Waves Manny Marroquin Signature Series MUST-HAVE STUDIO TOOLS The Waves Manny Marroquin Signature Series plug-in collection includes six ingenious plug-ins masterminded by a hit producer-engineer behind many of today’s hottest pop acts. These plug-ins range from the more straightforward MM Reverb and MM Delay to the specialized MM Triple D and the MM Tone Shaper. Simple controls and logical layouts provide intuitive operation, without limiting an... 

ANTELOPE AUDIO ORION 32 STELLAR I/O FOR ANY PLATFORM The Antelope Audio Orion 32 USB audio interface packs a boatload of pristine AD/DA conversion into a single rack space, delivering a staggering 32 channels of both input and output at up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution. In addition to its analog I/O—all handled by standard DB-25 connectors—the Orion 32 also sports ADAT and MADI digital connections, so it can easily integrate into a more advanced... 

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... 

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... 

KORG MS-20 MINI ’70S ANALOG FOR THE FUTURE There have been several iterations of the Korg MS-20 since its debut in 1978, but none as innovative as the MS-20 Mini. At first glance, the size reduction of more than 85 percent is the most obvious new feature of this reissue. Despite its smaller size, the MS-20 Mini offers up the same sweet oscillators as the original, flavored by first-generation filtering, ring modulation and other true-to-original... 

RMI BASSWITCH IQ DI THE ULTIMATE BASS RIG The RMI Basswitch IQ DI is the ultimate centerpiece to any working bass rig. This unassuming box includes an A/B switcher in front of a killer preamp, EQ, dual effects loop, and DI. The preamp section is bolstered by a Lehle LTMZ transformer for phenomenally faithful amplification that will thrill any hardcore tone freak. The semi-parametric four-band equalizer provides incredible tone-shaping flexibility,... 

PULSE TECHNIQUES PULTEC EQP-1A3 NOTHING COMPARES TO THE ORIGINAL There are dozens of semi-successful Pultec-style EQ clones, but nothing compares to the genuine Pulse Techniques equalizer. Meticulously recreating the original Pultec EQP-1A component by component (often having to manufacture his own replacement parts), company president Steve Jackson revived the original Pulse Techniques model to perfection. Now available in the U.S., the Pultec EQP-1A3... 

BOCK AUDIO IFET IDEAL VINTAGE AND MODERN TONE The perfect choice for space-challenged studios with a limited budget for quality condenser mics, the Bock Audio iFet more than legitimizes the reputation of this relatively small microphone maker. Wielding two discrete Class A amplification signal paths, the iFet delivers ideal instrument and vocal sound. In V mode, the iFet closely resembles the warm vintage vocal microphones that defined the hit recordings... 

GRETSCH G9240 Alligator Biscuit Cone Roundneck BLUESY BISCUIT BITE Reaching back to their roots, the G9240 Alligator Biscuit Cone Roundneck revives one of Gretsch’s classic guitars. A 99 percent pure aluminum, hand-spun Ampli-Sonic biscuit resonator cone set in a laminated mahogany top offers this gorgeous instrument its raspy, swampy, lo-fi blues sound. The resonator cone also provides a ton of natural acoustic projection and volume. It nicely... 

GIBSON SG SUPRA NOT YOUR AVERAGE SG When Gibson introduced their 2013 SG Supra, they blithely broke nearly every rule in the book. This SG features an all maple body and a special selection of pickups. A trio of ’57 Classic humbuckers equipped with a special TogPot switching system delivers everything from classic PAF tones to in-between tones that are out of reach for a traditional SG. There’s also a Fishman Piezo Power Bridge onboard, which... 

SONY DWZB30GB WIRELESS FOR TONE PURISTS The Sony DWZB30GB digital instrument wireless system provides total freedom for guitar and bass players without sacrificing tone. In fact, its 24-bit digital signal wireless transmission is so pure Sony added a configurable cable tone function to provide realistic guitar-cable frequency loss emulation. Operating in the uncluttered 2.4 GHz frequency range, the DWZB30GB is virtually immune to traditional radio... 

