You have two microphones and two hours. How many ways can you mike a drum kit? READ MORE

Drum samples can sound freeze dried and boring. However, you can create organic sounds as if they were recorded from a live performance or a naturally occurring sound phenomena using Battery. READ MORE

The Akai MPC series is synonymous with hip-hop and R&B production since the first MPC60 me out in 1988. While there are more recent versions in the MPC line, the 2000 series is a mainstay to many beat makers. If loading samples off of floppy disks isn’t our bag, you’ll you can still find the 16 velocity sensitive drum pads perfect for finger drumming software instruments running on your laptop. The CRAS Digital lab is open to all students during project hours at both locations.

While at the NAB show this week, CRAS staffers dropped in on Adam Parrish at PRG‘s huge Las Vegas facility. After graduating from the CRAS seven years ago, Adam started as an intern in the audio department and is now the operations manager for the entire facility. Adam oversees 80 employees (10 are CRAS grads) who prep and maintain the equipment used in major productions ranging from large corporate events to major music concert tours. SEE MORE PHOTOS

While there are “rules” associated with recording in the digital domain (keep sample rate and bit depth high, do not go over 0 dBFS, etc), audio engineers don’t necessarily worry about the effects of printing this digital data onto a compact disc. Vinyl records are a much different animal, however. READ MORE

Properly archiving your work can assure future revenue (aka $$$ in your pocket.) Multitrack DAW recordings are dependent on a complex system of primary and secondary technologies. Each of these technologies represents an obstacle to the long-term viability of a multitrack archive. READ MORE

Frequency dependent side-chaining is a process which gives the user the ability to zero in on a range of frequencies for processing. De-essing is a common application where you apply compression to a very specific band of frequencies that appear harsh whenever the voice talent is pronouncing a “t” or “s.”  READ MORE.

The Roland Gaia is a modeled analog subtractive synthesizer and one of the easiest devices to learn about the basics of sound synthesis. Although it lacks a screen, it more than makes up for it with lots of buttons, faders and knobs. The D-Beam is VERY cool and a great way to interact live with the instrument! Check out this crash course on getting sounds with this great synth. The CRAS Digital lab is open to all students during project hours at both locations.

Dave Smith helped to pioneer the MIDI revolution with his first company called Sequential Circuits. Since then he’s started Dave Smith Instruments and brought us an updated spin on what a true analog monophonic can do. Don’t let its diminutive look fool you, the MOPHO packs a huge sound in that little yellow box. Check out this demo video showing what the Mopho can do. The CRAS Digital lab is open to all students during project hours at both locations.

Here are eight freeware AU plug-ins from some of the biggest names in the industry.