THE END OF ANALOG MIXING IS AT HAND: Updated 2023 and 2026

IS ANALOG MIXING IN THE STUDIO DYING?

by Mark King for proworkshop.com

OUR SOUNDCRAFT GB8-40 INSTALLED

UPDATE 2023: I've left the original article as it was but be aware, our studio electronic architecture has changed a lot since this article was first published in 2017 (the X32 mixers have been replaced with Neve 1073spx preamps). To see a few of the updates scroll down to the end of the original article. 

ORIGINAL ARTICLE FOLLOWS

In our studio we use a split-console metaphor which essentially means one mixer to record and a completely separate mixer for mixing. I decided it was time to upgrade our analog mixing console. I needed more Aux-Sends and they all needed to be post fader for effects-sends. I needed more subgroups and a more versatile stereo master group. I needed better solo capabilities. I've been building and repairing electronics all my life, I wanted something new so I could focus on mixing not repairing or hot-rodding some 30+ year old beast. 

WARM AUDIO INTRODUCES WA-8TRX - wow, this thing is amazing

The entire engineering staff at High on Technology was sworn to secrecy, we signed NDA's the size of phone books. Finally they took the wraps off this incredible piece. 

INTERSECTION - by Mark King Radio, April 3, 2026 album release on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and others

April 3: Point your music subscription at the new album by Mark King Radio (the band). 

MARK KING RADIO - Spotify, Band Gigs and Studio Recording

Click to enlarge

REVIEW BEHRINGER SL75 VS SHURE SM57 VS PYLE PDMIC78- Microphone shootout

If a microphone looks like a Shure SM57 and sounds sort of like it, then it’s as good as a Shure, right?

REVIEW: BEHRINGER 1273 COMPARED TO NEVE 1073SPX AND WARM AUDIO WA-73

UPDATE: Scroll to the end for latest updates.

Are you ready for the Behringer 1273-KT clone of the classic Neve 1073 in a smackdown comparison to a real Neve 1073SPX? Just for good measure we’ll also compare the Behringer to the Warm Audio clone of the classic Neve 1073. Along the way I hope to answer that question which is burning a hole in your brain; Is the Behringer 1273 good? You may think you know but there are some big surprises awaiting. Let's dig in!

The Behringer 1273 features two full channel strips of 73-style preamps

EXPENSIVE VS BOUTIQUE VS BUDGET PRICED: NAVIGATING THE AUDIO GEAR LANDSCAPE

How much do you have to spend?

The recording studio world is a gear lover’s playground, but it’s also a financial minefield. At the budget end, brands like Warm Audio, PreSonus, and Behringer—along with its extended family of Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic—promise pro-level performance without the pro-level price. At the top, icons like Neve, Manley, and Apogee set the gold standard for sonic excellence. Somewhere in between, mid-tier giants like Universal Audio and boutique upstarts like AudioScape carve out their own niches. Can lower-priced gear truly rival the elite? How do mid-tier and boutique options fit in? And where should you splurge in your personal studio? Let’s unpack it all, including whether your DAW choice affects the sound.

MARK KING RADIO - Free Radio Streaming Live on YouTube, Ad Free, Reggae, Rock, Progressive, Modern Country -

 Reggae, Rock, Progressive, Modern Country - Energy Playlist by Day, Chill Playlist at Night. 24/7-fun

REVIEW NEVE 8816 VS SOUNDCRAFT GB4-16, OUTSIDE THE BOX

 NEVE VS SOUNDCRAFT

When the Neve 8816 first hit the market I ordered one. I also ordered the 8804 fader package which basically changes the 8816 into a mini Neve console with hands-on faders. Was it a wise investment?

IS THE 500-SERIES PLATFORM DYING?

For years, the API 500-series format was the darling of audio engineers, with new modules popping up like studio monitors at a gear expo. Preamps, EQs, compressors—everywhere you looked, another 500-series gadget promised to elevate your recordings. But the tide seems to be turning. Are software plugins stealing the spotlight? Are pricey, proprietary hardware racks losing their appeal? Is the 500-series platform doomed? Let’s unpack the trends and see if the format’s days are numbered.

WHAT DO AI LIKE? - a new music video by Mark King

Watch it in Full Screen to see all the details

RIP STUDIO ONE DAW - PRESONUS STUDIO ONE BECOMES "FENDER STUDIO"- better?

