May 2026

Mindful May brings mental health awareness. Meet a music man back from Coachella via Nashville. Learn Mastering with Pros. Creators are invited to meet music mentors in North Hollywood at a historic studio. Apply to a scholarship designed for audio students. A mad woman is in our video spotlight. His cancellation brings joy and music to the world. Listen to a rock star's jazz sounds, and learn how a social sensation is spreading sonic intelligence. Sign up NOW to meet our music production community in June on the green. Grab an espresso & enjoy this month's serving!

Mixing with Buster Allen At Coachella Via Nashville

Recording Garth Brooks * Trisha Yearwood * David Byrne * Laufey

Matthew "Buster" Allen at Creative Workshop - Nashville, TN  Photo: Courtesy of Artist

Matthew “Buster” Allen who started as a musician discovered a love for the studio during his time under the mentorship of the legendary pioneer of "Nashville Sound", recording engineer Bill Porter (Elvis, Roy Orbison and the A-Team session players at RCA Studio B).   He has since worked with John Prine, Trisha Yearwood, Don Henley, James Taylor, Natalie Prass, to name a few.

In 2006, Buster moved to Nashville, to follow his purist approach to recording. "I was searching to authentically reproduce artists' sound," says Allen who found work at Garth Brooks’ Allentown Studio, first as an assistant to Mark Miller, and later as the head engineer. During his time there, he worked on every session for the seven-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, Brooks, including his best-selling albums -- “Time Traveler” & “Live Live Boxed set for Caesars Palace" 2023 and Garth & Trisha Live! A Holiday Concert Event on CBS - 2020 as recording engineer and mixer.   

In April of this year Buster was collaborating at Coachella 2026 with Ian Charbonneau recording acts like Laufey, Los Hermanos Flores, Dijon, David Byrne, Big Bang, Sombr, and Labrinth. 



Laufey at Coachella 2026

Enjoy this interview with Mathew "Buster" Allen for studioexpresso

SE: Talk about your background - music or audio education. I see you play the guitar. 

BA: My musical journey began with the trumpet in 5th grade and that turned into playing the guitar starting in 8th grade. In high school, we had a wonderful music department and our teacher Cliff Kaminsky really inspired a lot of people to continue on with music. I played in a few bands in high school and that lead to playing around St. Louis with an original band and some cover bands. I couldn't imagine getting into engineering and production without a musical foundation. When I came to Nashville I would go down to Broadway and watch all these incredible guitar players. Honestly it made me really focus on engineering and mixing as I thought that would be more obtainable for me and thankfully I was right! 

SE: You were at Coachella this year. Tell us about artists you recorded and what you did?

BA: Ian Charbonneau of The Recording Project asked me to come help him record at Coachella and Stagecoach in April after our tour with My Chemical Romance we did in 2025. I would hire Le Mobile for stadium and area shows for Garth Brooks, so it's nice to be asked to come and help him on his projects. Coachella is about 15 bands in 3 days, so I was working on stage interfacing the analog or digital feeds from each group to Ian's Prodigy MC convertor on stage. Same as MCR, I would be micing up the audience and making any changes we needed to achieve a great audience sound to get the live feel correctly presented. There were some great acts like Laufey, Los Hermanos Flores, Dijon, David Byrne, Big Bang, Sombr, and Labrinth. The scale and production of Coachella is unmatched. It was really a great opportunity to be apart of the one of the biggest musical events of 2026. 

SE: Your sound speaker of choice when you're in a control room?

BA: My current monitoring setup includes a set of Westlake Lc3w12, Yamaha NS10s and Acoustic Energy AE-1. All powered with Bryston amps. The Westlake monitor was a later choice of Bruce Swedien. It's a very flat and neutral sounding monitor. These 3 pictures of the mix have been very helpful on dialing in results I've been very happy with. 

SE: What other gear besides ProTools is in your tool box? 

BA: My Quad Eight Coronado mic preamps have really just been magical for doing overdubs. They are incredibly hifi and dynamic sounding. I have a very special Sony C37a tube mic that always sounds great on any singer. This may not seem like a clear winner but I have a passive headphone system powered by a Bryston and fed from the Quad Eight and the cue system sounds very good. The singer and players make all of their decisions based off of that sound so the cue mix should be the best it can be. 

David Byrne at Coachella 2026

SE: You have a long work history with globally celebrated American country music singer-songwriter Garth Brooks.

BA: I engineered and mixed his Triple Live album that has sold 13 million albums since it's release in 2019. 

Other Albums recorded and Mixed were: 777 Jackpot Boxed Set, Time Traveler, Legacy Vinyl boxed set Vol1, Fun, Gunslinger, Christmas Together, Man Against Machine, Anthology boxed sets 1-6, and Blame It All On My Roots

boxed set. 

SE: Any other artists you've recorded/mixed

BA: Trisha Yearwood - Prizefighter, John Prine - For Better, or Worse. My production work includes: John Lomax III - American Folk Songs 2024. I have some upcoming Indie productions/mixing that are just getting completed. 

SE: Where or what studio do you usually work at?

BA: Lately I have been working on projects at Blackbird Studio D, Club Roar and my own home studio, Allen Sound. 

