For over 70 years, Fender amplifiers have been the sonic bedrock upon which countless legendary performances have been built. From smoky blues clubs to sprawling rock arenas, Fender has consistently delivered a distinct and unforgettable tone that has shaped the…
The 7 Best Boost Pedal Options for Your Pedalboard
Boost pedals have been around since the 1960s. While not quite an overdrive, a quality clean boost is meant to get more decibels out of your guitar and amplifier. The most common use would be to selectively click on a…
The 10 Best Guitar Cases for the Road in 2023
Having the right case for your guitar is a prerequisite for touring, gigging, carrying to and from rehearsal, and for safe storage at home. Some are built to withstand heavy duress, like air travel, and others are designed with portability…
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The 6 Best Desktop Synths for Home Use & Live Performance [2023 Guide]
A MIDI controller is often one of the first accessories producers purchase when fleshing out their home studios. This valuable and versatile piece of equipment primarily lets users play their collection of software instruments, as well as provide some tactile…
The 8 Best Guitar Strap Locks to Protect Your Axe
Guitar drops are an unfortunate mishap, often the result of a twisted strap or an otherwise insecure connection to the existing strap buttons. One accessory prevents disaster altogether, so you can protect your investment from potential incidents. The best guitar…
The 12 Best Studio Subwoofer Options for Music Production
Most of us work on two-way active speakers which include a tweeter and a low/midrange driver anywhere between 5″ and 8″ in size. Many of the larger popular speakers have impressive low-end extension, but even then, they lack the power…
The 15 Best Dynamic Microphones for Any Budget in 2023
Looking for the best dynamic microphone to fill out your recording arsenal? We’ve tracked down 15 of them for a variety of instruments and applications. What Is a Dynamic Microphone? Dynamic mics are a style of passive microphone that operate…
Tone King Gremlin Review: Is This Stylish Combo Worth the Price?
The Tone King Gremlin is a compact yet robust tube combo amp that offers old-school tones in a convenient and manageable package. Nothing sings as sweetly as a boutique tube amplifier. How does the Tone King Gremlin hold up in…
Vox AC15C1 Review: Level Up Your Home Practice Amp
Vox is a renowned British manufacturer of musical equipment, including guitars, drums, keyboards, and most highly regarded of all, amplifiers. Founded by Thomas Walter Jennings in the late 1950s, Vox quickly became an iconic name in the world of music…
The 10 Best Guitar Tuner Options in 2023
It goes without saying that one of the most important first purchases for every guitar player is a tuner — that bears no further explanation! We’ve put together a list of 10 of the most popular options to help narrow…
How to Use Auto-Tune for Vocal Tuning
The really interesting thing about Antares Auto-Tune is that just about everyone has an idea of what it is. For engineers, it’s a very useful tool and effect; but the fact that it’s recognized by almost everybody, beyond studio pros,…
Fender Champion 40 Review: An All-Around Powerful Practice Amp
In the realm of musical amplification, Fender has held an unwavering reputation for shaping the sounds of generations. From revered vintage models to modern innovations, Fender’s amplifiers have continuously evolved to meet the diverse demands of musicians across genres. In…
Fender Rumble 100 Review: A Versatile & Reliable Bass Amp
With a legacy spanning decades, Fender has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation while retaining the timeless essence that musicians have come to rely on. Enter the Fender Rumble 100 Bass Amp — a formidable addition to the esteemed Rumble…
Mackie Thump 15A Review: Are These Affordable Speakers Worth It?
Mackie is a well-known brand in the professional audio and music industry, specializing in the design and manufacturing of audio equipment. The company was founded in Washington in 1988 by Greg Mackie, who aimed to create high-quality audio products that…
How To De-Ess Vocals | Settings for a Pro Mix
Sibilance is what we call the hissing noise made by ‘ess’ and ‘shh’ sounds in the voice. We don’t notice it in conversation, but it can get really harsh on a recorded vocal. A de-esser can take care of excess…
Lace Sensor Hot Gold Review: Why You Should Consider These Single-Coil Pickups
As long as the electric guitar exists, Stratocasters, S-type copies, and their associated triplet of single-coil pickups will as well. Strats created the blueprint for single-coil pickups, and various iterations have been done countless times over by the finest designers…
Pioneer DDJ 1000 SRT Review: The Ultimate Serato DJ Controller
Pioneer has a reputation for producing exceptional DJ equipment — particularly controllers and mixers — and their products are ubiquitous among amateur and professional DJs alike. Similarly, Serato is synonymous with current-gen DJs, providing substantial control over beat-matching, mixing, applying…
How to Get NEVE 1073 Sound in Your Home Studio
Rupert Neve designed the ubiquitous 1073 preamplifier in 1970. For over five decades its sound has been featured on thousands of recordings. A true studio staple, the Neve 1073 produces one of the most sought after sounds ever made. Neve…
Diatonic vs Chromatic: What Is a Diatonic Scale?