Studio One has changed into Fender Studio. I'm glad I passed on all the upgrade offers to new Studio One last Fall, now this? 

REVIEW API 3124+ MICROPHONE PREAMP

FOUR-CHANNEL PREAMPLIFIER CLASSIC FROM API

Review by Mark King for Proworkshop.com

Microphone preamplifiers are definitely in the top five things audio engineers bicker about. Don't they all basically sound the same? Don't they all basically do the same thing? If your mixer or interface already has a microphone preamp in it why wouldn't you just use that?

These are all valid questions with equally valid answers depending on how well developed your ears are, whether you think the end is justified by the expense and perhaps most importantly whether you can afford it.

REVIEW WARM AUDIO WA-87JR SPECIAL EDITION MICROPHONE BARGAIN

Hey, tech squad – if you're grinding in a home studio or bootstrapping a pro setup on a ramen budget, I've got your next must-have. After years of chasing that elusive Neumann U87 vibe without remortgaging the house, Warm Audio's  WA-87jr SE finally cracked the code. This isn't just another knockoff; it's a transformerless, cardioid-only beast that delivers 87-style magic for under $200. I put it to the test and yeah, it's a game-changer.

SANDWICH APOCALYPSE - Classic Rock and humor rolled into an album with a familiar sound

 

We've been very busy here in the High on Technology recording studio. We were having a band meeting and Mary King asked the simple question "What if the leader of a big old band wanted a sandwich late one night, they went to the bread box and found there was no more bread". What would it sound like if they sang about it passionately? Like a drug fueled power trio in the 1960s, a full tilt hard rock love song from the 70s, Swedish pop or New Wave from the 80s, or grunge from the 90s?

YOUR CAR WIRING IS FOOD - the wiring insulation is SOY based

When I first moved to Florida somebody mentioned “rats may eat the wiring in your car”. I was like, “yea ok, sure, whatever…” completely confident that rats have not decided to feast on petroleum based wiring insulation. I was wrong… about the insulation! 

WAR OF THE WORLDS - MUSIC VIDEO: 50's Style Science Fiction

I'm a big fan of older science fiction. I used modern video tools to bring one of my original songs to life in this Music Video which will be featured in a future "Spotlight" post here on HoT. I wrote and recorded the music back in 2003. I had a lot of fun producing this, let your own creativity flow, Enjoy!

REVIEW HEADRUSH “FRFR GO” POWERED SPEAKER: Rechargeable battery too

Headrush is a relatively new player in powered speakers. The acronym FRFR was previously described here on High on Technology, Headrush has borrowed it and put it into the name of today’s review product. The Headrush “FRFR GO” is a small, inexpensive, portable speaker system with an emphasis on musical instrument applications — think guitar modelers, digital drum and synth use, jamming with loops, listening to tunes and so much more. But is it good?

TOP 20 ITEMS YOU SEARCHED FOR IN 2025 ON HIGH ON TECHNOLOGY

It is amazing how fast time seems to be moving. Whoosh, there goes another year flashing by. Let’s get right into this and see what gear people were searching for, there were some surprises 

HOW TO ADD REAL DRUMS TO YOUR SONG: Recording Studio Drum Tracks

Tired of drum libraries and drum machines? Do you crave some REAL drumming on your latest song creation? Thanks to the internet you CAN have a real drummer play on your new musical masterpiece, without the volume and hassle of setting up a drum kit and providing the right acoustic space. Let’s get into this and see how it works. 

APOGEE ELECTRONICS AQUIRED, you know, expensive DAW converters?

APOGEE ELECTRONICS ACQUIRED

Dirk Ulrich and his Rockforce Tech Holding Company have acquired Apogee Electronics located in Santa Monica, California. This is the same investment entity that recently acquired Manley Laboratories.

SECRETS OF GREAT SOUNDING GEAR - Essential Ingredients and more

What is “Great Sounding Gear”? This typically refers to high-quality audio equipment designed to deliver superior sound performance. The term “Great Sounding Gear” is often used in audio enthusiast communities to describe gear that prioritizes sound quality, durability, and design. There are three essential ingredients in Great Sound, do you know what they are?

TRIBUTE TO LEO FENDER: His legacy lives on

Do you know what separated Leo Fender and made him unique? He tried his best!