Read more about Buster Allen's Profile here

L-R: Reuben Cohen and Gavin Lurssen In front of their Grammy Awards & ATC speakers at Lurssen Mastering

When it comes to mastering hiring a pro saves money in the long run by preventing costly re-dos, saving hours of frustration, and ensuring your music stands out. Now you can learn the exact mastering process used by world renowned engineers, Gavin Lurssen and Reuben Cohen, of Lurssen Mastering and take your tracks to the next level. This course will give you the tools to take your music over the finish line, leaving you with the confidence to master music like the pros. Follow along with your favorite mixing plugins at home, or if you wish to use the same plugins they do in the tutorial, you can download the curated IK Multimedia T-RackS Lurssen Bundle.

"We're offering a proven mastering process, refined over decades of work on major records, film scores, soundtracks, and more—designed to deliver consistent, professional results across any genre or style of music. You’ll learn how to build the chain and then adjust it to fit every project that comes your way," says four-time Grammy winner Gavin Lurssen (Foo Fighters, Ben Harper, Queens of the Stone Age, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Eric Clapton, Sara Bareilles, and Chvrches).of Lurssen Mastering.

Soundtracks Lurssen has worked on include: Hercules, Mortal Kombat, Game of Thrones, Oh Brother Where Art Though?, The Mandalorian, Mulan, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, The Hunger Games and Gladiator.

Reuben Cohen (Metallica, Miley Cyrus, Incubus, John Lennon, Sofia Isella, Kid Cudi, Lord Huron, and Edward Sharpe) received a Latin Grammy for mastering Diego Torres’ album Distinto. Cohen's soundtrack works include F1, Superman, House Of The Dragon, The Last Of Us, Alien Romulus, Slumdog Millionaire, Oppenheimer, and Mission Impossible 7 and 8 to name just a few.

Curriculum includes: How to prepare for mastering, mastering vs mixing, The Lurrsen Process and more.

Sign up for a low introductory price of $150 here

"We're just trying to make sure the next generation of Creators get the same shot as I did, regardless of where they come from or what's in their bank account."

--Manny Marroquin

The Creator Series brings together world-class mentorship and access to professional tools and technology to support the next generation of creators. The 5-day program is led by 18x Grammy^®-winning mixing engineer Manny Marroquin (Alicia Keys, Imagine Dragons, Lizzo, Kanye West, Rihanna, John Legend, and Christina Aguilera), in partnership with Sony Corporation’s audio division (Sony Audio).

2026 Creator Series is accepting applications for August 11-15 dates taking place at the world renown Larrabee Studios in North Hollywood. The five-day program will select 15 emerging music creators from across the United States to participate at no cost, with travel, lodging, meals and programming fully covered.

Marroquin will personally select participants through a competitive national application process. "There is no fee to apply and no fee to attend. I’ve been in rooms that changed my life, and nobody charged me to be there. A producer took a chance on me. An engineer showed me something he didn’t have to show me. That’s how this works. We’re just trying to pass that forward and make sure the next generation of creators gets the same shot, regardless of where they come from or what’s in their bank account,” says Marroquin.

The program, in its second year, equips emerging talent with Sony Audio’s professional technology-- including MDR-M1 and award-winning MDR-MV1 open-back headphones, select microphones such as the C-80 and C-100, and its 360 Virtual Mixing Environment (360VME), real-world experience and industry relationships. "We’re helping emerging creators step into a professional studio environment, engage directly with the technology and people shaping modern music, and leave with tools, relationships and perspective they can carry into their careers,” says Ross Caravati, Manager of Content Development, Sony Audio.

Participants in the Creator Series gain direct access to Larrabee Studios, a facility whose ten rooms have hosted some of the most celebrated recordings in modern music from Lauryn Hill, Usher, and No Doubt to Michael Jackson, Madonna, Beyoncé, and Maroon 5.

Creators will move through a curated arc of mentorship, industry panels, hands-on studio time, and real-world creative collaboration:

Day 1 – August 11: Participant arrivals and welcome dinner 

Days 2–4 – August 12–14: Three full days inside Larrabee Studios led by Manny Marroquin and a curated group of industry professionals, covering both the art and business of music 

Day 5 – August 15: A final day on the Sony Lot in Culver City, offering participants insider access to Sony Audio’s professional facilities 

Cost: Fully funded (travel, lodging, meals, and programming included)
Winners Announced: July 10, 2026

Applications will be accepted from now through June 26, 2026 for program dates: August 11-15.

Apply here https://www.larrabeestudios.com/creatorseries

Song: Madwoman

Artist: Laufey

Video Director: Warren Fu

According to her bio, Laufey sports more than 8 billion global streams to date with a social media audience of over 25 million. 
Her meteoric rise and critically adored catalog have earned her two Grammy® Awards, the biggest jazz LP debut in Spotify history, a growing pile of Platinum plaques, a Forbes 30 Under 30 designation, a spot on TIME’s 2025 Women of the Year list, Icelandic knighthood—the prestigious Order of the Falcon, and much more.

Warner Chapell Music renewed her global publishing deal, while she played at Coachella in April and released this music video for her song Madwoman starring potpourri of Asian-American faces -- Heated Rivalry breakout Hudson Williams, Olympic champion Alysa Liu, Lola Tung of The Summer I Turned Pretty and Forbidden Fruits, and Megan Skiendiel of KATSEYE. Madwoman is taken from A Matter of Time: The Final Hour, the deluxe edition of the L.A.-based Icelandic-Chinese artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist’s Grammy®-winning album A Matter of Time. "Growing up, I felt a general lack of representation for people who looked like me in music and media," she says and in this video she has her peeps as guests.

