SOS Podcasts
Music production & recording advice from the popular Sound On Sound audio blog.
SOS Podcast 053 May 2013 19:17 mins
In Q and A this month, our experts discuss whether you can live without outboard gear, why you might need a monitor controller, and give an in-depth answer to the perennial question, “How do I get a ‘produced’ vocal sound?”
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SOS Podcasts From 2013
SOS Podcasts From 2012
- SOS Podcast 050 September 2012 7:08 mins
Editor In Chief Paul White wonders whether low-cost Apps are distorting the true value of software and what the future holds for professionals users.
Reader questions answered this month:
* Why are we so concerned about 'phase' on our tracks?
* When is my mix properly balanced?
* What's the best way to make a speech recording from an acoustically imperfect room? - SOS Podcast 049 July 2012 18:14 mins
Editor In Chief Paul White and Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns discuss the pros and cons of using physical hardware control surfaces for your DAW, and tell us some of the highlights from the
Reader questions answered this month:
* Why do people use Ribbon mics despite them being fragile, expensive and lacking in high-end?
* Is it necessary to invest in a heavy-duty mains cable or are the standard moulded cables good enough? - SOS Podcast 048 May 2012 17:58 mins
With news from Musikmesse, Editor In Chief Paul White and Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns discuss highlights from the
Reader questions answered this month:
* Is there any audible difference between a typical audio interface and a high-quality converter?
* Does vinyl really sound better than CD?
* What do smaller line-arry PA speakers have that big box types don't? - SOS Podcast 047 April 2012 22:02 mins
In this month's podcast, Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns and Editor In Chief Paul White pay a visit to previous Mix Rescuee Kate Ockenden (October 2010) to test out various mics to help her find the right one for her voice. In Tech Talk this month, Paul and Hugh continue the microphone theme with a discussion of why female vocalists get artefacts on their vocal recordings. There's also a run-down of the highlights from the
* Do I need a big guitar amp to create a big guitar sound that sounds impressive in the studio?
* What's the difference between algorithmic and convolution reverb, and how do I know which to use?
* What's the difference between a condenser and a capacitor mic? - SOS Podcast 046 March 2012 15:46 mins
In the post-NAMM show podcast, Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns and Editor In Chief Paul White give the low-down on the inspirational products they saw at Anaheim. There's also an announcement about the SOS iPad App, and discussion of highlights from the
* Why does automatic pitch correction make vocals sound unnatural and even more out of tune?
* What's the difference between absorption and diffusion, and how do I use them? - SOS Podcast 045 February 2012 11:16 mins
Paul White & Hugh Robjohns keep things short and sweet in this month's podcast, which runs alongside the
* Can intermittent contacts cause deterioration in sound quality?
* What's the difference between using a compressor or level automation when keeping vocals level?
* My guitar is intermittently picking up TV sound - is this down to my neighbour's hearing aid? - SOS Podcast 044 January 2012 10:38 mins
Paul White flies solo for our Christmas podcast, which runs alongside the
* What are the best monitors under £200?
* What's the best Plug-in for creativity?
* How do you get rid of ground loop hum in the monitors?
SOS Podcasts From 2011
- SOS Podcast 043 December 2011 16:00 mins
Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns and Editor In Chief Paul White discuss highlights from the December issue of the magazine, with this month's Studio SOS recipient Olivia Broadfield. Features Editor Sam Inglis gives the low-down on the two new plug-in formats: ARA and Avid's ARX. Reader questions this month:
* Will iOS apps kill modern synth manufacture? (Asked by @subwaysounds via Twitter)
* Which music-editing programs are available cheaply/free on a PC for beginners? (Asked by Kieran Lews via Facebook)
* What is clock jitter and why does it matter? (Asked at the college Q&A)
* Should I buy a Mac or PC to make my music? (Asked at the college Q&A)
- SOS Podcast 042 November 2011 26:35 mins
A later podcast than normal that runs alongside the November issue of the magazine, as Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns and Editor In Chief Paul White return from the AES show with updates from the show including Avid Pro Tools 10, and news from companies including Waves, Lynx Technology, Radial and Cloud Mics. Hugh also interviews James Young from Sonic Distribution about the new Egg speakers from Andy Munro, as well as talking to Andy himself. Reader questions answered this month (via Twitter):
* @jrpmusic: Is guitar fret buzz a creative decision?