KALA U-BASS DOUBLE-BASS SOUND IN A UKE BODY The remarkably affordable travel-sized acoustic Kala U-Bass manages to pack warm and woody double-bass sound into an instrument that can fit—case and all—into the overhead compartment of an airplane. Tonewoods range from exotic mahogany to brighter spruce-topped models. They all feature Kala’s proprietary polyurethane strings, which are the key to U-Bass’ extremely short-scale extra-deep tone. A... 

TAMA SILVERSTAR HYPER-DRIVE KILLER PROJECTION & TONE The limited edition Tama Silverstar Hyper-Drive drum kit is an excellent choice for live and session work. Like the rest of Tama’s Silverstar lineup, the affordable kit features all-birch shells, offering a naturally warm and slightly dark fundamental tone that lends impact to recordings. To balance this tone, Tama chose their shallower Hyper-Drive sizing for the toms, which provides extra... 

HAMMOND SK1 ORGAN PERFECTION FOR KEYBOARDISTS There are plenty of fine keyboards with passable organ sounds, but only a few organs with good auxiliary instrument sounds. Among them, the Hammond SK1 stands alone. Built around the sound of the world-famous B-3 tonewheel organ, the SK1 features real drawbars that provide tactile control any organist demands. Loaded with impressive emulations of Rhodes and Wurlitzer EPs, Clavinets, Farf combos, church... 

CUTTING THE CORD Wireless sound offers freedom to roam the stage,but is it the right option for you? Anyone who’s caught a major live act in the last decade has seen and heard wireless technology in action. From stage-diving rock stars to tightly choreographed pop groups, wireless mics and instrument systems have redefined the live music experience. Long gone are the days of performers tethered to the stage with restricting cords. But is wireless... 

BACK TO THE FUTURE As musicians flock to the warm sound of analog, what are the best recording choices for you?  Years ago even the most intrepid musicians couldn’t make an album without renting a pro recording studio and all the pricey yet required accoutrement that went with it. Today the process is fast, easy and cheap—anyone with a laptop and a few accessories can create an album in a bedroom. Digital technology has changed everything. Or... 

THE BIG PICTURE A memorable video can be the key to taking your act to the next level Back in the day, blowing up big often began with a lucky live gig in which an A&R rep happened to be in the audience. Or having your demo land on the right record exec’s desk. Today, artists from Justin Bieber and OK Go to Carly Rae Jepsen and PSY have catapulted to stardom thanks to clips on YouTube, Vimeo and other video websites. In fact, it’s hard to... 

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... 

TC-HELICON VOICELIVE TOUCH 2 Bringing the studio to the stage for vocalists Built to bring studio magic to the stage, the TC-Helicon VoiceLive Touch 2 provides four vocal-enhancing functions: processing, effects, harmonies and looping. Processing features such as adaptive EQ, compression and pitch-correction add an air of professional polish to vocals without demanding much in the way of setup. Effects ranging from smooth reverb to intense distortion... 

KINGKORG Digital synth with analog attitude From the sound of it, it’s hard to believe that the KingKORG is a digital keyboard. A testament to just how far Korg’s analog modeling has come? The filter emulation on the KingKORG alone will impress even the most die-hard analog synth nut. Performing keyboardists will revel in its live accessibility. Decades of classic synth sounds spring to life at the push of a button, and a series of dedicated controls... 

FENDER ACOUSTIC CUSTOM SHOP A whole new level of acoustics from Fender Fender unveiled an entirely new division at this year’s NAMM show: the Fender Acoustic Custom Shop. Run by master luthiers Tim Shaw and Ren Ferguson, the Connecticut-based workshop is devoted to combining historical guitar-making tradition, modern artistry along with the finest materials and techniques to create a stunning selection of instruments. Models featuring the earmarks... 

ROLAND BT-1 BAR TRIGGER PAD Ergonomic flexibility is the key With breakthrough technologies such as their dual-mesh head pads and SuperNATURAL drum engine, Roland has long been the leader in electronic drums. But it’s the simple ergonomic flexibility that makes the BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad. The BT-1 mounts easily to the rim of acoustic-style drum shells, right where it’s the most useful. Alternatively, you can stand mount the BT-1 where a cowbell... 