The video for Madwoman sports 17,669,455 views, and shows Laufey's humorous and playful side. She's best known for writing songs with themes of resilience, hope, and courage.

Watch the video, directed by Warren Fu (Dua Lipa, The 1975, Daft Punk) in studioexpresso's May Video spotlight here

Building on ATC’s acclaimed SCS70iW Pro and SCS120iW Pro designs, the new dual-driver models deliver significantly higher output and performance for today’s stereo, surround, and immersive studio environments.

Powerful Performance for Professional Studios

The SCS240iW Pro is designed for larger control rooms and immersive setups, engineered to pair seamlessly with ATC’s SCM300A main monitors. The SCS140iW Pro, meanwhile, matches the SCM200A and excels as a dedicated low-frequency effects (LFE) solution for formats such as Dolby Atmos^®. Both models deliver extended low-frequency response, exceptional headroom, and accurate monitoring for demanding professional spaces.

 Each subwoofer is powered by a pair of R1-300 Pro 300 W Class A-B amplifiers in a remote-mount 7U-rack format. The amplifiers provide flexible installation, multiple crossover options (including 80 Hz and bypass), polarity and phase adjustments, and mute control with daisy-chaining capability.

“These powerful in-wall subs are now available via your ATC dealer," noted Brad Lunde founder and president of TransAudio Group. “ATC continues to meet and exceed market demands for power, pure sound and flexibility.” 

ATC has introduced the new SSM Series, a line of slim, wall- and ceiling-mount passive studio monitors designed for modern control rooms and immersive audio setups. The launch includes two models – SSM12i Pro and SSM25i Pro – along with the new R4-150 Pro, a four-channel power amplifier built to pair perfectly with the SSM speakers. The SSM Series is designed for studios where space is limited. Both models feature very shallow cabinets that mount flat to walls or ceilings and can be installed vertically or horizontally. A pivoting mount allows precise aiming toward the listening position for accurate imaging.

The enclosures are reinforced for safe professional installation and include safety tether points, making them suitable for overhead mounting. “ATC keeps examining the market, evaluating trends in studio design, and then creating products to meet those needs. The speaker lineup is beyond compare,” says Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group

The SCS120 Pro uses ATC’s newly developed 15-inch carbon-paper composite driver, hand-built in the UK. The driver combines a short-coil/long-gap motor system with optimized airflow for low distortion, extended response below 20Hz, and improved cooling. The subs achieve deep, accurate bass through high-quality drive-unit engineering and a slightly larger cabinet. The subwoofer is powered by ATC’s hand-built 300W Class AB amplifier, featuring balanced inputs and output for pass through, analogue 4th-order Linkwitz-Riley low-pass filtering (including an 80Hz option and bypass), adjustable phase and polarity, and precise level control. A footswitch-operated mute circuit allows multiple subs to be muted together.

The SCS120 Pro pairs naturally with ATC SCM100/110/150A Pro monitors, and multiple units can be used for larger rooms or with main monitors like the SCM200/300A Pro. The increased dynamic capability makes it particularly suitable for immersive audio and post-production environments with demanding LFE content. ATC recommends using the Dolby Audio Room Design Tool (DARDT) for Atmos room system design. Noted Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group, “Rarely do you find a company that values creativity, musicality, and performance with precision engineering."

The SCS120 Pro is available now. For more details visit here

TAG is founded by industry veteran Brad Lunde, has quickly become the premier U.S. importer/distributor and/or U.S. sales and marketing representative for high-end audio. TransAudio’s skilled team of in-house and field representatives provide dealers and end users with product expertise and support far beyond the norm).

ATC speaker subs playback with SonoruS Tapes and Analog Tape Player at East West Studios on January 16. Trans Audio Group's pre-NAMM preview for select production community and guests. Below Brad Lunde with guests, and host Candace Stewart of East West and Claris Dodge of studioexpresso. Photos: studioexpresso

East West's legendary Studio One (Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones) is booked for variety of sessions from single voice to 70-piece symphonic orchestra. Brent Fischer Orchestra recorded in one with a 56-piece ensemble.

Spanning over 61,000 cubic feet with a vibrant sound, the iconic studio comes complete with a spacious isolation booth and a beautiful Bechstein D-280 Concert Grand Piano. The control room features an 80-channel Neve 8078 Console, the largest in the world (originally commissioned for Michael Jackson's best-selling album, Thriller). Each room at East West is equipped with a DB Technologies db4496 A/D-D/A Converter and ATC SCM25 Pro Mk2 house monitors along with NS10/ProAc speakers and are set up with Pro tools HD.

