Latest from MusicRadar in Gear-gadgets

“We're happy we can play a part in helping preserve the physical album experience”: Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon officially returns on cassette –Nick Mason has some thoughts on what’s next for the prog classic

Andy Price — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:31:17 +0000

As much as those endless ‘Greatest Records of All Time’ listicles try to subvert the longstanding consensus on the ranking of certain artists’ albums, when pushed, we’re pretty conservative with our preferences.

Sgt Pepper? – better than Revolver. In Rainbows? – not a patch on OK Computer in our book. Wish You Were Here? Nah, for us, it’s The Dark Side of the Moon all the way.

We were giddy with nerdy glee then, when at this year’s Great Escape festival, we were given a special sneak peek at Pink Floyd's new Dark Side of the Moon-branded cassette player/album bundle, the latest major artist co-brand from French cassette revivalist We Are Rewind, a company that we spoke to at length last year.

On the heels of its limited edition Elvis, Duran Duran and Chromeo co-branded editions of its distinctive WE-001 cassette player, this new fully Pink Floyd-endorsed release sees an exclusive cassette version of the band’s 2023 50th anniversary mix of their 1973 classic come to the format for the first time.

But, for the release, the record has been specially remastered to sound as good as it can on high quality cassette, and it's exclusive to this limited edition box-set.

"And in the end, it's only round and round, and round…" The triangular window is a very nice touch (Image credit: Starscream PR/We Are Rewind)

Back in the day, of course, in that strange wilderness period when the heyday of the vinyl record was waning, and prior to the CD taking hold, The Dark Side of the Moon was one of the most popular cassette albums of all time.

“To call The Dark Side of the Moon a classic album is an understatement,” says We Are Rewind’s CEO and Founder Romain Boudruche. “In many ways, it set the tone for what an album experience should be as a continuous piece of sonic art but also used state-of-the-art production techniques and sounds which make it a true musical experience. We're happy that We Are Rewind can play a part in helping preserve the physical album experience"

The sturdy aluminium-built, Dark Side-artwork emblazoned special edition cassette player is a gorgeous Floyd-fan-artefact.

The underlying player itself is the WE-001 which sports true hi-fi sound and a tailor-made headphone amplifier designed for cassette playback specifically. It features metal buttons and full Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect to wireless headphones and standalone speakers. A rechargeable battery lasts upwards of 12 hours.

The company even sells a belt-clip, if you didn’t quite feel old-school enough.

Fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way with this gorgeous tape player. To allay any concerns, it will play other albums too… begrudgingly (Image credit: Starscream PR/We Are Rewind)

Nick Mason and David Gilmour have been involved in this special release, and Mason offers some characteristically sardonic insight; “I still have enormous affection for the cassette. It really was a major breakthrough - not only with the Sony Walkman but with some of the more up-market recorders,” Mason says. “I still have my Nakamichi on the shelf and look forward to testing it with the new The Dark Side of the Moon cassette. Am I correct in assuming that the next major issue will be The Dark Side of the Moon in a large package consisting of the album divided up into 78 RPM discs?"

The package is available now for £159/$199/€179 from We Are Rewind. This collector-angled release is a limited edition, and every box includes a numbered card certifying its authenticity. So, if you want it, you'd best not miss the starting gun…

“It's extremely easy to use, but only once you’ve got to grips with what is quite an esoteric control interface”: Donner DBM-100 metronome review

James Grimshaw — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:07:17 +0000

What is it?

Donner is a breakout name in the budget guitar-accessory market – the brand that launched a thousand Amazon storefronts. First famed for its affordable micro-format guitar pedals, it’s since collaborated with Ruben Wan and Jack White’s Third Man Records, and broken guitar-pedal containment entirely to sell a suite of instruments and accessories. Among these, a small, handy, Game Boy-shaped box of a musician’s friend: the Donner DBM-100, a three-in-one digital metronome, guitar tuner and rhythm trainer.

Truth be told, it’s not the most exciting product on the planet. Metronomes rarely are, but they are useful. It’s a feature-packed little box of (relative) fun, with four sound banks, tap tempo, and a variety of time signatures and beat subdivisions to choose from. There’s tap tempo, an on-board microphone for detecting your own timely playing, a 3.5mm out for headphone metronome-ing, and a built-in, USB-C-chargeable battery with 11.5 hours of life to it. And there’s a neat little kickstand on the back, too.

On paper, it’s a pretty solid one-stop answer to most of the instrument-practising questions you might have - and a very convenient little box accordingly. It’s a reasonably priced accessory (around $35/£25) too, but does it walk the walk?

Specifications

(Image credit: Donner)

Battery Life: 11.5 hours
Modes: Tuner, metronome and trainer
Tempo Range: 30-280bpm
Tuning Modes: Chromatic, guitar, ukulele, bass, and violin
Extra Features: Tap tempo, four metronome sounds
Contact: Donner

Performance

(Image credit: Future/ Olly Curtis)

In the hand, the Donner DBM-100 feels like a very well put-together object. It’s got some reassuring heft, and the plastic chassis feels robust enough to withstand more than a few fumbles. The buttons are pleasingly soft and firm to press; for something you only handle a few seconds at a time, it’s very ergonomic to handle and operate – much like the handheld games consoles it seems designed to resemble.

When turning the DBM-100 on for the first time, I reflexively looked for a slider switch on the side, much as I would with those game consoles. After a minute of dumbfoundedly turning the thing over, I came to realise there’s nothing of the sort – and that, in fact, power is a matter of pressing or holding the big yellow-circled button on the front.

Does this speak to the quality of the DBM-100? No, but I do feel a weight of responsibility to share the exact moment when I was outmatched by an unfeeling technological object. That said, this moment of shame does become somewhat relevant, foreshadowing, as it does, the DBM-100's vague inscrutability in certain instances.

Features

(Image credit: Future/ Olly Curtis)

The DBM-100 has three modes: tuner, metronome and trainer. The tuner mode is easy to use and decently accurate. As well as the LCD display, there are three LEDs beneath the screen that light up to indicate sharpness, flatness, or perfect tuning. It has five settings to cycle through - chromatic, guitar, ukulele, bass, and violin - and an adjustable pitch standard ranging from 430 to 450Hz.

In metronome mode, there are four sound banks to choose from: a classic pitched woodblock, a clap, a bicycle-style bell with a click beneath it, and a robotic female voice counting upwards to a maximum of nine. There’s a button to advance the number of beats in each bar from 1 to 9, and a separate button for subdivision beats, which cycles through a dizzying variety of note lengths, rhythms, and feels, including triplets with rests, dotted notes, and other syncopated patterns.

That last counting-up sound bank demonstrates some secret cleverness under the hood; it counts the beat subdivisions separately from the overarching beat. However, if you have the BPM set even remotely at pace, the voice rushes to cut itself off with each new count. The resulting cacophony is distracting at best and actively painful at worst. Best in most cases, then, to stick to that classic woodblock.

Future/ Olly Curtis

Using the DBM-100 is extremely easy, but only once you’ve got to grips with what is quite an esoteric control interface

Finally, the trainer mode seems a bit more like an add-on than a core feature of the DBM-100. It plays you one 4/4 bar, subdivided by a beat or pattern of your choice, then asks you to sound the same rhythm back, in time, with only a visual indicator for the tempo. Every beat you sound in time is heard by the built-in mic and registered by the supportive flash of a green LED. In my view, the mic could stand to be a bit more sensitive here - it was either clapping, banging the table or flicking the mic aperture itself that registered, but nothing remotely quieter. And you can’t change the underlying time signature either.

Using the DBM-100 is extremely easy, but only once you’ve got to grips with what is quite an esoteric control interface. The buttons are semi-intuitive, but still require some experimentation before you figure out exactly what they mean.

For instance, ‘source’ refers to the various metronome sounds you can cycle between, not ‘select’, which actually advances the time signature by one beat with each press. ‘Menu’ on the side doesn’t take you to a menu (not that it could – the screen is a static LCD screen, cycling through pre-etched displays), but instead toggles you between the tuner and metronome modes; to access the training mode, you have to hold it down.

My final gripe is the dedicated subdivision button, which asks you to cycle through nineteen different note values and rhythms in one direction. No easy reset to the crotchet beat; just go round, and then round again when you overshoot. It’s illustrative of a device that could be so much smarter than it is, but which gets in its own way a bit here and there.

Verdict

(Image credit: Future/ Olly Curtis)

For the money, the Donner DBM-100 is a perfectly viable little musician’s friend. I wouldn’t trust the tuner in an orchestral pit, but it’s a handy thing for a quick sit-down practice session at home. I wouldn’t use the trainer function for more than five minutes at a time, but it’s a nice little between-drills exercise for resetting your internal rhythm.

The metronome function is the best bit, with its comprehensive array of beat subdivisions to play along to - but it’s slightly let down by a limited library of metronome sounds. For me, I’d say, ultimately, the Donner DBM-100 is an affordable metronome that does its main job well enough. For the price, and if you want a physical metronome rather than an app, the DBM-100 is inarguably worthwhile.

MusicRadar verdict: Donner’s DBM-100 is an interesting little box of tricks. It offers a handy onboard tuner, a full-featured digital metronome, and a trainer mode that seems more like an afterthought than a feature. It’s a clever device that hamstrings itself with some strange choices - a welcome entrant to the world of portable metronomes, but not without some small shortcomings.

Also try

Boss DB-90 Dr Beat Metronome
£138/$159.99

Boss’ supersized metronome is a pro-level affair, with plenty of I/O for headphones, MIDI and audio trigger inputs, and even remote foot control. It can remember up to 50 preset patterns and has a full Rhythm Coach section for involved training, too.View Deal

Korg KDM-3
£45/£89

The Korg KDM-3 is another full-featured metronome, with eight different tick sounds, 19 beat patterns and a reference-tone tuner section. It even looks like an old-school metronome – a skeuomorphic delight of a thing, and not too expensive either.View Deal

Korg MA2
£11.90/$39.99

If you want something truly cheap and cheerful, and you don’t mind an abject lack of customisability past BPM, the Korg MA2 is the most dependable metronome you’ll get. It can run for 400 hours on a pair of AAA batteries, and it has a tap tempo too. If you just want a timekeeper, this’ll do.View Deal

Hands-on demos

Steven Kambach

Amazon Prime Day has over 100 sound treatment deals. I run my own studio – these are the only 5 products that will actually work in your space

James Grimshaw — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:37:17 +0000

Buying stuff for making music is, frankly, second nature to many of us. Even if we’ve technically got enough to get going with, there’s always something new that’ll really make the difference. Unfortunately, it’s never the one thing that’ll actually make a difference: sound treatment.

