Blue Rock Artist Ranch and Studio Songwriting Retreat If you’ve ever entertained the idea of attending a songwriting retreat, or perhaps recording your next album at a destination studio, you’re in for a treat. Nestled deep in the heart of Texas Hill Country is a precious, one-of-a-kind, hidden gem.  Imagine stumbling upon an ornate treasure box filled with rare and unexpected delights and wonders. That’s Texas Hill Country. Now picture yourself... 

The 2019 NAMM Show Media Preview Day – ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 23: Orianthi attends the 2019 NAMM Show Media Preview Day at the Anaheim Convention Center on January 23, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for NAMM) Photo Credit – Getty Images for NAMM Wednesday, January 23, 2019 Each evening of The 2019 NAMM Show, the NAMM PR team will be servicing photos and a selection of the next day’s events... 

Sweetwater’s GearFest 2017 Draws Record Crowds and Sales Free Music and Pro Audio Trade Show Continues to Grow GearFest completely takes over the Sweetwater campus with parking, camping sites, gear tents, a performance pavilion, the retail store, and the massive interior of the Sweetwater building. Sweetwater Sound announced that GearFest 2017 was a bigger success than ever, breaking every record established by previous GearFest events. Launched... 

Toontrack releases Singer-Songwriter EZkeys MIDI Toontrack announced the release of the Singer-Songwriter EZkeys MIDI pack, a collection of MIDI playing variations inspired by some of the most iconic singer-songwriters of the past few decades. This release marks the twenty-ninth individual title in Toontrack’s line of piano MIDI for EZkeys. About the Singer-Songwriter EZkeys MIDI pack For decades now, the piano has been a natural vehicle to help... 

ANALOG ALIEN JOE WALSH DOUBLE CLASSIC Essential classic rock tone This signature pedal offers independently selectable compression and tube amplifier emulation circuits that deliver stunning studio-inspired vintage guitar tones—worthy of the classic rock shredder. Divided into two color-coded sections—amp and compressor—the amp section is reminiscent of classic tweed models. The gain control runs from chiming clean to hairy distortion that responds... 

M-AUDIO AV42 Value and quality-driven desktop monitors M-Audio’s AV42 powered speakers offer recording hobbyists a significant step up from conventional computer speakers in quality and value. We were surprised by the definition these near-field monitors achieve. Bass-reflex MDF cabinets account for the solidity of the AV42’s low end, whereas waveguide-controlled 1-inch silk-dome tweeters, like those found in high-end models, deliver clear highs... 

SE ELECTRONICS GUITARF Superior guitar cab isolation The sE Electronics guitaRF allows you to obtain isolated guitar cabinet sounds without the hassle or expense of building an isolation booth. It features a moveable arm, which accommodates side-address condenser or ribbon microphones, and a special port holds an SM57 or similar dynamic instrument microphone. A flat base slips under amps, for extremely close miking. The result is clean, clear sound... 

SLATE MEDIA TECHNOLOGY RAVEN MTI Revolutionary touch-screen control In a world inundated with multitouch devices and apps, the Slate Media Technology RAVEN MTi control surface offers a connection to most popular DAW software that’s nothing short of refreshing. Most striking about this 27-inch touch-display control surface isn’t just the novelty of manipulating multiple virtual faders at once, it’s the speed and accuracy with which the RAVEN... 

GEAR SPOTLIGHT WESTONE AM PRO SERIES AMBIENT EARPHONES In-ear Monitors with Passive Ambience The Westone AM PRO Series ambient earphones are the on-stage solution performing musicians have been waiting for. In the past, musicians have used in-ear monitors but have not felt as connected with the crowd, or even other things onstage—mainly the other musicians. The AM PRO series has found a way to maintain low frequencies so that your monitor signal... 

YAMAHA JOHN PATITUCCI TRBJP2 Versatile bass designed by one of the greats The way the maple-topped ash and alder body of the Yamaha John Patitucci signature TRBJP2 model six-string bass springs to life with the lightest touch speaks volumes about the quality of this instrument. From body construction to pickup design and its voiced electronics—it reflects the demanding standards of its master bassist creator. While the brass tailpiece is totally... 

YAMAHA AG06 Quick, quality and versatile mixing Yamaha released a pair of powerful small-format mixers/USB audio-interfaces for 2015, the three-channel AG03 and the six-channel AG06. We recently got our hands on the AG06 and were impressed by the feature set Yamaha managed to pack into such a portable unit. Class-compliant USB connectivity makes the AG06 well suited for traditional music recording, but there are also onboard options for recording... 