Right: Grammy-winner producers Brent Fischer and Dave Reitzas in studio one control room during a VIP event hosted by Source Connect

Below: Evergreen studios Hall of Fame. photos: by the C

Top Left: Jeff Greenberg, owner and CEO with Snoop Dogg at The Village

Housed in 1920s Medinah Temple, the historic landmark studios, for almost six decades, The Village has recorded hundreds of legendary Grammy Award-winning albums and Academy Award-winning movie soundtracks. One of the studio's Grammy-winning, staff engineers, Alex Williams, used ATC 25s on the Jon Batiste We Are sessions, as well as the award-winning Odessa sessions. He also worked with Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Regina Spektor, Perry Farrell and many more. Noted Williams, “The quality of ATC’s design and construction is apparent upon opening the box. From recording to mixing, the ATCs perform flawlessly on rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, or orchestral. I know what I’m hearing is what I’m getting. I’m thrilled that The Village is outfitting three studios with the new ATC SCM25A Pro Mk2s.”

“Choosing ATC SCM25A Pro Mk2s for Village's main studios is an incredible validation of this product’s excellence,” says Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group.

Left: Mastering engineer Natalie Bibby at Air with ATCs

In 2018 the studios started by Beatles producing genius George Martin added a full-range of speaker monitoring system with two ATC P2 PRO Dual Mono Power Amplifier additions.

Invest in Good Speaker Stands. Why? While looks can be deceiving, you must have seen concrete blocks and other DIY configurations used in some project studios. Watch this 19-minute video by Colt Capperrune @ColtCapperrune where he compares $20 block stands with professional stands ranging from $140 Gators to $1,200 Sound Anchor stands. Can you guess which one performs the best? check it out here

Sound Anchor adjustable monitor stands allow you to adjust the position of the monitors (height, angle and tilt) so you can place the monitors where they need to be for the highest quality sound.

Sound Anchors and Redmount products are designed and manufactured in Palm Bay, Florida U.S.A. using American parts and skilled American labor. click here for Sound Anchor dealers in USA

Starstruck Entertainment, the parent company of Starstruck Studios was founded in 1988 by Narvel Blackstock. Located on Music Row, Starstruck Studios is considered one of the top iconic Nashville recording facilities, and recently chose an ATC 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos configuration and paired it with their SSL System TS-500 console for their Dolby Atmos room.

"ATC 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos system is cited as the speaker system of choice for the growing number of multichannel immersive sound studios.

Manufactured and designed in the UK to the highest engineering standards, it was only natural ATC could develop this solid niche," says Brad Lunde of Trans Audio Group.

ATC models:

SCM25As

SCM45As,

SCM50ASLs

SCM100ASLs

"ATC monitors are something you have to experience," says Brad Lunde, President of Trans Audio Group

"Like the original SCM25A, the new upgraded Mk2 is a compact 3-way high-performance active studio monitor loudspeaker, based around the hand made proprietary ATC 3”/75mm soft mid-dome driver and 6.5”/164mm bass driver loaded in a 25-litre vented cabinet," says Brad Lunde, President of Trans Audio Group. Models range from $5,000 to $50,000 per pair and all share a very similar sound. For larger rooms and midfield, applications check out the SEM45 with dual 6.5-inch drivers and the fantastic SEM150 with a 15-inch woofer and 350 Watts of power. More info here

Recording Industry Golf & Poker Tournament

Monday, June 29th, 2026

Santa Clarita, CA



Join Golf Honorary Chairs, Gavin Lurssen and EveAnna Manley, Poker Honorary Chair, Uhlone and Morning Emcee, Michael Romanowski at the best hang of the summer!

Register today here or click on the graphic below!

Above: Recording Industry Golf & Poker 2025 studioexpresso production community salutes our fearless former honorary chairs Al Schmitt and Ed Cherney L-R: CJ Vanston, Claris Sayadian-Dodge, Steve Genewick (red), Paula Salvatore, Gavin Lurssen, Candace Stewart, and Ian Charbonneau (far right).

studioexpresso returns to Sand Canyon Country Club on Monday morning, June 29 as 2026 Recording Industry Golf + Poker Tournament (RIGT) as media sponsor! 

Join us on the green for uber fun under the sun. We will be serving Espresso Martinis to players!

Register today and enjoy a super chill Cali day with music and audio community.

For more events visit our calendar

Above: studioexpresso and Trans Audio Group presented "Atmos-ize Your Music" at NAMM on Thursday January 23, 2025. Below: Speakers for the session: l-r: Cam O'Bi, Brad Lunde of Trans Audio Group, Ryan Ulyate, Eva Reistad, Brent Fischer, Harry Weinger of UMG, and Claris Sayadian Dodge of studioexpresso.

studioexpresso and Trans Audio Group have featured many producers, and musicians over the past ten years of TEC Track's history at NAMM

