Sweetwater®

Sweetwater offers special extended financing on more than 50 top brands! Learn more »
(800) 222-4700
  • Español: (800) 222-4701
Cart

Tech Tips

inSync Tech Tips cover over 3,800 music and audio topics spanning 15 years of technological development. Look here to find answers to your tech questions, cool tips and tools for making music, and more.

Latest Tech Tips

Apr 24, 1:06 AM

Why is My Tube Microphone Preamp Crackling?

Q: I purchased a used tube microphone preamp, and as I turn up the gain control, I am hearing crackling noises. Could it be a bad tube? A: It is possible that a vacuum tube in the unit is going bad. While preamp tubes tend to last much longer than power tubes, they can still go bad, be... Read more »
Apr 23, 1:16 AM

Do Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverbs Have a “Bright” Cap?

Q: I have heard that Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb amplifiers have "bright" caps on the second (vibrato) channel, which, of course, makes the tone brighter on that channel. Can I remove that cap? A: It is true that many amps, including '65 Deluxe Reverb reissues, feature "bright" caps, designed to... Read more »
Apr 22, 1:36 AM

Dante Media Networking Explained

The Dante media networking is becoming increasingly a factor in studio and other audio connectivity situations — for example, the Focusrite RedNet system is based on interconnections using Dante. If you've been wondering what this whole "Dante" thing is all about, check out this video... Read more »
Apr 19, 12:28 AM

New Apps for Mackie DL Series Mixers

Mackie has released two new free iPad apps for their DL Series digital live sound mixers (which offer iPad control). Master Fader v1.4 — adds new Vintage EQ, Compressor, and Gate. Also has updated show management and overall snapshot operation. My Fader v1.0 — designed for artists mixing... Read more »
Apr 18, 1:07 AM

Is Analog Experiencing a Resurgence?

Q: I hear that people are returning to analog recording. Is this true? — Eddie S. A: From our perspective, the current trend seems to be more toward hybrid systems (combining analog processing and summing with digital solutions such as DAWs) than toward purely analog recording solutions... Read more »
Apr 17, 12:50 AM

Sonnox Announces 64-bit AAX Support

Sonnox has announced that they are already working on 64-bit versions of their AAX-format plug-ins, which will provide full 64-bit compatibility with Avid's just-announced Pro Tools 11. Sonnox has already begun supporting the AAX format, with the Oxford EQ, Dynamics, Inflator, and TransMod... Read more »
Apr 16, 12:28 AM

Why Don’t PRS 408 Pickups Lose Volume in Single-coil Mode?

Q: Most humbucking pickups lose volume when you split the coils to create a single-coil tone. But the PRS 408 pickups don't — the volume stays the same in both humbucking and single-coil modes. How is this possible? A: The Paul Reed Smith 408 pickups use a unique design. In humbucking... Read more »
Apr 15, 12:07 AM

Do Two Apollos Need to Connect to a Computer Using Thunderbolt?

Q: I read the Tech Tip about connecting two Universal Audio Apollo 16s or two Apollo Duos and/or Apollo Quads to a computer for double the inputs and outputs. Does this have to be done using Thunderbolt? A: No, either Firewire 800 or Thunderbolt can be used to connect two Apollos to one computer.
Apr 12, 1:07 AM

Can I Use Two Universal Audio Apollos at the Same Time?

Q: I think the new Universal Audio Apollo 16 looks awesome. I see that you can use two together for 32 inputs and outputs. Can I also combine it with an Apollo Quad or Apollo Duo? A: We're very excited about the recently announced Apollo 16! You can indeed connect two Apollo 16s to the same... Read more »
Apr 11, 1:00 AM

New Antelope Audio Orion 32 Mac Driver

Antelope Audio has released version 2 Macintosh driver for the Orion 32. The new driver supports higher sample rates when running the Orion with Pro Tools on a Mac.
Apr 10, 2:58 AM

Can I Connect a USB Interface to Pro Tools?

