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Kevin Osborn

Kevin Osborn is a staff writer for Sweetwater and a gear geek of more than 20 years. He first caught the music-making bug at age 12 when he discovered a love for drums, songwriting, and multitrack recording. He holds degrees in tech writing from Missouri State University and recording arts from Recording Workshop. Outside of Sweetwater, Kevin plays guitar for his church and writes and releases music with lifelong friend Logan under the name Geoff Jeffries.

Articles by Kevin Osborn

Permalink to How to Tune Drums
Jan 24 2024, 8:00 AM

How to Tune Drums

Good tuning is foundational to getting a good drum tone. As with any instrument, it can take years to develop an ear for what a properly tuned bass, tom, or snare drum sounds like. That's why we've put together this... Read more »
Permalink to 14 Bass Lines Busier Than You Remember — Have a Listen!
Apr 20 2023, 9:39 AM

14 Bass Lines Busier Than You Remember — Have a Listen!

Pop radio is full of songs where the bass line is the focal point. Pink Floyd's "Money." Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust." Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al." But then there are the songs where a great bass line... Read more »
Permalink to Self-contained Percussion Rigs for the Singing Guitarist
Jul 1 2022, 8:00 AM

Self-contained Percussion Rigs for the Singing Guitarist

The stomp-strum movement that has emerged in recent years has empowered many guitarists to take their full-band live energy to the solo stage. The percussion market has responded in kind with a flood of footworn and... Read more »
Permalink to 11 Great Ways to Leave Your Amp at Home
May 28 2022, 8:00 AM

11 Great Ways to Leave Your Amp at Home

You're not likely to find a building with as many unswerving amp apologists as Sweetwater. If we're not playing 'em or recording 'em, then we're telling stories about the one that got away. The ozone aroma of those... Read more »
Permalink to The 411 on FRFR Speakers
May 8 2022, 9:30 AM

The 411 on FRFR Speakers

Today's modeling heads and pedalboards are giving our analog amps and stomps a run for their money — not only for their incredible wealth of sounds, but also for their simplicity and what-you-hear-is-what-you-get... Read more »
Permalink to Best Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones Under $500
Mar 27 2022, 12:00 PM

Best Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones Under $500

It would have seemed impossible to get a truly professional large-diaphragm condenser microphone for less than $500 just 15 years ago. Anyone who frequented audio forums during their pioneer days remembers the... Read more »
Permalink to 6 Big Pedals That Are Worth the Space
Feb 4 2021, 10:00 AM

6 Big Pedals That Are Worth the Space

Pound for pound, today's large-format guitar pedals offer tones and features you'd be hard-pressed to find in a mini equivalent. Whether it's an extra gain stage to tap into, a colorful discrete analog signal path... Read more »
Permalink to Wake Up Digital Guitars with Plug-ins – Take a Listen!
Jan 21 2021, 2:00 PM

Wake Up Digital Guitars with Plug-ins – Take a Listen!

Guitar modelers have been a real game changer for the self-produced guitarist. Floorboards from Kemper, Line 6, HeadRush, BOSS, Zoom, and Neural DSP, as well as a dizzying number of virtual amp and cab sims, have... Read more »
Permalink to Why Your Next Release Should Be on Vinyl
Sep 23 2020, 8:00 AM

Why Your Next Release Should Be on Vinyl

In an age where Apple Music and Spotify exist on our phones, many of us consume music the way we consume oxygen. It's involuntary. A conversation will remind us of a song, or we'll read that an artist we like has a... Read more »
Permalink to 6 Modern Kits with a Throwback Feel
Aug 19 2020, 12:58 PM

6 Modern Kits with a Throwback Feel

It's official: vintage kits are hip again. It seems like every up-and-coming drummer we meet is clamoring for that rare, retro find to give their sound and presence that shot of authenticity. But, as those of us who... Read more »
Permalink to 9 Drumming Tips from the Pros
Apr 1 2020, 6:00 AM

9 Drumming Tips from the Pros

No drummer is an island, entire of itself. It's only in listening to and learning from our peers and idols that we're able to reach our full potential. Here are nine tips from nine professional drummers to... Read more »
Permalink to What Makes the Tele So Great
Mar 16 2020, 10:30 AM