REVIEW VOX AMPLUG3 AC30: Convenient, Inexpensive, but…

I wanted to love this little headphone amp from Vox. The clever, integrated design eliminates the need for a guitar cord, you just plug this little box into your guitar, plug your 1/8” headphone plug into amPlug3, and start jamming, right?

RIP JOHN LODGE, Award winning writer, singer and bassist for The Moody Blues

The Moody Blues were threaded throughout my life. The bands use of the Mellotron keyboards seemed so unique and important back in the 1970's as my adult life was first unfolding. I did not know how they made their sounds, I just knew I liked it. Interesting vocals and awesome creative song writing. He left us on October 10th, 2025.

REVIEW PRISM SOUND OVER-KILLER: Passive Peak Limiter, but is it good?

I was excited to finally find a product by Prism Sound that I not only wanted, but one I could actually afford. Just reading the ads on retailer web sites, the Over-Killer seemed like such a simple device, why is nobody else doing something like this?

WHAT IS FRFR? Why you need Full Range Flat Response

In the world of audio, FRFR stands for Full Range Flat Response. It refers to audio equipment, typically speakers or monitors, designed to reproduce sound across the entire audible frequency range (roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz) with a flat frequency response. This means the system doesn't emphasize or attenuate any particular frequency, aiming to deliver sound as accurately and neutrally as possible, without coloration or distortion.

REVIEW TC LEVEL PILOT X: Balanced Desktop Volume Fader

This is one of those products that was not initially clear why I needed it. After giving it a try I can’t live without it. 

A TRIBUTE TO OLIVER ARCHUT: Modern Day Microphone and Transformer Champion

I feel so lucky to have been able to chat with Oliver in Prosound forums. I never got to meet him personally but I felt a profound loss when he left us back in 2014. 

REVIEW TC ELECTRONICS THUNDERSTORM FLANGER PEDAL: Heavy Duty Package

The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger was released in 1976 as the world's first stompbox-format flanger. Development began around 1975 and after introduction it quickly became iconic. Later variants, like the Deluxe Electric Mistress, arrived in 1978, but the original dates to 1976. I loved those early model Flangers though they had a lot of background noise. I don’t have any of those left but I do have at least five dedicated Flanger pedals and several others inside multifunction pedals. So what is going on with the Thunderstorm Flanger from TC Electronics?

REVIEW BEHRINGER GO MIDI INTERFACE: Add USB MIDI to older synthesizers

Got an old synthesizer like a DX7 which you’d like to connect to your DAW? Maybe the MIDI-out port on your DAW already has a synth plugged in, but you’d like to connect another old synth that does not have USB out, how are you going to connect it?

REVIEW D’ADDARIO HEADPHONE TRS COUPLER: Will it be Reliable?

I was a dealer for D’Addario guitar strings throughout the 1980s and I’ve used them even longer. The company has a history of innovating in accessories and it’s allowed them to grow in marketshare.  There’s basically NEVER been a reliable, quality, TRS-to-TRS connector made by anyone (but me) so I was anxious to give this little molded jack-connector from D’Addario a try. Will the plugs fit right? Will the connections be solid? Is it worth $9 or more?

REVIEW JOYO JA-02 II: Rechargeable Guitar Amp Bluetooth Speaker

Those clever designers at Joyo have combined a rechargeable Bluetooth speaker and a guitar amp together in a lightweight plastic amplifier, complete with switchable distortion, external line input, headphone output and USB-C charger hole. But there is one feature that blew my mind and caused me to immediately hit the buy button.

REVIEW HEADPHONE WRAPUP: Why and where to spend your money

Six different headphone models, from five important manufacturers, with prices ranging all over the place. There were some fun results from all this researching, comparing and testing. You don’t need to drop $400-$2,000 on a a set of headphones to get world class performance. One of the lowest priced models offers linear performance that is up there with one of the BEST priced hundreds more. Ready to see how they stack up against each other?

REVIEW AKG K240 MKII STEREO HEADPHONES: Classic Design and Style

I bought a brand new set of K240 MK II for this review. I received no accommodation, deal or special discount. I've been exposed to this model for over 45+ years and wanted an opportunity to carefully review them here on H.o.T. As always, it's my own opinion about these headphones, this time, in 2025. Should you buy them?

WHAT DOES THE TERM "SOUNDSTAGE" MEAN IN HEADPHONE REVIEWS?

In headphone reviews, soundstage refers to the perceived spatial environment or "stage" where the sound appears to originate when listening to audio through headphones. It describes how well headphones can create a sense of width, depth, and height in the sound, making it feel like the music is happening around you rather than just inside your head.