With the Prime Day music deals here once again, there’s a rich seam of price-reduced sound treatment for studios going cheap, and there’s no more ignoring your studio blind-spot. Of that rich seam, populated unavoidably by useless swathes of acoustic foam, here are five products that’ll actually make a difference. As someone exists almost entirely in a studio and who has done countless hours of research into this topic, I know what I’m talking about.

Fiberglass panels are the platonic ideal for broadband absorption in studio spaces; they’re low-profile, high-absorption where it counts, and extremely easy to set up in any space thanks to their relative lightness. These pre-fabbed, fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels are extremely convenient, and well-sized for treating awkward spots - such as behind your monitors, the first reflections at your listening position, or even the backs of doors. A pair goes for $98.99 usually, but for Prime Day you can get them for just $79.19.View Deal

When you think acoustic treatment, you’re more likely to think of panels, traps and other such tangible things as opposed to glorified moving blankets. But on a bang-per-buck basis, high-mass blankets like these from Vevor are surprisingly high performers. Put them on rails across your walls or to split up your room; they’ll kill high-end reflections and soak up low-end energy, creating the ideal environment for dead drums or controlled vocal recordings. For Prime Day, they’re 15% off - not the most impressive of discounts we’ve seen, but little savings add up, especially if you’re wanting to control a space on the cheap.View Deal

Studio sound treatment isn’t all about absorption. If it was, studios would sound woolly, lifeless, depressing and even actively oppressive. You want sound to spread, but you don’t want it to interact with itself in your space - which is where this BXI diffuser panel comes in. It uses clever maths to scatter incoming audio in a cone shape, sprinkling sound around the room and interrupting destructive comb filtering or room modes in the process. Normally $107.99, these panels are 20% off for Prime Day - and much easier to buy than they are to make from scratch, trust me.View Deal

Sound treatment doesn’t have to look drab to be effective. Tonor’s three-layer wall panels are a highly aesthetic affair, with a wood-veneered front featuring some fetching cutouts - cutouts that also do a little bit on the diffusion front. The three-layer design means more effective capture of a broader range of mid and high frequencies, while the wood front enables a little life to stay in the room. Put these at the back of the room, or along parallel walls in your bedroom for a little more control over some pingier sounds. They’re 25% off, and they were under $100 for four before Prime Day already, so there’s no harm in giving them a go!View Deal

Ok, so the best possible sound treatment for any studio room is, in part, some hefty, deep-enough and judiciously-installed rockwool panels. Now, these thin polyester fiber panels from Umiacoustics aren’t quite going to meet the moment results-wise. However, they are phenomenally efficient mid- and high-frequency absorbers for their size, and cheap per panel, too. They’re ideal when deployed as clouds in low-clearance spaces like basement studios – and, for Prime Day, they’re just $103.19 for 10.View Deal

More Prime Day deals to shop at Amazon and beyond

Prime Day homepage: All Prime Day deals in one place
Amazon Music: Stream 4 months totally free
Studio deals: Beyer & Audio-Technica headphones savigs
Guitar deals: Up to 27% off Fender
Drum deals: Up to 21% off Donner e-kits
Keys deals: Yamaha, Alesis, Donner
DJ deals: 25% off AlphaTheta DJ controllers
Mic deals: 15% off our #1 podcast mic
Accessory deals: Stock up/upgrade from only $5
Vinyl record/accessory deals: Save on albums & decks

Today's best non-Amazon sales

Guitar Center: Early-access 4th July sale
Sweetwater: Up to 55% off percussion during Drum Month
Musician's Friend: Up to 60% off early-4th July sale
Fender: Up to $200 off Tone Master
Universal Audio: Up to 80% off half year sale
IK Multimedia: 50% off software coupon
Positive Grid: Huge 38% off Spark Summer Sale
Waves: 200 plugins down to only $34.99
Guitar Tricks: 1 month of lessons for only $1
Plugin Boutique: Bag loads of free software
Reverb: B-Stock and used bargains

🇬🇧 In the UK?

Amazon: All the best instrument deals
Thomann: Up to 60% off Music Days sale
Positive Grid: Huge 38% off Spark Summer Sale
Guitar Tricks: 1 month of lessons for only $1
Universal Audio: Up to 80% off half year sale
Plugin Boutique: Bag loads of free software
Waves: 200 plugins down to only $34.99

4 Prime Day fan deals to keep your home studio cool and your creativity flowing during the UK heatwave – plus, 3 practical reasons it's a wise investment for any musician

chris.barnes@futurenet.com (Chris Barnes) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:26:32 +0000

Unless you’ve been hiding under a particularly cool rock for the last few days, you’ll know that the UK is in the grip of a brutal heatwave. Now, if the rising mercury has made you think twice about hitting the home studio, the latest Prime Day sales at Amazon have thrown up some solutions that will make your creative space more comfortable throughout the sweltering days and weeks ahead. Of course, I’m talking about the humble fan.

Whether you’re working in a fully treated - and therefore probably stiflingly hot and airless - studio, or you spend your time noodling or mixing away in your bedroom, a little added comfort could mean you can get that track finished before your inspiration literally melts away.

Not all fans are created equal, and there are certainly some types that aren't studio-friendly; for this collection I’m focusing on powerful handhelds, sturdy desk fans and self contained tower and stand fans. I'm not covering air conditioners here as they are too noisy for music-makers.

So far, I’ve found 4 deals on fans to suit a range of budgets, and Prime members will benefit from speedy delivery, too.

This one is a big hit amongst Amazon customers thanks to its low noise level and rapid and consistent cooling capacity. This smart fan comes with 12 fan speeds and four modes that can be controlled with the VeSync app or voice control, making it a super convenient, hands-free addition to any studio. View Deal

Sure it's pricey for a portable, but when you're hopping between your desk and an array of instruments, something you can take with you is a bonus. The coolest (pardon the pun) feature is the Instachill Cryo Plate, which provides speedy temperature reduction when it comes into contact with your skin. This high-speed handheld also includes a misting option, but obviously don't use that around your gear.View Deal

This Dimplex fan carries similar hallmarks to the Shark TurboBlade (but it's way cheaper) and works in a very similar way, providing a horizontal or vertical sheet of air to keep you comfortable, whether you're sitting or standing. Even better, it works great at bedtime, covering you in a 'sheet' of cool air as you sleep.View Deal

Ok, so it's not much of a discount, but it's pretty affordable as it is, and this would make a great under-desk option. The small size means you're not going to be blowing air around the whole room, but for desk-based comfort it's a budget-friendly winner. View Deal

So, why exactly should you consider introducing a fan to your recording setup?

1. Instant relief

A fan sat next to you as you create will provide instant cooling, whilst fans with an oscillating function will also help circulate the air rather than leaving you to sit in your own thick, stagnant, recycled air.

2. Protecting your gear

It’s not all about you. Think about your hardware, too. Your PC or laptop, your audio interface, your tube amp, they all run hot, which not only makes your recording space warmer, but it could also potentially throttle their performance and ruin your session. A decent fan can help keep your gear cool and operational.

3. The noise factor

Air conditioners will do the best job at cooling, but they can be very noisy - a recipe for disaster if you’re recording live instruments in the room. On the flipside, today’s modern desk fans can be whisper quiet, striking the right balance between cooling and letting you record without interference. Fans run at a more consistent frequency too, so they should be pretty easily fixed in the mix if any sound does creep in.

Shop more cooling essentials at Amazon
Explore our pick of the best Prime Day music deals

Thomann has taken the fight to Amazon with its Prime Day-beating Music Days sale – save up to 60% on big gear brands including Kawai, D'Angelico, Slate Digital, and so much more

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:23:38 +0000

Well, today marks day one of Amazon Prime Day, and while the internet is buzzing with talk of Prime Day music deals, the most jaw-dropping gear discounts aren’t where you might expect. Instead of scrolling endlessly through Amazon’s offerings of smart devices and toys, we suggest heading straight to Thomann’s Music Days Sale, which runs until July 14th and slashes up to 60% off across a massive range of instruments and studio essentials.

If you’re serious about making music, this is the moment to upgrade your setup. Thomann has long been Europe’s leading retailer for musicians, and their annual Music Days event is legendary for truly deep discounts on everything from beginner guitars to pro audio equipment. Whether you’re a bedroom producer, gigging guitarist, or setting up your first home studio, this is your chance to score professional-quality gear at prices Amazon can’t touch.

Here are a few standout deals from the Thomann Music Days Sale that outshine anything you’ll find in today’s Prime Day music deals:

Thomann Music Days Sale: Up to 60% off
The event runs until July 14th for major savings on big-name brands such as Martin, DW, Slate Digital, ESP, Line 6, and so much more. View Deal

First up is the Kawai ES-120 B Bag Bundle, which has 11% off right now. The ES-120 is a gorgeous cornerstone for aspiring pianists and seasoned players alike. With its authentic weighted keys and renowned Kawai sound, it’s an ideal practice instrument or stage companion. At £529, it's a must-buy for anyone wanting a full-size digital piano on a budget. Listen to our demo video below.

Next is the stunning. D'Angelico Premier Gramercy in striking Black Cherry. This guitar features a Grand Auditorium body shape with a single cutaway, offering both comfort and easy access to upper frets. The top is crafted from solid Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are made from laminated mahogany, accented by 5X white body binding. The satin mahogany neck pairs with an ovangkol fretboard adorned with acrylic block inlays. The ovangkol bridge complements the fretboard, and the guitar is equipped with a D'Angelico pickup featuring a built-in EQ and tuner for versatile amplified performance. All this is just £175!

Next is an axe for those who like things on the metal side, the awesome ESP LTD Phoenix-1000 QM STBS. Featuring a mahogany body topped with stunning quilted maple and a set-in, three-piece mahogany neck for enhanced sustain and stability, this guitar is built for crushing metal tones. The guitar is equipped with a Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Nickel pickup in the neck position and a Seymour Duncan Custom Nickel humbucker in the bridge, and is only £838, with 31% off.

Lastly, upgrade your home studio vocals and instruments with this highly rated large diaphragm condenser. For me, the Slate Digital ML-1A competes with mics twice its price, and now just £259 (that's 45% off), it’s a no-brainer for producers and singer-songwriters looking to capture crisp, detailed recordings.

