News, Reviews & Resources
Welcome to Factory Sound News & Resources. With a mixture of deep-dive product reviews, a series of “how-to” articles and news blogs, you’ll find that it’s informative, and sometimes unscripted.
When our camera is rolling, we’ll also try to find out who is doing what for our entertainment industry.
Latest from our blog
A quick note to let you know our Factory Sound showroom will be closed on Wed 26th Jan, for the public holiday
A quick note to let you know our Factory Sound showroom will be closed on Wed 26th Jan, for the public holiday
Limited stock special on RCF HD35A – a portable, powered speaker, but we like to think of it as more of a portable weapon!
Limited stock special on RCF HD35A – a portable, powered speaker, but we like to think of it as more of a portable weapon!
Overnight we got a tiny tweak to our Covid Safe settings for Victorian workplaces, thanks to the latest tick that has appeared in our home state’s roadmap. Scan, Tick, Mask That’s it. They are the three current CovidSafe-related conditions of entry to Factory Sound. Scan the QR code to check in using the Services Victoria […]
Overnight we got a tiny tweak to our Covid Safe settings for Victorian workplaces, thanks to the latest tick that has appeared in our home state’s roadmap. Scan, Tick, Mask That’s it. They are the three current CovidSafe-related conditions of entry to Factory Sound. Scan the QR code to check in using the Services Victoria […]
The first Tuesday in November is again upon us. Apparently the Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation. Were not entirely sure about that, but we do know that its the race that stops Factory Sound. So, due to our massive passion for horseracing history of putting up our feet on a public […]
The first Tuesday in November is again upon us. Apparently the Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation. Were not entirely sure about that, but we do know that its the race that stops Factory Sound. So, due to our massive passion for horseracing history of putting up our feet on a public […]
Masks are On Until we’re told “it’s safe” we are all masking up in store. No two ways about it. We get it, that mics will be a little hard to test for now. But most of our showroom is ready for action. Studio monitors? Ready for shoot-out. Powered Speakers? Tick. All we ask is […]
Masks are On Until we’re told “it’s safe” we are all masking up in store. No two ways about it. We get it, that mics will be a little hard to test for now. But most of our showroom is ready for action. Studio monitors? Ready for shoot-out. Powered Speakers? Tick. All we ask is […]
7-day Circuit Breaker Victoria is going into lockdown. Again. As of 11:59 tonight (Thursday 27th May), we’ll have to close our showroom front door for a few days. Click and Deliver is still available Because couriers are champions, we’re still open for online orders, phone orders and any click-and-deliver sales. What about Click & Collect? […]
7-day Circuit Breaker Victoria is going into lockdown. Again. As of 11:59 tonight (Thursday 27th May), we’ll have to close our showroom front door for a few days. Click and Deliver is still available Because couriers are champions, we’re still open for online orders, phone orders and any click-and-deliver sales. What about Click & Collect? […]
Latest reviews
Plenty of us play with microphones when we’re not ‘on the clock’ at Factory Sound. On a recent drum recording session, we tried out Sennheiser e906 on a tom tom (rack 1), right next to the old faithful MD421-II on rack tom 2. The results were quite eye opening, and ear pleasing! MD421-II is well […]
Plenty of us play with microphones when we’re not ‘on the clock’ at Factory Sound. On a recent drum recording session, we tried out Sennheiser e906 on a tom tom (rack 1), right next to the old faithful MD421-II on rack tom 2. The results were quite eye opening, and ear pleasing! MD421-II is well […]
In recent months, there has been a veritable slew of new products released by RØDE. Because we love a good list, here’s our attempt to rank the recent additions – by the level of staff excitement for each product. #1 – AI Micro A clear “number 1”, the tiny AI-Micro has taken function and flexibility […]
In recent months, there has been a veritable slew of new products released by RØDE. Because we love a good list, here’s our attempt to rank the recent additions – by the level of staff excitement for each product. #1 – AI Micro A clear “number 1”, the tiny AI-Micro has taken function and flexibility […]
NEW in October 2021 – the PRO X series from Beyerdynamic has a few differences between the classic DT700-PRO and DT990-PRO. DT700 PRO X and DT 900 PRO X are now in stock, so let’s unpack! The Look, The Feel Of course, the headphone sound is paramount, but let’s firstly describe what you’ll see and […]
NEW in October 2021 – the PRO X series from Beyerdynamic has a few differences between the classic DT700-PRO and DT990-PRO. DT700 PRO X and DT 900 PRO X are now in stock, so let’s unpack! The Look, The Feel Of course, the headphone sound is paramount, but let’s firstly describe what you’ll see and […]
