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Brandon Schock

Brandon Schock

Brandon is a producer, audio engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and senior writer at Higher Hz, where he covers microphones, studio monitors, audio interfaces, and recording techniques.

Coming from humble beginnings, Schock began recording psychedelic bedroom pop with nothing except for GarageBand and the built-in microphone on his laptop as a teenager.

While he's since upgraded his recording setup, Brandon still has a proclivity to work through the confines of limitation.

His music is spasmodic, distorted, and restless, often taking inspiration from artists such as Cornelius and The Beach Boys.

Over the years, he's gained a vast amount of experience recording, writing, and performing with local groups and fellow artists such as Petty Walker, and Windy 500.

When it comes to gear, Brandon has a particular fondness for several models and series of studio gear. He usually records through his Focusrite Clarett 8Pre, aided by his Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro for tracking.

For microphones, the Electro-Voice RE20, Neumann KM 184, the AKG SE300 B (particularly when using the CK91 capsule), and Coles 4038 are worked to their limits in his studio.

He also has a soft spot for Adam Audio studio monitors, which he has been using for years.

In terms of preamps, Brandon has two favorites: the clean and transparent Focusrite ISA One and the warm and colorful Universal Audio Solo/610.

However, even though he has his mainstays in his arsenal, he's incessantly researching and trying to find hidden gems.

Still forever passionate about music, Brandon has recently dedicated himself to writing about the latest innovations in audio technology, while keeping busy with his own projects and passions.

Coles 4038 review: Ribbon mic of choice

In this review, I’ll be looking at the Coles 4038 studio ribbon microphone. This is a legendary mic which has been used in the recording industry for decades.

I’ll be examining the microphone’s key features and capabilities, as well as its suitability for various recording applications.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen review: New budget king

For years, Focusrite has held its spot as the forerunner of budget-level audio interfaces. The Scarlett, in particular, has reigned supreme since it hit the shelves back in 2011.

Now, Focusrite is launching the fourth generation of the beloved interface, once again aiming to keep their place at the top of the heap. Let’s take a deeper look and see what it has to offer, as well as how it contrasts with its predecessors.

Telefunken M82 review: Versatile and solid kick mic

Since 2001, Telefunken has been manufacturing high-end microphones out of South Windsor, CT.

Not too long ago, the company released the M82, a large-diaphragm cardioid dynamic microphone designed for kick drums as well as broadcast vocals.

In this review, I’ll be taking a closer look at the M82’s overall performance in a variety of applications, as well as seeing how it stacks up against a few competing microphones.

Genelec 8351B review: Redefining what’s possible

Genelec is a company that needs little introduction. One of the leading loudspeaker manufacturers for about 40 years, Genelec’s long-standing dedication to innovation and sustainability has made the company a household name amongst engineers and audiophiles alike.

In this review, I’ll be taking a look at the 8351B SAMs, the sub-flagship of Genelec’s The Ones series.