* @peanutismint: What's the best way to keep in time with a backing track when playing live?
- SOS Podcast 041 October 2011 24:27 mins
Editor In Chief Paul White and Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns discuss the latest industry news from Blue Microphones, JoeCo and Universal Audio, introduce highlights from the October issue of the magazine and discuss acoustic problems in Tech Talk. Features Editor Sam Inglis reveals the subtle effect of the Slate VCC plug-in, whilst Reviews Editor Matt Houghton explains that music theory doesn't have to be scary! Reader questions this month:
* Do I need a DI box for recording keyboards?
* How do digital microphones work?
* Can I use a figure-of-8 mic to capture ambience at the back of the room whilst miking the source using a close-cardioid mic? - SOS Podcast 040 September 2011 20:20 mins
With highlights from the September issue of the magazine, Editor In Chief Paul White and Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns discuss the latest industry news from Neumann, Electroharmonix and Kontakt.
Reader questions this month:
* How do I 'dry up' a live-sounding acoustic drumkit recording?
* Why can't I use an XLR to jack cable to connect microphones to mixer line inputs?
* Can I turn monitoring speakers on their sides or upside down to make room for other desk gear? - SOS Podcast 039 August 2011 23:30 mins
Features Editor Sam Inglis plays with reverb and effects from Flux IRCAM Tools, and Reviews Editor Matt Houghton helps answer reader questions, whilst Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns and Editor In Chief Paul White discuss other highlights from the August issue of the mag and talk about recent industry news.
Reader questions answered this month:
* Does it matter if signals appear to exceed the clipping in the DAW mixer?
* Where would I use the various patterns on a multi-pattern mic?
* How do I add reverb to dry vocals when recording directly from a monitoring controller without buying extra hardware? - SOS Podcast 038 July 2011 29:31 mins
Editor In Chief Paul White and Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns discuss the highlights from the July issue of the magazine whilst News Editor Chris Korff interviews the Korg Monotribe (yes, you read that correctly!) and Mixing Secrets author Mike Senior speaks about his new SOS column, Mix Review. Paul White chats to this month's Studio SOS reader James Welch. There's also plenty of news and music recording discussion.
- SOS Podcast 037 June 2011 32:40 mins
It's been a busy month for SOS! As well as our regular mag, we've also published our second Smart Guide entitled Music Technology Basics & Beyond, and introduced a new monthly competition where you could win one of two 3-month eSubs! Paul White may be on holiday in Turkey this month, but he's still got time to discuss the highlights from the June issue of the magazine with Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns. Video Media Editor Jules Harding also talks about the Owle Bubo and Video Editing for Music Promos articles in this month's issue. Sound advice this month covers recording kick drums, time correction before mixing, and phase/polarity invert buttons.
- SOS Podcast 036 May 2011 33:25 mins
Editor In Chief Paul White and Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns give a roundup of Musikmesse 2011 news, as well as exploring some of the highlights from the May issue of the magazine. Reviews Editor Sam Inglis discusses VHT guitars, whilst Video Media Editor Jules Harding talks about some of the key technologies he discovered at the NAB 2011 show in Las Vegas. There's also discussion from Craig Anderton on multi-band compressors in his Sonar column. Reader questions answered this month:
What's the proper EQ for the ethnic percussion instrument 'rain stick'?
Are there any downsides to using an equaliser between monitor out and speakers?
Does mono reverb create a cleaner mix than stereo reverb? - SOS Podcast 035 April 2011 27:15 mins
Reviews Editor Matt Houghton, Features Editor Sam Inglis and Video Media Editor Julian Harding join Paul and Hugh to discuss some of the features coming up in the April edition of Sound On Sound. Matt introduces the new Mike Senior column and accompanying forum "Mix Review", Sam sings the praises of the Focusrite VRM box, and Jules gives the low-down on some new bits of kit to enhance your video recording and editing experiences. Sound advice this month includes how to record distorted guitar chords, add reverb to elements in your mixes, and the difference between compression and level automation.
