Apogee One RECORDING ON THE GO The pocket-size Apogee One is a pro recording engineer’s Swiss army knife. Featuring Apogee’s world-class 24-bit/96 kHz digital converters and excellent input options, the redesigned Apogee One provides astonishing results to anyone recording on a laptop or iPad. A breakout cable provides inputs for mic and guitar, and the preamp provides up to 63 decibels of pristine gain. With two channels of simultaneous recording,... 

Fender’s Pawn Shop Bass VI VINTAGE LOWS Fender’s Pawn Shop Bass VI is easily the most accessible recreation of the historic bass to hit the street. In its run from 1961 to 1975, the original Bass VI six-string, E-to-E baritone guitar found favor in the hands of Jack Bruce, George Harrison, and others looking to add exciting textures to their music. In that same spirit, Fender loaded the Pawn Shop Bass VI with a pair of Special Design Hot Jaguar... 

Avid S3L System SERIOUS LIVE SOUND Avid VENUE systems have been at the heart of some of the largest live sound rigs anywhere. But they’ve been priced out of reach for small and midsize venue operators until now. The Avid S3L System marries a 16-fader console with an E3 VENUE DSP engine and up to four Stage 16 Remote I/O boxes. The result is an incredibly portable live sound mixing system with powerful routing flexibility and onboard processing.... 

Tom Oberheim SEM with MIDI to CV Converter OLD-SCHOOL MEETS NEW When analog synthesis icon Tom Oberheim re-emerged on the scene with new SEM models, longtime synth lovers rejoiced. But the CV-only synth module was lost on modern MIDI-based rigs. Enter the updated Tom Oberheim SEM with MIDI to CV Converter. The two-oscillator synth module dishes out all of the old-school Oberheim tones, which can be triggered from any standard MIDI keyboard. What’s... 

Rupert Neve Designs 511 PREAMP WITH LEGACY Lots of gear claim to have some connection to the Neve legacy, but the 511 mic pre is one of the few 500 Series modules designed by Rupert Neve himself. Naturally clear and transparent, the Rupert Neve Designs 511 is an excellent match for any sound source. There’s the Portico 5012’s sweepable high-pass filter onboard, and when it’s time to kick in that timeless Neve mojo, just turn up the Silk/Texture... 

Lewitt MTP 340 CM LIVE STUDIO-CLARITY The Lewitt MTP 340 CM condenser microphone offers live singers studio-style vocal clarity. Its contoured frequency response focuses on the midrange that brings out the best in most vocal styles, while rolling off unwanted bass. In addition to its impressive SPL handling, there’s an internal pop filter that smoothes out harsh transients for an extra polished sound. And with its die-cast all-metal body and hardened... 

Softube’s Console 1 MIX WITH FEELING Softube’s Console 1 hybrid virtual mixing console system offers the flexibility of a plug-in with amazing tactile control—and provides powerful channel-strip processing with the analog workflow that only a hardware controller can. It’s a simple two-part system consisting of a channel strip plug-in and a dedicated hardware controller. With the plug-in activated on every track, the Console 1 hardware provides... 

ESP LTD MH-1000 EVERTUNE SET IT & FORGET IT ESP’s EverTune equipped instruments virtually eliminate the need for retuning. A partnership between ESP and EverTune has led to guitars—such as the ESP LTD MH-1000 EVERTUNE and LTD EC-1000 EVERTUNE—that feature the EverTune Bridge. It’s an all-mechanical, highly adjustable system that keeps string tension constant and intonation perfect across extended playing sessions—no matter how hard you... 

TASCAM DA-3000 STUNNING RECORDING  When absolute fidelity is vital, the TASCAM DA-3000 stereo DSD recorder is the last stop in any pro recording rig. The DA-3000 brings the stunning detail of Direct Stream Digital recording to down-to-earth recording setups. Built around the phenomenal digital converters from TASCAM’s acclaimed DA-RA1000HD recorder, the DA-3000 is capable of capturing 24-bit/192 kHz PCM or 1-bit/5.6 MHz DSD audio to inexpensive... 

