TOP TEN: AMI’s most popular articles of 2015

With 2015 now drawing to close, we thought we’d see the year off by looking back at some of the most-read articles posted on Audio Media International over the past 12 months.

As you’ll see, it’s a nicely varied list, featuring reviews, opinion pieces, How To articles and in-depth features, as well as a story on a certain bit of business that was always going to make it in to our Top Ten due to its sheer magnitude.

We think it’s quite an interesting mix of content, and hopefully you’ll agree…

1. How to prevent audio feedback

Harman engineer Brandon Graham’s tips on setting up and EQing a system to avoid this common problem, as well as the best way to use suppressors, went down a storm with readers.

2. Music Group announces TC Group acquisition

It’s hardly surprising to see a story on the biggest pro-audio business deal of the year near the top of the list.

3. Mastered for iTunes – friend or foe?

Engineer Wes Maebe’s thoughts on Apple’s MFiT concept were clearly well received.

4. Review: Audio-Technica ATH-M70x

Our most-read review of the year saw Alistair McGhee get his hands on A-T new flagship M Series headphones.

5. The importance of accurate engineering

Audio engineer and technician Aston Fearon offered some interesting advice on how to ensure the highest levels of precision when tuning a system or mixing a live show back in April.

6. Live sound: The practicality vs. quality debate

The onus on touring sound equipment manufacturers to produce gear that is compact, practical and – perhaps above all – cost efficient is now greater than ever. But is there a danger that these pressures are having an impact on sound quality? We put David Davies on the case in the Spring.

7. Review: Steinberg Cubase Pro 8

The latest version of ‘one of the icons of audio production’, according to our reviewer, was released at the start of the year, and we were among the first to give it a test run.

8. Could monitor engineers soon be a thing of the past?

FOH engineer, studio owner and now live sound and touring ambassador for Audio-Technica UK Ben Hammond sparked debate when he asked whether more musicians taking care of their own mixes is putting the role of the traditional monitor engineer at risk.

9. DPA hits the Fury Road for new Mad Max movie

A detailed look at how production sound mixer Ben Osmo dealt with the threat of extreme wind and vehicle noise and harsh conditions to capture pristine dialogue for the one of the year’s most critically-acclaimed films.

10. Do broadcast loudness meters matter in mixing and mastering?

Engineer, Dynamic Range Day founder and plug-in developer Ian Shepherd was our Expert Witness back in February, and chose an intriguing topic to discuss.