Gear Reviews
Solid State Logic (SSL) Guitarstrip Modeling Plug-in REVIEW
Guitarists who dive into recording are often overwhelmed; things get much more nuanced in every way, and finding the right combination and application of effects, EQ and dynamics can be difficult. SSL has taken a lot of the guesswork out of navigating multiple...
REVIEW: Orangewood Mason Mahogany Live Acoustic Guitar
Starting with a Grand auditorium shape, the Orangewood Mason Mahogany Live Acoustic Guitar features a mahogany top, laminated sapele mahogany for the sides and back, and a C-shaped mahogany neck; it’s not lacking on quality materials. Scalloped bracing in a X pattern...
REVIEW: Sterling By Music Man Sabre Electric Guitar
Typically, when a manufacturer offers up a lower-priced import instrument, it’s been streamlined for costs; components are often inexpensive, electronics are simpler, and design features found in higher end models are skipped over. Ernie Ball Music Man took their...
How To
Top 5 ways to build your fanbase before your next music release
As hard as it is to write a hit song, sometimes it feels like the hardest part is getting people to know it’s out there. There are so many options to promote new music online that many artists feel lost and overwhelmed: Should I embed a color-coordinated countdown...
Get to Know Telos Tapes: The Cassette-Only Indie Label
Editor’s note – when we have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on a really cool label, we jump at the chance. Telos Tapes recently got on our radar for their cassette-only release strategy. No Spotify, no Shazaming, all physical. We asked the label to provide some...
Key Insurance Concepts for Musicians
When it comes to the new musical landscape we find ourselves in, insurance may not be top of mind for many artists out there. That said, we definitely think it’s smarter to be prepared for when touring and live gigs open up, than be caught flat-footed as other acts...
Buying Guide
A Beginner’s Guide to Wavetable Synthesis
What is Wavetable Synthesis? Wavetable synthesis is an application of digital sound synthesis that uses multiple waveforms stored together in a table to generate sounds. Wavetable synthesis dates back to the very early days of computer music in the 1970s. Max Mathews...
GEAR NEWS: New MusicNomad Fret Leveler – Leveling L-Beam Now Available
This just in from our friends at Music Nomad: Leveling your frets and fingerboard has never been easier with MusicNomad's Fret Leveler L-Beam. With three sizes to choose from, 7" (18cm), 17.6" (45cm), and 24" (61cm), no detail was overlooked from top to bottom in...
REVIEW: DPA 4055 Kick Drum Microphone
We were delighted when the recently released DPA 4055 Kick Drum Microphone showed up for review earlier this spring. Having a dedicated mic on the kick is a huge time-saver when it comes to recording, since you’re not shuffling other mics around from your locker, or...
Industry News
WATCH: The Positive Grid Spark Live is the Ultimate Rehearsal Room PA/Amp for Your Band
https://youtu.be/klI69syvLq0 We recently sent the new Positive Grid SPARK LIVE to Boston-based indie pop band Air Traffic Controller to test out in their rehearsal studio. To show just how easy it is to get set up and rocking right away, we gave them no prior...
WATCH: How to Record KILLER Vocals with the new Telefunken TF17 FET condenser microphone
https://youtu.be/wYVmcUZvMQY?si=Gf698iUc66A7uGjz We recently sent the brand-new Telefunken TF17 into the studio with Amanda Ayala to show off just what a powerhouse this new condenser is. Sit back as she unboxes, sets things up and tracks vocal parts for her new...
WATCH NOW: Get Amazing On-The-Go Sound with new All-in-One Mackie ShowBox
Learn how to get better live sound in a small, affordable and portable PA/acoustic amp package. The new Mackie ShowBox is an awesome battery-powered PA and acoustic amp with a few tricks up its sleeve. We enlisted the help of singer/songwriter Travis Shallow to walk...