The basic definitions of diatonic vs chromatic are pretty easy to understand, but like most music theory lingo, it sounds scarier than it is! The diatonic and chromatic scales together actually form the foundation for most of western music. Let’s…
Apogee Quartet Review: Is This Interface Worth the Price?
Apogee audio interfaces, a cornerstone of the brand, are revered for their exceptional audio fidelity and pristine sound reproduction. Whether capturing the delicate nuances of a vocal performance or the raw power of live instruments, Apogee interfaces ensure that every…
The 20 Best Filter Plugin VSTs in 2023 [Free & Paid]
Filter plugins are one of the easiest effects to use that can have a huge impact on how something sounds. As a form of EQ, filters help you shape the frequency content of an instrument. In the simplest terms, they…
The 15 Best UAD Plugins for Vocals [2023 Guide]
Over 20 years ago, Universal Audio ushered in a new standard for plugins and interfaces. UAD’s plugin catalog is a huge collection of some of the best analog emulations out there. Most importantly, the software runs on dedicated DSP supplied by…
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The Best Compressor Pedal for Any Budget [Our Top 12 Picks]
The compressor pedal can be an afterthought for many players. In fact, it’s probably right up there next to tuners as far as fun goes. For many guitarists, because it doesn’t have an immediately noticeable effect in the same way…
Apogee Boom Review: Should You Use This Audio Interface?
With a rich legacy that spans several decades, Apogee has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in multiple sectors, catering to the diverse needs of professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s audio interfaces, digital converters, or other top-of-the-line…
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Review: Why We Love This Modeling Mic
The Townsend Labs Sphere L22 modeling microphone initially emerged as a game-changer that challenged traditional recording paradigms. Harnessing the power of innovative modeling algorithms and precision engineering, the Sphere L22 took mic emulation to an unprecedented level. We occasionally review…
Oceans 11 Reverb Pedal Review: The Ultimate Reverb Pedal?
Electro-Harmonix, often abbreviated as EHX, stands as an iconic name in the realm of musical innovation and effects pedals. Founded in 1968 by visionary engineer Mike Matthews, the company quickly gained recognition for pioneering groundbreaking guitar effects that would shape…
The 7 Best Soundproof Curtains for Your Home Studio
Ever wondered how soundproof curtains actually perform in a home studio? While not the typical go-to in acoustic treatment, they do serve a purpose, especially under the right circumstances. What Are Soundproof Curtains? It’s important to clarify right away that…
The Best Guitar String Cleaner (7 Picks for Your Axe)
The unsung hero of guitar maintenance is the best string cleaner. For many of us, guitar care isn’t as fun as shopping for actual guitars, amps, or pedals, but it’s a good idea to get familiar with the basics to…
SSL Big Six Review: Upgrade Your Studio with This Powerful Mixer
To audio engineers and producers, few names resonate as profoundly as Solid State Logic (SSL). For decades, this pioneering brand has been at the forefront of shaping the soundscape of contemporary music, leaving an indelible mark on the industry with…
Waves SuperRack Performer Review: Dial in Your Live Sound
In the ever-evolving landscape of audio production, Waves stands as a trailblazing force, offering a vast array of plugins that have become essential tools for engineers, producers, and musicians alike. With a legacy rooted in groundbreaking digital signal processing and…
UA Sphere DLX Review: A Professional & Versatile Modeling Mic You Need
In the realm of professional audio gear, Universal Audio stands as a revered name synonymous with uncompromising quality, cutting-edge technology, and timeless craftsmanship. Renowned for their exceptional audio interfaces, outboard equipment, and plugins, UA has also made a significant impact…
The 7 Best Tape Delay Pedals for Studio & Live Sound
A tape delay pedal emulates the sound of a widely used analog effect that is much more easily accomplished with digital technology. Tape delay has some unique and desirable characteristics to readily transform your sound. What Is Tape Delay? Tape…
MOTU Digital Performer 11 Review: Embrace Elevated DAW Capabilities
Digital Performer is a digital audio workstation developed by MOTU (Mark of the Unicorn). It is designed for a variety of music and audio production tasks, including recording, MIDI sequencing, and mixing. Digital Performer has been a popular choice among…
The Loudness Penalty by Streaming Services
Streaming services like Spotify and others normalize the volume of all the material on their platform. This is so you’re not constantly turning the level up or down from song to song. However, tracks you’ve mixed may not play back…
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The 10 Best Telecaster Pickups [2023 Guide]
The iconic sound of a Telecaster is known for its distinctive and timeless character. Developed by Leo Fender and introduced in the ’50s, the Tele is one of the most influential electric guitars in history, shaping the sound of numerous…
Moog Grandmother vs Matriarch: Which Synthesizer Is Right for Me?
