We are reader-supported. Links on our site may earn us a commission. More about us
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.
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.
AKG has a 80-year long reputation for building high-performing, and innovative audio technology. Let’s see if the K371 headphones hold up to our expectations.
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.
Microphone gain is one of the most critical aspects to keep account of when recording. Without it, your mic would be virtually useless. But what exactly is gain and how does it work? Let’s dive in.
Most of you are probably familiar with the iconic SM58, but perhaps less of you are aware of the Beta 58A. The series originally came out in the 80s, before Shure decided to make some slight updates and alterations to the design around 1996.
Neumann is one of the most renowned manufacturers in the music industry. The company’s catalog comprises some of the most coveted and regarded microphones in the history of recording technology.
In this review, I’ll be taking a look at the KMS 105, a handheld microphone that first hit the shelves around the turn of the millennium. Let’s get started.