Download SOS Podcast 035 April 2011 mp3 26MB - SOS Podcast 034 March 2011 23:32 mins
Matt Houghton joins Paul and Hugh to discuss highlights from the March edition of the magazine, including the drum replacement feature, whilst Craig Anderton reveals the techniques covered in the next few Sonar Notes, focusing on X1. News this month includes the unveiling of Dave Hill Designs' first product, the Europa, and the 'Orb' Omnisphere update. There are also details about the up-coming A2D show in Exeter, so listen to find out what SOS will be up to on the day! Questions answered this month on parallel distortion, solving problems with dimmers and guitar interference, and choosing a mic preamp.
Download SOS Podcast 034 March 2011 mp3 22MB - SOS Podcast 033 February 2011 26:08 mins
With a roundup of the highlights from the February issue of the magazine, Paul and Hugh provide the lowdown on the Winter NAMM show 2011 in this month's podcast. News from NAMM includes newly-released iPad apps and keyboards, as well as product updates/launches from TC Audio, Avid and SE Electronics, plus the presentation of the inaugural SOS Awards — how did your nominees fare? Reader questions answered this month include advice on the best room setup for voiceover recording, how to use hardware reverb units with DAWs, purchasing hardware synths, the technicalities of minimum phase and linear phase equalisers, and an explanation of the difference between DeoxIT and contact cleaners (such as WD40).
Download SOS Podcast 033 February 2011 mp3 24MB - SOS Podcast 032 January 2011 17:02 mins
A shorter podcast than normal this month finds Paul White discussing his recent visit to the sE Electronics HQ in Shanghai. Pace iLok, Melodyne Essential and Korg Legacy feature in the news round-up, whilst Craig Anderton introduces the new features of Sonar X1. There are highlights from the January issue of the mag, and the usual advice from the Q&A section including: explaining pianoverb, when to use dynamics and EQ when recording, the differences between transient designers and compressors. Finally, make sure to check out the studio design and setup tips from Paul as he advises a reader on how to convert their garage into a project studio space.
Download SOS Podcast 032 January 2011 mp3 8.5MB
SOS Podcasts From 2010
- SOS Podcast 031 December 2010 27:39 mins
Paul and Hugh discuss their findings from the AES 2010, exploring some of the more recent news events including an interview with Florian Camerer, the chair of the EBU P/Loud group, on working with Loudness Metering. There are highlights from the December issue of the mag, and the usual advice from the Q&A section.
Download SOS Podcast 031 December 2010 mp3 26.5MB - SOS Podcast 030 November 2010 — 25th Anniversary Edition 25:00 mins
The November 2010 issue sees Sound On Sound magazine celebrate its 25th anniversary, with a complete redesign of our page layouts and new sections and expanded page-count with special "25 Years Of SOS" features. In the accompanying podcast, Editor In Chief Paul White reports back from the public launch of the Brazilian (Portuguese language) version of SOS magazine at Expomusic in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Meanwhile Technical Editor and general audio guru Hugh Robjohns was in South Africa — play the pod to find out why he was there... Plus there's a round up of all the latest news, a look at what's inside our 25th Anniversary NOVEMBER 2010 edition, and a great readers Q&A section.
Download SOS Podcast 030 November 2010 mp3 24MB - SOS Podcast 029 October 2010 28:33 mins
Paul White introduces the up-and-coming SOS bookazine for music recording and chats about the magazine's plans to expand into Brazil. Meanwhile, Hugh highlights some key features of the October issue. With news and Tech Talk from the team, we also answer your questions, giving advice on the best gear setup to reduce reverb when recording speech in large rooms, and providing tips for producing a high-quality mix.