REVIEW AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M50X STEREO HEADPHONES: Almost Classics?

I bought my first two sets of ATH-M50 back in 2010 at Guitar Center in LA. I had a recording session that afternoon and needed “two of something” that matched. This was the only model of any brand for which they had two units in stock. I was completely unfamiliar with Audio-Technica headphone offerings but I had many years of experience with their microphones so I took a chance. Fortunately, they sounded good to me after some breaking in and they’ve been a regular in our studio operations ever since. So what’s this new X model all about? 

REVIEW BEYERDYNAMIC DT 770 PRO STEREO HEADPHONES: Still Studio Favorites?

For decades, Beyerdynamic has been a trusted name in professional audio, and the DT 770 PRO headphones continue to carry on that legacy. Designed for studio professionals, these closed-back headphones have earned a reputation for delivering precise, reliable sound in demanding environments. Whether you're a music producer, sound engineer, or audiophile seeking critical listening gear, the DT 770 PRO promises a blend of comfort, durability, and exceptional audio fidelity.  What makes these headphones a staple in studios worldwide? Do they live up to the hype in 2025?

REVIEW SONY MDR-7506 STEREO HEADPHONES: Still Awesome After All These Years?

 

Slipping on the Sony MDR-7506 feels like greeting an old friend. Since 1991, these closed-back headphones have been heroes in studios worldwide, delivering no-nonsense sound that’s reliable. Are they still worthy of your consideration?

REVIEW SENNHEISER HD 650 STEREO HEADPHONES: Don’t Do What I Did

If the HD 600, which I reviewed earlier, is the analytical scholar of headphones—precise and uncolored—the HD 650 is its soulful sibling. These look like an upgrade at first glance but don’t press that buy button without reading this.

REVIEW SENNHEISER HD 600 STEREO HEADPHONES: Sonic Truth Revealed for a Price

These headphones hit the market way back in 1997, when music was about purity, not processing. In a world obsessed with wireless convenience and pulsating bass, the HD 600 offers a rare gift: sound, exactly as the artist intended, unvarnished and alive. Nothing wireless to see here, you must plug them in, and you better have an amp that can handle their 300Ω input impedance along with some deep pockets to fund the rest of the journey - but the sound - WoW!

WHAT IS FLAT FREQUENCY RESPONSE: The Key to Accurate Audio

In the world of audio engineering and consumer electronics, terms like "frequency response" get thrown around a lot, especially when discussing headphones, speakers, or microphones. But what exactly does a "flat frequency response" mean, and why should you care? Whether you're a music producer fine-tuning tracks in the studio or an everyday listener streaming podcasts on your commute, grasping this concept can help you make better decisions about your gear. In this article, we'll break it down step by step, exploring its technical foundations and real-world implications.

BEHRINGER SYNTHESIZERS and EFFECTS BY HP: Eurorack Horizontal Pitch (width)

This is a simple quick reference for ordering rack ears or making Eurorack plans. It's also a guide to Behringer Eurorack synthesizers reviewed on HoT.

REVIEW BEHRINGER 69 VIBE PEDAL: Is this the best Uni-vibe clone EVER?

The Behringer 69 Vibe Chorus/Vibrato Pedal is a budget-friendly homage to the iconic Shin-Ei Uni-Vibe, a pedal that defined the psychedelic rock sounds of the late 1960s, famously used by guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, and David Gilmour. Priced at around $59-$69, this all-analog pedal aims to deliver those lush, swirling modulation tones at a fraction of the cost of boutique alternatives or vintage originals. After putting it through its paces, how does the Behringer 69 Vibe stack up?

REVIEW MOOER PE100: Tiny Powerful Guitar Processor that easily fits in your shirt pocket

In the world of guitar effects, bigger isn't always better—especially when you're practicing late at night or jamming in a cramped hotel room. Enter the Mooer PE100, a compact desktop multi-effects processor that's designed to pack a full pedalboard's worth of versatility into something that easily fits in your shirt pocket. Released a few years back, this little beauty from Mooer Audio has earned a reputation as an affordable and complete solution for practicing guitarists. It's got an incredible bargain price, but does it deliver? 

REVIEW ELECTRO-HARMONIX LIZARD QUEEN: What happened to this pedal?