AUDIX SCX25A MICROPHONE Phenomenal piano sound  Capturing piano is challenging especially during live performances. The Audix SCX25A-PS large diaphragm studio condenser mic kit we reviewed comes with a pair of SCX25As and two piano mounts that separate into mic clips. We found the SCX25As to be refreshingly flat in their frequency response without sounding dull, capturing the fullness of the instrument but not overaccentuating any particular range.... 

SONY SOUND FORGE PRO 11 Next generation of editing and mastering  Sound Forge Pro 11—Sony’s latest version of their flagship recording application—offers a full step up for those who create, edit or mix in Windows. The workflow is nothing short of phenomenal. In-application tutorials do a sensational job of walking you through frequently used menus and windows. The massive time display and input meters allows tracking without having to sit... 

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT2020USB+ Pristine performance and USB connectivity The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone combines the crystalline sound of the award-winning AT2020 with a host of features that make USB-based recording a treat. Perfect for tracking music and podcasts alike, the powered headphone circuit delivers crisp audio and features an external volume wheel. The Mix wheel makes it a snap to dial in the perfect blend between... 

STRING SWING FLAT-FOLDING GUITAR STAND Bridging security and portability String Swing has kept guitars safe for 25 years with an array of guitar hangers, and the Flat-Folding Guitar Stand is the latest addition to the company’s line. In the stowed position, both the acoustic and electric versions compress to a mere 1 1/2 inches in height. Unlike most stands on the market, they also sport a solid frame that folds into place, making it virtually roadie-proof.... 

KYSER RED BANDANA QUICK-CHANGE LIMITED EDITION CAPO Reliability with flair  Designed to make transposing instruments a one-handed, tuning-free affair, Kyser capos have been used for decades by players like Bruce Springsteen and Dwight Yoakam who have come to depend on their quality and design. Originally crafted as a custom piece, the limited edition Red Bandana Capo is guaranteed to dress up any guitar. Like all the capos in the Kyser line, the... 

TELEFUNKEN M80 Superior performance with dynamic convenience Featuring a wide frequency response, the M80 serves up condenser-like performance in a thin, rugged design. The head and capsule were designed to reduce proximity effect, resulting in a more consistent production experience regardless of venue. This was especially apparent in the studio when we miked our Fender Deluxe Reverb. Because of the broad range of frequencies this amp produces it’s... 

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... 

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... 

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... 

LINE 6 STAGESOURCE L2T POWERED SPEAKER Next-gen loudspeakers  When it comes to size, ease of use, and sound quality, nothing we’ve seen rivals Line 6 StageSource L2t powered loudspeaker. The two-way/800 watt L2t easily toggles between a traditional PA speaker and personal monitor system thanks to a range of tilt-back and configuration options. But the fun really starts when you dive into the side panel, which includes a full PA’s worth of connections,... 

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... 

TRIAD-ORBIT MIC STANDS Standing apart from the crowd When we saw the Triad-Orbit mic stands at AES, we knew they were going to be a game changer for both recording and live-sound engineers. This modular stand system is made from the highest quality materials, providing extreme placement flexibility and stability. The mechanical limitations of the average mic stand require the entire stand to be moved into position. Conversely, Triad-Orbit stands feature... 

DANGEROUS MUSIC SOURCE Mojo for your monitors  While recording enthusiasts gleefully scarf up pricey mics and compressors, they often skimp on what may be the single most valuable piece of gear in their signal chain—the monitor controller. People often forget that every mic they place, note they play, and track they mix hinges on the ability to accurately hear the audio. With a staggering array of configurations and ganging capacity, the Dangerous... 

RADIAL STAGEBUG SB-1 ACTIVE ACOUSTIC DI Tiny DI with big features Although the Radial Engineering SB-1 is small enough to fit in your guitar case, the company didn’t skimp on features or durability. Built specifically with acoustic guitar in mind, this phantom-powered DI features a phase button for feedback cancellation you can control onstage and a switchable -15dB pad for high-output active electronics. A parallel quarter-inch jack complements... 

PETERSON STROBOPLUS HD STROBE TUNER Fine tuning in the palm of your hand If you’re in the market for a serious tuner, check out the Peterson StroboPlus HD. Although it’s the most feature-rich tuner we’ve seen, the StroboPlus HD is refreshingly easy to operate. You can run it inline like a pedal or use the incredibly accurate internal microphone. There’s a rechargeable lithium-ion battery onboard, a convenient kickstand for desktop use, and... 

