Sage Audio Articles

How Millennials Listen to Music

Millennials have a tendency to do things differently, and music consumption is no exception to that. They outspend most other groups and are much more connected on social networks to share what they like. Here are five key take-aways from Nielsen's report on the 18-35 year olds that are changing the way music is marketed.

Understanding Input Sensitivity for Powered Monitors

Part of calibrating and optimizing your studio monitors is ensuring that the input sensitivity is set to handle professional mixing and recording levels. Here's an overview of what input sensitivity is and how to set it for your studio.

5 Great Ribbon Mics Pt. 2

To complete our list of five great ribbon mics, we'll take a look at models from Shure, AEA and Audio-Technica and see how some manufacturers have updated the classic ribbon mic design and sound, while others have taken to reproducing the tones of their predecessors.

5 Great Ribbon Mics Pt. 1

Getting a killer mix and master starts with a great recording. Using the right mic plays a big role in getting that recording. Ribbon mics are great for their smooth tones and warm mid-range. Here are some top models worth investing in.

Getting Started With Ribbon Mics

Ribbon microphones are loved for their warm, natural mid-to-low range and clarity. If you aren't familiar with ribbons here's an overview of how they work and when you should use them.

4 Tips for Releasing Your Album

Album sales have been declining steadily for the past decade, but that doesn't mean you can't sell your new album. The key to a successful album release today is to offer to your fans what the streaming experience cannot. Here are four tips for doing just that.

Top Artists Experiment With Album Release

Two of the biggest acts in music this month have decided to release their albums in very different ways. U2's "Songs of Innocence" broke the record for largest album release ever by being offered free on iTunes. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift is banking the promotion of her new album "1989" on viral social media campaigns by throwing small house parties for her fans. Here's what these two extremes means for album sales.

The Top 3 Portable Recorders

If you want to be able to create high-quality recordings without lugging around your laptop, interface, hard drive, and mics, prepare to be amazed at what any of these three portable digital recorders can do. For $200 or less, you can create studio-quality recordings with a device that pits in your pocket. Here are the top three digital recorders worth investing in.

Album Sales Hit Record Low

Last week was historically bad for the music industry. Weekly album sales figures dropped to their lowest point since Nielsen Soundscan began been keeping record in 1991. It was also the first week on record that sales of albums dropped below 4 million units. While multiple factors are blamed for the record lows, streaming is the undeniable catalyst.

4 Masterpiece Albums You Should Study

One of the best ways to learn how to produce a great sounding mix and master is to listen to other great albums. By tuning your ears to some of the best mixes that have been produced, you will sharpen your sense of arranging / mixing and learn how your monitors behave at the same time. Here are four iconic albums that are considered by many to be examples of some of the best of music recording and production. Ignore them at your peril.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts: Tracks & Groups

Are you using your mouse too much when recording and mixing? If yes, quit wasting time. Here are two of the simplest, yet fundamental, keyboard shortcuts you ought to learn today. Without a doubt, they'll boost your creating and mixing workflow.

The RIAA Releases its Mid-Year Report

The Recording Industry Association of America released its mid-year report recently, describing the trends of the music industry. While digital revenue sales have dropped, vinyl sales have spiked. Here are five key takeaways from the report as summarized by Billboard.

A Music Insider's Take On the Next 5 Years

The music industry is changing so fast these days that anyone who claims to know what it will be like in 5 years might seem crazy. However, when an entertainment lawyer for digital music entrepreneurs has some thoughts on the future of the business, it's worth at least hearing. Here's the takeaway from Steve Gordon's recent guest post on Billboard.

Apple's New Music Format

Apple is working on a new way to deliver and sell albums. According to TIME and Billboard, U2's Bono has been collaborating with Apple to work on a new "interactive" album format that will allow fans to "play with lyrics and get behind the songs." While no details have been released regarding new format, it's likely Apple's reaction to declining album sales over recent years to streaming.

The $5,000 Home Studio Pt. 2

Making the most of today's music tools, one can build a viable recording studio for under $5,000. In our first post, we recommended a DAW, interface and hard drive. In this post, we'll show you excellent options for monitors, room treatments, microphones and a MIDI controller that will cover more than your basic needs and still keep you on budget.