Q: I come from the old-school Pro Tools world, where you had to use Digidesign hardware to run the software. I understand that Pro Tools is now "open" and can use other manufacturers' hardware, but my friend told me it had to be Firewire audio interface to work. I would really like to use an... Read more »
Apr 9, 12:56 AM

What is Pro Tools Aggregate I/O For?

Q: Pro Tools on my Mac has an audio engine option for Aggregate I/O; what is this? A: On the Mac using Core Audio, in the Pro Tools Audio Engine, when you choose the built-in input as the sound source, you don't have access to any outputs. Likewise, when selecting the built-in output for Pro... Read more »
Apr 8, 1:10 AM

Grace m905 Firmware Update

Grace Design has released version 1.10 firmware for the m905 stereo monitor controller. The new version adds a number of useful features: DSD 64x (2.8224 MHz) via DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM frames) is now supported in the m905. DSD audio can be sourced from the AES3, S/PDIF or USB digital... Read more »
Apr 5, 12:56 AM

What does “-20dB Pad” Really Mean?

Q: I always thought that it was weird to say you were using a "-20dB" pad. How can a pad be negative? Doesn't the term "pad" itself indicate that you are dropping the level? Wouldn't a negative pad value indicate that the sound was actually getting louder? A: Whoo boy, we're not sure we want to... Read more »
Apr 4, 1:06 AM

Cymatic Audio LR-16 Owner’s Manual

The compact and affordable Cymatic Audio LR-16 Live Recorder 16-track audio recorder has been an instant success! It's the ideal tool for making on-the-spot live multitrack recordings and is incredibly useful in the studio as well. Until now, the LR-16 has been supplied with a Quick Start... Read more »
Apr 3, 12:21 AM

UAD-2 ATR-102 and Precision Multiband Delay Compensation

Q: I'm trying to use the UAD-2 Ampex ATR-102 and Precision Multiband plug-ins with my Universal Audio Apollo Quad audio interface, but I keep getting a message that there isn't enough delay compensation even though I have the delay compensation set to the highest setting. Is there something... Read more »
Apr 2, 12:21 AM

Improve Your Critical Listening Skills

Harman International, parent company of JBL, Lexicon, Digitech, AKG, Soundcraft, Crown, BSS Audio, and more fine brands, is offering a great, free opportunity for you to improve your critical listening skills. A free, beta version of their How to Listen software is available for download. The... Read more »
Apr 1, 12:36 AM

How Do I Connect My Gallien-Krueger MB200 to My Focusrite Saffire Pro 14?

Q: I have a Gallien-Krueger MB200 compact bass head and I want to connect it to my Focusrite Saffire Pro 14 audio interface. The MB200 has a switchable Headphone/Line Out jack and a Direct Out jack. Which should I use to connect to my interface? A: Either will work, depending on how you hook... Read more »
Mar 29, 12:10 PM

Arturia Spark Version 1.6.1 Software Released

Arturia has released version 1.6.1 of SPARK software for the SPARK Creative Drum Machine or SparkLE Creative Drum Machine. Enhancements added to this version include an accent button in the SparkLE GUI, latch mode for the instrument FX pad, improved MIDI clock output, and a number of fixes and... Read more »
Mar 28, 12:57 AM

LA-2A Emphasis Control

Q: What is the unlabeled screw adjustment potentiometer on the lower left front panel of the Universal Audio LA-2A for? A: That unlabeled potentiometer is a vestigial item from the LA-2A's origins as a broadcast compressor. It controls sidechain pre-emphasis, providing up to 17dB of boost at... Read more »

Get The E-mail!

Delivered every Friday. View sample

Please enter a valid email address.

Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe anytime

Sweetwater Sound Inc.
5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Get Directions »

Toll Free (800) 222-4700
Español (800) 222-4701
Local (260) 432-8176
Fax (260) 432-1758
E-mail us

Phone & Retail Store Hours:
9–9 Monday–Thursday
9–8 Friday
9–7 Saturday
(All hours listed are Eastern Time.)

© 2013 Sweetwater Sound Inc. All rights reserved. Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Links | Press Releases