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AKG C151 small-diaphragm condenser microphone

AKG C151 review: Budget pencil condenser done right

AKG’s latest refresh of its microphone lineup has done more than replace a few aging models. Alongside the C104 and C114, the company has introduced the C151, a compact small-diaphragm condenser that takes over from the older Perception P170 while moving it into the more prestigious C-series family.

Audio interfaces

testing the best audio interfaces

The 5 best audio interfaces of 2026 for home and pro studios

Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to record music, with many audio interfaces offering performance that rivals far more expensive gear. A wide range of options is available for macOS and Windows users alike, from USB to Thunderbolt, and for everything from home setups to professional studios.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen audio interface

The 4 best budget audio interfaces for $50-$200 in 2026

While audio production and engineering isn’t the most financially sound hobby or passion, there are plenty of options out there that are perfectly affordable. I’m going over a handful of budget-friendly audio interfaces that I consider the best in their class.

Microphones

vocal microphones test

The 6 best vocal microphones for studio recording in 2026

When it comes to vocal production, oftentimes the most important decision is which microphone to use.

While the perfect candidate depends largely on the singer and the style of music, my personal experience has shown that there are a handful of microphones I consistently rely on and trust for their exceptional performance in the recording studio.

Studio monitors

Studio headphones

MIDI controllers

best budget MIDI keyboard controllers

The 6 best budget MIDI controllers under $100-$200 for beginners

A good MIDI controller is often one of the most powerful tools a musician/producer can buy, and you don’t have to pay a small fortune.

I’ve tested a range of budget controllers to find the best options available between $100 and $200. These MIDI controllers are ideal for beginners on a tight budget but are good enough for advanced musicians.

Software

testing DAW software

The 7 best DAWs for music production in 2026

A digital audio workstation is to a music producer what a studio is to a painter: the perfect environment for creativity, a blank canvas ready for your vision.

Like a painter needs colors, you need plugins, time, and a clear vision. The right DAW provides a clean workspace to start from.

best free VST plugins

The 17 best free VST plugins in 2026

Here it is folks, one of those coveted lists of goodies for producers, mixing engineers, and indie bedroom artists.

I’ve got the sauce for your studio in the form of all the free plugins you could ask for, so strap in for this rapid-fire rundown of the best free plugins you can get in 2026.

Songwriting

songwriting tools and materials

How to write a song in 12 steps from start to finish

There’s no doubt that there’s never been an easier time in our history to write, record, and release music than right now.

While this is beautiful in more ways than I can say, the problem that comes with this new territory is that the music world has become oversaturated.

An overabundance of new songs are being uploaded every single day making it difficult for an emerging artist to be heard above the noise.

songs parts guide

The 7 parts of a song and how to use them to create a perfect structure

Writing songs is its own form of storytelling that can take as many unique forms as there are emotions associated with the messages conveyed in the music. When I say storytelling by the way, I’m not necessarily referring to lyrics.

Though lyrical content is without a doubt crucial in most genres, history has shown that you don’t need lyrics to write incredible and memorable songs (Thanks Bela Fleck and The Flecktones!)

Latest articles

AKG C104 review: Affordable utility with a surprisingly mature sound

AKG has been making studio microphones for a very long time, and the company’s C-Series includes some of the most recognizable condensers ever made.

The C104 is part of AKG’s newer, more affordable C-Series lineup, aimed at musicians, podcasters, and streamers who want something more serious than a basic USB mic without jumping straight into C414 money.

Genelec 8351B review: Redefining what’s possible

Genelec is a company that needs little introduction. One of the leading loudspeaker manufacturers for about 40 years, Genelec’s long-standing dedication to innovation and sustainability has made the company a household name amongst engineers and audiophiles alike.

In this review, I’ll be taking a look at the 8351B SAMs, the sub-flagship of Genelec’s The Ones series.

What is audio normalization, and how (and when) to use it

Normalizing tracks has been a common practice among artists since the dawn of DAWs, but with the advent of streaming platforms and the subsequent loudness standardization, as well as new, less invasive ways to make tracks louder, you might wonder whether it’s still worth it normalizing your tunes before publishing them.

Manley Reference Silver review: Warm with massive low end

Manley has been operating since the late 80s, and has always held an amazing reputation in the industry as one of the most reliable and impressive boutique manufacturers around.

In this review, I’ll be taking a look at a slightly newer model from the company, a tube condenser named the Reference Silver. I don’t want to waste much time so let’s get into it.

Studio monitors vs regular speakers: What’s the difference?

Whether you’re setting up your first recording studio, home theater or hi-fi system, you’ll probably have to do some research on the best speakers that can help you create the perfect environment for your creativity or entertainment.

That’s when you’ll come across the terms “studio monitor” and “hi-fi speaker” and wonder: aren’t they the same thing?