Matt Vanacoro

Matt Vanacoro

Matt Vanacoro is one of New York's premier musicans. Matt has collaborated as a keyboardist in studio and on stage with artists such as Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Mark Wood (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Mark Rivera (Billy Joel Band), Aaron Carter, Amy Regan, Jay Azzolina, Marcus Ratzenboeck (Tantric), KeKe Palmer, C-Note, Jordan Knight and many others. He has appeared on many a recording with a variety of artists, as well as had his own music featured in films by Lionsgate Studios.

Articles by Matt Vanacoro

/ 453 Articles

Review: Sennheiser MK 4 USB Microphone

USB mics can sometimes sacrifice quality for convenience, but that's not the case with Sennheiser's latest portable. Matt Vanacoro puts it to the test.

Review: Fireface UFX+ Audio Interface

RME's Fireface hardware is well regarded in the pro audio world, but how would Matt Vanacoro get on with the UFX+ and its wealth of I/O? Read on to find out.

Review: Steinberg Nuendo 8

Nuendo is Steinberg's flagship audio suite: more than a DAW, it's got feet planted firmly in the film and game audio worlds too. Matt Vanacoro wonders if he can live without it now...

Working With Vocalists: 8 Top Tips on Getting the Most From a Singer

Getting a great vocal performance isn't just about your technical skills, all kinds of human factors play a part too. Matt Vanacoro shares his experiences with these 8 top tips.

Production Tips: How & Why to Set Up a Noise Gate

Gating properly can save your recording sessions and also make editing and mixing easier. Matt Vanacoro shows you how it works with a hands-on example.

How To Effectively Use In-Ear Monitors

In-ear monitors are a crucial tool for all kinds of live performers. But how do you choose the ones that are right for you, balancing price and functionality? Matt Vanacoro shares his experience.

Music Theory: Using Drones and Common Tones

Here's how using different kinds of common tones - additional notes held as part of a chord - can add an extra quality to your playing and go beyond simple chord structures.

Direct Boxes : Which One to Use In Your Studio & Why

Direct or D.I boxes are a staple of live performance and recording. Matt Vanacoro explains why it's important to choose the right one for the job.

iOS: 10 Years In As A Musician

In the decade since its invention, iOS has gone from simple to supercharged. For musicians, that has meant a change from a novelty to a serious production platform. Matt Vanacoro recaps...

Review: Avantone Abbey Studio Monitors

400w of power and more detail than you would believe - but would Matt Vanacoro find space in his studio for the behemoths that are the Avantone Abbey Monitors?

Tips for Tracking Guitars In The Box

Tracking guitars in the box is an ever more common technique for laying down guitar tracks. Matt Vanacoro shares 5 of his top tips for getting the best results possible.

Review: Yamaha SessionCake

These ultra portable, personal monitoring mixers offer private monitoring on the go in a range of situations. But could Matt Vanacoro have his SessionCake, and eat it?

Review: Sample Logic Trailer Xpressions

Even if you're not already composing music to picture, Matt Vanacoro thinks Sample Logic's latest instrument will inspire you to start. It is called Trailer Xpressions, after all.

Review: Neumann KH80 DSP Monitors

Neumann might be more usually associated with getting sound in to your system, but the KH80 DSP monitors do just the opposite. Matt Vanacoro spent a month testing them out and liked what he heard...

Review: Gothic Instruments Dronar Cinematic Atmospheres

You can never have too many sounds when it comes to creating great scores and soundtracks, but will Dronar Cinematic Atmospheres fit the bill for Matt Vanacoro?