Shop more Prime Day deals

All the best places to shop at Amazon
- Prime Day homepage: All Prime Day deals in one place
- Amazon Music: Stream 4 months totally free
- Studio deals: Beyer & Audio-Technica headphones savigs
- Guitar deals: Up to 27% off Fender
- Drum deals: Up to 21% off Donner e-kits
- Keys deals: Yamaha, Alesis, Donner
- DJ deals: 25% off AlphaTheta DJ controllers
- Mic deals: 15% off our #1 podcast mic
- Accessory deals: Stock up/upgrade from only $5
- Vinyl record/accessory deals: Save on albums & decks
Today's best non-Amazon sales
- Guitar Center: Early-access 4th July sale
- Sweetwater: Up to 55% off percussion during Drum Month
- Musician's Friend: Up to 60% off early-4th July sale
- Fender: Up to $200 off Tone Master
- Universal Audio: Up to 80% off half year sale
- IK Multimedia: 50% off software coupon
- Positive Grid: Huge 38% off Spark Summer Sale
- Waves: 200 plugins down to only $34.99
- Guitar Tricks: 1 month of lessons for only $1
- Plugin Boutique: Bag loads of free software
- Reverb: B-Stock and used bargains
🇬🇧 In the UK?
- Amazon: All the best instrument deals
- Thomann: Up to 60% off Music Days sale
- Positive Grid: Huge 38% off Spark Summer Sale
- Guitar Tricks: 1 month of lessons for only $1
- Universal Audio: Up to 80% off half year sale
- Plugin Boutique: Bag loads of free software
- Waves: 200 plugins down to only $34.99

This wireless page-turning pedal is easily the least sexy piece of gear you'll buy all year, but for classical, session, or working musicians who use digital sheet music, it's a no-brainer thanks to a 43% discount for Prime Day

chris.barnes@futurenet.com (Chris Barnes) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:49:06 +0000

We’ve all been there: scouring Ultimate Guitar for a tab transcription of a song we want to learn, and spending more time fumbling about with the auto-scroller than actually learning the music. Or maybe you’ve rocked up to a first rehearsal with a new band, sheet music for the whole set loaded up onto your tablet – and lost your place immediately when you reach over to flick onto the next page.

Whether or not you’re a pro session or function guitarist, you’ll have had plenty of experience with sheet music in some form – and plenty of frustration, too. We’re so accustomed to buying peripherals and accoutrements for our instruments, so why not for something as simple, but essential, as turning a digital page? Well, with this year’s Prime Day music deals in full swing, Donner’s heavily discounted wireless Page Turner Pedal, just became an even more affordable addition to your rig.

Donner’s wireless Page Turner Pedal is a Bluetooth controller that gives you hands-free dominion over your digital scores, tabs, lyrics and more. It’s a dual-pedal floor controller, capable of scrolling, page-turning or advancing in a variety of PDF or music-scoring programmes, across PC, Mac, iOS and Android. It’s a lifesaver for smooth rehearsals, and a non-negotiable for seamless function or session gigging - and it’s over 43% off for Amazon Prime Day.View Deal

The Donner Page Turner Pedal is a wireless dual-foot pedal device that wirelessly connects to your phone, tablet or computer via Bluetooth - after which it is capable of taking over scrolling, clicking and other forms of digital navigation - leaving your hands free for actually just playing the guitar or piano. The controller device features big comfortable foot controls for easy, foolproof usage.

The Page Turner works with pretty much every Bluetooth-receiving computational device: Mac, PC, Android or iOS. It has five different modes, which give the pedals a different pair of control commands: page up/down, left/right, up/down, left click/right click, and space/enter. All bases are covered, be they scrolling, scanning, turning, or generally advancing through a score or tab.

It’s not the most glamorous of musical accessories, but it is one of the more straightforwardly convenient things you could buy for yourself, whether you’re a pro that relies on PDF scores for a living, or an at-home learner that wants to sight-read a solo without stopping every few phrases.

Being unglamorous, buying one was never going to be actively on your list, let alone near the top of it. Prime Day, though, is an excellent motivator and the ideal time to grab savings on music gear that you never knew you needed, but will find invaluable.

Shop more Prime Day dea

Prime Day homepage: All Prime Day deals in one place
Amazon Music: Stream 4 months totally free
Studio deals: Beyer & Audio-Technica headphones savigs
Guitar deals: Up to 27% off Fender
Drum deals: Up to 21% off Donner e-kits
Keys deals: Yamaha, Alesis, Donner
DJ deals: 25% off AlphaTheta DJ controllers
Mic deals: 15% off our #1 podcast mic
Accessory deals: Stock up/upgrade from only $5
Vinyl record/accessory deals: Save on albums & decks

Thomann just dropped a massive sale on gig-ready live sound gear with up to 50% off that will turn any sound guy's frown upside down - and it includes big-name brands like Yamaha, Shure, Electro-Voice, Mackie, Midas and much more

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Wed, 20 May 2026 09:48:07 +0000

If you play in a band and perform on stage, then we’ve just found the ultimate sale for you. Thomann’s Live Days sale has landed, and it’s a belter. If you’re in the market for a new portable PA system, live mics, stage lighting, or in-ear monitoring, now’s the time to pounce. There’s a massive up to 50% off some seriously tasty kit until 2nd June, so, if you’ve been eyeing up an upgrade for your live rig, this is the time to do it.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro, weekend warrior, or just getting your first band together, there’s something in this sale that’ll work for you. You’ll find big names, such as Yamaha, EV, Presonus, and Shure, alongside Thomann’s own-brand gear. Fancy a new wireless microphone? Need some punchy stage lights for your next gig? Or maybe it’s time to swap out those battered old monitors for something a bit more, well, reliable?

Scroll through the Live Days sale, and you’ll probably spot something you didn’t even know you needed. But don’t hang about, with offers this good, the best bits won’t stick around for long.

Thomann Live Days: Up to 50% off
Thomann's Live Days sale offers up to 50% off on a whole host of live gear. The sale runs from now to 2nd June. It's an opportunity for gigging musicians to expand their setups with deals on a wide range of equipment, including brands such as Yamaha, Shure, Presonus, Behringer, and more. View Deal

First up is the EV ZLX 12P G2 Stereo Stand Bundle, which as 11% off. If you’re after a proper workhorse PA bundle, the EV ZLX 12P G2 Stereo Stand Bundle is worth a look. With a max SPL of 127dB and a frequency range from 48Hz to 20kHz, it’s got plenty of headroom for gigs big or small. There’s a full suite of sound-shaping tools onboard as well, from EQ, compressor, ducker, and even a feedback eliminator, all controlled via Quicksmart DSP and an easy-to-read LC display with one-knob operation.

Looking for a great quality live mic? Well, take a look at the Audix OMX-T, which has 36% off. The Audix OMX-T features a supercardioid polar pattern and a VLM capsule, delivering clear vocal sound without distortion even at extremely high sound pressure levels, and to us, it just sounds fantastic.

Next up, I’ve selected the Presonus StudioLive Series III 32R, which has an impressive 47% off. The Presonus StudioLive is a 32-channel digital rack mixer with a built-in audio interface, offering 32 mic/line combo inputs, 16 aux sends, and flexible connectivity for both stage and studio. With Fat Channel signal processing, four master effects processors, AVB network support, onboard SD card recording, and comprehensive software integration, it’s a powerful solution for live sound and multitrack recording in a compact 2U format.

Of course, there are plenty of other deals, including lights, stands, cables, flight cases, and much more, so we highly recommend exploring the full selection. You have until the 2nd of June to get involved.

From 60% off sales to $600 off a Fender Vintera II, these are the 5 Presidents' Day sales every musician needs to check out

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 13:47:17 +0000

Well, today is the big day, and this year's Presidents' Day sales are in full swing. There are some mega discounts out there, whether you’re a guitarist, producer, drummer, or key player - and we've rounded up the best places to shop right now.

There are so many offers vying for your attention right now, so we decided to put all the very best ones in one handy place for you. There are loads of great sales to shop, with some serious discounts of up to 60% on a variety of music gear.

Take a look at the sales below for the very best places to shop this Presidents' Day.

Sales you should definitely check out

1. Guitar Center Presidents' Day Sale: Save up to 30%.
There's a lot on offer at GC for Presidents' Day, from stunning acoustic and electric guitars to tube amps for gigging and a slew of effects. But it's not just guitar gear that's been discounted today. Every member of your band can get stuck into the action, with pianos, drum kits, and PA systems also up for grabs with money off.View Deal

2. Fender Presidents’ Day sale: Up to 30% off
With such a huge array of items on offer, it’s well worth a browse of the full sale to see if you can bag yourself a great deal in the Fender Presidents’ Day sale. There's a seriously good deal on a Player Plus, Vintera II, and even Squier Affinity. The sale will disappear on the 21st, so you'd better move quickly if you want to get your hands on a great deal.View Deal

3. Musician’s Friend P-Day sale: Up to 60% off
With a huge range of gear from Gibson and Fender to Line 6 and so much more, the Musician’s Friend Presidents’ Day sale is one of the best opportunities to bag yourself some heavily discounted guitar gear today. There’s also a huge selection of recording gear, select PA systems, and keyboards if you want something other than a new guitar or pedal.View Deal

4. Sweetwater sale: Up to 30% off
Over at Sweetwater, you can score a massive up to 30% off. Looking to up your guitar game? Sweetwater has you sorted. While this isn't an official Presidents' Day sale, it's well worth your time if you need an electric, acoustic, amp, or pedals.View Deal

5. Amazon daily deals: Up to 40% off
While there's not a huge amount to shout about on Amazon for guitar players right now, there are bulk strings deals, Mooer pedals, and even MIDI controllers available with decent discounts. View Deal

A whopping $900 discount on a stunning Gibson Les Paul is the headline act of Guitar Center's early Presidents' Day sale, plus a generous up to 30% off a range of music-making gear

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:06:25 +0000

Well, Presidents' Day is just days away, and the deals are flooding in thick and fast. This patriotic holiday has quickly become one of the best times of the year to pick up a new piece of music gear, with most music retailers getting in on the action. For us, one of the most impressive sales comes courtesy of Guitar Center, where you can bag up to 30% off a wide range of gear, with big-name brands included.

No matter what instrument you rely on to make your music, we can safely say you'll find a discounted version in this mega-sale. There truly is something for everyone, from electric guitars to drum sets, pianos to PA speakers.

Guitar Center Presidents' Day Sale: up to 30% off
There's a lot on offer here, from stunning guitars, tube amps for gigging and a slew of pedals. That said, it's not just guitar gear that's seen a discount. Every member of your band can get in on the action, with pianos, drum kits and PA systems also on offer. View Deal

A few of our favourites include the gorgeous Gibson Les Paul Standard. Featuring a mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, trapezoid inlays, and mother-of-pearl Gibson logo, this beautiful single-cut is unmistakably a Les Paul - and it looks simply stunning in the Honey Lemon Burst finish. Right now you can save an impressive $900 off!

Keys players can score a mega $100 off the Casio CDP-S110, which, thanks to its stellar sound, superb build quality and fantastic playability, is one of our top picks for the best digital pianos for beginners. Elsewhere, we've spotted $100 off the Alesis Nitro Max, one of the most popular electronic drum kits around. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first kit or a seasoned pro seeking a quieter practice option, this is the kit for you.