Curt Bisquera (Sarah McLachlan, Elton John), Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins, John Mellencamp, Sting), Greg Penny (Elton John, KD Lang), Cam 'Obi (J Cole, Chance the Rapper), Niko Bolas (Neil Young, LeAnn Rimes), Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hedrix, Kiss), Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More), Cheche Alara (Christina Aguilera), Kim Bullard (Elton John, Kelly Clarkson), Cristina Abaroa (Celine Dion, Enrique Iglasias), Brady Leffler (Hot Chelle Rae, Justin Beieber), Al Schmitt (Diana Krall, Paul McCartney), Alex Acuna (LA Phil, Beck), Teddy Campbell (American idol, The Tonight Show w Leno), Ellis Hall (Ray Charles, Tower of Power), Jacob Armen (Prince), Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt), Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Melody Gardot), Manny Marroquin (Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys), Dave Schiffman (Adele, Limp Bizkit), Gregg Field (Sinatra, Pharell), Sylvia Massy (Tool, Johnny Cash), CJ Vanston (Toto, spinal Tap), Dame Gail Dorsey (David Bowie, Gwen Stefani), Jenny Mason (The Mrs), Neal Pogue (Outkast, Andre 3000), Eva Reistad (Dune 1,2, Alien, Sherlock Holmes), Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor), Moogie Canazio (Sergio Mendes, Sarah Vaughan), Rafa Sardina (Lady Gaga, John Legend), Daniel Seeff (KJazz, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz), James Torme, Zev Feldman of Resonance Records (Sarah Vaughan, Bill Evans, Nat King Cole), John Wooler of Mood Media (Flying Lotus, Elton John, Miles Davis), David Benoit, Harry Weinger (Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra), Matt Wong, Ryan Ulyate (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Ian Charbonneau (Mana, Neil Young, Jake Owen), Steve Genewick (Spinal Tap, Martina McBride, Michael Buble) David Reitzas (Weeknd, Madonna, Luis Miguel), and Grammy^®-winning Brent Fischer (Usher, Elvis Costello, Symphonic Prince).

Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 Convenient, easy-to-use plug-in control and instant recall.

“From Grammy-award winners, to top international recording artists, home and free-standing recording studios, the original Mastering Limiter is that piece of go-to gear that adds that particular dynamic edge and significant touch towards the end of the recording process.

The Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 has faster release time, a lowered noise floor and the same 100% analog signal path with the ease of digital plug-in control and recall. This one is a superstar product,” adds Brad Lunde, president, and founder of TransAudio Group

Watch Vlog review by DJ, Producer, Jon Sine of the new Bettermaker Mastering 2.0 here

The Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 is priced at $3,500 in USA and is now available for shipping.

Above at 2025 NAMM Bettermaker Booth 10302 in Hall A, is the legendary Stevie Wonder checking out the game-changing accessibility of the new Bettermaker VSPE which allows for seamless control of Bettermaker hardware and plugins using voice commands, using its cutting-edge open source AI technology (created in partnership with The MIDI Association’s Music Accessibility Standard Special Interest Group MASSIG as well as real-time speech feedback for accurate parameter adjustments.

"The Daking Mic Pre 4T, nominated for a TEC Award 2023, will elevate any recording offering unique solutions to common problems," say Brad Lunde (click top left image for a video presentation by Brad Lunde). The “low-distortion” Jensen input and output transformers offer more linear low-end performance under super dynamic conditions. Daking’s own variable high-pass filter dials out the low-frequency mud that can be subsonic and will decrease available headroom. Built in the USA, Daking uses only high-end parts like Jensen input and output transformers in a high-end design using all-discrete transistor Class A circuitry. Unusually high 24dB of headroom and easy to read twenty segment meters make proper gain staging easy and forgiving under a wider array of conditions.

Auratone Celebrates its 50th anniversary, Auratone and its US distributor, TransAudio Group, introduced the first-ever Active 5C, nominated for TEC Awards at NAMM 2023.

A careful R&D process has been implemented to maintain the original characteristics of the 5C, utilizing the same amplifier design from the NAMM TEC Award winning A2-30 amplifier.

“We were happy to get boutique Polish manufacturer Bettermaker together with Alex Jacobsen, owner, and grandson of founder Jack Wilson, for the perfectly matched A2-30 amplifier. Now, the two companies have collaborated to get a mono amplifier that contains the guts and soul of the A2-30 into each chassis for the active version,” says Brad Lunde, founder, and president of TransAudio Group.

The Auratone Active 5C is now shipping • MAP: $749/pair

Like the other 5C variants, the Auratone ACTIVE 5C is made in the USA.



Trans Audio Group -- The Recording Studio Equipment Experts. Call to order from their trusted brands:

A-Designs (USA), ATC Loudspeakers (UK), Auratone, Bettermaker, Daking Audio, Drawmer, Hakan, Latch Lake, Mojave Audio, Mutec, Pete's Place Audio, Sabra-Som, Subwoofer Pros, and Tube-Tech 

Questions- pricing, availability and dealer locations please email sales@transaudiogroup.com

Inspired by the legendary ‘Motown EQ’ sound, Drawmer created two new 500 series EQs. Each unit offers 7-band proportional Q equalizers with EQ curves akin to the renowned ones used in the illustrious Detroit studios of the 1960s. These 100% analog units feature sevens bell curves, each having a variable cut/boost of ±10dB and set at the beautifully musical frequencies of the original.

The MQ-1 offers a single channel Mono 7-band EQ, with the highly regarded ‘CRUSH’ feature present on the Drawmer 1971 Dual 4-Band Parametric Equalizer rack unit. When you activate the crush circuit, get ready for some pleasing harmonic saturation and that classic analog warmth that adds a ton of character to any signal passing through the unit. CRUSH fattens up the bass, adds presence to the mids, and brings a delightful shimmer to the top end. The harder you drive the EQ the more crush you’ll get! The MQ-1 is a single-slot 500 series module. The MQ-2 offers the same EQ curves, but in full stereo, and is far more than an equalizer. It also incorporates a program-dependent, single-knob compressor that adapts its envelope to the characteristics of the signal. The order of the EQ and Compressor in the signal path can be swapped according to your requirements. The MQ-2 also has the same integrated ‘CRUSH’ feature that warms up your mix with harmonic saturation, and additionally includes comprehensive metering. The MQ-2 is a 2-slot 500 series module.