What Makes the Tele So Great

The Fender Telecaster, affectionately called the "Tele" by fans worldwide, is unquestionably one of the best-selling and most-replicated electric guitars of all time. One look at this elder statesman of the original... Read more »
Permalink to 7 Drum Sets That Changed Music Forever
Feb 19 2020, 12:28 PM

7 Drum Sets That Changed Music Forever

Once in a blue moon, a drum set comes along that has as much impact on the music scene as the player behind it. Call it synergy, zeitgeist, synchronicity — however you want to paint it, these kits are as... Read more »
Permalink to Creating Your Own Signature Snare Sound
Dec 2 2019, 8:00 AM

Creating Your Own Signature Snare Sound

Finding your voice behind the kit is key to crafting a memorable performance. And central to that is finding a snare sound that speaks for you. If you're looking to step up to better tone or step out into unfamiliar... Read more »
Permalink to What Makes the Ludwig Black Beauty So Great?
Oct 8 2019, 8:00 AM

What Makes the Ludwig Black Beauty So Great?

In the studio, certain gear communicates discriminating taste. A Neve 80-series recording console. A Neumann tube U47. A '57 Goldtop Les Paul. And to those in the know, a Ludwig Black Beauty brass snare drum is... Read more »
Permalink to Hybrid Studios: Is Software Dying?
Oct 4 2019, 8:00 AM

Hybrid Studios: Is Software Dying?

Effects plug-ins and software instruments have come a long way in the last 15 years. Today, we have stunning virtualizations ranging from the most exclusive German microphones to the quirkiest analog synths. Yet... Read more »
Permalink to Small PAs That Pack Big Sound
Mar 1 2019, 8:00 AM

Small PAs That Pack Big Sound

It wasn’t too long ago when hauling your own PA meant renting a van and recruiting your older cousin on his day off. Fortunately, those days are long gone; today’s portable PA systems pack sound, output... Read more »
Permalink to 5 Reasons to Buy a Kemper Profiling Amp
Jan 7 2019, 8:00 AM

5 Reasons to Buy a Kemper Profiling Amp

The Kemper Profiling Amp (KPA) takes sonic snapshots (or profiles) of any amp and speaker combination as heard through a microphone or DI — not only your own amps, but those of a growing community of users and... Read more »
Permalink to 11 Tips for Better Mixes – with Kendal Osborne
Dec 5 2018, 8:00 AM

11 Tips for Better Mixes – with Kendal Osborne

Tulsa studio owner and author Kendal Osborne has played a major role in my audio education and that of many of my peers. Through his Recording Lounge Podcast and YouTube channel, Kendal is ever eager to share the... Read more »
Permalink to 5 Great Inexpensive Guitars
Nov 27 2018, 8:00 AM

5 Great Inexpensive Guitars

Say what you will about costly vintage gear — today's guitars play, sound, and are priced better than ever. To demonstrate, we've compiled a list of our favorite guitars that carry performance-defying price tags... Read more »
Permalink to A Conversation with 65 Drums’ Justin Greenawalt
Nov 26 2018, 12:39 PM

A Conversation with 65 Drums’ Justin Greenawalt

If you’re an avid eDrummer, you’re already familiar with Justin Greenawalt’s YouTube channel. 65 Drums has been leading the charge in electronic drumming content — tips, reviews... Read more »
Permalink to The Best Boutique Guitar Pedal Companies
Oct 2 2018, 4:00 PM

The Best Boutique Guitar Pedal Companies

Thanks to YouTube demos and online discussion forums, today's guitarist is tone-savvier than ever — especially when it comes to FX pedals. It's for this reason the boutique pedal market has exploded over the past... Read more »
Permalink to 11 Tips for Getting the Gig with Sum 41’s Frank Zummo
Oct 2 2018, 8:00 AM

11 Tips for Getting the Gig with Sum 41’s Frank Zummo

Your chops are polished. Your kit is freshly headed and shining like a new dime. You're all ready for your big opportunity— all you need now is a band. Frank Zummo of Sum 41 shares his tips on how to get the gig... Read more »
Permalink to 12 Iconic Drum Fills from Legendary Drummers
Sep 28 2018, 8:00 AM

12 Iconic Drum Fills from Legendary Drummers

Drum fills serve as more than song transitions — thoroughfares from point A to B. A well-placed fill goes a long way in creating energy, building momentum, and preparing the listener for what's to come. While a good... Read more »