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... 

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... 

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... 

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... 

CASIO XW-P1 PERFORMANCE SYNTHESIZER Sounds in the key of live In an era dominated by soft synths and MIDI controllers, the ultraportable Casio XW-P1 marks a refreshing return to the traditional performance keyboard. Browsing through the presets, we were immediately floored by its array of outrageous lead tones, which would make any keyboard player from Keith Emerson to Jordan Rudess equally proud. Also impressive was the selection of hands-on controls,... 

POSITIVE GRID JAMUP PLUG INTERFACE AND JAMUP APP Rock your iOS The JamUp Plug is a simple and super compact iOS audio interface designed to complement Positive Grid’s guitar effects apps, JamUp Pro and the free JamUp Lite. It’s easy to see why these guitar effects apps have been earning top reviews in the App Store. Features such as a highly flexible signal chain, a handy MP3 import option, and a looping phrase sampler turn an average iOS device... 

TWO NOTES AUDIO ENGINEERING TORPEDO LIVE  Pro Loadbox with digital miking As the trend toward in-ear monitoring and amplifier-free “silent” stages continues, guitarists have been desperate to keep their favorite tones. The Two Notes Torpedo Live is the perfect compromise. This 100-watt loadbox lets you run your guitar or bass head direct to the board, without sacrificing tone. Powerful 32-bit DSP provides 32 cabinet models, eight virtual microphones,... 

AEA RPQ500 MIC PREAMP WITH EQ Preamp tailor-made for ribbon mics The RPQ500 packs the mojo of AEA’s original RPQ ribbon preamp into an API 500 Series compatible module. A specially tailored EQ section addresses the proximity issues most commonly associated with ribbon mics, taming excessive buildup in the bottom end. Bypassable high- and low-frequency controls make it easy to clear up muddiness or add space and air. This was particularly useful... 

JAMMIT APP Jam with the masters If you’ve always dreamed of jamming with your favorite rock stars, now’s your chance. Developed by multiplatinum producer-mixer Scott Humphrey (Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Rob Zombie), Jammit lets guitarists, bass players, drummers, keyboardists and vocalists jam along with a hit parade of original master tracks. Mix the provided stem tracks to create your perfect backing track, then loop and slow playback to work... 

NOTION MUSIC NOTATION FOR iPAD Take note NOTION Music has developed an award-winning line of applications designed to streamline the process of creating, editing and notating music. True to form, the new NOTION for iPad harnesses the popular tablet’s touch-screen capabilities for an impressive end-user experience. The 24-fret interactive guitar fingerboard makes it easy to transcribe nearly anything you’d play on your instrument to tab or music... 

FRACTAL AUDIO AXE-FX II All-in-one preamp and effects processor The Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II has earned kudos from the likes of Steve Vai and John Petrucci based on the staggering depth of the sounds it creates. Powered by dual Analog Devices TigerSHARC Digital Signal Processors, the Axe-Fx II is the most powerful processor of its kind, providing stellar amp, effect, cabinet and microphone modeling in addition to traditional signal processing. The... 

PRESONUS FIRESTUDIO MOBILE Next-generation, studio-quality FireWire interface to go The engineers at PreSonus have been keeping themselves busy developing an array of intelligently crafted audio solutions. FireStudio Mobile comes bundled with Studio One Artist, making it one of the smartest buys on the market. The front panel’s dual combination instrument/mic inputs deliver superior sound thanks to PreSonus’ XMAX Class A preamps. Throw in the... 

DIGITECH iSTOMP iOS-fueled versatile stompbox Over the past several years Harman-owned DigiTech, HardWire and DOD have released a number of outstanding and innovative guitar products. The iStomp downloads these successes into what DigiTech describes as an e-pedal. While the iStomp functions like a traditional pedal, it can be reconfigured to virtually any guitar effect. Download the free Stomp Shop app and configure the iStomp by connecting DigiTech’s... 

SONOR STEVE SMITH SIGNATURE SNARE  Immediate and effortless response Steve Smith has been a Sonor endorser for 30-plus years, spanning his tenure in Journey and his work with Vital Information. Sonor’s signature Steve Smith snare brilliantly reflects this range of experience with its tonality and playability. For drummers in the studio or live, the snare can make or break a mix—and this beautiful 14”x5.5” steel cast drum sounds every bit... 

PROPELLERHEAD FIGURE Putting the fun in functionality for iOS devices The concept behind Figure was to inject Reason’s signature sounds into an app designed for the way people actually use their mobile devices—in quick bursts and on the go. Its core functionality centers around two bar loops. Tapping the drum, bass or lead tabs allows you to select your instrument of choice, while sideways swipes on the patch names enable you to select alternate... 

ABLETON LIVE 8 Inspiration at the speed of live Ableton Live 8 adds even more mojo to a loop-centric recording and performance application popular with musicians and DJs alike. Live’s hyperflexible workflow is driven by the Library menu, allowing you to drag and drop elements from multiple folders at any time. Parameter presets from previous Live Sets sessions can easily be repurposed, further reducing repetitive workflow from song to song. While... 

MIKTEK C7 LARGE DIAPHRAGM CONDENSER MIC Precision engineered for superior performance Miktek was founded by studio owner and industry vet Michael Ketchell, inventor of MegaMix Automation. Blending vintage character with modern features, the C7 has garnered more than its share of kudos from noted artists, engineers and producers. While the C7 excels at recording vocals, the selectable cardioid, omni and bidirectional patterns make it a real powerhouse... 

‘While direct-to-PA setups can sound tinny due to the full-range nature of monitors, the QuarterHorse shines in its ability to harness the actual sound of a guitar cabinet.’ TRAYNOR QUARTERHORSE MICROAMP Big sounds, small footprint While numerous manufacturers have focused efforts on direct-to-PA tone boxes, Traynor decided to think inside the box—the speaker box, that is. Selectable twin channels offer a host of groovy tones, with independent... 

‘DW has plowed its considerable innovation-driven efforts into the reengineering of its flagship pedal with a series of major improvements that are nothing short of flam-tastic.’ DW 5000AD4 BASS DRUM PEDAL Kicking pedals to the next level The original DW 5000 kick drum pedal is one of the most highly revered and time-tested pieces of drum kit hardware on the planet. Now DW has plowed its considerable innovation-driven efforts into the re-engineering... 

‘JAM delivers Apogee’s renowned A/D conversion in a package that’s compatible with the latest iOS and Mac offerings—and will fit in your shirt pocket.’ APOGEE ELECTRONICS JAM Mac interface for guitarists on the go  JAM delivers Apogee’s renowned A/D conversion in a package that’s compatible with the latest iOS and Mac offerings—and will fit in your shirt pocket. After about 30 seconds of setup we were kicking out the jams in GarageBand... 

‘Shure’s flagship SE535 earphones deliver pristine clarity in the bass, middle and treble registers without unnatural bass or treble hype.’ SHURE SE535 Romancing the tone Anyone mixing and mastering music these days knows that an ever-increasing audience is listening to the fruits of their labors on teensy earbuds. Thanks to the trio of high-definition MicroDrivers, Shure’s flagship SE535 earphones deliver pristine clarity in the bass, middle...