As you'd expect, there's a lot more on offer, so it's worth browsing through the sale to see if anything takes your fancy. You have until 18 February to grab a bargain, so if you see something you like, don't hesitate as you don't have long.

Shop the full Guitar Center Presidents' Day sale below

View the full electric guitar sale
View the full bass guitar sale
View the full amps and effects sale
View the full accessories sale

MusicRadar deals of the week: Save a colossal $500 off one of my favourite Sterling by Music Man guitars, grab $200 off a super cool D'Angelico, plus all the week's biggest sales on music gear

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:45:05 +0000

Welcome to MusicRadar's deals of the week! Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of fantastic offers on top-rated musical gear from across the internet. We curate a fresh batch of jaw-dropping discounts every week, so be sure to swing by regularly to catch the latest steals.

Well, it’s time for another round of MusicRadar’s deals of the week, and blimey, have the retailers been busy this week! Whether you’re after a shiny new axe, some studio gadgets, or just fancy treating yourself to that pedal you’ve been eyeing up, there’s something tasty cooking at all the big players.

Guitar Center is still going hard with their winter clearance sale, slashing prices across guitars, amps, and effects. With up to 30% off, we’re talking proper savings on Fender Player Series Strats, the ever-popular PRS SE models, and some cracking deals on practice amps that won’t wake the neighbours. If you’ve been holding off on upgrading your rig, now’s the time to pounce - but be warned, the sale does end on Wednesday, the 11th of February.

Over at Sweetwater, they’re doing what they do best – massive discounts with that legendary customer service thrown in for good measure. Their “You Deserve a New Guitar” sale offers genuinely eye-watering price drops on models from Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Martin, Taylor, and so much more.

Meanwhile, across the pond, Thomann’s serving up their usual treasure trove of bargains for our European mates. They don't have a specific sale as such, but the Harley Benton range offers ridiculous value alongside the big-name brands, so it’s worth starting there if you’re on the hunt for an affordable new six-string.

Editor's picks

This op-amp overdrive is an absolute steal at this price. Warm Audio’s known for making pro-level gear accessible, and the ODD delivers that smooth, musical drive that so many of us guitarists love, all without breaking the bank. I actually have this pedal on my board and use it as a solo boost. View Deal

A cracking digital piano that’s perfect for learners and gigging players alike. You’re getting 600 voices, auto-accompaniment features, and Yamaha’s legendary piano sound for a hundred quid less. It’s basically a one-stop music production station in a sleek, easy-to-play package.View Deal

Five hundred dollars off a Sterling? That’s mental! You’re getting Music Man quality and playability at a price that shouldn’t exist. The Sabre’s versatile pickups and buttery-smooth neck make it a proper workhorse for any genView Deal

This Sweetwater exclusive in Satin Desert Gold looks absolutely gorgeous, and it sounds even better. Semi-hollows are incredibly versatile, and D’Angelico’s build quality at this price point is frankly ridiculous. A proper steal for blues, jazz, or indie players.View Deal

32% off studio monitors with proper low-end response? Yes please! The 8-inch woofer gives you honest bass translation, and at this price, they’re perfect for bedroom producers wanting to level up their monitoring game.View Deal

Looking for more bargains? Check out more recommended sales below:

Amazon: Money off accessories
Fender Play: 50% off annual
Fender store: Save big Fender
Gear4Music: Clearance deals
Guitar Center: Save on guitars & more
Guitar Tricks: 1 month just $1
IK Multimedia: $200 off Tonex Max
Musician's Friend: Shop the BF Sale!
Plugin Boutique: Money off plugins
Positive Grid: Save on Spark
Reverb: Save on used gear
Sweetwater: Epic deals
Thomann: Last-minute deals
TrueFire: Save 60% on lessons
Waves: Buy two get one free

How we choose our deals of the week

Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear-related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our deals.

Our mission is simple - to help you make the best buying decision, find the right gear at the right price, to make the best music you can.

For us to recommend a deal it has to be a product we rate that’s been reduced to a genuinely great price or part of a truly fantastic bundle. It’s also important that we only recommend retailers that we trust.

You can see more of our product recommendations in our buyer's guides and reviews.

Why you can trust our choices

Our editors and writers are all experienced musicians and experts in their fields. They have a deep understanding of the categories that they cover, which means that you can trust their choices when it comes to recommending products.

We pride ourselves on the independence, quality and reliability of our testing processes and the reviews it produces. It’s what has made us the world’s leading music-making publishing company. You can find more details on how we test some specific key product categories, but the principles apply across the board, rigorously assessing build quality, functionality, playability and, of course, sonic performance.

We cover a lot of the big sales events throughout the year, including Memorial Day, Black Friday, 4th of July sales and Amazon Prime Day, and we have a good view of which products are likely to receive the biggest discounts and when, the prices they’ve been in the past and which deals are genuinely worth a look.

Where are the best places to shop?

Online shopping is definitely a lot easier and more secure than it used to be, and we like to recommend a small handful of online retailers who have a sterling reputation and offer fantastic benefits like fuss-free returns, great customer service and, in some cases, full checks and setup of guitars before they are dispatched. So, all the deals we’ll recommend on this page are from retailers that tick these boxes.

What sort of deals should I look for?

Great deals come in all shapes and sizes. There are a few key types to look out for:

Single item - A single product with a great discount
Site-wide discounts - A single discount percentage on a large range of products across a site
Discount codes - Load your basket to a certain value and redeem a discount code for money off your basket contents
Added value deals - These include multi-buy discounts, or additional products or software for free when you buy certain items

MusicRadar deals of the week: Score $600 off one of our favourite Casio pianos, $200 off top-tier Sennheiser studio headphones, and so much more

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:36:06 +0000

Guitar Center is kicking things off with up to 30% off in the "stay inspired" sale – and yes, that includes guitars, keyboards, interfaces, and so much more. Whether you’re after a new six-string, looking to upgrade your studio, or finally nab that PA speaker you need to sound better live, there’s bound to be something worth checking out.

Over at Sweetwater, the January clearance sale continues, offering discounts of up to 50% on a wide range of gear. It’s the perfect opportunity to snag some quality kit without completely decimating your bank account - but be quick, as it is ending soon.

Making our way over to Musician’s Friend reveals a generous up to 40% off in the Winter Sale. This massive sale has everything from up to $799 off electric guitars to up to $1,000 off keyboards and so much more.

Editor's picks

Looking for your first Les Paul? Well, this is the model I'd start with. I'm a big fan of the Les Paul Standard '60s Quilt Top. From its ProBucker pickups to the SlimTaper D-shape profile neck, this guitar feels, looks, and sounds exactly how a good LP should. Save $150 at Musician's Friend. View Deal

This is currently the biggest Player II Tele deal online, featuring a huge $190 off and a Guitar Center-exclusive British Racing Green finish. The Player II spec sets a standard for value in the Fender catalogue, but at this price, it's a true bargain. View Deal

For us, this slim console digital piano packs an impressive set of features into its compact, elegant cabinet design, all without breaking the bank, too. Better yet, you can save an impressive $600 off at Musician's Friend.View Deal

With a massive $200 reduction, these Sennheiser HD 600 studio headphones are the perfect addition to a studio where you already have a good pair of speakers. I like to use headphones to check the finer details of my mix like the stereo imaging and low end, balancing that with the overall picture through my studio monitors to really fine-tune the overall mix. These Sennheisers are super comfortable and deliver incredible detail, making them a very powerful addition to your workflow.View Deal

Looking for more bargains? Check out more recommended sales below:

Amazon: Money off accessories
Fender Play: 50% off annual
Fender store: Save big Fender
Gear4Music: Clearance deals
Guitar Center: Save on guitars & more
Guitar Tricks: 1 month just $1
IK Multimedia: $200 off Tonex Max
Musician's Friend: Shop the BF Sale!
Plugin Boutique: Money off plugins
Positive Grid: Save on Spark
Reverb: Save on used gear
Sweetwater: Epic deals
Thomann: Last-minute deals
TrueFire: Save 60% on lessons
Waves: Buy two get one free

How we choose our deals of the week

Our mission is simple - to help you make the best buying decision, find the right gear at the right price, to make the best music you can.

You can see more of our product recommendations in our buyer's guides and reviews.

Why you can trust our choices

Where are the best places to shop?

What sort of deals should I look for?

Great deals come in all shapes and sizes. There are a few key types to look out for:

Single item - A single product with a great discount
Site-wide discounts - A single discount percentage on a large range of products across a site
Discount codes - Load your basket to a certain value and redeem a discount code for money off your basket contents
Added value deals - These include multi-buy discounts, or additional products or software for free when you buy certain items

5 reasons a gift card is the most stress-free present you can get a musician this Christmas

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:00:01 +0000

Okay, I get it, buying a musician a gift is a nightmare. Shopping for a muso can be tricky because most of our gear choices come down to personal preferences or the particular technical needs of our current setup. So with that in mind, I’d argue that a gift voucher is the perfect present that gets around all that, and it's pretty stress-free to purchase, too. Not only does it remove the guesswork completely and let's the musician in your life pick exactly what they want - at their leisure - but there’s no need to wait for anything to be delivered, making it the ultimate last-minute option.

Yeah, I know it can seem impersonal, but trust me, as a regularly disappointed musician at Christmas, I would rather have a gift card for my favourite music shop than a novelty-themed mug or strings that are too heavy for my guitar.

Not convinced? Here are five reasons why a gift voucher could be the perfect Christmas gift for a musician.

1. Avoid disappointment

Musicians are known for being particular, and for good reason. Their gear, software, and accessories are chosen to match their unique sound and style, so it’s tough to guess what they really want or need. With a gift voucher, they can choose the exact brand, model, or even colour that best fits their instrument and playing style.

2. Contribution to a major purchase

Musical equipment can be expensive. Whether it’s a new guitar, a special effects pedal, or some studio gear, the costs add up quickly. A voucher lets your gift become part of their savings, helping them get that dream item they’ve been wanting, instead of something that ends up unused.

3. Avoiding duplication

If you’ve ever looked at a musician’s collection, you know they already own a lot of gear. A voucher helps you avoid buying something they already have - or two family members buying the same gifts. Great minds and all that, right?

4. Funding annoying consumables we hate buying

Every musician dislikes spending money on those necessary but boring items, like new strings, drumsticks, reeds, sheet music, or emergency repairs. With a voucher, they can stock up on these everyday essentials when they need them, without it coming out of their own pocket, and leaving more money for the things they like buying, like a new guitar!

5. No need to wait for delivery

Did you leave your shopping until the last minute? That’s okay! With a gift voucher, you don’t have to worry about shipping delays or missed packages, which is especially helpful right before Christmas. It’s quick, easy, and you can put it in a card or send it by email, so your gift is ready right away.

