I remember first hearing the name Tube Screamer around 1980. Even before I knew what it did, the name itself jumped out at me—there was just something raw and electrifying about it. Decades later, I’m still amazed at how this little green box has become one of the most iconic and enduring overdrive pedals in […]
The wah-wah pedal is known for its expressive, vocal-like wails, squawks, and crying tones—sounds that have become essential to genres like rock, funk, blues, and soul. Originally designed to mimic the muted trumpet’s crying effect, the wah pedal revolutionized guitar music. When it hit the scene, it quickly became synonymous with one name: Cry Baby. […]
Let’s take a look at the Soldano SLO Super Lead Overdrive. To understand this pedal we have to go back for a moment and take a super condensed look at the humble roots of its predecessor, and how this pedal came into being. Its creator Mike Soldano began his career in the amplifier industry in […]
The Seymour Duncan SM-2 is a mini-humbucker designed for players who want a punchier, more aggressive sound from a compact pickup. It’s part of the SM series—well-suited for guitars like Gibson Firebirds, Les Paul Deluxes, and others that use mini-humbucker routes. The SM-2, also known as the Custom Mini Humbucker, is the hottest model in […]
Hey folks, today we are going to dive into audio interfaces, which are also known as converters. For those who don’t know, an audio interface is tasked with converting analog audio into a digital audio signal, and is the first building block for “in the box” production and engineering. Most, if not all, USB interfaces […]
What Is Re-Amping and Why It Matters Alright, let’s talk about re-amping—one of the most useful, misunderstood, and oddly overlooked techniques in recording, especially in home and project studios. If you’ve ever tracked a guitar, then sat back the next day thinking, “Man… I wish I’d dialed that tone differently,” re-amping is your safety net. […]
The DiMarzio Injector is a stacked hum-cancelling single-coil pickup available in two versions: DP422 (Neck) and DP423 (Bridge). Both feature Alnico 2 magnets and four-conductor wiring for flexible configurations, along with wax potting to eliminate microphonic squeal. History The DiMarzio Injector first hit the market in 2010, and it was developed in close collaboration with […]
Question Hi Humbucker Soup, I asked a question about this last week on how this mod works. I have another question about the type of capacitor used (film, ceramic, PIO, etc.). For the usual treble mod where the capacitor is in parallel to the signal circuit, it seems that that type of capacitor may not […]
In this article, I’m going to dive into five of the top things that I have learned as a producer and engineer. Some of these are more process related, discussing thoughts and ideas that have supported my growth. Other points may lean more technical. 1 – Less is More Now I can’t emphasize this enough. […]
The Music Man 110 RD 50 may not be the first amp that jumps to mind when you think of compact gigging powerhouses, but for those in the know, it has long held a reputation as one of the most underrated gems of the early ’80s. With a chiming clean tone that stands shoulder to […]
The Marshall JCM800 amplifier has gained prominence & respect as a true icon in the rock ‘n’ roll industry. Since the 1980s, many legendary guitarists have embraced its powerful and gritty tone. Over time, the JCM800 has become synonymous with rock, metal, and punk, leaving a lasting mark on the music industry. How the JCM800 […]
When it comes to recreating vintage Strat tones without the baggage of vintage noise, DiMarzio’s Area series has long been a go-to choice. Of the bunch, the Area 58 stands out to me as one of the most satisfying single-coil pickups ever made. It’s a modern solution to a vintage problem—a clever design that captures […]