AVID PRO TOOLS 11 POWERHOUSE UPGRADE Pro Tools has long been a mainstay of the recording industry—but now Avid Pro Tools 11 offers up thrilling new prospects for users. There are countless minor workflow improvements in this latest version that streamline many routine tasks such as auditioning plug-ins and configuring sends. But the big upgrade is Pro Tools 11’s 64-bit architecture, which allows the program to better utilize system resources so... 

ASHDOWN CTM-15 TUBE-FIRED TRACKING AMP While Ashdown’s solid-state bass amps rock the world’s biggest stages, their tube amps are a huge hit with recording bass players. Packing more than enough juice for smaller gigs, the new CTM-15 tube head was specifically developed for the recording world. A straight shot through a three-band EQ, ending at a pair of EL84s, provides pure tube-fired tone at lower wattages. And the onboard VU meter is more than... 

IBANEZ PAT METHENY PM200 METHENY’S HOLLOWBODY The Ibanez Pat Metheny PM200 hollowbody electric guitar is the closest most guitarists can hope to get to playing the master’s personal jazzbox. Made in Japan by Ibanez’s top luthiers, the PM200 features impressive build quality and plays like a dream. A naturally finished, all-maple body bolstered by a custom-carved mahogany neck offers quintessential jazz guitar tone with an old-time look. The... 

YAMAHA DTX502 NEXT-GEN DIGITAL DRUMS Following the release of the Yamaha DTX502 drum module, the company released three new electronic drum kits: the DTX562K, DTX532K and DTX522K. Featuring new drum pad configurations and a full set of three-zone cymbals, these kits have garnered acclaim from high-level performers. The DTX502 drum module itself provides 250 phenomenal new sounds—now up to 691—and support for cymbal muting, natural-sounding swells,... 

LINE 6 SONIC PORT POD TONE FOR YOUR PHONE The Line 6 Sonic Port turns nearly any iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch into a tone machine driven by real POD guitar effects. The Mobile POD app—which requires the Sonic Port—offers up more than 10,000 killer guitar tones featuring 32 amp models, 16 cabinets, and 16 classic stompbox effects. The Sonic Port also works with many other iOS apps, and even unlocks POD tones in the popular Jammit backing track app.... 

ZOOM H6 HANDY RECORDER MULTITRACK MAGIC The Zoom H6 Handy Recorder makes capturing quality audio in the field a breeze. It’s perfect for recording rehearsals, capturing mixer feeds, tracking on location and much more. The portable six-track recording system comes equipped with four XLR/TRS combo inputs complete with onboard microphone preamps, phantom power, and external volume controls. Plus, there’s an attachment port that accepts additional... 

STUDIOLOGIC SLEDGE SUPER SYNTH With 35 tweakable knobs and a five-octave Fatar TP/9 keybed onboard, the Studiologic Sledge digital synthesizer is a feast for the fingertips. It’s built around an analog layout and fueled by a Waldorf sound engine loaded with digital wavetables from the legendary PPG Wave. A trio of oscillators and full subtractive synthesis controls provide a solid foundation for massive stacks, complex atmospherics and everything... 

TELEFUNKEN M82 ADD PUNCH TO YOUR KICK Telefunken M82 dynamic microphone makes it a snap to capture the best kick drum and other bass-heavy sounds right at the source. In addition to a 1.37” moving-coil diaphragm that comfortably captures low-end punch and body, this versatile mic sports a couple of switchable settings for fine-tuning its response. There’s a KICK EQ mode that notches out 350 Hz to eliminate boxiness, and a high boost mode for adding... 

NUMARK ORBIT GRAB & GO COMMANDER The Numark Orbit wireless handheld controller is a natural fit for any digital DJ longing to step out from the booth without letting go of the mix. With its 16 multicolor backlit pads, touch-sensitive aluminum control wheel, and unique accelerometer-driven two-axis position sensor, the Orbit provides artists with control over dozens of MIDI-based functions—taking freestyle controlling to a new level. But it’s... 

