FiveFishStudios has announced the release of the TS-2 dual channel, battery-powered portable microphone preamp. Offering true 48v phantom power, top-quality Burr-Brown transformers, and a 12-step gain switch per channel, the TS-2 offers superior, high-definition quality in a small, 6.25" x 6" x 2" package.

Designed with input from the field recording experts at Taperssection.com, the TS-2 is called a remarkable design for anyone who needs two channels of clean, pleasant sounding preamp for their recordings.

TS-2 is currently available for $590, factory direct.

A reader recently emailed me about using Auto-tune in their mixes. A lot of his studio clients have been demanding more and more pitch correction, thanks to many hip hop and pop songs overusing the effect on vocals.

How much is too much when mixing with Auto-Tune? At what point do you usually recommend your client stop using Auto-tune, and how often is this effect the end result? I'd love to hear from you for an  upcoming article on using Auto-tune.

With the 2000s coming to a close, what's been the biggest advancement in audio and recording that you've seen?

For me, personally, it's been small flash-based recorders. I remember hauling a pair of microphones, preamp, analog-to-digital converter, and DAT machine into concerts to record just ten years ago. Now, we have all-in-one boxes that replaces this, at a fraction of the cost!

What's your favorites of this decade? I'd love to hear from you!

If you're like me, you rely on your iPhone for a lot. I use mine to control iTunes, navigate, and, on a recent flight to Vegas -- although it didn't help much -- I used my iPhone to teach me how to play better Blackjack.

Better yet, my iPhone also helps me when mixing live sound, and when working in the studio. Check out my list of Top 5 iPhone Apps for those who work with music. You'll find something useful, no matter if you're mixing on stage or studio.