Scope Labs: Periscope Mic
reviewed by Slater Swan
The opportunity to play with this one-of-a-kind microphone from Scope Labs has been an absolute pleasure. Their introductory product, the Periscope, stands in a category of its own because of its...
Gear Reviews
The means contribute to the end. Usually.
Retro Mechanical Labs: Electron Fuzz Custom Studio Distortion Rack
reviewed by Kevin Friedrichsen
Yes, the Electron Fuzz Custom Studio will melt your face off. No, it is not just an average fuzz box. Yes, it is badass. No, I don’t want to give this one back. I was introduced to Retro...
Trident Audio Developments: 80B 500 Series EQ
reviewed by Anthony Gravino
When I purchased an unloaded API 1608 [Tape Op #81] console last year, I immediately began searching for a 500 Series EQ that was versatile and affordable, with exceptional sonics. Enter Trident Audio...
beyerdynamic: TG I51 Dynamic Mic
reviewed by Justin Mantooth
When I find a microphone I enjoy, I tend to stick with it for a long time – especially in a specific application. So something I have not done in a few years is audition a new close source,...
Roger Mayer: 456 HD 500 Analog Tape Simulator
reviewed by Pete Weiss
With the era of analog tape slipping ever further into the past, growing numbers of newer-generation music recordists have had precious little experience with actual tape. Analog tape, though still...
MicModKits.com: 2001 and 990 Mod Kits
reviewed by Scott McChane
I bought my first large-diaphragm condenser mic in 2004 for about $100: an Apex 420 that (along with many inexpensive mics of that era) was built on the same circuit as the MXL 2001. These accessible...
Aberrant DSP: SketchCassette II Plug-In
reviewed by Larry Crane
My recording world began via the cassette tape format. I had saved money to buy a cheap home stereo cassette tape recorder, and I’d borrow my dad’s deck for recording my sound-on-sound...
Eventide: Blackhole Reverb Pedal
reviewed by Chris Koltay
Reverb can be a divisive and personal issue among engineers and musicians. Everyone has a favorite, and people are absurdly particular and become oddly attached to what works for them, myself...
Eilon Paz: Stompbox (book)
reviewed by Pete Weiss
As a longtime electric guitarist, studio operator, and fan of well-done coffee table books, I must admit to having a somewhat embarrassingly sprawling collection of the latter. There’s no...
Antelope Audio: Zen Go Synergy Core Interface
reviewed by Scott McChane
Competition has skyrocketed in desktop interfacing, with multiple manufacturers developing proprietary DSP-powered plug-in technology while simultaneously pushing better quality into smaller,...
Redco: DB-25 Mult & XLR/D-sub Input Box
reviewed by Brian Bender
In case you’ve missed it, Redco is making two inexpensive tools that will turn some blank space in your DB-25 patchbay into something you can actually use. First: a 4x2 mult in a DB-25 backshell...
Focal: Clear Mg Pro Headphones
reviewed by Scott McChane
Headphones, headphones, headphones – I’ve got ‘em hanging from the walls, equipment racks, and underneath desks. I’ve tried in-ears, planars, open-backs, and...