Where can I buy gift vouchers?

Thomann Gift Voucher: Any amount available
Thinking about getting a gift card? Thomann is a great choice for shoppers in the UK and Europe. This German online music store has a huge range of gear, including electric guitars, electronic drums, beginner digital pianos, studio equipment, and more, and ships across Europe and the UK.

A nice perk is that Thomann gift vouchers never expire. You can use them anytime, even if you just want to buy something small.

Once you’ve bought a voucher, you can print it out or send it to someone by email, text, or post. To use it, just enter the voucher number at checkout on thomann.co.uk or show it in the store.View Deal

MusicRadar deals of the week: Score big savings on music gear ahead of Christmas from the likes of UAD, Casio, Waves, PRS and more

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:57:52 +0000

Okay, let’s be honest, musicians can be pretty hard to shop for. Most of us have had to fake a smile after getting another guitar-shaped mug or a novelty music-themed t-shirt we’ll never wear. Don’t worry, though, I’m here to help with a selection of last-minute gift ideas, and even a few sales that are still live so you can save a little money, too.

Now, with Christmas being right around the corner, I thought I’d highlight a few gift ideas that require absolutely no delivery time. These are digital plugin downloads, lesson subscriptions, and more, so you don’t need to stress about them arriving in time for the big day. Of course, I've included a few instruments and pieces of music tech for those who aren't worried about delivery times.

If you’re looking to score some savings ahead of Christmas and the new year, then you’re in luck, as there are a number of sales running right now. Over at Sweetwater, you can score a generous up to 60% off a wide range of gear, while Guitar Center is offering up to 30% off big-name brands.

Below, you’ll find some pretty tasty deals on gifts that musicians, producers and home recording fanatics will actually like to receive - I know I'd be happy to see any of these in my inbox this Christmas.

Editor's picks

UAD Mixtape: 10 plugins for $99
This bundle deal lets you pick ten of your most wanted Universal Audio plugins, all for the low price of just $99. It includes some amazing plugins like the Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, API Vision Channel Strip, SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor, Manley Massive Passive EQ, and loads more, so if you need to stock up, this is the place to do it.View Deal

For a lot of working producers, Melodyne will be amongst their most used plugins. Pretty much every vocal nowadays is tuned, to the point that most big live shows you go to will have some form of tuning on the vocal. I use Melodyne all the time, and I love its straightforward workflow that enables me to speedily tune vocal takes and get to the important stuff more quickly. With a massive $74 off at Plugin Boutique, this is one Black Friday plugin buy I guarantee will improve the quality of your music.View Deal

One of the all-time classic compressor plugins, Waves CLA-76 is many producers' go-to for drum busses. It can add a specific character that will make your drums sound like they're being hit harder, without drastically increasing your peak levels. It's not just viable on drums, though; it really is a Swiss-army style comp that can do the job on guitars, vocals, pianos, and pretty much anything else, so well worth picking up at this bargain price point.View Deal

It’s impossible not to recommend Drumeo if you’re seeking the biggest range of lessons that are constantly updated, as well as an ever-growing list of song transcriptions. You’ll need to remain focussed as there’s so much stuff - it’s easy to get lesson FOMO and try to watch everything you can - but it really is a one-stop shop of drum education.

OFFER MusicRadar readers can get a full month of Drumeo for free (rather the usual 7-day trial). Your trial will also grant you access to Drumeo's sister platforms including Pianote, Guitareo and SingeoView Deal

The Positive Grid Spark Mini has been my favorite practice amp for a long time now, thanks to its blend of fantastic tones, excellent volume, yet surprisingly small form factor. With a $50 reduction at Sweetwater, taking it just south of $200, it's awesome value for money, and in my opinion, the perfect practice amp.View Deal

Whisper it quietly, but this could be a better 'couch keyboard' than a Reface for a lot of people. Not only do you get 42 voices, but there are also arpeggios, rhythms a phrase recorder and motion effects, and all in a compact battery-powerable package that you can play anywhere. And all at a price that's hard to believe.View Deal

IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors are probably the best small project studio monitors that we have ever tested here at MusicRadar... and that was when they were full price! Imagine our glee now that they're $120 off at Sweetwater this Cyber Weekend. This deal is a no-brainer.View Deal

This piano may look sleek and modern, but it’s not all style over substance, as this piano more than delivers on playability. Casio’s Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard feels incredibly responsive and offers a very satisfying playing experience, while the Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source delivers a massive range of tones. Save a massive $500 at Sweetwater. View Deal

If you love to shred, this one’s for you. With $216 off at Sweetwater, the SE Custom 24 Floyd lets you dive-bomb and chug to your heart’s content, all while showing off its stunning Charcoal Cherry Burst finish. It’s a powerful, stage-ready guitar that proves serious performance doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.View Deal

Looking for more bargains? Check out more recommended sales below:

Amazon: Money off accessories
Fender Play: 50% off annual
Fender store: Save big Fender
Gear4Music: Clearance deals
Guitar Center: Save on guitars & more
Guitar Tricks: 1 month just $1
IK Multimedia: $200 off Tonex Max
Musician's Friend: Shop the BF Sale!
Plugin Boutique: Money off plugins
Positive Grid: Save on Spark
Reverb: Save on used gear
Sweetwater: Epic deals
Thomann: Last-minute deals
TrueFire: Save 60% on lessons
Waves: Buy two get one free

How we choose our deals of the week

Our mission is simple - to help you make the best buying decision, find the right gear at the right price, to make the best music you can.

You can see more of our product recommendations in our buyer's guides and reviews.

Why you can trust our choices

Where are the best places to shop?

What sort of deals should I look for?

Great deals come in all shapes and sizes. There are a few key types to look out for:

Single item - A single product with a great discount
Site-wide discounts - A single discount percentage on a large range of products across a site
Discount codes - Load your basket to a certain value and redeem a discount code for money off your basket contents
Added value deals - These include multi-buy discounts, or additional products or software for free when you buy certain items

Still on the hunt for a bargain? These 58 Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for musicians are still live - but they'll be gone soon

chris.barnes@futurenet.com (Chris Barnes) — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:31:41 +0000

With the noise of Black Friday and Cyber Monday still ringing in our ears, I've been looking back on what was a truly epic event for musicians over the last four days. There were massive savings to be had on everything from guitars, drums and software, to iPads and laptops, synths and keyboards.

If you missed out but still fancy adding something new to your studio setup, boosting your guitar collection, or picking up a stocking filler for a musician, then you're in luck, as some sweet Cyber Weekend deals are still going strong today, with some of the MusicRadar team's favourite bargains still up for grabs.

I've rounded up some of our top picks right here. Can't find what you want? There are even more still-live deals to check out over on our Cyber Monday music deals page.

⚡ These sales are still live

🇺🇸 US deals

B&H Photo: Pro Audio Cyber Week savings
Fender store: Shop the Holiday Gift Guide
Guitar Center: Up to 40% Cyber Monday sale
Guitar Tricks: ~~$899~~ $99 annual sub
IK Multimedia: Up to $150 off studio monitors
Musician's Friend: Cyber Monday 50% off sale
Native Instruments: Over 50% off UA bundle
Plugin Boutique: 100s of software savings
Positive Grid: Up to $50 Spark savings
Reverb: Up to 80% Cyber Week savings
Sweetwater: Cyber Week sale is still live
Universal Audio: UAD holiday sale
Waves: 5 plugins for $99.99

🇬🇧 UK deals

Gear4Music: Cyber Monday deals still live
Guitar Tricks: ~~$899~~ $99 annual sub
IK Multimedia: Up to $150 off studio monitors
Native Instruments: Over 50% off UA bundle
Plugin Boutique: 100s of software savings
Positive Grid: Spark bundle savings
Reverb: Up to 80% Cyber Week savings
Thomann: Shop the latest Hot Deals
Universal Audio: UAD holiday sale
Waves: 5 plugins for $99.99

🥇 Most popular deals

My top pick for our guide was the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, which for me, delivered the best balance of features, performance, and software offering. Its low-latency performance is simply phenomenal, and you can get it to go below 5ms on Mac which is incredibly low considering the price. It’s great on Windows too, with one of the most robust drivers I’ve ever encountered. Add in some cool features like clip safe and auto gain modes alongside significant improvements in AD/DA conversion, and there’s a good reason it sits in the top spot of my guide. With a nice $30 off over at Sweetwater, it’s the ultimate interface for the vast majority of music makers out there.View Deal

The special edition version of the 8-piece Nitro Max has all the awesome DNA of the main kit (which comes in black), but this version comes with striking red pad shells and rims, plus red accents on the cymbals and module. If you like to stand out from the crowd, this is the kit for you. Today you can save $100.View Deal

Following the success of the S-Style SE NF 3, the SE NF 53 is PRS’s take on a classic T-Style guitar, with a few different twists. Saving $200 at Sweetwater, this is an awesome opportunity to test ride the PRS-designed Narrowfield DD “S” pickups and extremely playable NF 53-profile neck with a 10-inch fingerboard radius, all finished off with a stunning swamp ash body.View Deal

Guitar wireless systems used to be crazy expensive, so this deal on the Xvive U2 Wireless System is a great reminder of just how far we've come in terms of the technology. With a $46 reduction at Musican's Friend, this wireless kit is superb value for money, and the freeing feeling of doing away with cables is a convenience that all guitarists really need to experience.View Deal

The Alesis Strata Prime Expanded Electronic Drum Set is as extra as it sounds - ‘expanded’ relates to the additional tom and cymbal you get in the box. This version is a seven-piece kit with 6 cymbals (hi-hat inclusive), and a supremely powerful touchscreen module with an incredible library of BFD-derived sounds and kits. For us, this is the be-all end-all e-drumming solution, with I/O to die for. Usually $4,448, this premium piece of kit has a generous $699 discount over at Sweetwater right now.View Deal

If you're looking for a great quality digital piano, the Casio Privia PX-S3100 is an amazing choice thanks to a hefty $270 off in the Sweetwater sale. With a full 88-key keybed and a whopping 700 different sounds onboard, it can do everything from hyper-realistic grand piano tones through to harpsichords, vibraphones, and loads more.View Deal

🎛️ Home studio deals

The Audient iD4 MkII is a fantastic bit of kit, and I actually still use it as my travel interface when I need to mix on the go. It’s compact, easy to use, and delivers top-quality sound as you’d expect from a company that makes consoles for professional studios. I love the dual headphone outputs which allows for quick and easy collaboration, and I picked it out as a great option for beginner mixers who want something easy to use, but with enough room to grow into as they develop their craft. It’s currently got a cool $30 reduction in the Guitar Center sale, so if you’re looking for a great all-rounder they don’t come much better than this.View Deal