DW COLLECTOR’S SERIES CONCRETE SNARE DRUMS Killer sound cannon DW Drums has built an all-star roster of endorsers by crafting a line of drums as versatile as they are roadworthy. The 5.5×14” and 6.5×14” Concrete Snare Drums are the latest addition to the DW Collector’s Series, and they’re more than worthy of the DW badge. We were especially blown away by the outstanding textures, tone and dynamic range the 5.5” model delivered.... 

AUDIO-TECHNICA SYSTEM 10 DIGITAL WIRELESS SYSTEMS Wireless hi-fi mic system to go If you’re in the market for a 24-bit/48 kHz digital wireless system, check out the latest offering from Audio-Technica. System 10 is as easy to set up as it is to use, and offers a combination of frequency, time and space diversity to keep your signal locked in. You can run up to eight systems at a time, each based around the stackable ATW-R1100 digital receiver. Operating... 

DIGITECH WHAMMY FIFTH GENERATION Step up your game  The latest incarnation of DigiTech’s Whammy pedal is the most robust Whammy to date, delivering more interval presets, chordal Whammy pitch shifting and true bypass functionality. If you have yet to join the ranks of illustrious Whammy masters like the Edge, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Tom Morello, this Whammy just might have your name on it. The Whammy allows you to control pitch or harmony based... 

CAD MH510 SESSIONS HEADPHONES Wrap your head with studio monitor quality If you’re looking for headphones that hype bass and treble, you can stop here. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a set of phones that sound like studio monitors—with the added benefit of minimal bleed into the listening environment, read on. Available in four fashion-friendly color schemes, each pair of CAD MH510s comes with a straight and coiled cable as well as... 

TELEFUNKEN M81 DYNAMIC CARDIOID MIC Dynamic mic with maximum versatility The Telefunken M81 is the company’s second foray into the dynamic mic market, and is every bit as inspired as their initial offering. With a bit less high end than the M80, the M81 sounds and feels like the industry’s most popular dynamic microphone on steroids. It’s perfect for vocalists on the “brassy” side, as well as guitars and other dynamic instruments including... 

SONUUS WAHOO Killer analog wah and more with a step The Sonuus Wahoo produces classic analog effects with all the benefits of digital technology. If you’ve been looking for a single pedal that produces killer wah and filter effects, your search ends here. The Wahoo allows you to deep edit, store and share presets—and features 100 factory presets that sound great out of the box. You can also store up to 100 user presets that can be created and... 

YAMAHA DTX450K ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT Affordable electronic drums that groove With more than 45 years producing world-class drums, it’s not surprising that Yamaha’s DTX450K earns such high marks. The DTX450K is perfect for triggering samples in the studio or getting your groove on in any volume-conscious venue—including your living room. The most feature-rich model in Yamaha’s affordable DTX400 series, the DTX450K certainly doesn’t skimp in... 

EARASERS EARPLUGS Affordable, comfortable hi-fi earplugs  Musicians want to protect their hearing but they hate the sound, feel and appearance of over-the-counter earplugs. Custom-molded models address these objections but they require professional fitting and are pricey. EARasers—a company founded by musicians—is dedicated to creating comfortable, attractive, accurate and affordable earplugs. Since their arrival at 2012’s summer NAMM show,... 

APOGEE QUARTET Affordable electronic drums that groove We had anticipated Apogee would deliver its pristine digital conversion and fidelity to the Quartet, but its massive range of studio control totally blew us away. Like the One and the Duo, all of the Quartet’s I/O levels are controlled via sleek pushbuttons and a single big knob. What sets the Quartet apart are its four phantom-powered combi-jacks, ADAT I/O and three independent balanced outputs.... 

ISOACOUSTICS ISO-L8R 155 SPEAKER STANDS Definitive isolation for studio monitors The first thing we noticed when testing the IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R 155s was a dramatic improvement in monitoring clarity. Bass tightened, mids opened, and the separation between instruments became more apparent. ISO-L8R 155s achieve this effect by addressing the most common monitoring problems. Their floating design has a decoupling effect, dramatically reducing false low... 

AKG D12 VR REFERENCE KICK-DRUM MICROPHONE Bass drum mic goes to the next level The AKG D12 VR celebrates the company’s 65th anniversary with a nod to the dynamic mic that put them on the map in the ’50s and ’60s—the original D12—and the iconic D112 kick-drum mic heard on countless recordings and innumerable live venues. Without phantom power, the D12 VR delivers the pure character produced by any sound source. With phantom power engaged,... 

