Hello, hi! I know it's been awhile. Between SEO implosion, maintaining a home, studio and multiple businesses, bailing Gianni the Intern out of jail and actually making time to play guitar and sing, the last 2 months have been a bit of a whirlwind.
Our SEO rankings completely bottomed out in late May/early June. Once I caught it and excoriated Gianni for thinking he could "enhance the algorithm with vibes" it took a few weeks for everything to reset. I opted to take a break from publishing content as the internet is enough of a howling void for content WITHOUT Google yeeting your site into the Oort cloud. After that, during a Sonic Odyssey retreat to Beach Mountain, Gianni managed to get himself arrested during the Jason Isbell concert by sneaking into the Land of Oz, which is sadly closed this year. Boy ain't got a goddamn bit of sense about him, but that's what happens when you grow up with old Euro aristocrat tier wealth.
Hopefully things are back to relative normalcy now. I've got some interesting/bigger content plan, including my techniques for getting great sounding demos out the door fast. A good set of plugins, presets and DAW template will serve you well.
Finally, I want to give a shoutout to my girlfriend for patiently listening to my latest boutique pedal rant wherein I compared JHS to a failed tech startup that accidentally launched a church.
Recommend Reading
Zachary Darrel Randall
Your first DAW doesn’t have to be overwhelming — this will help you pick confidently.
Zachary Darrel Randall
Ready to level up? These interfaces strike the perfect balance between pro features and studio-friendly pricing.
Zachary Darrel Randall
These monitors are honest enough to hurt your feelings (in a good way).
Reviews & Roundups
Tone Master Deluxe Reverb & IR Manager — MusicRadar
Classic Fender tones plus modern IR flexibility. Spoiler: it sounds very, very good.
Audio-Technica ATH-R70xA Review — MusicRadar
An update to the beloved R70x that doubles down on clarity and comfort.
Xvive More You Review — Sound On Sound
Modular, mini interface with big-stage attitude.
Logic Pro 11.2 Review — Sound On Sound
Sing it with me -- STEM SPLIIIITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH 🤘🏼
Lunchbox Amp Guide — Gearnews
Big tones in small packages. Here’s your lunchbox amp roundup. I personally prefer LORG over SMOL when it comes to amps, but I can't deny the appeal of a mini-6505
6 Best Video Game Synths — Gearnews
Live out your SID and MegaDrive synth dreams.
Shadow Hills Compressor Alternatives — Gearnews
Want that larger-than-life compression without spending your mortgage? Start here.
iZotope Music Production Suite 7.1 Review — Rekkerd
We at Sonic Odyssey are iZotope die-hards and fully endorse this. Try to catch it on sale.
Pulsar Audio Vocal Studio Review — Rekkerd
Saturation, EQ, and dynamics tailored for voice. Surprisingly sweet.
Moog Messenger Review — Synthtopia
A new chapter for Moog under inMusic. It slaps. We were surprised too.
News
Spinal Tap Announces Fourth Album — MusicRadar
It goes to eleven...again.
The Commodore 64 Is Back — MusicRadar
No, seriously. And it's for chiptune heads.
T-RackS Prism Reverb Announced — Sound On Sound
Another spatial reverb enters the ring.
Waves Upgrades Online Mastering — Synthtopia
Now with genre-specific algorithms and slightly less existential dread.
Synth Legends Streaming Event — Synthtopia
The Bob Moog Foundation brings you legendary tones, live.
Trends
Spotify's Biometric Upload Policy — MusicRadar
Yes, really. Upload your face to hear the song. We wish we were joking.
AI in Music That Doesn’t Suck — Hypebot
Bobby Owsinski cuts through the noise. Finally.
Legal Battle Over Creator Rights — MBW
A major case that could reshape streaming royalties. Watch this one.
Sonic Odyssey Highlights
Do You Need a Direct Box?
Yes, and here's why. Don't plug your bass straight into shame.
Until next time, please check your cables, your cats, and your capacitor polarity.