Usually this section is reserved for a product review.. but since the newly released RCF ART9 Series won’t hit us until middle of September, we’ll run with a PREview instead. RCF ART9 Series – a long time in the making There’s plenty of history – and innovation – built into this latest, flagship ART 9 […]
Usually this section is reserved for a product review.. but since the newly released RCF ART9 Series won’t hit us until middle of September, we’ll run with a PREview instead. RCF ART9 Series – a long time in the making There’s plenty of history – and innovation – built into this latest, flagship ART 9 […]
It feels like a while since we’ve had a good old microphone capsule shoot-out, so we recently gathered up some goodies for a play. If you want some back-story to the capsule swapping exercise, this test was inspired by our recent article “build your dream handheld” – but save that for later reading… and grab […]
It feels like a while since we’ve had a good old microphone capsule shoot-out, so we recently gathered up some goodies for a play. If you want some back-story to the capsule swapping exercise, this test was inspired by our recent article “build your dream handheld” – but save that for later reading… and grab […]
Build your dream handheld With the introduction of Sennheiser EW-D series – specifically the SKM Baseset (handheld system, without a capsule) – singers and production providers have the chance to easily mix-and-match to create the perfect handheld vocal mic to suit any situation. A capsule to suit any singing style Of course, we are believers […]
Build your dream handheld With the introduction of Sennheiser EW-D series – specifically the SKM Baseset (handheld system, without a capsule) – singers and production providers have the chance to easily mix-and-match to create the perfect handheld vocal mic to suit any situation. A capsule to suit any singing style Of course, we are believers […]
Digital Wireless with Shure SLX-D There’s a lot more to Shure SLX-D wireless systems than ‘just’ being both the Prince of Presentation and King of Karaoke. To prove that good things did happen in 2020, Shure SLX-D range of digital wireless systems and components was launched. SLX-D will be here for a long time to […]
Digital Wireless with Shure SLX-D There’s a lot more to Shure SLX-D wireless systems than ‘just’ being both the Prince of Presentation and King of Karaoke. To prove that good things did happen in 2020, Shure SLX-D range of digital wireless systems and components was launched. SLX-D will be here for a long time to […]
Oh Rode. You’ve done well here! These VLOGGER kits are ready to ‘up’ your standard of mobile filmmaking – all you need to do is add a smart phone into one of the three available kits, and you are primed for a new look and sound for your documentary, journalism, vlog or even your FaceTime […]
Oh Rode. You’ve done well here! These VLOGGER kits are ready to ‘up’ your standard of mobile filmmaking – all you need to do is add a smart phone into one of the three available kits, and you are primed for a new look and sound for your documentary, journalism, vlog or even your FaceTime […]
Rode are frequently dipping their long arm into the well of creativity and coming up with a big handful of happiness. Today’s announcement of FOUR new accessories has provided an easy way to raise your sound standards, without the need for too much extra space. First, let’s check the 38 sec video: DCS-1 dual cold […]
Rode are frequently dipping their long arm into the well of creativity and coming up with a big handful of happiness. Today’s announcement of FOUR new accessories has provided an easy way to raise your sound standards, without the need for too much extra space. First, let’s check the 38 sec video: DCS-1 dual cold […]
Whilst we filmed this ‘way back’ in December 2019, it seems that Allen & Heath AVANTIS is (at the time of writing) just about to ship to Factory Sound. Like they say… “it’s a small step, to a giant leap”. Andrew Crawford from TAG takes us on a journey through some of the key features […]
Whilst we filmed this ‘way back’ in December 2019, it seems that Allen & Heath AVANTIS is (at the time of writing) just about to ship to Factory Sound. Like they say… “it’s a small step, to a giant leap”. Andrew Crawford from TAG takes us on a journey through some of the key features […]
Latest tips and help
Which microphone stand is the best? The answer to that question is always going to depend on what you’re intending to use it for – but when it comes to stands, we’ve got a massive chunk of real-world experience, so let’s dig in and have a look at the best options for stage, studio and […]
Which microphone stand is the best? The answer to that question is always going to depend on what you’re intending to use it for – but when it comes to stands, we’ve got a massive chunk of real-world experience, so let’s dig in and have a look at the best options for stage, studio and […]
