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Editorial author

Erick Finn

Erick Finn writes SoundForgePro guides about audio editing, restoration and mastering using documented product information.

This archive collects SoundForgePro articles credited to Erick Finn. The review methodology explains how test sections combine published measurements, how prices and versions are checked and how verdicts are set.

Correction, September 17, 2026: earlier profile text described a recording career, a studio location and routine hands-on testing. Those claims have been removed because the reviewed project records did not substantiate them.

To report an article error, include its URL, the disputed wording and supporting evidence. The Corrections Policy explains the reporting route through the existing Facebook and X profiles.

Latest guides

Guides by Erick Finn

A walnut MIDI thru box with cream MIDI cables running to a sound module and a drum machine on an oak bookshelf.

MIDISep 2026

MIDI Channels Explained: Ports, Tracks and the 16-Channel Limit

MIDI 1.0 provides 16 channels per port—not per song or system. See where the channel lives in a message and how ports, channels and DAW tracks differ.

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Close view of ivory-colored keyboard keys with one key held down by a brass paperweight and a folded felt key cover.

MIDISep 2026

MIDI Aftertouch Explained: Channel, Polyphonic and MPE

Aftertouch adds pressure control after a note begins. Learn how Channel Pressure, Polyphonic Key Pressure and MPE differ—and why some patches stay silent.

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Felt hammers and dampers inside an open walnut upright piano, seen from above.

MIDISep 2026

MIDI Velocity Explained: What the Numbers Actually Control

MIDI velocity belongs to each note, but the instrument decides how it becomes loudness, tone or articulation. Learn how to edit it without flattening the performance.

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A graphic equalizer with a row of brass-capped sliders beside a parametric equalizer with ribbed brass knobs on a workbench.

Audio FundamentalsSep 2026

Parametric EQ vs Graphic EQ: Which One Should You Use?

Graphic EQ gives you fast fixed-band control; parametric EQ adds adjustable frequency, gain and bandwidth. Here is how to choose by task.

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Two stacked hardware dynamics units with brass knobs and a blank cream needle meter on a leather-topped desk.

Audio FundamentalsSep 2026

Compressor vs Limiter: Which One Should You Use?

Use a compressor to shape dynamic movement and a limiter to restrain peaks. Learn where they overlap and when a chain needs both.

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A closed laptop on an oak desk with a two-octave keyboard, a brass guitar pedal and a small audio interface connected by cables.

Audio FundamentalsSep 2026

What Is a VST Plugin? Instruments, Effects and Compatibility

A VST plug-in runs inside a compatible audio host. Learn what the host handles, how instruments differ from effects and which compatibility checks matter.

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A two-channel audio interface with brass knobs next to a small analog mixer with cream knobs and faders on a maple workbench.

RecordingSep 2026

Audio Interface vs Mixer: Which Recording Path Do You Need?

Choose an audio interface, a mixer or a multitrack USB mixer by the number of separate tracks you need and the way you monitor and control the session.

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A pencil condenser microphone on a felt mat connected by a coiled XLR cable to a small preamp with an amber indicator lamp.

RecordingSep 2026

What Is Phantom Power? When to Use 48V

That 48V button powers some XLR microphones, but it is not microphone gain and it is not the same as plug-in power. Learn what P48 does, which devices need it and how to connect them safely.

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A USB desktop microphone on a tripod and an XLR dynamic microphone on a brass stand, with their cables across a walnut desk.

RecordingSep 2026

USB vs XLR Microphone: Which Setup Should You Buy?

Choose USB for a simpler one-mic desk or XLR for a modular, multi-input recording setup. Compare the full kit and monitoring path before buying.

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A handheld dynamic microphone and a small-diaphragm condenser beside its open wooden case with cream foam insert on a stone windowsill.

RecordingSep 2026

Dynamic vs Condenser Microphone: Which One Fits Your Recording?

Choose between dynamic and condenser microphones by source, room, distance, sensitivity, gain and maximum SPL—not by studio stereotypes.

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Three brass-bezeled panel meters with blank cream dials on a walnut bookshelf beside linen-bound notebooks.

Audio ToolsSep 2026

Best Free Metering Plugins: 8 Tools for Loudness, Spectrum and Phase

Eight free audio metering plugins matched to loudness, true peak, spectrum, masking, dynamics, stereo phase and quick level checks.

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Three ribbon microphones of different shapes and an open wooden case on a cream linen tablecloth.

RecordingSep 2026

Best Budget Ribbon Microphones: 8 Picks from $128 to $649

Eight affordable and step-up ribbon microphones compared by price, active or passive design, preamp needs, phantom-power rules and placement.

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