Latest articles by Jon Musgrave
Here's how to compress your mix bus for sonic punch
What does mix bus compression do, how do you use it, and which compressor should you use?
6 of the quirkiest producers who pushed recorded music further than ever before
They might have operated in idiosyncratic ways, but the particular approaches of these producers have left a footprint on the music landscape
Fantastic (free) plugins and how to use them: Full Bucket FB-3300
Classic synthesizer plugins offer a great entry point for unusual and rare synth designs, and this Korg design is one of the rarest
“Delivers streamlined DAW integration with an excellent hammer action keyboard”: Arturia Keylab 88 Mk3 review
Can this latest piano action controller keyboard justify its hefty price tag? Let’s find out
“A well spec’d device that bridges the gap between a basic stereo field recorder and a more advanced multitrack device”: Zoom H4 Essential review
If you’ve outgrown your stereo field recorder, this could be just the upgrade you’re after
“An ideal tool for capturing ideas on the move”: Zoom R4 MultiTrak review
If you like recording your ideas on the move, Zoom could have just the device you’re after
“A clear winner on portability and ease of use”: Zoom H1 Essential review
Zoom’s H1 Essential aims to be the most compact and affordable field recorder available
Fantastic (free) plugins and how to use them: Newfangled Audio Pendulate
This free mono synth plugin is creative, chaotic and fun to use. It’s time to go West (Coast)
“It’s tougher and faster than ever”: Jump aboard the modern hardgroove train and learn to build a club-ready beat
Putting together the elements you need to craft a beat that just won't let up
"An excellent stomp box compressor that’s equally at home across a stereo mix": Polyend Press review
Combining a stomp box compressor and stereo mix compressor in one unit may seem slightly odd, but that’s exactly what this latest design does
"Light enough to mount with a camera and small enough to stick in your pocket”: Zoom H1 XLR review
Like the idea of a compact stereo recorder but don’t want the integrated mics? Then this could be for you
“A well-made and affordable headphone that is light, comfortable and a reliable choice for studio recording”: Tascam TH-11 review
Choosing studio headphones can be a confusing process. We size up this latest budget design
How to make 8-bit video game sounds in your DAW with a free synth
It's relatively easy to brew some authentic Nintendo console-esque sounds with modern software. Here's how to rustle up some chiptune seasoning
How to get this classic Sega-inspired synth for free and use it to create next-level chiptune sounds
The perfect tool for making classic chiptune effects and sonics
Why does the retro video game-inspired chiptune genre remain such a popular genre?
It's a genre that leans heavy on nostalgia, melding melody, harmony and lo-fi sounds
Fantastic (free) plugins and how to use them: Supermassive
Go large, as we explore the varied capabilities of ValhallaDSP's must-have delay-and-reverb plugin
“A powerful device that manages to cram a lot of features into an incredibly compact footprint”: Zoom LiveTrak L6 review
If you need something backpack friendly, this compact mixer/recorder is surprisingly feature rich
How to craft extreme hyperpop textures to take your tunes out of this world
If you're interested in building your own hyperpop-infused tracks, then harnessing a bit of edge can take your mix to another level
Fantastic (free) plugins and how to use them: Vital
Wavetable takes on spectral warping features and more in a wonderfully contemporary synthesizer
How to make supersized hyperpop vocals
How to get that hyperpop chipmunk vocal effect whilst keeping your tempo in check - and artefacts to a minimum.
Exploding the vibrant components of hyperpop
This particular genre has certainly surpassed its DIY beginnings to influence a surprising number of top artists.
How to make a trip-hop bass part
"A simple programmed sub bass synth sound simply won’t cut it"
Ditch the loops and build your own trip-hop beat
If you’re after crispness and definition, processing loops has its limitations