SONY IMAGINATION STUDIO 4 Master all your media needs Adapting to an ever more technological climate, today’s musicians are responsible for managing and producing a wide range of media from YouTube videos to SoundCloud audio demos. Sony Imagination Studio 4 packages four of Sony’s most popular production applications into a single time and money saving bundle. ACID Music Studio 9 and Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 covers all your multitrack, loop,... 

AKAI PROFESSIONAL EIE PRO AUDIO INTERFACE Supercharge your desktop studio The EIE Pro is the second in Akai Professional’s EIE desktop USB audio interface lineup. Supporting up to 24-bit/96kHz audio and an extensive array of I/O, the EIE Pro offers a ton of functionality for the price. Brightly backlit VU meters make it easy to monitor any of the four combo jack inputs. These phantom-powered inputs accept mic-, line- and instrument-level signal.... 

SKB 3I-4217-18T DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC GUITAR CASE Dread not with this case Tired of gigbagging around? SKB’s military spec, waterproof Dreadnought case is worth checking out. Talk about tough! When we subjected it to our brutal trampoline test, its polypropylene copolymer resin shell and molded-in hinges easily withstood all the abuse we could throw at it. But this 3i Series case isn’t just tough, it’s luxurious, too. It features a set of extra-deep... 

PRS NF3 ELECTRIC GUITAR New-sounding classic The NF3 marks an exciting departure from the features that characterize most PRS guitars. Three narrow-aperture humbucking pickups and a wonderfully responsive floating tremolo make the NF3 one of the most versatile yet inspiring instruments we’ve played. The maple fretboard and neck combined with a Korina wood body gives this guitar extra snap and warmth, which the Narrowfield pickups capture beautifully.... 

DIGITECH IPB-10 PROGRAMMABLE PEDALBOARD Pedalboard simplicity and flexibility The DigiTech iPB-10 is the world’s first programmable pedalboard fueled by an iPad. Packed with 87 pedals, 54 amps and 26 cabinets, there’s a ton of onboard tone. The iPad touch screen makes it easy to adjust settings, swap out gear, and organize your presets and setups. Each setup holds up to 10 pedals, one amp and one cabinet. Five setup buttons and five assignable... 

SENNHEISER XSW 72-A  Affordable cost of freedom The freedom of going wireless all too often means compromising sound and dynamics. If you’ve been looking to cut the cord, we suggest auditioning the Sennheiser XSW 72-A. Designed for musical instruments running at line or instrument levels, the XSW 72-A delivers superior dynamics and lush tone. Tested with a Strat into a vintage Fender amp, we concluded the sparkly highs and rich low end ensured... 

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT2005USB CARDIOID DYNAMIC USB/XLR MICROPHONE All-purpose quality and versatility The AT2005USB offers a wide variety of solutions for musicians and audio techs alike. XLR and USB outputs are ideal for both field and studio applications, complemented by a built-in headphone jack with volume control. The AT2005USB performed especially well through our PA, serving up crystal clear tones. Vocals and voiceovers were dynamic, and the cardioid... 

DIRECT SOUND YOUR ESSENTIAL HEADPHONE KIT MADE 4 JAMHUB Extreme isolation headphone packs Originally designed to complement the various JamHub units, Your Essential Headphone Kit Made 4 JamHub from Direct Sound is an ideal solution for anyone using multiple headphones. Available in five or seven phone packs, the color-coded strain relief and keepers bring order to often chaotic multiphone sessions. Both kits are available with either the EX-25 or... 

TOONTRACK BACKBEATS MIDI Righteous grooves—and plenty of ’em Toontrack’s latest expansion pack offering, Backbeats MIDI does not disappoint. Session drummer Stephen Belans accomplished his goal of creating an infectious set of beats and fills to equip classic rock, pop and country songwriters and producers. “I based this purely on what a songwriter might need,” says Belans. The 500-plus files are grouped in rhythmic styles and broken down... 

ELECTRO-VOICE ELX115P  Even frequency response with volume to spare The Electro-Voice ELX115P two-way monitor delivers rich and extremely even frequency response with plenty of crisp headroom, thanks to the lightweight 1000-watt Class D power amplifier. As a FOH main we found the off-axis projection to be excellent, and were equally impressed when flipping the ELX115P on its side for use as a monitor. Both input channels feature XLR/TRS multijacks...