Yep, you read that right, $8k for a monitor controller. It’s absolutely ridiculous but I implore you to go take a look at this crazy bit of gear, which has got one of the biggest discounts I’ve seen this year with $4,000 off. Based on the monitor section of the flagship Neve 5088 large-format console, the Class A analogue signal paths of this hardware ensure world-class sound and monitor control. It’s got talkback control and a dedicated headphone amplifier, making it a great all-rounder for pro or home studios that want the best of the best.View Deal

If you want something a little more ‘pro’, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X is the step up you’ve been looking for. I use its bigger brother, the X4, as my daily in my home studio, and when I was reviewing the Twin X I really loved the analogue style workflow it encourages you to take on. By harnessing the DSP power within the interface itself, you can offload processing from your computer to the interface itself, allowing you to place plugins on the input path like you would in a proper studio. It’s got a huge $200 discount at Sweetwater right now, so if you’re ready to step up to the big leagues, then this is the interface for you.View Deal

I picked out the SSL2+ MKII as a great interface for recording vocals, because SSL preamps are known for being ultra-clean. This is certainly the case with what’s an offer here, but there’s also some additional functionality that I think makes it particularly well-suited for vocalists or those who primarily record vocals. The dual headphone outs are great for collaborating with others on tracks, and with dedicated volumes for each, you can set a perfect balance for you and the vocalist you’re working with. The built-in low cut for each track is also super handy, allowing you to get rid of any low-end rumble you might get from your singer moving around whilst they deliver their take. With a nice $50 reduction in the Guitar Center sale, it’s a great time to pick up this interface and upgrade the sound of your recordings for Black Friday.View Deal

🛠️ Software deals

I already own UAD Sound City Studios and it's quickly become one of my most used plugins. I use it to liven up drum room sounds, add space to guitar tracks recorded via plugins, and give a sense of space to vocals.View Deal

Vocalign is on my shopping list this year, having recently used the trial. It's great for making your vocal editing more efficient, allowing you to quickly and easily synchronize vocal doubles and harmonies to get a really professional sound. It's currently got a hefty $80 discount at Plugin Boutique, and you can use it on other instruments too, making it an amazing tool for speeding up the editing of your productions.

Another bit of outboard gear I’m very familiar with, the Avalon BT-737 Tube Channel Strip can be characterised with a single word - clean. Seemingly no matter how hard you push it them the preamps still remain incredibly transparent, delivering a glossy sheen to whatever signals you feed it. With preamp, opto-compressor, and EQ I use it a lot for vocals, but it’s versatile enough to take a shine to pretty much any instrument.View Deal

If you want to add realistic drum sounds to your productions for less, this awesome deal on BFD 3.5 at Plugin Boutique is well worth a look. With a massive $160 reduction, you're getting quality drum sounds straight into your DAW for well below $50. With a massive 51 kits there's plenty to get stuck into, and if you like tweaking your drum sounds then you'll love the depth of offer here.View Deal

The API 500 series is one of my favourite bits of outboard in the studio I work in, so when I’m at home the EQ plugin is one of my top choices. An engineer friend of mine described it as ‘revealing’ and I can’t put it any better than that. Even when you start getting into boosting frequencies in the realm of 12dB it still somehow manages to sound good, and despite being initially confusing, I find the two-tiered knobs really quick and easy to use once you get used to them.

The latest guitar plugin from Universal Audio replicates a very famous Fender Showman amplifier, giving you massive clean tones and bags of headroom from the comfort of your DAW.View Deal

Get into UAD’s amp-modelling suite at bargain pricing: classic emulations like the Woodrow ’55, Ruby ’63 Top Boost, Dream ’65 Reverb, and Lion ’68 Plexi are all available at this level. It’s a chance to build your virtual amp rig without breaking the bank. Pick your favourites for $29 each (usually $149), grab a 4x essentials bundle for only $99 (usually $299).View Deal

This bundle features more than 60 UAD plug-ins, including new additions like Ocean Way Studios Deluxe, A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer, Anthem Analog Synthesizer, Showtime ’64 Tube Amp, Woodrow ’55, plus classic favourites like the 1176, LA-2A, API Vision, Studer A800 and more. It’s a deep-dive toolbox covering compression, EQ, reverb, tape, synths and guitar, and might be everything you need in one tidy place.View Deal

This vintage-inspired tape delay is one I actually reach for ahead of some of the more guitar-friendly alternatives in my arsenal. It’s full of warmth, flexible modulation, filter sweeps and true stereo delay. At this price, it’s a no-brainer if you want lush echoes or experimental textures.View Deal

Includes Timeless 3, Saturn 2, Twin 3 and Volcano 3. This bundle is great for ambient, electronic or cinematic work, and far more flexible than buying each separately.View Deal

This is one of the reverbs I rely on when I need natural, musical space without the generic “washed out” sound. Pro-R 2’s decay controls, saturation and gating let me sculpt reverb that sits in the mix rather than flooding it.View Deal

This bundle gives you the full FabFilter universe: EQ, dynamics, distortion, delay, synths, filters – everything. If you’re building a long-term toolkit, this is the most efficient buy. I use elements from this on nearly every project.View Deal

Saturn 2 remains my go-to for adding rich, analogue-style saturation, transformer grit, or multiband dirt. The way you can morph between tape, tube and amp-style saturation with band control is unmatched. And, at this discounted rate, it’s a creative essential.View Deal

Keys & synth deals

Released last year at a price point that was already competitive, Yamaha's SEQTRAK has halved in price since then, making it one of the most affordable grooveboxes on the market. Armed with three polyphonic sound engines covering subtractive and FM synthesis, it's also got an 11-track sequencer, sampling capabilities and a decent selection of effects onboard. If you want a Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field but don't have $2k lying around, get this instead.View Deal

Taiga is a semi-modular analogue synth that delivers a vast amount of sonic flexibility thanks to its 64-point patch bay and sophisticated wavefolding abilities. It also features something we don't see in a great deal of hardware synths: a modular expansion bay that offers 24hp of powered Eurorack space, meaning you can expand the synth with modules of your choosing. What's more, each purchase of Taiga comes with a free Pittsburgh Modular Boom Chick drum machine worth $299. View Deal

If it's good enough for Aphex Twin, Radiohead and The Prodigy, it's good enough for us. Novation's Bass Station II is a modern classic that's found favour with a long list of influential artists, thanks to its punchy analogue sound, intuitive interface and heaps of extra features under the hood. If you're after an affordable and versatile monosynth that'll keep you entertained until long after next Black Friday, this is your best bet. View Deal

The dawn of a new InMusic/Moog era has been cemented with the launch of Messenger, Moog's next-gen monosynth with wavefolding and creative modulation options. While it comes in at the upper end of the monosynth price bracket, a shaving of $200 off certainly makes it a more palatable option.View Deal

With Casio's multi-dimensional AiR processing, 88 scaled hammer action keys, 26 additional tones and a very accessible playing action, this is a superb option for beginners and intermediates, and with $600 off, you really can't go wrong.View Deal

UK deals

For players just starting out on their piano journey, it's vital to opt for an instrument that gives you all the necessary features to learn, without hindering your progress. That means 88-notes, fully weighted keys, sustain pedal and high-quality sounds. Luckily, the P-45 ticks all of these boxes and does so without breaking the bank!View Deal

🎸 Guitar deals

Neural DSP Nano Cortex: Free plugin
The Neural DSP Nano Cortex is ideal for players who don’t want to fully commit to a floor modeler but want the convenience of amp modeling for playing live shows. It’s jam-packed with some of the most incredible captures we’ve ever heard, and you can make your own captures with it too – impressive for such a small unit. With this deal, if you buy a Nano Cortex from an approved retailer between November 21 and December 3, you can bag yourself any Neural DSP plugin completely free of charge!View Deal

I've had a HX Stomp on my pedalboard for the past couple of years now, and it's become the hub for all my delay, reverb, and modulation sounds. Instead of having three separate pedals it handles a multitude of duties sitting in the FX loop of my amp. I also use it for amp modeling in conjunction with third-party IRs, where it's perfect for recording guitar demos. This limited mint green edition has eye-catching looks to add to the equation, and with $100 off at Guitar Center I can highly recommend picking one up.View Deal

At just $99, the Pigtronix Constellator is a brilliant deal at Sweetwater thanks to a huge $80 reduction. It's an analog delay pedal that delivers a luscious warm wash that belies its budget price point. It's a seriously underrated bit of gear, and we love the modulated tones it can deliver, as well as the mini size that means it's easily able to fit onto any 'board.View Deal

With everybody raving about the new Oasis guitars, this Epiphone Les Paul Custom P-90 caught my eye over at Guitar Center. It's got a hefty $150 discount, and the black and gold aesthetic with dual P-90 pickups gives it a look not too dissimilar to Noel's new guitar, for much less money. View Deal

The SE NF 53 sees PRS put its own spin on a classic T-style design, and right now it’s $200 off at Sweetwater. This model features the brand’s Narrowfield DD “S” pickups for punchy clarity, a comfortable NF 53-profile neck with a 10-inch fingerboard radius, and a beautifully finished swamp-ash body. A classy blend of vintage character and modern playability.View Deal

🥁 Electronic drum deals

🇺🇸 US deals

The above Strata Core offer is great, however it doesn’t come with a hi-hat stand of bass drum pedal as standard. You may have those bits of hardware at home already, but if not Sweetwater has upped the ante with this great deal that bundles the Strata Core with a DW 3000 Series hi-hat stand and BD pedal, giving you everything you need to start playing as soon as our new kit arrives.View Deal

The Alesis Strata Prime Expanded Electronic Drum Set is as extra as it sounds - ‘expanded’ relates to the additional tom and cymbal you get in the box. This version is a seven-piece kit with 6 cymbals (hi-hat inclusive), and a supremely powerful touchscreen module with an incredible library of BFD-derived sounds and kits. For us, this is the be-all end-all e-drumming solution, with I/O to die for. Usually $4,498, this premium piece of kit has a generous $699 discount over at Sweetwater right now.View Deal

And if all the extra bells and whistles of the expanded edition Strata Prime are more than you will reasonably use, the standard edition is also on sale right now with a healthy $200 discount. In our 5-star Alesis Strata Prime review we described this kit as a "bonafide game-changer", and that's even more true at this price. This is not a kit you will grow out of or want to upgrade for a very long time.View Deal

Roland TD516: FREE throne worth $248!
The TD516 has literally just been released. I've played one and can confirm that it really is ahead of the game, taking a good amount of tech from the 7 series drums and putting them in a more affordable package. The addition of digital snare, hats and ride with this kit is a true game-changer. While this kit isn't cheap at $3,619.99, throwing in a hydraulic saddle throne worth $248 is a classy move by Sweetwater!View Deal

Now this is a great deal! The TD-07 range of V-Drums is fantastic not only for beginners with a bit of budget, but it's also a great step-up kit for drummers who are moving forward with their playing. The all-mesh configuration comes with fantastic hardware, some excellent on-board sounds and Bluetooth built into the module for wireless jamming with your phone or tablet.View Deal

Donner's Backbeat is by some distance the most expensive of its high-value range, and suitably feature-laden as a result, with touchscreen module, dual-zone mesh pads, Bluetooth connectivity, multi-track USB audio and its USP, snazzy customisable LED lighting on each pad and cymbal. It really does look the business.View Deal

🇬🇧 UK deals

My go-to audio interface is now even better value at under £80 in Gear4Music's early Black Friday sale

Chris Corfield — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:59:34 +0000

The Black Friday music deals are here again! For music producers, it’s truly the best time of year to level up your studio for less. The flood of discounts hitting audio interfaces, synths, plugins and controllers means you can finally tick those long-standing wishlist items off without feeling the sting in your wallet. It’s also a great time to fill gaps in your setup, experiment with something new, or even take your first steps into music production with pro-level gear at entry-level prices.