Download SOS Podcast 029 October 2010 mp3 20.6MB - SOS Podcast 028 September 2010 24:20 mins
The Pod Crew bring you another entertaining audio blog of News, Sound Advice, answers to reader questions on recording harmony vocals, tonewheel Leslie applications, parallel compression tips plus the mandatory trailer for the September 2010 issue of Sound On Sound magazine. Craig Anderton reveals his philosophy behind writing his Sonar Notes column.
Download SOS Podcast 028 September 2010 mp3 14.6MB - SOS Podcast 027 August 2010 21:08 mins
Paul and Hugh preview the great content you'll find in the August issue of the magazine, round-up new gear/software highlights with Tyler Massey, while Sonar Notes correspondent Craig Anderton trails his August column on Voice Processing which covers pitch change, vocoding and much more. This podcast's Q&A discussion covers reader's questions about: How To Record An Electric Guitar; Monitor positioning by computer screens; Positioning a mic when recording an amp; plus an overview of Compression. In Tech Talk we ask "Should you master at home?"
Download SOS Podcast 027 August 2010 mp3 20.3MB - SOS Podcast 026 July 2010 24:04 mins
Answers to reader questions on vocal booths, carpeted home studio walls, finding the sweet spot, Nashville tuning, EQ bracketing, and compressing on the way in are all covered by the team in Sound Advice. Paul and Hugh preview the great content you'll find in the July issue of Sound On Sound magazine, round-up new gear/software highlights with Tyler Massey, while Sonar Notes correspondent Craig Anderton trails the tips from his July column.
Download SOS Podcast 026 July 2010 mp3 14.4MB - SOS Podcast 025 June 2010 20:50 mins
No studio? Sam Inglis summarizes the guerrilla recording tactics he adopted to make a band location recording in one day go as smooth as possible. Tech Talk asks if too much top-end is killing modern music and why classic tracks sound so good. The team bring you the latest News, while Sound Advice offers solutions to low-level buzz problems on recordings and vocal mix techniques.
Download SOS Podcast 025 June 2010 mp3 15.5MB - SOS Podcast 024 May 2010 26:35 mins
Topics discussed include what elements in the recording chain make the most difference to quality, plus a word from Craig Anderton on what is coming up in his Sonar Notes column. Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns and Paul White (Editor-In-Chief) chat about what they've been doing that's audio related over the past few weeks and there's news and informative Question/Answer sections.
Download SOS Podcast 024 May 2010 mp3 16.7MB - SOS Podcast 023 April 2010 20:34 mins
Paul, Hugh and Tyler Massey round up the news, while Sam Inglis reveals what appeals to him about the innovative, though low-cost, Liquidsonics Reverberate convolution reverb plug-in he reviews in the April issue of Sound On Sound. Craig Anderton trails Audio Snap, the feature he'll be discussing in his May edition Sonar Notes column, while Paul and Hugh answer your questions and offer tips on how to improve drum kit recordings in a small room.
Download SOS Podcast 023 April 2010 mp3 15.1MB - SOS Podcast 022 March 2010 24:13 mins
We've expanded the podcast crew this month, with Craig Anderton offering tips on composite recording in Sonar DAW, plus news from Tyler Massey. Paul and Hugh round-up what's grabbing their attention, while Paul demos the Korg Wavedrum he's reviewed in the coming April 2010 edition of SOS. As always, your questions are answered in our popular Sound Advice section.
Download SOS Podcast 022 March 2010 mp3 17.8MB - SOS Podcast 021 February 2010 22:57 mins
The team gaze into their crystal ball for our first podcast of the new decade and highlight some personal favourites from new gear released at Winter NAMM 2010. Paul and Hugh offer sound advice on analogue warmth, choosing microphones, reverb usage and preamp quality, while Sam Inglis rounds things off with a teaser demo of the Intelligent Devices plug-ins.