Pitting two popular synthesizers head-to-head, the Moog Grandmother vs Matriarch are both impressive members of the family. They are fundamentally different machines, however, despite Moog’s naming conventions and various design similarities. We’ll have a look at each in an effort…
Parallel Compression Explained
Parallel compression was developed as a means to an end. The vast majority of compressors are “downward” in action. This means that they work by reducing the peaks in source material. Parallel compression, on the other hand, was designed to…
Antares Harmony Engine Review: Craft Incredible Vocal Harmonies
Antares Harmony Engine isn’t new, but it’s gotten better and better over the years, making it worthy of a fresh review of features and specs. The company is well known for developing real-time plugins that make the lives of musicians,…
Antares Duo Review: The Ultimate Vocal Doubler Plugin?
As many may know, Antares Tech are the masterminds behind one of the most influential software plugins of all time: Auto-Tune. Their current suite of vocal effects includes numerous tools used by engineers and producers everyday to enhance the sound…
Boss IR-200 Review: The Ultimate All-in-One Compact Pedal?
This review covers the Boss IR-200 — a powerful pedal-based amp simulator and IR loader, complete with ambient effects and further pedalboard integration. If you’ve ever wished to transform and streamline your practice, performance, or studio rig for guitar or…
Audient Evo 16 Review: A Powerful & Elevated USB Audio Interface
Audient is a professional audio equipment manufacturer known for its high-quality audio interfaces, consoles, and studio monitoring systems since 1997. Audient’s mission has always been to design and produce innovative, affordable, and reliable products that meet the needs of professional…
The 9 Best Ribbon Mics for Your Home Studio in 2023
Ribbon microphones first emerged in the 1920s. In 1931, RCA began commercially manufacturing the PB-31, which had a huge impact on the recording and broadcast industries. Ribbon mics remained popular throughout the ’50s, though gradually started to see less use…
14 Best Open Back Headphones for Mixing 2023 [Any Budget]
Searching for the just the right pair of open headphones to mix on? We’ve done some digging and come up with the best open headphones ranging from $50 to $500 — there’s a pair for every budget! What Are Open-Back…
15 Best Closed Back Studio Headphones in 2023
Closed back studio headphones are an essential piece of equipment to have on hand. They provide the best isolation with minor sacrifice to sound quality. But because they isolate the listener from the room, they’re the ideal option to use…
The Best Guitar Picks for Any Playing Style in 2023
Experimenting with different guitar picks is one of the best and simplest ways to completely change the sound and feel of your playing. It’s often an overlooked accessory, especially if you’re new to playing, but the difference it can make…
Neve 88M Review: World-Class Recording in a Small Box
AMS Neve caused stirs throughout the recording industry when they announced their first ever bus-powered audio interface, the 88M, just one year ago. Premium quality meets portability in the 88M, an audio interface that makes a lot of tools look…
Yamaha P45 vs P125: Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Studio?
Today we’ll be comparing the Yamaha P45 vs P125 “portable” digital pianos. Yamaha has been a premiere manufacturer of both digital and acoustic pianos for years, so the brand has decades’ worth of experience in crafting quality entry-level instruments. Both…
The 15 Best Small Tube Amp Options for Home Use in 2023
Being a guitar player sets you on a path of tone chasing — there’s no way around it! There are so many ways to tweak the sound of our instrument, from the guitar itself, to pickups, pedals, strings, plectrums, and…
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6 Best Studio Monitor Stands for Your Studio [2023 Guide]
Studio monitor stands can substantially improve your working environment. They’re not the most glamorous of upgrades in the grand scheme of things—considering all of the “fun” studio stuff we could buy—but speaker stands are an easy, effective way to make…
Fundamental Stereo Miking Techniques
Stereo miking techniques use two microphones at the same time to record one sound source. Each microphone is then panned to the left and to the right to mimic the way our ears perceive sound in the “real world.” This…