PRESONUS STUDIOLILVE Digital mixer that does it all PreSonus stepped up their StudioLive series with the powerful 32-channel/14-bus StudioLive 32.4.2AI. The 32.4.2AI begins with the same impressive functionality as previous models, and adds a staggering amount of additional horsepower to the mix. Each channel and bus supports complete Fat Channel processing—including full dynamics and a four-band parametric EQ—on top of amazing DSP effects. Integrated... 

BOSS STOMPBOXES Kicking off a new era of guitar effects BOSS has just launched three innovative stompboxes: the DA-2 Adaptive Distortion, MO-2 Multi Overtone and TE-2 Tera Echo. Each features BOSS’s new Multi-Dimensional Processing technology—which splits the signal into separate frequency bands for parallel processing—offering remarkable results. For instance, the DA-2 Adaptive Distortion delivers classic stompbox distortion that holds together... 

M-AUDIO M-TRACK Interface delivering performance and value M-Audio’s M-Track audio interfaces make recording fun, easy and affordable for musicians at every level. Choose from three models: the M-Track, the M-Track Plus and the M-Track Quad. Even the simple two-channel M-Track sports professional features such as separate XLR and TRS inputs and 24-bit/48 kHz digital conversion, and both MIDI and digital audio I/O are available on the more advanced... 

FISHMAN TRIPLEPLAY Guitar MIDI goes wireless The TriplePlay wireless pickup system by Fishman takes guitar MIDI evolution to the next level. Capturing each string separately and converting its sound into MIDI, the TriplePlay goes beyond the limits of conventional hex pickups by transmitting MIDI wirelessly to a USB receiver up to 100 feet away. That makes it easy to connect directly to a virtual instrument rig or DAW. With the capability to split... 

APHEX PROJECT CHANNEL Channel strip with epic tone-sculpting power Aphex’s Project Channel features harmonically rich and musically sweetened sound that’s ideal for studio and stage. A warm Class A mic pre kicks off the signal path with more than enough gain to push the onboard optical compressor. Aphex’s legendary Aural Exciter and Big Bottom processors work together to create a classic tape-like effect, adding air to the highs and low-end... 

PEAVEY VYPYR II VIP SERIES The next step in tonal versatility You can’t beat the versatility Peavey’s Vypyr II VIP Series combo amps offer. Perfect for performing multi-instrumentalists, Vypyr II VIP amplifiers handle electric guitars, basses, acoustic guitars and other acoustic-electric instruments. Powerful onboard DSP provides access to numerous amplifier and stompbox models, and feature superior studio-style effects and processors onboard... 

ONE CONTROL’S MOSQUITE BLENDER STOMPBOX SUPERCHARGER Ten years ago, if asked what “parallel processing” meant, most guitarists would have muttered something about computers. Today, the technique has become so prevalent many guitarists pick up expensive effects loop controllers just to be able to pull it off. One Control’s affordable Mosquite Blender delivers a single foot-switchable effects loop with a simple wet/dry mix control. Use it to... 

MICW ISHOTGUN POCKET-SIZED PRO MIC While photographers have long followed the adage, “the best camera is the one you have with you,” the MicW iShotgun proves that the same is true for microphones. Designed to plug directly into a standard 1/8” TRRS communications jack, this pocket-sized highly-directional condenser mic provides a professional-quality solution for anyone recording on the go with an iOS or Android device. It also comes complete... 

APPLIED ACOUSTICS SYSTEM LOUNGE LIZARD EP-4 ENDLESS KEYBOARD TONES Why settle for a single electric piano model, when the Applied Acoustics Systems Lounge Lizard EP-4 virtual instrument offers a limitless supply of vintage keyboard tones. Using some of the most sophisticated modeling technology available, Lounge Lizard EP-4 provides real-time manipulation of nearly every aspect of its tone, with advanced control over hammers, tines, pickups and other... 

ZOOM MS-100BT MULTI-EFFECTS POWER IN A BOX It’s hard to look at the Zoom MS-100BT and think “multi-effects pedal,” but inside this standard-size stompbox live 92 outstanding effects and eight distinct amp models, all of a quality any gigging guitarist can appreciate. Unlike similar compact multi-effects units, the MS-100BT allows up to six effects to be accessed simultaneously, effectively replacing an entire pedalboard with a single pedal....