We are reader-supported. Links on our site may earn us a commission. More about us

Brandon Schock

Brandon Schock

Brandon is a producer, audio engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and senior writer at Higher Hz, where he covers microphones, studio monitors, audio interfaces, and recording techniques.

Coming from humble beginnings, Schock began recording psychedelic bedroom pop with nothing except for GarageBand and the built-in microphone on his laptop as a teenager.

While he's since upgraded his recording setup, Brandon still has a proclivity to work through the confines of limitation.

His music is spasmodic, distorted, and restless, often taking inspiration from artists such as Cornelius and The Beach Boys.

Over the years, he's gained a vast amount of experience recording, writing, and performing with local groups and fellow artists such as Petty Walker, and Windy 500.

When it comes to gear, Brandon has a particular fondness for several models and series of studio gear. He usually records through his Focusrite Clarett 8Pre, aided by his Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro for tracking.

For microphones, the Electro-Voice RE20, Neumann KM 184, the AKG SE300 B (particularly when using the CK91 capsule), and Coles 4038 are worked to their limits in his studio.

He also has a soft spot for Adam Audio studio monitors, which he has been using for years.

In terms of preamps, Brandon has two favorites: the clean and transparent Focusrite ISA One and the warm and colorful Universal Audio Solo/610.

However, even though he has his mainstays in his arsenal, he's incessantly researching and trying to find hidden gems.

Still forever passionate about music, Brandon has recently dedicated himself to writing about the latest innovations in audio technology, while keeping busy with his own projects and passions.

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.

AKG C114 review: Workhorse that punches above its price

AKG has spent decades producing some of the most recognizable condenser microphones in the industry. Models like the C12 and C414 have become studio staples, though their price tags have often placed them beyond the reach of many studios. The company’s latest C-series additions aim to change that.

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.

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.

Genelec 8020D review: Masterful precision

Genelec has been one of the most renowned studio monitor manufacturers for the past four decades. Expensive, sure, but you certainly get what you pay for in most instances.

In this review, I’ll be looking at the 8020D model, one of the company’s more affordable monitors. Let’s take a deeper look and see what it has to offer.