FENDER PASSPORT MINI PORTABLE PA POWER  For small coffeehouse gigs, street-corner busking, or playing in the park, the Fender Passport Mini packs plenty of battery-powered portable PA power. One channel provides inputs for a microphone or line-level, and the other features a guitar input, plus there’s a stereo input for a music player. In addition to the preset delays, reverbs and modulations, Fender’s FUSE software provides access to a massive... 

TAYLOR SPRING 2013 LIMITED 400 SERIES GRANADILLO GRANDEUR Bob Taylor’s passion for exotic tonewoods is one of the defining characteristics of his company’s guitar lineup, which has pioneered the use of Hawaiian koa, cocobolo, striped ebony and other varieties. For the Spring 2013 Limited 400 Series, Taylor turned to granadillo for a unique look and sound. A granadillo back and sides topped with a Sitka spruce top voices these guitars with bold... 

Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+ RECORDING RIG IN A MIC A full recording studio is great when tracking an album, but what if you just want to lay down a fleeting song idea? The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+  bypasses the hassle of juggling studio gear by packing all of the essentials into a single condenser microphone. Based on the original AT2020, this excellent sounding mic connects via USB to any Mac or Windows PC, and a built-in headphone jack provides... 

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... 

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.... 

WAVES REDD ROAD. ABBEY ROAD. From the late ’50s to the late ’60s, three hand-built mixing consoles dominated the British recording industry, Abbey Road Studio’s REDD.17, REDD.37 and REDD.51. The Waves REDD plug-in recreates the sound of these three classic EMI mixing desks with haunting accuracy, providing every DAW owner the opportunity to experience classic console sound. All three models deliver the coveted “British EQ” warmth plus silky... 

BEEPSTREET’S IMPAKTOR FROM IPHONE TO YOUR DRUM There are tons of great iOS music apps out there, but BeepStreet’s Impaktor stands out as one of the most innovative to hit the Apple App Store in months. This unique drum sequencer turns any compatible iOS device into a playable percussion instrument. Just set your iOS device on a table (or other flat, resonant surface), and start tapping away with your hands or drum sticks. Impaktor senses and interprets... 

BOICEBOX PEDALBOARDS STOMP ON THIS BoiceBox pedalboards have been stirring buzz among traveling guitarists lately, and for good reason. They’re made from an attractive three-ply bamboo composite that’s far thinner, lighter and stronger than standard nine-ply birch—and with the addition of a detachable lid, the board itself turns into a seriously heavy-duty flight case. Both flat and tiered BoiceBox models feature advanced cable-management systems,... 

ELECTRO-HARMONIX DELUXE BASS BIG MUFF PI NEXT-GEN BASS FUZZ The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi offers bass players the classic fuzz tone they crave but with powerful tone-shaping controls needed for modern bass styles. In addition to a wet/dry blend control—which allows one to balance the fuzz with unaffected clean dynamics—there’s a footswitchable crossover onboard designed to roll highs off the clean signal and lows off the distorted... 

TEENAGE ENGINEERING OP-1 GIZMO-FUELED SYNTH One of the most unique, if not comprehensive, synth workstations available, the Teenage Engineering OP-1 pushes the envelope for sheer number of built-in gizmos and available aftermarket gadgets. It comes packed with eight different sound engines, spanning the gamut from the retro 8-bit Dr. Wave synth to the sophisticated String physical modeler. Sampling and sequencing options abound, and there’s even... 

FENDER PAWN SHOP REVERSE JAGUAR BASS VINTAGE BASS The Fender Pawn Shop Reverse Jaguar Bass takes you back to when bizarre one-offs and custom models would occasionally pop up in secondhand guitar stores. With its reverse neck and body, this is one striking bass. This instrument’s true character is revealed when it’s plugged in. With a pair of humbuckers—rare for a Fender bass—it’s an ideal combination of punch and jangle with just the right... 

AKG D12 VR FOUR TIMES THE TONE A classic bass and kick drum mic returns in the AKG D12 VR. Unpowered, the D12 VR delivers the chest-pounding tonal response that made the original D12 a fixture in professional recording studios. Hit it with phantom power, and you’re playing a whole new ballgame. A trio of active filters provide an extended range of tone-shaping possibilities, allowing you to amp the bass, scoop up unwanted mids, or combine both...