L&M Blog Opens New Tab

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Signal Cables

As an Audio Systems Specialist at Long & McQuade with experience working on audio systems for musicians, studios, and live venues, cables matter more than people think.

Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip Review

In this blog, we will review the UA 6176 Channel Strip's features and use case, and offer insights on who should purchase one.

The Future of AI in Audio Engineering

Exploring AI's role in audio engineering. See how machine learning is transforming mixing, mastering, noise reduction, and music creation.

Understanding Signal Flows in a Mixing Console

This blog will walk you through how to understand signal flow in a mixing console, from the moment sound enters the board to when it reaches the speakers.

Beginners Guide to Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW for short) is your all-in-one studio inside a computer. A DAW allows you to record, edit, mix, and produce music.

Staying Organized in DAW Land

Learn how to stay organized in your DAW setup with file structure, backups, plugin management, and workflow strategies that boost creativity and prevent chaos.

Understanding Avid Pro Tools Licensing

Compare Pro Tools licenses, including owning vs renting, update and support renewals, MAC OS Compatibility tips, and avoid pitfalls before you upgrade.

A Sound Recordist’s Dual Perspective

A working sound recordist’s approach to location recording and post-production, with a list of recommended products.

Choosing a DAW Control Surface

Let’s look at some of the various options and features available in 2025 for getting the most out of your DAW.

Building a Windows DAW Computer

While you can buy a PC that meets your needs, this blog will guide you to building a high-performance Windows‑based digital audio workstation (DAW) recording computer.

SSL Announce New Oracle Console

Solid State Logic released Oracle; a revolutionary mixing console that can quickly recall settings, make creative shifts easily and switch between different sessions without any trouble.

Explaining The Different Types of Bass Effects

Having a few bass effect pedals to choose from in your gig bag can be beneficial. The bass can take advantage of plenty of functional and creative uses of effects, whether it be on stage or studio.

Getting Into Vinyl Records? This is What you Need

This guide will cover what a vinyl record is, all the gear you’ll need, plus tips on how to clean, maintain, and store your collection for future generations.

6 Common Audio Issues Fixed Using ART Solution Boxes

Solution boxes are a broad category of pro audio equipment, including DI boxes, mic preamps, level converters, phantom power supplies, and more.

7 Ways to Improve Your Acoustic Guitar Sound

This article will explore 7 ways to improve your acoustic guitar's tone into a versatile instrument that emulates the sound of an entire band.

Mid-Side Mic Technique: Unlock Pro Stereo Recording

Mid-Side recording (MS recording) is a versatile stereo mic technique that offers precise control over your stereo width and ambience while maintaining mono compatibility.

How to Backup Your Files the Simple Way

Whether you work at home in your basement studio with your band or in a commercial space, you need a backup plan. This plan starts with knowing your backup options.

A Complete Guide to Synthesizers

A synthesizer is an electronic apparatus that generates audio signals. Synthesizers have multiple knobs and switches, use terminology you may not understand, and numerous menus on a small screen.

How to Record Great Bass Sound at Home

This blog will give recording techniques on how to record great bass sound during your home recording session and make it sound great.

Telecaster vs Stratocaster: Which is Best For You?

The Telecaster and Stratocaster have their own characteristics and nuances. These guitars are easy to care for and offer incredible versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles

DJing With Tempo Changes and Metric Modulation

Learn how to use tempo changes and metric modulation in DJ sets to elevate your performance, along with recommendations for beginner DJ gear.

Drum & Percussion Month Livestreams

Be sure to check out our online drum clinics that will be featured throughout the month of May!

Band & Orchestra Month Virtual Workshops

Find online workshops for band and orchestral instruments here!

Gibson Month Livestreams

Check out our YouTube livestreams discussing all things Gibson!

Learning Series 2021 - Virtual Edition

With national and international legends poised to present these live-streamed clinics, this year's offerings will be like no other!

Great Gift Idea Livestream Series

Find holiday shopping ideas for all of the musicians on your list!

Facebook Live Clinic Series

Join us for an exciting Facebook Live clinic featuring the hottest products presented by a variety of specialists.

Podcasting 101

Perhaps you know some interesting people, and you want to interview them, or you travel and you want to recount all of your stories. Do-it-yourself podcasting is on the rise, and it’s not that difficult to get started!

Starting Out in The Wonderful World of Recording

One of the most terrifying things many musicians will experience is hearing the playback of their first recording. It can also be an essential part of your development as a musician.

Mixing with Clarity

Learn a few tricks to bring out those missing details in your mix, without destroying the balance, warmth and punch you've spent hours achieving.

How to Research Recording Gear

You’ve decided that you want to get into home recording; but where do you start? The recording world is very vast; every piece does something unique.

50 Countries!

People from 50 countries have given us unsolicited compliments about one of our band recordings.

Portable PAs: Big Sound in a Small Package

When it comes to buying or renting a PA, whether you are looking for a single microphone system for a speaking engagement, or a full rig for a wedding or dance hall dust-up, the less you have to worry about the better.

Getting the Best Performance in the Recording Studio

One of the hardest parts about making an amazing recording is getting an amazing performance. For the musician, it’s a performance you will relive repeatedly and possibly share with the world; you want to be proud of it.

12 Music Films to Watch

Movies help to unify us as a society. The universal themes explored in the stories teach us empathy, and illuminate our values and dreams. Here's my list of Top 12 music related films to watch again and again.

PAs and Sound - Powered VS Unpowered Speakers

When it comes to compact and portable PAs, the simpler the better, and most smaller systems nowadays employ powered speakers, with the amplifiers, crossovers, and other electronics neatly contained the speaker cabinet.

GoPro Cameras - New Perspectives in Video Recording

These days, with compact and versatile cameras like the GoPro, musicians can easily promote their music online with not only live performance and music videos, but also more personal and intimate studio outtakes and tour documentaries.