Following on from our Guide to choosing headphones (Part 1): Studio and Live Sound article, we explore some nice choices for a bunch of other pro audio applications, including field recording, filming, podcasting plus DJ. But first…sometimes it feels like all the headphone adaptors run off together for a secret meeting – just at the […]
Following on from our Guide to choosing headphones (Part 1): Studio and Live Sound article, we explore some nice choices for a bunch of other pro audio applications, including field recording, filming, podcasting plus DJ. But first…sometimes it feels like all the headphone adaptors run off together for a secret meeting – just at the […]
Need some headphones? You’ve come to the right place. We’re going to try and simplify headphone choices – by focusing mainly on the BIG 3 (Audio Technica, Beyerdynamic & Sennheiser), to work out which models fit best for a whole bunch of pro audio tasks. One size fits all No it doesn’t.. well, at least […]
Need some headphones? You’ve come to the right place. We’re going to try and simplify headphone choices – by focusing mainly on the BIG 3 (Audio Technica, Beyerdynamic & Sennheiser), to work out which models fit best for a whole bunch of pro audio tasks. One size fits all No it doesn’t.. well, at least […]
The humble microphone lead is far from the most glamorous part of your kit, but it’s nevertheless essential. Before we dive into anything too technical, let’s just answer the oft-asked question – “do expensive microphones leads make a difference?” In a word: No. You won’t hear the difference. Unless the cheap one is broken. Microphone […]
The humble microphone lead is far from the most glamorous part of your kit, but it’s nevertheless essential. Before we dive into anything too technical, let’s just answer the oft-asked question – “do expensive microphones leads make a difference?” In a word: No. You won’t hear the difference. Unless the cheap one is broken. Microphone […]
Choosing the right microphone There’s way more to recording vocals than ‘just’ choosing the right microphone for the job. That being said, let’s pick two for now, right up the top of this check-list. This is a First Step article, so we’re not shovelling all the money into a great microphone just yet. Rather, we’ll […]
Choosing the right microphone There’s way more to recording vocals than ‘just’ choosing the right microphone for the job. That being said, let’s pick two for now, right up the top of this check-list. This is a First Step article, so we’re not shovelling all the money into a great microphone just yet. Rather, we’ll […]
Batteries, Maths & Landfill When it comes to the best way to power your wireless systems – alkaline battery or rechargeable – there are many factors to consider. Let’s dive into a few in an attempt to un-muddy the waters. Less is more Much as we want to cut straight to the heart of it […]
Batteries, Maths & Landfill When it comes to the best way to power your wireless systems – alkaline battery or rechargeable – there are many factors to consider. Let’s dive into a few in an attempt to un-muddy the waters. Less is more Much as we want to cut straight to the heart of it […]
Like our first two theatre & wireless help articles – Simple Wireless Tips and Advanced Wireless Tips: Antennas – this one is aimed at either school musical productions or amateur theatre groups. We’ll focus on what to consider when you’re trying to keep microphones hidden for theatre performance. An incredible amount of research, design and […]
Like our first two theatre & wireless help articles – Simple Wireless Tips and Advanced Wireless Tips: Antennas – this one is aimed at either school musical productions or amateur theatre groups. We’ll focus on what to consider when you’re trying to keep microphones hidden for theatre performance. An incredible amount of research, design and […]
Following our Simple Wireless Tips article, where Rule #1 was ‘Scan, Scan, Scan’, we’d like to dig a little deeper to focus on a successful, hassle-free integration of multiple wireless systems. Antennas are the focus here, with antenna type, placement, cable and splitters all being important parts to a happy RF world. Antenna Splitter When […]
Following our Simple Wireless Tips article, where Rule #1 was ‘Scan, Scan, Scan’, we’d like to dig a little deeper to focus on a successful, hassle-free integration of multiple wireless systems. Antennas are the focus here, with antenna type, placement, cable and splitters all being important parts to a happy RF world. Antenna Splitter When […]
Managing wireless microphones for a school or amateur theatre can be daunting. We’re putting together a series of articles in our How-To section, to help. This is our first in the series, so make sure you stay tuned for more articles. Troubleshooting Wireless No matter how big or small the stage may be, wireless microphones […]
Managing wireless microphones for a school or amateur theatre can be daunting. We’re putting together a series of articles in our How-To section, to help. This is our first in the series, so make sure you stay tuned for more articles. Troubleshooting Wireless No matter how big or small the stage may be, wireless microphones […]