Rudi Cazeaux explores the nature of sound and presents some basic guidelines for synthesizing the various standard groups of acoustic instruments.

Equalisation

Equalisation in the studio is a major aspect of most recording work. We take you through the basics and give a guide to some of the better buys.

Studio Wiring

Studio Wiring - how to interconnect all that equipment you've been buying.

The Mixer

A brand new series that delves into the intricacies of studio equipment. Part 1: The Mixer.

It's the most oft-quoted specification of them all, yet frequency response is also one of the most confusing aspects of music machine performance. Paul White reveals the facts behind the figures.

An intriguing evaluation of the way the human body reacts to music.

Digital Audio

How tapeless recording works and what advantages it has over conventional recording systems.

An Introduction to Digital Audio

Digital audio explained from the ground up — bit by bit!

— Dat is de Question

Paul White does his level best to unscrew the inscrutable.

Interconnect

A thorough explanation of the 'decibel' (dB) and its applications in recording.

We've been sold and resold the idea that digital is better than analogue, but what is digital sound and why is it revolutionising music technology? Peter Bergren counts the bits.

what do they do, why are they hear

The first of a two-part explanation of essential audio facts you really should know if you want to convince people you know what you are talking about when it comes to sound and music! David Mellor is your guide.

Bamboozled by technical specs? David Mellor explains how to 'interpret' audio equipment specifications and also gives the lowdown on that little understood concept, Barkhausen noise.

In the second instalment of our 'How It Works' series, engineer/musician David Mellor focuses on the operational principles of digital audio systems.

Last month, David Mellor explained how loudspeaker drive units work and how manufacturers sometimes try to pull the acoustic wadding over our ears. Part 2 tells the story of how the loudspeaker works as a system, the reason for crossovers, and gives a couple of hints on how to make BIY (bodge-it-yourself) cabinets.

Another in our 'How It Works' series. David Mellor kicks off a two-part investigation into the practicalities of bins, horns, tweeters and woofers. Baffled? You won't be once you've read this!

David Mellor continues our 'How It Works' series with an investigation of the many ways available to help silence your recordings!

You can always get more out of your equipment if you know more about it. David Mellor begins a new series that explores the innermost workings of various studio devices. This month: the Tape Recorder.

Continuing our 'How It Works' series, David Mellor lays bare the facts about the applications and workings of the commonest types of microphone.

What is a Noise Gate? What on earth is a MIDI Noise Gate? David Mellor supplies the answers and explains some standard and not so standard gating techniques, with special reference to the BSS Audio DPR 502 MIDI Noise Gate.

Otherwise known as the big black box at the bottom of the rack, the power amplifier is the most unglamorous piece of audio equipment known to man. David Mellor seeks out its finer qualities.