2025 has been a particularly good year for accessible, high-quality music tech. So, whether you’re recording, mixing, performing or just getting ideas down, the tools on offer today are more powerful and affordable than ever, and these just-launched early Black Friday deals from Gear4Music prove it.

Take PreSonus’s Studio 24c for example: already one of the best pound-for-pound interfaces around, its clean preamps, USB-C connectivity and rugged build make it a studio workhorse that’s now even better value at under £80. It’s my personal favourite - despite testing and reviewing countless audio interfaces over the years, the Studio 24c is still the one I choose to use in my own small studio space.

If your tastes lean towards proper synths, the Moog Messenger delivers the kind of rich, organic tone you simply can’t fake with software, and it currently has a juicy £60 discount.

Plugin lovers aren’t left with this sale either. Baby Audio’s Transit 2, created in collaboration with Andrew Huang, has become a go-to for producers who want fast, creative transitions and movement in their tracks. With nearly 40% off, it’s a steal for anyone looking to freshen up their in-the-box workflow.

Now, let’s take a look at a few more of my top picks from the sale. We’re expecting more Gear4Music Black Friday deals to be added as we get closer to the official event, so keep an eye on Musicradar for more intel from our product experts.

PreSonus Studio 24c - 89 now 79.99The Studio 24c is a compact USB-C interface that punches well above its weight. With clean sound, MIDI I/O and handy loopback routing for streaming, it’s a solid centrepiece for any home setup. The best pound-for-pound interface in its price bracket just got even more affordable. Read our full PreSonus Studio 24c review.View Deal

A fresh take on Moog’s legacy, the Messenger delivers that unmistakable Moog tone in a compact, hands-on format. If you want that rich Moog sound you simply can’t replicate elsewhere, this discount is a rare treat. Read our full Moog Messenger review.View Deal

Baby Audio’s slick multi-effect processor, created in collaboration with Andrew Huang, brings movement, texture and instant polish to your tracks. At nearly 40% off, it’s an inspiring creative tool at an impulse-buy price. Read our full Baby Audio Transit review.View Deal

This smaller-bodied Strat keeps the classic Fender feel alive for younger learners or players after a more manageable size. Great tone, familiar playability and solid construction make it one of the best value starter guitars around. Read our full Squier Affinity Stratocaster Junior HSS review.View Deal

It may be a bit long in the tooth, but the Maschine Mikro MK3 still offers a superb groove-making experience. With its responsive pads and a great bundle of NI instruments and effects, it’s a smart buy for beatmakers on a budget. Read our full Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK3 review.View Deal

Shop more Black Friday sales

Guitar Tricks: ~~$899~~ $99 annual subscription bundle
IK Multimedia: 33 plugins for the price of 1
Native Instruments: Over 50% off UA bundle
Plugin Boutique: Save on SSL, IK, Tracktion
Positive Grid: New Spark Neo Core
Reverb: Huge 70% off used
Thomann: Early Cyber Week Deals!
Universal Audio: Get UAD Showtime '64 FREE
Waves: Buy 2 plugins, get 2 free

“Occasionally I've been worried that I've poisoned myself but it's always turned out fine”: We speak to the artist who has just made an album from dangerous plants

Jim Ottewill — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:42:41 +0000

Fusing her training in both Western and South Asian classical music with DIY production set ups, electronic artist Helen Anahita Wilson has devoted her musical life to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and finding fascinating new ways to generate sounds.

Her latest album Nightshade widens Helen’s experimental journey into a shadowier frontier, taking its starting points from the titular magic-tinged - yet dangerous - family of plants.

Nightshade features a unique biophilic composition approach - harnessed from edible species including aubergines and potatoes and even hallucinogens such as the fabulously-named 'devil’s trumpet' (Datura stramonium) and deadlier, poisonous variants.

It follows her 2023 album, Linea Naturalis, which analysed the bio-electricity within plants that are typically used for medicinal or healing purposes.

Alongside her work as an artist, Helen is a lecturer at SOAS University of London, and holds a PhD in experimental sonic life writing about the body. She has performed internationally at venues including the Southbank Centre, the United Nations in Geneva, and St Paul’s Cathedral (where she was musician in residence), and collaborated with artists such as Shahbaz Hussain, Talvin Singh OBE, and Debashish Bhattacharya, as well as winning the prestigious Oram Award for her unique creative approach.

Ahead of the album’s release, Helen explained to us the actual process behind these experimental collaborations with plants - and just what a biophilic composition really is…

MusicRadar: Where did the inspiration for Nightshade come from?

Helen Anahita Wilson: “I’ve been making a lot of plant-derived music with medicinal plants over the last couple of years. I've loved these projects which have been quite ambient and spacious but I really wanted to make something that was more experimental, and more like my usual style and focus of composition. This album is really inspired by my friend, Sandy Knapp, who's a fantastic botanist and a world-leading expert on the Solanaceae family, otherwise known as the nightshades.”

MR: Where did you first come across this plant family?

H: “Sandy and I like to catch up and talk about nightshades when we meet up for breakfast sometimes in London. Sandy has told me so many fascinating things about this amazing family of plants and she really got me excited about working with plants such as porcupine tomatoes, hallucinogenic Datura stramonium (otherwise known as ‘devil's trumpet’), and deadly nightshades such as Atropa belladonna.”

(Image credit: James Joyce/Helen Anahita Wilson)

MR: What makes these plants unique compared with others that you have collaborated/worked with?

H: “I love that this plant family holds both highly nutritious and highly toxic plants within it, plus there are also hallucinogenic and addictive members of the family. There are so many magical associations too, such as mandrake and henbane, and connections with mortality, trance, prophecy, and spirit.”

MR: Could you explain the creative process with gathering biodata from the plants? What is your set up?

H: “I like to combine different types of plant biodata such as natural bioelectricity voltage readings (which I capture with a bioelectricity data logger), conductivity readings (like those you can get when using a ‘PlantWave’ device) which are sometimes called biosignals.

"I use real audio recordings using contact mics, genetic data, and other interesting finds from botanical analyses in order to generate patterns and rhythms which I then develop and compose with.

"Sometimes I allow changes in plant physiology to trigger samples but most of this album is composed from fragments of nightshade biodata which I then develop using experimental techniques from South Asian and Western classical music.”

(Image credit: Nic Kane/Helen Anahita Wilson)

MR: Can you explain a little more about the genetic codes/biodata that you use - how do you feed this into your sound world?

H: “I often spot recurring patterns in the biodata that I record or in the botanical information I find in online databases.

"As soon as I notice a pattern or a trend I then isolate it, sometimes turn it into MIDI, and develop this isolated fragment using techniques from South Asian Carnatic music (which I studied as part of my PhD at SOAS University of London).

"Or I use botanical processes from the plants themselves which I then translate into compositional processes. That way the music behaves in a similar way to the plant and I find that a really satisfying, biophilic way of working - composing with aliveness itself!”

MR: What are the challenges with working with plants in this way? And were there any unique to working with the nightshades?

H: “The practical challenges often arise when I'm either trying to find a specific species or sometimes not being able to record them as it’s the wrong time of year. I find spring is the best time to start new projects like this as the plants are growing, budding, and are physiologically highly active which gives me plenty of interesting data to then work creatively with.

“Another challenge occasionally comes in the communication of my work. There are quite a few guys out there who work in plant biosonification, often doing very cool live shows hooking up a lot of plants and fungi and connecting them with modular synthesizers.

"My work is strictly in biophilic composition, not in biosonification. I use sonification as one of the first steps or stages in work but then it's all about creative composition, translating plant processes in compositional processes, embedding key characteristics from the plants into the music itself, and creating music that expresses the nature and character and aliveness of the plant.

“Another challenge can come with working with highly toxic plants and occasionally I've been worried that I've poisoned myself but it's always turned out fine, thank goodness!

"I've learned to be a lot more careful when working with plants such as deadly nightshade and devil's trumpet!”

MR: The album is full of brilliant moments. The Devil’s Trumpet in particular is extraordinary. How did this track come about?

H: “The Devil's Trumpet is my favourite track on the album and it came about just by chance really. I met trombonist Amos Miller at a dinner in Oxford last year and I was explaining a little bit about some of my plant projects and my plan to write something using only nightshades.

"Datura stramonium, also known as devil's trumpet, is a member of the nightshades and has associations with the occult, witchcraft ‘flying ointments’, and also has been used recreationally.

“The psychoactive and fatal doses are very close which makes this plant really hazardous. I'd kind of associated the trumpet with angels, heraldry, fanfares, that kind of thing... and on talking to Amos I started to think how the devil's trumpet could in fact be a trombone, with its sliding, gliding, more ambiguous and richer tonal qualities. So I composed The Devil's Trumpet especially for Amos and the notated score gives lots of performance directions which track a kind of sonic poisoning, moving through stages of intoxication, hallucination, and finally into death.”

MR: Were there any surprising moments when making the tracks on the record?

H: “I also really like the track Porcupine and the Outdoor Girls which I composed using biodata fragments from both toxic and edible tomatoes. This track swells and rushes and I loved making something that feels and sounds really expansive just from a few small tomatoes! I also loved writing the final track, Bella Donna, which was the first time I'd created a full notated score for organ from plant biodata.”

MR: What would you advise any producers looking to work with plants/organisms in this way? Are there any things you’ve learned on your musical journey that would have helped you when initially experimenting like this?

H: “Composers and producers need to think beyond sonification and biosonification of plants - to make music that goes beyond just listening to data and to physiology and actually create new biophilic music that represents and expresses the plants themselves.

"It certainly helps to have a plant guide - especially someone as fantastic as Dr Sandy Knapp - to help you explore and understand the plants and their properties so that you can create more holistic plant music that is so much more than just playing about with devices and bits of tech."

