Sum to Zero

A blog about mastering, audio tools, studios and acoustics.

Kiln Plugins is looking for beta testers

Kiln is a new independent audio software company built around research, listening and problems from real sessions. The first plugins are nearly ready, and I am looking for engineers and producers to help test them.

Read more →

Prepping audio cables

When it comes to building custom audio cables, soldering gets all the glory. But a reliable, lifetime-guaranteed cable is born before the iron is even switched on. Proper prepping, meaning stripping and sleeving, is what actually dictates mechanical strength and longevity.

Read more →

Decoupling loudspeakers the right way

Room acoustics are the foundation of critical listening, but a loudspeaker rigidly coupled to its stand, desk or wall recruits that structure as a second, uninvited radiator. What decoupling actually does, which materials genuinely behave like springs, and how to calculate and verify the load.

Read more →