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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.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x review: Solid budget all-rounder

In this review, I’ll be taking a look at some of the most popular headphones available, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. Owned and loved by many, these are respectable budget headphones for beginners and professionals alike.

Kali Audio LP-6 V2 review: Phenomenal budget monitors

The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 is a product that may make you reconsider your expectations when buying budget studio monitors. They’re inexpensive, and in terms of sound quality, I was surprised by the results. Let’s take a closer look.

The 5 best USB microphones for vocals and music recording 2026

USB microphones aren’t very different from your standard mic, except for the fact that they contain within them a dedicated preamp as well as an analog-to-digital converter. This makes them incredibly convenient, simple, and portable, as you only need one connection.

AKG C414 XLII review: She is beauty, she is grace

If you’ve ever watched Conan O’Brien, David Letterman, or Johnny Carson (if you’re a bit older), you’ve probably noticed that little box-shaped microphone sitting on their desk.

Well, in Johnny Carson’s day, that microphone was most likely the C414 EB, the original model of what I’ll be reviewing today.

Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre review: It just got better

Focusrite has earned quite the reputation among many over the years, having been the recipient of four Queen’s Awards for Enterprise as well as two for International Trade, and another two for Technology.

Their products are by and far some of the most popular choices for musicians and it’s not difficult to understand why – they sound great. The Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre USB is no exception to the rule.