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

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Side Chaining Bass in Logic Pro

Become a side chain scientist in Logic Pro X, with this compact yet informative mixing technique on how to side chain bass in Logic Pro X. Matt Vanacoro makes side chaining accessible for all!

Review: Line 6 AMPLIFi

Back in January at NAMM 2014, Line 6 unveiled their new modelling vintage guitar amp, AMPLIFi. Matt Vanacoro spent two weeks testing this bad boy out, and lived to tell the tale.

Review: Waves Vitamin

Ever been confused what harmonic exciters and enhancers can do to your mix? Waves have made it clear with their new quick fix plug-in. Matt Vanacoro shows why taking your vitamins can help your mix.

Review: Native Instruments Rise and Hit

Native Instruments' latest new Kontakt instrument release has a distinct function, but it's suitable for multiple genres. If you want quick and easy crescendos, then Rise & Hit will appeal.

Review: Zoom iQ5, Mini Mic for iPhone

There are a growing number of pocket-sized microphones aimed at musicians you can attach to your iPhone. Matt Vanacoro took the iQ5 out for a spin. Find out if it's the best of the bunch!

Review: Kawai EX Pro, Virtual Piano Instrument

What do you look for when choosing a virtual piano instrument? Well sampled and rich sounds? Efficient CPU performance? Matt Vanacoro finds out if the Kawai-EX Pro meets the grade in this review.

Review: Blue Baby Bottle Microphone

Find out why Matt Vanacoro can't hide his smile after testing out the Baby Bottle from Blue Microphones, a cardioid condenser which can be grabbed for less than $500.

Review: Focusrite Red 1 500 Series Preamp

In the quest for a great looking and sounding preamp for his studio, Matt Vanacoro picked up the Focusrite Red 1 500 series... And doesn't want to let it go. Find out why.

Review: Native Instruments Molekular

If you use Native Instruments Reaktor and are into modular synths, you're going to LOVE this. Molekular is a modular effects system for Reaktor with an exciting array of classic and creative effects.

Review: Universal Audio Apollo Twin

The sleek and sexy Apollo Twin brings the high-quality preamps and the UAD Powered Plug-Ins from the Apollo into a portable and affordable package. Matt Vanacoro puts it through its pace.

Top 10 Mixing Tips For PreSonus Studio One

Make the most out of your mixes in PreSonus Studio One with these 10 top tips from musician, trainer and producer, Matt Vanacoro.

Review: Apogee Jam 96k

The original Apogee Jam was a breakthrough device for iOS musicians, it allowed guitarists to record cleanly and digitally into the 30-pin port. How does the newest iteration measure measure up?

Review: Hands On the Line 6 StageScape M20d

If you're in the market for a digital mixer that's easy to use, with enough options for customization too, then Line 6's StageScape M20d is worth your attention. Mat Vanacoro gives it a full test.

Get Ready to Perform Live (Logic Pro X to MainStage)

Logic Pro X is one of the most powerful DAWs available, but it isn't the best choice for live performance. Enter Apple's MainStage! Here's how to get tracks from Logic X into MainStage for your gigs.

Creating Realistic Drum Sounds With FXpansion's BFD3

There's not much you can't achieve with drum sounds using FXpansion's excellent BFD3. In this tutorial, Matt Vanacoro puts it to the test and shows how to create realistic sounds using it!