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    This Is Stereo! PART 5

    Spaced Arrays

    Building on the concepts explored in previous parts of this series, it’s time to weigh up some of the pros and cons of coincident and spaced arrays.

    Techniques Nov 2025
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    This Is Stereo! PART 4

    Mid-Sides & Visualisation Tools

    We conclude our primer on coincident arrays by exploring the theory and practice of Mid‑Sides miking.

    Techniques Oct 2025
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    This Is Stereo! PART 3

    Position & Perspectives

    This third article of our stereo mini‑series explores how to manipulate the perspective obtained from coincident mic pairs.

    Techniques Sep 2025
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    This Is Stereo! PART 2

    How Stereo Arrays Emulate Real-world Sound

    Our second instalment draws on the work of Alan Blumlein, to explain how we can audition and evaluate different stereo‑miking techniques.

    Techniques Aug 2025
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    This Is Stereo! PART 1

    How & Why Stereo Works

    In the first part of a new short series about stereo recording techniques, we start by exploring the most important tools of all: your brain and your ears!

    Techniques Jul 2025
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    The SOS Audio Test Files | Update

    Testing For Absolute Signal Polarity

    We’ve updated our set of free audio test files!

    Techniques Oct 2024
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    Intersecting Sequences

    Creating Gated Sequences

    A signal gate is really just a fancy on/off swich — and an inspiring creative tool for modifying existing sequences and creating new ones.

    Techniques Aug 2024
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    When Should You Use Oversampling?

    Plug-in Optimisation Strategies

    We explain why aliasing in plug‑ins isn’t always a problem — and why oversampling isn’t always the solution.

    Techniques Dec 2023
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    Negative Ratio Compression

    Creating Reverse Dynamics Effects

    Turn the ratio up, and a compressor becomes a limiter. Go even further and you enter the world of reverse dynamics — and unique sonic effects.

    Techniques Nov 2023
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    Calibrating Your Mixing Setup

    On The Level

    Mixing gets so much easier when your processing chains are configured to deliver the same results in response to the same levels!

    Techniques Nov 2023
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    New Harmonics

    The Art Of Audio Fermentation

    We look at the processes that can add harmonic content to a sound, for subtle warmth or radical transformation.

    Techniques Jul 2023
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    The SOS Audio Test Files

    The Test Tones Every Engineer Needs!

    Standard test signals can be incredibly useful when configuring and aligning audio equipment — and we’ve created a set of properly calibrated test files just for you! Read on to find out how to use them and where to find them.

    Techniques May 2023
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    The SOS Audio Test Files | Downloads

    Get your hands on these SOS Audio Test Files which accompany our SOS May 2023 workshop.

    Techniques May 2023
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    Ian Shepherd On Loudness & Dynamics

    Practical Tips On LUFS Settings For Music Production

    It’s nearly a decade since the LUFS standard for loudness measurement was defined, yet many still seem confused about what it means for music production.

    Techniques Apr 2023
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    Granular Synthesis: A Practical Introduction

    Hardware & Software Tools

    Once the preserve of academic and experimental music, granular synthesis is more accessible than ever and has a lot to offer in all sorts of genres.

    Techniques Nov 2022
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    Colin Cartmell: Making Great Guitar Cab IRs

    Roll Your Own Impulse Responses

    Colin Cartmell’s decades‑long tonequest has led him to create some of the best guitar cabinet IRs out there — so we asked him for advice on how to roll your own.

    Techniques Sep 2022
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    An Introduction To Immersive Audio

    The SOS Authoritative Guide

    Immersive audio has huge creative potential for music production, but it can be hard to get your head around. Here’s the explanation you’ve been waiting for!

    Techniques Jan 2022
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    Proximity Effect

    In Theory And In Practice

    We all know that close miking boosts the low end. But why? New research from DPA Microphones explains that some instruments are more affected by proximity effect than others.

    Techniques Nov 2021
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    Tackling Tone Suck

    Make Guitars Sound Great Again!

    Does your guitar sound dull and lacklustre through your pedalboard? Here’s how to side‑step the tone‑suck trap.

    Techniques Nov 2021
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    Parallel Compression

    The Real Benefits

    Parallel compression is a powerful mixing technique, but it’s often misunderstood. Read on to find out what it really does — and how it can help you make better mixes.

    Techniques Feb 2013
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    Plug-in Modelling: How Industry Experts Do It

    Emulating Hardware In Software

    Have you ever wondered exactly what goes on when classic hardware is recreated in plug-in form? Heres the full story from some of the industrys biggest names.

    Techniques Aug 2010

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