Visit Drawmer at TransAudio Group for more details.

Pricing: MQ-1 $349.00 • MQ-2 $539.00

The new Drawmer 1971 4-band parametric EQ, available in the U.S. from TransAudio Group.

Trans Audio Group introduces Drawmer 1971 4-Band Parametric EQ. This new edition to the Drawmer 70s series of FET-based gear offers two channels of fully featured 4-band parametric EQ and a new CRUSH button with the ability to deliver a myriad of unique musical applications on each bandwidth.

Noted Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group, “Widely popular, the Drawmer 70’s series has received many industry awards, and this new EQ is sure to follow. The features embodied in the 1971, plus the amazing new CRUSH button, allow for fine-tuned tactile tone sculpting. CRUSH is a dramatic tool. Engineers and producers will love the diverse and subtle creative options. Drawmer gear is designed and handmade by Drawmer in the UK – no small feat for a pro audio manufacturer.”

Now Available. Price: $1799.00 Details here

MusiCares^®, the leading charity supporting the health and well-being of the music community, hosted its third annual Mindful May, presented in collaboration with Sweetwater, in New Orleans on May 19 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation. The free event offered a restorative experience designed to support the mental, emotional and physical health of those working in music.

In the years following Hurricane Katrina, music professionals across New Orleans faced immense loss and displacement, yet remained central to the city’s cultural and emotional recovery. Today, from artists to engineers to live event crews, this community continues to shape music globally while navigating the same pressures and instability that exist across the industry.

“We’ve seen firsthand the strength and resilience of the New Orleans music community,” said Marshai Iverson, Managing Director of Mental Health & Addiction Recovery at MusiCares. "Our commitment remains the same: to help music professionals regain stability, access care and sustain their well-being over time,” adds Iverson.

"Caring for musicians and creators throughout their journey is at the center of our mission at Sweetwater, and Mindful May is a powerful opportunity to further impact music-making communities," explained Sweetwater CEO Mike Clem.

The event featured immersive wellness activation including a group sound bath, yoga and meditation sessions, massage therapy, holistic chiropractic services, mental health resources, custom ear mold fittings, guided tea ceremonies, and light refreshments.

A central moment of the day was the panel discussion, “The Calm After The Storm: Community Healing Through Music and Resilience,” moderated by MusiCares’ Candress Suber. The conversation brought together six-time Grammy^® winner PJ Morton, the Recording Academy^®’s Reid Wick and therapist August Boyd to explore the role of music in healing, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters.

From preventive care to recovery support and disaster relief, MusiCares continues to provide a trusted safety net for music people in times of need.

Nancy Wilson's (Heart) Jacket, Kurt Cobain’s Mosrite Gospel electric guitar, Jim Morrison’s personal notebook, Herb Alpert’s trumpet and tape boxes from A&M Records, Diane Warren’s Yamaha DX 7 keyboard are among items on display at Grammy Museum beginning Thursday, May 28, when Tower of Song opens. Tower of Song explores the art and craft of songwriting and recording to deepen visitors’ knowledge and appreciation for the songwriters, artists and albums that have shaped the sound of popular music over the past 50 years, from Nile Rodgers, Nirvana and Miles Davis, to Neil Diamond, Janet Jackson and Diane Warren. Tower of Song includes an original film featuring Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Alan Menken, Carole King, Diane Warren, and Jimmy Jam, among others, talking about their creative process and approach to songwriting. Complementing the film is a digital interactive experience that poses the question: What makes this Hall of Fame song great? with the goal of creating “a-ha” listening moments for museum visitors.  

“The Grammy Museum is where people can engage more deeply with the music of yesterday and today, discovering influences, uncovering context, and connecting with artists and songs in a meaningful way,” said Jasen Emmons, Chief Curator & Vice President of Curatorial Affairs.

A public program at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Theater to feature songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Jimmy Jam and Diane Warren will break down Hall of Fame recordings and their own favorite songs to provide insights about the songwriting and recording processes. The program will be followed by a cocktail reception at the exhibition. Museum Admission Tix here

The Mark Brunner scholarship is being offered to students worldwide who are pursuing an education in professional audio. The application deadline is Sunday, May 31 (8 p.m. EDT). The 6th-annual Mark Brunner Professional Audio Scholarship is offered by the Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA) in partnership with Shure Incorporated.

Brunner, a long-time Shure executive, PAMA founding member, and leading voice in the audio community passed away in 2020. Mr Brunner had an unwavering passion for education and mentorship throughout his career. Scholarships of up to $2,000 per recipient are targeted to students following their passion for audio in an accredited audio program. PAMA and Shure are specifically interested to learn how the applicants plan to share their knowledge with others in a manner consistent with Mark’s legacy.

A former President of PAMA from 2011-2013, Brunner held several key positions, including Director of Advertising, Managing Director of the Musical Instrument and Touring Sound business unit, and Vice President of Global Corporate & Government Relations. Mark worked on numerous industry issues, including the FCC rules for wireless device operation/frequency, spectrum allocation, and protecting the wireless microphone market sector. Additionally, he was a prominent member of The Recording Academy® Producers & Engineers Wing® Manufacturer Council, where he frequently shared his views on legislative wireless white space and broadband issues as well as other related industry matters.