The Electro-Harmonix Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz pedal, released in April 2023, is a vibrant slice of retro-inspired tone that captures the gritty, octave-drenched spirit of 1970s EHX designs while delivering modern versatility. 

REVIEW JOYO ORTHROS: UNIQUE A-B Guitar Pedal Effect Switcher

In Greek mythology, Orthros is a two-headed, serpent-tailed dog that guarded the cattle of the monster Geryon. Here, in the real world, where we actually live, Orthros is a deluxe A-B switching pedal from Joyo. The mythological Orthros, with its two heads, might symbolize the dual signal paths (A and B loops) the pedal manages, allowing you to switch or blend between two effects chains or signal routes. The pedal is really inexpensive and has many killer features, is it good?

A TRIBUTE TO JIM MARSHALL: The Father of the 4x12 Speaker

James Charles Marshall, affectionately known as "The Father of Loud," was more than just the founder of Marshall Amplification—he was a visionary whose innovations shaped the sound of rock 'n' roll and beyond. Born on July 29, 1923, in Acton, West London, into a family of boxers and music hall performers, Jim's early life was marked by adversity. A little-known fact is that he suffered from tubercular bones as a child, spending much of his youth encased in plaster casts and hospitalized, which deprived him of a formal education. Yet, this hardship fueled his resilience; exempt from World War II service, he turned to music, becoming a skilled drummer and singer. He even built his own portable amplification system for his vocals, foreshadowing his future empire.

THE JOHN HARDY COMPANY: Replacing Jensen Transformers with in-house built models

PRESS RELEASE FROM "THE JOHN HARDY COMPANY"

I am pleased to announce that The John Hardy Company is now manufacturing the model 16C mic input transformer and 11C line output transformer. These transformers are now being used in the M-1, M-2 and Jensen Twin Servo 990 Mic Preamps of The John Hardy Company. The 16C and 11C replace the Jensen JT-16-B and JT-11-BM transformers respectively. The 16C and 11C are built to the exact specifications of the Jensen models.

REVIEW SHURE MVX2U XLR TO USB ADAPTER: Do not buy for Apple MAC Processor

I wanted to love this little Shure XLR to computer, digital audio interface. I’m a Mac user and Apple Silicon is powering almost all my current fleet of Macs. I’m glad I read the manual for the product, I did not need to read much, “Not recommended for ARM-based PCs”. It gets worse, much worse for current Mac users.

A TRIBUTE TO DEANE JENSEN: Visionary Genius behind Jensen Transformers

 

Young Deane Jensen

Back in the late 1970’s, if you called the Jensen Transformers business phone number, there was a good chance the man himself, Deane Jensen, would answer the phone. He did not identify himself, it was just a business-like “Jensen Transformers”. And I’d say, “I’m calling about a 21-xyz” and he’d launch into the features, advantages and benefits, no waiting, no looking in a catalog, instant knowledge, right there. He was brilliant for some products he developed but one aspect that is always overlooked; Deane Jensen was a genius marketing guy. If he got your ear, the things he said MADE you want Jensen Transformers.  He was always enlightening and educational in the dozen or so times I got to talk with him. So here is my tribute to the man who made the very best low-distortion, precision audio transformers. 

WHAT IS AN INDUCTOR EQ? Vintage Technology for Modern Sound

Can you spot the inductors?

In the world of audio engineering, equalizers (EQs) are the unsung heroes that shape sound, carving out space in mixes and adding polish to recordings. From taming harsh frequencies to enhancing warmth, EQs come in many flavors. But among them, the inductor EQ stands out as a classic with a unique charm rooted in analog circuitry. If you've ever wondered what makes an inductor EQ special—or how it stacks up against more common types like fixed-band, sweepable, or parametric EQs—this article dives deep into its mechanics, history, and applications. Whether you're a bedroom producer or a seasoned studio pro, understanding this tool can elevate your sonic toolkit.

A TRIBUTE TO ASPEN PITTMAN: Soulful Innovator of Groove Tubes

Aspen Pittman was a visionary whose passion for music and technology left an indelible mark on the audio world. As the founder of Groove Tubes, he didn’t just build a company—he ignited a revolution in sound. Pittman’s pioneering spirit brought tube microphones to the forefront of American musical manufacturing, crafting tools that captured the warmth and soul of music in ways that resonated with artists and engineers alike. His creations, born from a deep love for tone and innovation, became a cornerstone of studios across the globe.