Download SOS Podcast 021 February 2010 mp3 17.6MB - SOS Podcast 020 January 2010 18:60 mins
In this pre-Christmas holiday podcast, Editor in Chief Paul White and Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns comment on gear they are currently testing for coming editions, and in the Sound Advice section pass on Recording Vocals tips about mic choice, positions, processing and acoustics. News Editor Jules Harding highlights recent new product announcements like VOG and Hollow Sun's sampling of the 70-year-old Hammond Novachord, plus Features Editor Sam Inglis introduces what's in the forthcoming magazine.
Download SOS Podcast 020 January 2010 mp3 14.4MB
SOS Podcasts From 2009
- SOS Podcast 019 December 2009 21:02 mins
Paul and Hugh chat about setting the correct gain structure in a DAW, and the tendency of many engineers to record too hot in the digital domain. News Editor Julian G Harding talks about the future of multi-touch screen technology, plus Features Editor Sam Inglis discusses the Extreme Metal article in the December issue of SOS, and the exciting world of forensic audio.
Download SOS Podcast 019 December 2009 mp3 15.1MB - SOS Podcast 018 November 2009 17:32 mins
Editor-in-Chief Paul White and Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns kick off with a look at hot topics in the November 2009 issue of Sound On Sound, especially the Eigenlabs MIDI controller, before discussing more of the interesting recording gear from the AES New York show. Tips on bass recording, studio isolation and soundproofing complete this worthy podcast.
Download SOS Podcast 018 November 2009 mp3 10.5MB - SOS Podcast 017 October 2009 20:33 mins
Paul and Hugh round up the latest gear news, including Propellerhead's Record software, before moving on to deliver advice on the basics of studio acoustics. They finish with a look at what's covered in the October 2009 issue of Sound On Sound magazine.
Download SOS Podcast 017 October 2009 mp3 14.1MB - SOS Podcast 016 August 2009 21:41 mins
The SOS editorial team talk about some of the latest recording gear on the market, including the Event Opal and SSL X-Desk, which are both reviewed in the August 2009 issue of Sound On Sound. Also, we answer your studio questions and announce the winner of the Dream Studio competition we launched at the recent LIMS show in London. Plus news of the Red Bull Music Academy event in 2010.
Download SOS Podcast 016 August 2009 mp3 13.1MB - SOS Podcast 015 June 2009 22:29 mins
Our first remote podcast: Paul's on holiday in Turkey, and Chris and Hugh are on opposite sides of the country. Nevertheless, we tell you why the AEA 440 is the Rolls Royce of all ribbon microphones (reviewed in June 2009); talk to the developers of the brand new Sibelius 6 scoring software, and trawl the SOS archives of previously unheard Sound Advice. Plus chat about the London International Music Show coming up in June. Not to be missed.
Download SOS Podcast 015 June 2009 mp3 10.3MB - SOS Podcast 014 May 2009 8:10 mins
This month, a shorter than usual round-up of some of the new products announced at the Frankfurt Musikmesse. Including the SSL X Desk, Novation's SL MkII series, Unity Audio The Rock and Spectrasonics Trilian.
Download SOS Podcast 014 May 2009 mp3 3.8MB - SOS Podcast 013 April 2009 18:54 mins
The SOS team deliver their monthly offering of news, advice and opinion, plus reports from the Behringer factory in China, SAE's brand new London school, and a theatre in Bristol, where Roland held the UK launch of their latest 'V' instrument, the V-Piano.
Download SOS Podcast 013 April 2009 mp3 8.7MB - SOS Podcast 012 March 2009 21:15 mins
In our first podcast of 2009, we round up the new recording and music technology products announced at the January Winter NAMM show in sunny California, attend the MPG Awards in London and hear from legendary record producer Brian Eno. What's more, we answer your studio questions and discover what's got features editor Sam Inglis excited this month.
Download SOS Podcast 012 March 2009 mp3 12.7MB - SOS Podcast 011 January 2009 8:41 mins
The SOS Christmas 2008 Podcast! What to ask for from Santa and what to do with your Christmas money, as well as more of your Q&A and essential news. Plus, Sam Inglis introduces Short Cuts, a new SOS feature.
