Did 2021 just happen? Oh yes it did.

At SonicScoop, audio – especially sweet, sweet music – powered us through an unpredictable year. And judging from all the time you spent with us, raising your studio game was huge to you. You read and shared our articles, joined us for our podcasts, hung out with us virtually at our 7^th Annual MixCon, grew your careers with our courses, and helped take our YouTube channel past 100,000 subscribers.

THANK YOU to our awesome SonicScoop community for being there with us! You’re a discerning group. Our goal is to help you constantly progress as audio creators, producers, studio engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Thanks also to the many great partners we’ve collaborated with this year.

Following are the Top 10 SonicScoop articles of 2021, voted on by you with your clicks! There’s gear candy, how to make audio NFTs, an insane synth studio, an essential analog tape machines buyer’s guide, free plugins, our ode to a dearly departed friend, and more.

#10

Remembering Rupert Neve, Console Creator, 1926-2021, David Weiss

“Generations of audio engineers have entered studios with the dream of making a name for themselves. Far fewer take it a step further by making a name of themselves—Rupert Neve was one of them.”

Readers rallied to remember Rupert Neve.

#9

A “Phenomenal Concept,” and A Mega Synth Studio Goes Minimalist by David Weiss

“This a minimalist, but no less inspiring, studio in the bucolic town of Madison, Connecticut, on Long Island Sound. The 800-square foot creative nerve center is also among the last studios drawn up by acclaimed studio designer Fran Manzella.”

Strike Audio proved quite a sight. (Photo Credit Mark Loper)

#8

New Gear Review: PASSEQ Passive Mastering Equalizer by SPL by Nick Messitte

“Let’s dive into this beast of an EQ and see what it is, what it does, and why it takes a minute to fully unpack its goodies.”

Interest twas peaked in the SPL PASSEQ.

#7

Capitol Studios Mastering Closed by David Weiss

“One of the most recognizable symbols of the Los Angeles music industry, the 13-story Capitol Records Building, has turned off the lights on a prominent department: The Capitol Studios mastering division.”

#6

Non-Fungible Token (NFT): A Guide For Producers, Studios, and Indie Artists by Patrick Hill

“What is needed now is a NFT guide for small music artists, and those adjacent to them—such as producers, beatmakers, audio engineers, podcasters, and studio owners. A rubric to help those on their way up in the music industry feel informed on how to confidently jump on the runaway train that is NFTs. Many reports now claim that NFTs are where the currency of the music industry is headed. Let’s take a look at the ways you can prepare for the NFT Mania.” You’ll know how to make audio NFTs after this walkthrough.

NFT! NFT! NFT!

#5

New Gear Review: Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer by Leo Maymind

“With the release of Roland’s new TR-6S, much of what users have come to love about the TR-8S is now transported into a much smaller footprint.”

Roland rolled into our Top 5!

#4

Review: SSL Emulates Fusion with Vintage Drive and Stereo Image Plugins by Rick Slater

“SSL has just released two very powerful plugins which emulate sections of its Fusion stereo processer…Both the ‘Vintage Drive’ and ‘Stereo Image’ sections have been recreated from that hardware unit to provide the user with some expansive sculpting tools they can apply in-the-box.”

Our SSL Fusion plugins review hit a nerve — here’s the Vintage Drive.

#3

Buying an Analog Multitrack Tape Machine? What You Need to Know by Steve Puntolillo

“If you’re thinking about getting into multitrack analog tape recording, putting your old analog warhorse back into service, or just want to learn more about what it takes to get the best possible quality and reliability from a professional analog multitrack, this article is for you!”

Be in the know before you invest in an analog multitrack with this complete checklist.

#2

The Best Professional Nearfield Studio Monitors for Under $2,000 Each by Christopher Swist

“Today we are focusing on ultra-traditional 2-way monitors with 6.5″ to 7″ woofers, much like the legendary Yamaha NS10.”

You were totes focused on nearfields — the ADAM Audio S2V shown.

#1

The Most Useful Free Plugins for Your DAW by Michael Nikolas

“This curated list focuses on some of the most useful (free) tools that you’re unlikely to find in your DAW.” Free VST plugins and more across DAWs.

Free plugins for the DAW fill us all with AWE.

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