For more information, please go to https://www.pamalliance.org/scholarship.

Guitar Center names Jennifer Hatton President of Music & Arts, the company's school music division. Hatton brings nearly three decades of education sector leadership, most recently as Chief Growth Officer at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, where she helped secure more than $240 million in new business partnerships and achieved a 98% account renewal and retention rate over the last 18 months. Her appointment positions Music & Arts to accelerate growth across its school music, rental, and lessons businesses.

“Music and Arts is the largest provider of K–12 band and orchestra rentals and equipment in the United States, and we currently have great momentum in the business,” said Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center.

At Follett Higher Education, Hatton served as Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President of Retail Operations and Course Materials Strategy, overseeing a $1.6 billion business serving students and fans across 1,100 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. That background translates directly to Music & Arts’ network of school partnerships, rental programs, and lesson offerings.

“This brand has been inside schools and music programs for over 70 years,” said Jennifer Hatton, President of Music & Arts. “That kind of trust is hard to build and easy to lose. I’m here to make sure we keep earning it.”

Music & Arts is Guitar Center’s dedicated school music division, with more than seven decades of experience connecting students, families, and educators with instruments, lessons, and support. Hatton’s appointment reflects Guitar Center’s continued investment in Music & Arts as a key component of its broader brand ecosystem, designed to support musicians at every stage of their journey.

For more information about Music & Arts, visit musicarts.com

Artist Zoe Wrenn founded Tamber, a Los Angeles–based creative technology company building assistive, non-generative tools for music creation. The platform integrates directly with digital audio workstations (DAWs), helping musicians and producers move more fluidly from idea to execution. Wrenn used an early version of Tamber to create her breakout single Hailey, which surpassed 30 million streams and generated more than 350 million impressions on TikTok. Tamber also earned Wrenn a place on Forbes’ 2025 30 Under 30 list, recognizing her work at the intersection of music, technology, and creativity.

Tamber, the technology in beta, helps musicians translate abstract ideas – from language, emotion, color, texture, taste, gesture, and place – into sound in real time.

At the center of the suite is Tamby, Tamber’s digital thought partner. Over time, Tamby learns how each user creates – what they reach for, how they build vocal chains, and where they get stuck – becoming an ambient presence inside and outside of the DAW. Users can ask Tamby to automate parameters, build out chains, swap instruments, or translate abstract prompts – color, texture, taste, feeling, or place – into sound.

Tamber also includes a gesture-based interface that acts like a bionic arm for musicians – a way to shape and trigger sound in mid-air. “I built Tamber because I was sick of watching the music industry sell tools that steal from artists and defend it by calling it progress,” said Zoe Wrenn, founder and CEO of Tamber. “Artists shouldn’t have to choose between their values and their careers, but that’s the choice they’re being handed right now...There needs to be an alternative, one that’s built with artists, and that is ethically trained and takes its environmental impact seriously. That’s what we’re making. Tools that respect where the sound comes from and don’t have to hide how they work to feel like magic. Tools that put the future of music making back in the hands of the artist.”

Think of Tamber more like an assistant with a creative nervous system or Sonic Intelligence.

Tamber is backed by $5 million in funding from Adobe Ventures, M13, Rackhouse Venture Capital, and a network of artist-investors. The company will use the funding to expand its product development, grow its sound library, and continue building tools that support artists inside the creative process.

Tamber is live today at tamber.music. The Mac desktop app ships with Tamby integration for Ableton, and support for additional DAWs and features will follow throughout 2026.

The 2027 Grammy Awards^® will air live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2027, and simulcast across ABC, Disney+ and Hulu. The news was confirmed today during the Disney Upfront presentation in New York City. This year’s Grammy^® eligibility period is Aug. 31, 2025 – Aug. 28, 2026, and nominations will be announced ahead of the Telecast on Monday, Nov. 16, 2026.

The upcoming ceremony marks a historic shift for the organization as the 2027 Grammy Awards will be the first ceremony to air on ABC since 1972, ushering in a new era for the most celebrated night in music.

“The Grammys are all about celebrating the music that moves the world, and this moment is built on exactly that,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Grammys. "This is an exciting time for us as an organization—a new home and a bold new chapter for the Grammy Awards. We’re just getting started and the best is yet to come."

The full list of key dates for the 2027 Grammy Awards season is as follows:

Aug. 31, 2025 – Aug. 28, 2026

Product Eligibility Period

June 25, 2026 – Aug. 14, 2026

Media Company Registration Period

July 7, 2026 – Aug. 21, 2026

Online Entry Period

Oct. 12, 2026 – Oct. 22, 2026

First Round Voting

Nov. 16, 2026

Nominees Announced for the 2027 Grammy Awards

Dec. 10, 2026 – Jan. 7, 2027

Final Round Voting

Feb. 7, 2027

2027 Grammy Awards

For more information regarding the upcoming 2027 Grammy Awards season, click here. To learn more about the annual Grammy Awards^® process, click here.

Above and below: CBS Photo Archive/Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images

"My show and the band exist as a machine whose purpose is to feed on joy and spit it right back out."

--Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert signed off a historic run of The Late Show on CBS, bringing the network's 33-year franchise to an end with absolute joy.

For its finale, The legendary Paul McCartney who famously played in the same theater in '64 with the Beatles, performed a powerful rendition of Hello, Goodbye, supported by Colbert’s band leader, Louis Cato, former band leader Jon Batiste, singer Elvis Costello, and Colbert himself.

The show’s 11-year run ended with Colbert and McCartney pulling a lever to turn off the bright lights of the Ed Sullivan Theater (built in 1927) in New York. The skit concludes with the entire theater shrinking into what appeared to be a green glowing crumpled paper, then turns into a snow globe souvenir as you hear Colbert's voice calling his dog, sniffing the snow ball, "Let's go!"

CBS canceled the top-rated show just days after Colbert suggested that Paramount, his network’s new parent company, settling with the president of US (D. Trump) for $16 million was a "big fat bribe." 
The cancellation also came as Paramount Global – which owns CBS – sought Federal Communications Commission approval for its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. The cancellation decision by CBS was described as "purely financial." Colbert's audience of 2.7 million viewers per episode did not buy the explanation. Social posts reflect the audience will miss the popular host coming to their homes each night with entertainment and praising Colbert’s ability to "feel the news" with his audience rather than just reciting it. Networks have a bigger challenge. Audiences increasingly watch online clips of shows rather than tune in to broadcast networks.

Colbert bought his signature satire and comedy to the #1 show in late night, along with thousands of notable figures—from past U.S. presidents (Barack Obama, Joe Biden), popular actors (Meryl Streep, 
Jim Carey, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro), and countless musicians (Bruce Springsteen, David Byrne, Foo Fighters, Billie Eilish) have appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert since its premiere.

The late show's highly-visible band, The Great Big Joy Machine released their self-titled debut album on April 16, 2026. All proceeds from their new album will go to MusiCares, supporting the broader music community. Recorded live at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, the album weaves soul, jazz, rock, R&B, and Afro-Caribbean influences into eleven (11) original tracks, including a rendition of the Sam Cooke classic Bring It On Home to Me featuring Stephen Colbert. Louis Cato on guitar and lead vocals directs The Great Big Joy Machine featuring: Joe Saylor, drums (both bands), Jon Lampley, trumpet, Louis Fourche, alto Sax, Negah Santos, percussion, Endea Owens, bass, Corey Bernhard, keys.

The former house band Stay Human was led by multi-Grammy winner Music Director Jon Batiste.

Below: Jesse Welles Performs Red, The Boss, Springsteen performs Streets of Minneapolis on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on May 21 with Late Show Band, The Great Big Joy Machine (above).

In its final week approaching Memorial Day weekend, Colbert handed the stage over to his celebrity fans to include: 
David Byrne performing Burning Down The House with Colbert joining the choreographed performance. Folk artist Jesse Welles performed his protest song, Red The boss, Bruce Springsteen, said this before performing his protest track, Streets of Minneapolis. "You're the first guy in America who lost his job because the president can't take a joke" He continued: "Stephen, these are small-minded people (also referring to new media boss Larry Ellison) and they've got no idea what the freedoms of this beautiful country are supposed to be about."
An estimated 3 million viewers tuned in to watch the series finale of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on May 21, 2026.



Albums, The Boys of Dungeon Lane by Paul McCartney, Tracks II: The Lost Albums by Bruce Springsteen, Middle by Jesse Welles and The Great Big Joy Machine are available on all major streaming platforms.

Best known as the rhythmic engine of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea and his new band Honora brought jazz to the intimate (1200 capacity) Fonda Theater in Hollywood on May 16. The show was in support of his solo album Honora, released on March 27 via Nonesuch. Alto saxophonist Josh Johnson, on keys was introduced and praised for his production chops. Band members included Jeff Parker on Guitar, Anna Butterss on bass, Deantoni Parks on drums. They all received nice introductions from Flea during his 90 minute set with tunes from the album and some cover interpretation like Wichita Lineman.

Flea, whose real name is Michael Peter Balzary, co-founded Red Hot Chili Peppers with singer Anthony Kiedis in 1982. The Grammy-winning group are known for hits like Give It Away, Californication, 
Dani California, and Dark Necessities. Fellow Chili Peppers John Frusciante and Chad Smith make cameos on the Honora album.

The May performance at The Fonda was a love letter to LA where Flea spent most of his career. He appeared carefree, in spiritual jazz tradition. The goal here was not perfection but transcendence. The standing room only audience concurred with multiple applause and cheers.

A large screen behind the stage showed the rock star turned jazz soloist (switching between his bass and trumpet) frolic among the tall grass, in what appeared to be a warm summer day - sometimes standing on his head, rolling on the ground, and walking in and out of the video frame. Perhaps a nod to his song

Free As I Want to Be from the new album, Honora.

Flea and Honora are headed to Europe with stops in Berlin (May 21) Amsterdam (May 22) London (May 26) and Paris (May 28).

Until next month,

Express freedom, Joy, Give, and Exercise Self-care.

Tell us about your new release, upcoming event, or reach out for music production services.

Until next month, Happy Memorial Day, and VOTE!


Music Lives and Moves!

Claris Sayadian-Dodge, founder/publisher

claris@studioexpresso.com

Right: At No Kings protest. LA