Audio Recording Product Reviews

The HUB's audio recording product reviews are your best source for no-nonsense gear intelligence when looking for the right sound recording, mixing, monitoring, and mastering hardware and software. Our expert Hands-On Reviews and Product Spotlights give you the details to choose sound recording gear wisely. Whether you're looking for a great audio mixer, condenser mic, microphone preamp, audio interface, studio monitors, or signal processors, count on The HUB. With computer- and DAW-based recording becoming the norm for home studios, we also cover all the software and app-based and sample-based audio production tools that make professional-sounding recordings possible. Whether you are shopping for a simple handheld recorder for sketching song ideas to a full-blown audio recording studio, count on The HUB for the knowledge you need.

AKG C414 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The AKG C414 Microphone: Great Sound Meets Versatility

Posted on Sunday, 29 April 2018 06:35.

Our friends at AKG take us on a deep dive of the C414 XLS and C414 XLII multi-pattern condenser microphones

Hands-On Review: Sterling Audio Recording Microphones

Posted on Tuesday, 10 April 2018 15:57.

We go hands-on with the latest studio microphones from Sterling Audio.

Product Spotlight: Native Instruments Komplete 11

Posted on Thursday, 22 September 2016 17:24.

Now available in three strengths to meet any music production challenge

Hands-On Review: BBE MaxCom Dual-Channel Compressor

Posted on Monday, 03 March 2014 17:49.

A must-have live/recording sound processor

Hands-On Review: MXL 990 Condenser Microphones

Posted on Thursday, 13 February 2014 22:09.

Raise the bar and lower the price—now try to sing in that position—MXL can!

AKG C314: An Affordable and Versatile C-Series Condenser Mic

Posted on Monday, 16 April 2018 10:37.

Our friends at AKG give a rundown on the AKG C314, covering the important specifications, application and some recording samples

Apogee Element Thunderbolt Audio Interface

Product Spotlight: Apogee Element Thunderbolt Interface

Posted on Friday, 07 October 2016 16:24.

Apogee’s Element Audio Interfaces are Thunderbolt audio I/O boxes made for creating music on your Mac.

Hands-On Review: A Designs HM2EQ Hammer Equalizer—The Path to Higher EQ

Posted on Friday, 18 July 2014 13:01.

By Barry Rivman
Musician’s Friend Senior Staff Writer

In the jargon of producers and recording engineers, equalizers fall into two general categories: "surgical" and "character." The surgical EQ is used correctively, e.g. when you wish to focus on a problem frequency without affecting the neighboring frequencies. Much like a surgeon, you want to go into a narrow band with a very precise cutting tool–an appropriate simile since we primarily "cut" or reduce problem frequencies. Examples would be taming harsh frequencies on cymbals; sibilance or plosives in vocals; fizz or wool on distorted guitars; or overly woofy bass.