of your DAW and record it to analog tape? Magic!

Edge Mic from Antelope Audio and Mic Modeling Software Review

Can Antelope Audio’s Edge mic modeling microphones really sound like classic, high-end mics that cost thousands of dollars more?