We recently wrote this article for AMS on the most popular types of microphones. Microphones are like paint brushes. You need different tools for different jobs. The technical make-up of each type of microphone and the technology it uses to translate your voice or instrument varies greatly. Learn the basics of microphone types, polar patterns and more. This will help you craft the sound you seek.

In this article we wrote for American Music Supply, we break down the tools needed to make electronic dance music. EDM is a catch-all phrase that represents over 300 sub-genres of music that have been created since the 1960s. However, we will be focused on present-day production and gear that's available for purchase.

Whirlwind is a Rochester, NY based company that specializes in American-made, pro audio solutions. They created the world's first direct box. Engineers everywhere have Whirlwind gear in their tool boxes. The MIP series (Media Input Plates) are the perfect solution for permanent audio installation with balanced signals. 

In this video we go through all the features of the MIP1, MIP2, MIP3, MIP4, MIP5, MIP6, MIP7, MIPAI, and MIPAO.

The Roland TR-808 is the most iconic, vintage instrument in hip-hop and electronic music history. Without the "808", the music you hear today would be different. Many people don't know, but Roland originally designed the TR-808 as an accompaniment machine for guitarists. It was not a successful product and after production ceased, many TR-808s found there way into pawn shops and the like. From there is where burgeoning hip-hop producers discovered it, and tweaked it in ways unthought of. The machine was designed to make realistic sounding drum beats, not sub bass kicks that rattle your windows.

The people over at Consequence of Sound have just come across a TR-808 Adidas prototype sneaker! This fully functional TR-808 has tempo control and the ability to program beats!