Guides– category –
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Free EQ Plug-ins: 2 Picks Ranked from Official Specs (2026)
2 free EQs (TDR Nova, MEqualizer) ranked using only the makers' official information. Features, who each is for, and supported formats. -
Free Guitar Amp Simulator Plug-ins: 2 Picks Ranked from Official Specs (2026)
2 free guitar amp simulators (AmpliTube 5 CS, Guitar Rig 7 Player) ranked using only the makers' official information. Features, who each is for, and supported formats. -
Free Compressor Plug-ins: 3 Picks Ranked from Official Specs (2026)
3 free compressors (Supercharger, DC1A, MCompressor) ranked using only the makers' official information. Features, who each is for, and supported formats. -
Free Delay Plug-ins: 2 Picks Ranked from Official Specs (2026)
2 free delay plug-ins (MDelay, REPLIKA) ranked using only the makers' official information. Features, who each is for, and supported formats. -
What Is a Microphone Preamp? How It Differs from a Built-in Preamp and When You Need an External One
The role of a microphone preamp, centered on how it differs from an audio interface's built-in preamp. When you need an external preamp, covering gain, noise, character, phantom power and connection order, with representative products. -
What Is iLok? The USB Dongle, iLok Cloud and How Activation Works
What iLok is. The differences between the three ways to activate (USB dongle, computer and iLok Cloud), moving licenses with iLok License Manager, whether a dongle is required, and what to watch for if you lose it or it breaks. -
What Is Loopback on an Audio Interface? How to Use It for Streaming and Cover Songs
What the loopback function of an audio interface is. How to use it for streaming, cover songs and online calls, examples of supported products, notes for Windows and macOS, and tips to avoid feedback and doubled audio. -
How to Use Saturation on Vocals: Adding Thickness and Warmth to a Cover Song
The basics of using saturation (a kind of distortion) on cover-song vocals. How harmonics are added, how to decide drive, mix and tone, and how to prevent the grain, blurred lows and harsh "s" sounds that appear when you overdo it, based on official materials from iZotope, FabFilter and Soundtoys. -
How to Do Timing Correction on a Cover-Song Vocal: Fixing Drift Naturally and Choosing Quantize Strength
How to fix rhythm drift (timing) in a cover-song vocal. Using Melodyne's Quantize Time as the example: aligning the start of notes, choosing the intensity, handling consonants and tips to avoid overdoing it, based on Celemony's official help. -
The Order of Plug-ins for a Cover-Song Mix: What to Put on Vocals and Why
The order of plug-ins on cover-song vocals, explained as noise reduction, pitch correction, EQ, compressor, de-esser and then space effects. The reasons for each, gently summarized from manufacturers' explanations.
