Archived Articles

A library of past writings pertaining to our specialized profession:

"The Mixer Online" Jan 2003 Issue
An archived HTML edition of our popular newsletter.
NAB 2003: Highlights for Production Sound
Those who came to witness the edge of TV and film sound technology cut into the future were not disappointed. We report on a few items that drew particular interest.
NAB 2002: On the Vegas Beat
Gumshoe Matt Hamilton takes you on an entertaining behind-the-scenes look at the place, the people and the products.
Mixer Profile: Vilmars Zile
He recorded for the Russians, the Nazis, the British, and finally the Americans. An inspiring look at Vilmars Zile, a man spanning not only countries but several generations of film sound recording.
Sound Devices MP-1 Portable Mic Preamp
This is one piece of equipment that will not get crushed, fall apart, or loosen up, and it will always work.
Audio Technica AT-895
Users have started calling it the "super mic".  Read why.
The Stelladat II
The closest thing to a perfect DAT recorder that we may ever see.
Tools of the Trade: Consoles
Location sound recordists are at an advantage today because of the number of high quality portable consoles designed specifically for their profession. In this volume Glen Trew discusses mixers from Cooper, Sonosax, Zaxcom, Audio Developments, and PSC.
Mixer Profile: Peter Devlin
From Belfast, Northern Ireland, Peter Devlin has climbed purposefully, methodically, and patiently, to earn his place among the most respected and sought after feature film production sound mixers in the US.
Memoirs of a Sound Mixer: The TV Movie
The TV Movie, often referred to as "M.O.W." (Movie of the Week) is the toughest and most professionally frustrating challenge a sound mixer can take on. I've always loved a challenge.
The Indie Corner
Does low-budget sound mean it has to sound bad?  Matt Hamilton takes us inside the job of doing sound for independent films.
Countrymans Tiny B6 Lav Mic
With a diameter of approximately one tenth of an inch, it is the smallest microphone available.
Timecode for the Field Recordist
The first in a series on timecode for the field recordist, starting with a little history.
The Pearl MS8 Microphone
In the slow changing world of truly professional microphones, where all too often the wheel is simply reinvented, it is nice to have a fresh entry that actually offers something different.
The Sanken CSS-5 and the New Rycote M-2 Four-Point Suspension
Prime Time Country
TNN goes on the road with help from Trew Audio's Rental Department.
The Venerable Fostex PD-4 Portable Timecode DAT Recorder
Reflections and news on recent upgrades and modifications.
Sanken CS-3
A field test and profile of this great short shotgun microphone.
VDB Boom poles
The latest improvements VDB has made to their boom poles.
Lectrosonics UCR-200D
About the frequency selectable diversity wireless system from Lectrosonics.
Appalachian Field Test
A recording assignment high in the Smokey Mountains, where portability of equipment was of primary importance.
Everybody Hollerin' Goat
The first day of production began like most productions: arrive on location at 6 AM, slaughter a couple of goats, and boil the goat meat in a black cauldron over an open fire.
Things You'll Never Learn in Film School (but should)
Glen Trew spoke to the SMPTE chapter at MTSU.  These notes for his talk are both entertaining and instructive.
The Latest Trends in Nagra Wear
Tips about minimizing head wear on a Nagra.
Nashville Entrepreneur: Buckin the Corporate Life
Nashville Business In Review writes about our founder and President, Glen Trew.
Redwood Digital Adds Third Genex
Regional Sound Mixer Profiles: VolumeTwo!
Alan Sawyer, Phil Arnold, Greg Linton & Kevin Van Bakel
Regional Sound Mixer Profiles: Volume One!
Peter Devlin, Mike Puckett, Mike Puckett, Jonathan Andrews, Gail Carroll-Coe, Thomas Morrison, Jennifer Murphy, & Mack Melson