Download SOS Podcast 011 January 2009 mp3 11.3MB
SOS Podcasts From 2008
- SOS Podcast 010 December 2008 19:07 mins
We visit the UK's Music Live show in Birmingham, talk to TV composer Paul Farrer, and bring you the latest news, as well as answer your studio-related questions.
Download SOS Podcast 010 December 2008 mp3 9.1MB - SOS Podcast 009 November 2008 21:59 mins
This podcast was recorded live from the AES show in San Francisco. Hear exclusively from analogue hardware legend Rupert Neve, about his collaboration with SE Microphones; and recording engineer Bill Schnee, about his quest to bring true hi-fidelity recordings to the home market. Also, we have announcements of new products from Digidesign, Focusrite, Soundfield and SSL, as well as interviews with product specialists.
Download SOS Podcast 009 November 2008 mp3 10.3MB - SOS Podcast 008 October 2008
SOS author Paul Nagle shares his opinions on Korg's latest synth workstation, the M50, and we report from PLASA, with a special interview with DPA microphones' founder Morten Stove. Also, the Sound On Sound editorial team give their monthly run down of news, as well as imparting invaluable studio advice and tech tips.
Download SOS Podcast 008 October 2008 mp3 10.9MB - SOS Podcast 007 September 2008 18:52 mins
Paul White, Hugh Robjohns and other Sound On Sound editorial team members give their monthly run down of news, as well as imparting invaluable studio advice and tech tips. And author/designer Phil Ward tells us why the Yamaha NS10 monitor is so popular.
Download SOS Podcast 007 September 2008 mp3 9.0MB - SOS Podcast 006 August 2008 21:05 mins
The Sound On Sound editorial team take their monthly look at new recording and music technology equipment, answer reader questions and talk in depth about Reverb, a topic that was covered in the July and August 2008 issues of SOS.
Download SOS Podcast 006 August 2008 mp3 10.1MB - SOS Podcast 005 July 2008 19:15 mins
This month, SOS News Editor Chris Mayes-Wright brings you a round-up of June 2008's London International Music Show and the Summer NAMM Show held in Nashville, Tennessee. Hear interviews with API, Alesis, Belkin, C-Thru Music, Joemeek, Moog, Neumann, Roland and Toft Audio, all recorded on the show floor in Music City.
Download SOS Podcast 005 July 2008 mp3 9MB - SOS Podcast 004 June 2008 16:15 mins
In our fourth podcast, we bring you our usual round-up of new products on the market and answer reader questions. We also discuss the forthcoming Sound Recording Technology 2008 show (June at London's ExCel), hear from Mike Senior about his epic Kick & Snare article, preview the Metasonix S1000 'Wretch Machine' and report back from the official UK launch of the exciting Arturia Origin.
Download SOS Podcast 004 June 2008 mp3 15.6MB - SOS Podcast 003 May 2008 21:11 mins
News from Frankfurt Musikmesse exhibition, as well as the usual Q&A and chat from the Sound On Sound editorial team. Also, contributor Will Haas talks about mix compression, which he writes about in the May issue of SOS.
Download SOS Podcast 003 May 2008 mp3 14.5MB - SOS Podcast 002 April 2008 24:01 mins
The Sound On Sound team discuss some of the new products announced at the NAMM show, answer reader questions, and discuss the topic of phase, which is covered in the April 2008 issue of SOS.
Download SOS Podcast 002 April 2008 mp3 17.2MB - SOS Podcast 001 February 2008 18:25 mins
A Sound On Sound round-up from the January 2008 NAMM show, featuring interviews with Nick Phoenix of East West, Ray Williams of IMSTA, Pablo La Rosa of Native Instruments and Shachar Gilad from Waves.
Download SOS Podcast 001 February 2008 mp3 18.7MB
SOS Podcast Title Music
The original SOS podcast theme and stings were composed and recorded by BASCA member Paul Farrer, a long-time Sound On Sound reader and now famous composer of many TV themes, including BBC TV's global success The Weakest Link. Check out Paul's Notes From The Deadline blog in SOS.
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May 2013
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Sound On Sound : Est. 1985