Gear Reviews
Mackie Acquires Babelson Audio Plug-Ins
Mackie, a leader in high-quality, easy-to-use, and innovative professional audio designs, has announced the acquisition of Babelson Audio’s catalog of highly acclaimed processing plug-ins. With an innovative range of products including vintage tube EQ and saturation,...
Focusrite Vocaster Two USB-C Podcasting Audio Interface REVIEW
Podcasting started out pretty simply: a computer and a microphone. Then the ability to have someone call in, like a radio show, and the hardware and software needed for more (and better) microphones meant more gear that in many cases were overkill for most...
Lowden Ed Sheeran Tour Edition Guitar Review
In many cases signature instruments can be a hard pill to swallow; if they’re overdone with an artist’s signature graphics or other adornments, players sometimes feel that there’s no room for their own growth, or even worse, pass on a great guitar just because of the...
How To
Best Practices: Insurance Do’s and Don’ts for Musicians
We know that we’re living in uncertain times, and I’m sure now more than ever many of you are itching to get back on the road. Live performances are the lifeblood of the music industry, and where many independent artists earn a living. So, when the world does open up...
Steinberg Offers #StayHome Elements Collection
To encourage musicians to stay creative during these unprecedented times, Steinberg has designed the #StayHome Elements Collection so music makers can create in the comfort of their own home. From now until May 15, the collection is completely free to use for 60 days....
The Pros, Cons, and Future of Artificial Intelligence in Music
Since American Idol star and YouTube sensation Taryn Southern started composing music with AI in 2017, musicians all over the world have begun wondering about the implications of AI and modern technology where music production is concerned. Technology has long been an...
Buying Guide
REVIEW: Coppersound Strategy Two-Channel Preamp and Overdrive V2
Back in March of 2021 we reviewed Coppersound’s Strategy pedal. The cool Strat-inspired design is as unique as the sound, and now Coppersound has updated it with an additional overdrive mode. Enter the Strategy V2. Again, the blend of Stratocaster and stompbox design...
The Difference Between TRUE BYPASS and BUFFERED BYPASS
It’s impossible to shop around for effects pedals without noticing claims of “true bypass” coming from a wide range of manufacturers. Like many things in the guitar effects world, there is some disagreement about the benefits of true bypass, with some players...
Practical Tips and Tricks for Stacking Gain and Overdrive Pedals
In the guitar world, especially when it comes to tone, everyone has an opinion on what’s “right.” However, between the blurred lines of audio science and the endless chatter of gear forums finding what’s best tonally for yourself can be a challenge. With seemingly...
Industry News
How musicians can make money through their website
[Guest article courtesy of Melanie Kealey of Bandzoogle] Even in a time when new platforms and online technologies are exploding in popularity – Web3, TikTok, Yubo, and more – it has never been more critical for musicians to build and maintain their own website, their...
The special PEDAL ISSUE is out now!
Performer Magazine is psyched to bring you our special PEDAL ISSUE, bought to you by our premier sponsor, the RAT DISTORTION PEDAL. We've been working hard on this one for a while, and it even has a companion MIXTAPE dropping along with the print version (that's...
The Global Leader in Music Streaming You’re Ignoring
It’s not Spotify, it’s not Amazon, and it’s not Apple. It’s not web3 and it doesn’t run on a blockchain. It’s not TikTok. It’s available in every country which has the internet. There’s a premium and ad-based tier. There’s a playlist culture. It’s desktop and mobile...