Electro-Harmonix Epitome TRIPLE-THREAT TONE MACHINE Merging three creative pedals into one, the Electro-Harmonix Epitome multieffects pedal offers guitarists an easy way to conjure up dramatic and spatially complex tones. Inside its pedalboard-friendly chassis are a Micro POG octave, a Stereo Electric Mistress chorus/flanger, and a Holy Grail Plus reverb. This combo can create anything from mild shimmer to pure psychedelic madness. Each effects engine’s... 

Fender Cabronita Precision Bass BASS WITH ATTITUDE High output, solid low-end and pure attitude are what define the Fender Cabronita Precision Bass. Beyond its bold coloring and first-generation P-Bass headstock, this instrument boasts a specially designed Fideli’Tron Bass mini humbucker. This pickup delivers deep and punchy tone with none of the dullness and boominess that routinely plagues dual-coil bass pickups. Best of all, the Fideli’Tron... 

KORG VOLCA KEYS, VOLCA BASS, VOLCA BEATS BRINGING ANALOG BACK Korg has been on a mission to bring quality analog synthesis to the masses. First with the monotron series, then the monotribe mini workstation, and most recently with the Volca series modules. These new additions—the Volca Keys, Volca Bass, and Volca Beats—are especially compelling as they combine classic analog designs with digital convenience, including patch recall and MIDI input.... 

Dave Smith Instruments’ Prophet 12 PUSHING THE DIGITAL-ANALOG ENVELOPE Since the 2013 Winter NAMM Show, the keyboard world has been abuzz about Dave Smith Instrument’s latest innovation—Prophet 12. A departure from this analog synth maker’s penchant for vintage analog designs, the Prophet 12 packs serious sonic firepower under the hood, including 48 oscillators (plus an additional 12 suboscillators), flexible routing and warm analog filtering.... 

Roland RC-505 Loop Station LOOPING FOR EVERYONE With the Roland RC-505 Loop Station, multiloop performance isn’t just for guitarists anymore. From singers and keyboardists to DJs and beatboxers, everyone can get in on the fun with this tabletop looping workstation. The RC-505 comes packed with effects and onboard rhythms, providing limitless ways to amp the groove. Large, simple and extensive hands-on controls make it easy to manipulate musical... 

Gibson’s Bill Kelliher Golden Axe Explorer  MASTODON-SIZED POWER Tapping the mojo of one of metal’s ace shredders, Gibson’s Bill Kelliher Golden Axe Explorer delivers tone in mammoth proportion. This six-string beast features a solid mahogany build for massive sustain and low-end warmth. A departure for Gibson, and the Mastodon guitarist himself, this guitar offers a pair of LACE Nitro Hemi pickups, which dish out epic high-gain tones with... 

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT5040 CARDIOID CONDENSER MIC State-of-the-art hi-def audio Audio-Technica has earned a loyal customer base by offering pro-quality mics at project studio prices. Their new AT5040 is making serious noise in the higher end of the market. It features four matched diaphragms that work together to create a large rectangular element, which combines the best characteristics of both large- and small-diaphragm condensers. An internal shock... 

ISOACOUSTICS ISO-L8R200 SPEAKER STANDS Stands that make a difference IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R monitor stands are built to dynamically flex in response to speaker movement, allowing them to perform with greater efficiency for clearer sound and sharp stereo imaging. We were impressed with the new ISO-L8R200, which support more substantial monitors, but they also provide enough space to set a pair of Yamaha NS10 speakers on their sides. Straight away, the... 

PRESONUS ERIS E8 STUDIO MONITORS Home studio heroes PreSonus’ Eris E8s studio monitors continue their reputation for making inexpensive products that offer high quality and functionality. Out of the box, the Eris E8s delivered a mixing experience that was anything but entry level. The smooth and even frequency response made them perfect for long tracking sessions and critical mixing. And in addition to a host of input and EQ options, there’s also... 

RØDE IXY STEREO MIC FOR IOS Stereo recording in a snap The RØDE iXY is the world’s first 24-bit/96 kHz microphone that instantly turns your iPhone or iPad into a stereo recorder. The first thing we noticed was the clear directionality of the broad X/Y stereo pickup pattern—perfect for high quality recording of anything from song ideas to full performances. RØDE also provides a free app that lets you attenuate input level, create unique track...