(Image credit: James Joyce/Helen Anahita Wilson)

MR: How has your PhD shaped your musical experiments?

H: “My PhD was all about how we can tell stories about the human body, health, and illness through non-lexical sound and music. I created works that expressed human experiences of serious illness, internal biomedical processes, and also relationships of care during illness through music and particularly through South Asian rhythmic theories.

"Rather like the plant-derived biophilic music I create, this work was about so much more than just sonification, it was about creating meaningful compositions that communicated not just quantitative information but also qualitative, experiential and narrative information through rhythm and music.

"I use sound and music as ways of understanding all kinds of different areas of life and I love collaborating with people from different spheres such as medicine, botany, architecture.

“I love projects, like my PhD, that allow me to learn from doctors and geneticists and find ways of telling stories and sharing information through music.”

(Image credit: Helen Anahita Wilson)

MR: Are there any organisms/plants you're looking to work with next?

H: “I really enjoy creating place/site-specific work and composing using plants from very special locations, such as the Hebrides or Dungeness.

“I’ve not been back to India for a few years now and I would love to create a new composition from plants found in one of my very favourite places on the coast in Kerala in south India.”

MR: What projects are you working on next?

H: “In 2026, there'll be some more plant projects happening and I'll be starting some more bodily projects, exploring medical sound archives and composing new works around specific sound worlds of the human body. I'm also really excited to start working on my third album with tabla player Shahbaz Hussain - it's been nearly five years since our last album together and I can't wait to get back in the studio again for our next collaboration. Working with Shahbaz is always very special and we have such a great time playing together.”

Find out more about Helen's work over on her website

“Connect microphones wirelessly to PA systems, mixers, or audio interfaces, without complicated setup or risk of interference”: Positive Grid’s Spark LINK XLR offers cable-free and fuss-free connections for live performance

Jonathan Horsley — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:23:16 +0000

Positive Grid has expanded the Spark eco-system with a wireless system for microphones and XLR-equipped instruments that connects to mixing desks and PA systems with a minimum of fuss.

From the brand that brought us the next-gen desktop amp in the shape of the Spark, comes the Spark Link XLR, the plug-in-and-play wireless dongle connector, thingamajig, that could be the $169 solution your live performance has been waiting for.

If it performs as well as the MusicRadar-approved Spark Link, which is a guitar wireless system something similar for 1/4” connections, we will have few complaints – “easy to set up, crystal-clear audio, excellent range, and durable build” in the plus column, “no pedalboard charger” in the minus. And what about that range.

With a range of 70 feet (line of sight, matching the original Spark Link), it should cover most stages, most venues. We all can all think of at least one vocalist in our social circles that would make full use of that range – whether their audience or bandmates like it or not. Hey, sometimes it is good to be unshackled from all that cabling.

It will naturally be a neat fit for microphones. But any XLR-equipped device can be connected.

Positive Grid

You can use up to four of these at the one time, and the performance stats measure up to the 1/4” equivalent, with a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz, a latency of less than 3ms, and a battery that gives you a maximum of six hours playing time. That’s a lot of singing.

But then you don’t have to be singing – as Positive Grid helpfully suggests, these could be used for public speaking, hosting Q&As, content creation, podcasters and livestreamers, and for religious services, or hooking up a DI box or dynamic microphone to deliver an acoustic guitar performance to the PA.

There are no menus to navigate. “Simply plug its transmitter into an XLR mic and plug its receiver into the mic-level input of a PA system, mixer or audio interface,” says Positive Grid. That’s pretty much the manual.

The quality of the audio is tip-top, professional-grade, handing it at 24-bit/48kHz resolution with a dynamic range of 103.7dB, over a 2.4GHz connection.

(Image credit: Positive Grid )

Available now, the Link XLR is priced $169, and is available direct from Positive Grid, Amazon, and dealers.

You can check out MusicRadar’s review of the Positive Grid Spark Link to see how that performed.

Amazon Prime Day is a bust for music makers, but don't worry, the Musician's Friend Rocktober sale is here to save the day with up to 40% off big-name brands

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:51:10 +0000

Now that Fall is here, it can only mean one thing - no, not pumpkin spiced lattes - epic music deals, of course. The folks over at Musician's Friend are bringing the noise with the aptly named Rocktober sale, which sees a healthy discount of up to 40% off an array of musical equipment from the likes of Fender, Ernie Ball, Gretsch, and many more.

This epic sale includes everything from beautiful acoustic guitars, one of the best electronic drum sets around, and even some of the best PA speakers on the market. So, no matter what you use to create music, you'll find something here that suits you - and better yet, you can kit out the entire band while you are at it.

Now, the Black Friday music deals haven't quite started to roll in just yet, but if this epic sale is anything to go by, we could be in for quite the treat as we edge closer to the sales bonanza that is Cyber Weekend.

Below we have picked out a few of our favourite deals from this mega sales event.

Musician's Friend Rocktober Sale: Up to 40% off
The Musician's Friend Rocktober sale has landed, and you can bag up to 40% off a range of big-name brands such as Fender, Casio, Ernie Ball, and more.View Deal

We have to first shout out the stunning Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH in Cherry Burst. The axe of choice for the one and only, Steve Lukather, this guitar features a redesigned pair of Ernie Ball Music Man high-output humbuckers, a built-in 20dB boost on the push/pull volume knob, and a roasted maple neck. Right now, you can save a whopping $800!

Next up is the PRS SE NF 53. Loaded with a trio of Narrowfield DD S pickups, this very well may be the most versatile PRS guitar to date - and better yet, you can save $200 at Musician's Friend.

Now, we’ve always been big fans of Alesis' electronic drum sets here at MusicRadar. Not only do their kits represent excellent value for money, but they’ve always been a beginner-friendly brand, packing features that will no doubt have played a part in the formative years of future drumming stars. That's why we need to shout about $50.99 off the Alesis Nitro Max 8-Piece. Okay, it's not the biggest discount ever, but every little helps!

Moving on to pianos, we love the Casio Casio PX-S7000. This unique piano is our top choice for contemporary players in our best digital pianos buyer's guide. While most pianos opt to mimic their acoustic counterparts, this Casio dares to do something different, and we love it! Save an impressive 198.14 right now.

Obviously, there are many more items on offer, so we suggest taking the time to browse through the entire sale. Looking for more savings? Head over to our Prime Day music deals hub, where you'll find a selection of heavily discounted guitars, keys, software, and more.

Never miss a MusicRadar thing: Google has made it easier to keep us in your feed

contact@musicradar.com (MusicRadar Team) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:40:53 +0000

How to make MusicRadar.com a preferred source

"I looked on Reverb for a Yamaha CS-80 – we drove out to get it and its sound became a key part of the movie’s soundtrack": The classic synth heard on the Barbie OST was picked up in "an hour and a half" on Reverb, says Mark Ronson

matt.mullen@futurenet.com (Matt Mullen) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Reverb, the online marketplace for musical instruments, is relaunching in the UK, slashing its seller fees by almost 50% in an attempt to persuade more British musicians to shift their unwanted gear through the platform.

Reverb has reduced its seller fees from 8% to an all-in fee of 5%, paid once an item has sold. The company is also offering sellers discounted postage labels via DPD, Yodel and Evri, along with new assistive pricing tools that provide access to UK-specific market trend data.

Reverb's press release quotes producer Mark Ronson from a NAMM 'Industry Insights' panel in 2024, where he revealed that he purchased the Yamaha CS-80 synth heard on the soundtrack for the 2023 live-action Barbie movie using the platform. "We were working on the score for Barbie, and we realized that Director Greta Gerwig was in love with the sound of ‘70s and ‘80s analogue synthesizers," Ronson says.

"I looked on Reverb for a Yamaha CS-80, and I saw that there was one about an hour and a half away, so we drove out to get it and its sound became a key part of the movie’s soundtrack." Ronson executive produced Barbie's soundtrack, which featured Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Charli XCX, among others.

Founded in 2013, Reverb launched in the UK in 2016, and has since been used to sell more than 150,000 second-hand and new items, including the legendary EMI TG 12345 mixing desk used on The Beatles' Abbey Road. Along with second-hand instruments and gear, Reverb is also used by retailers to sell new items.

“Since 2016, Reverb has played a key role in the UK’s music-making community by connecting musicians with music gear they love,” Reverb COO Tiffany Miller said of the relaunch.

“Whether you’re parting with a vintage Telecaster or looking for unique pedals that can reshape your sound, our straightforward fees and key product improvements make selling music gear more rewarding than ever before, giving musicians more time to focus on what really matters: making music.”

Visit Reverb UK's website to find out more.

MusicRadar deals of the week: Score a massive $1,000 off Roland V-Drums, up to $320 off a range of Fender guitars, and so much more

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:34:07 +0000

Kicking things off, we have an incredible offer over at Guitar Center. Shoppers can enjoy savings of up to $320 off on a range of Fender guitars, including the classic Stratocaster and Telecaster models, as well as the innovative Acoustasonic series. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting, this is a golden opportunity to grab a high-quality instrument at a fraction of the price.

Thomann is also joining the sales frenzy with its Back 2 School promotion. This extensive sale features discounts on a wide variety of instruments, with everything from pianos and guitars to violins and essential accessories all included.

Meanwhile, Musician's Friend has already launched its Labour Day sale, offering discounts of up to 60% on big-name brands. This sale encompasses a broad spectrum of musical equipment, making it a prime chance to stock up on everything from guitars and effects pedals to amplifiers and recording equipment. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, the savings are substantial, and the selections are vast.

Editor's picks

Fender Player II Strat: Was $899, now $699
Are you looking for a contemporary Fender Stratocaster? Well, look no further than the Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Plus. This ultra-modern guitar is capable of producing searing lead tones as well as the crisp, clean tones you’d expect from a Strat. Right now, you can get a whopping $200 off! View Deal

Featuring a duo of V-Mod II single-coil pickups, a clever top-load/string-through Tele bridge with compensated brass "bullet" saddles and a seriously playable "Deep C neck", this is easily one of the best Telecasters on the market right now. Save $200 at Fender. View Deal

Roland VAD507: Save $1,000!
This premium five-piece kit features wood shells with full depth and diameter, while Roland’s advanced digital sensor technology and dynamic TD-27 drum module provide the sound you've been looking for out of an electric kit. Save a whopping $1,000 at Musician's Friend. View Deal

Beyerdynamic headphones aren't often discounted as they're so insanely popular in the pro audio world. The DT 770 Pro is the go-to studio headphone for monitoring, but I've found its balanced frequency response great for using with amp modelers and modeling amps. They're closed-back headphones too, which means they don't output much noise externally, making them great for late-night practice sessions.View Deal

Looking for more bargains? Check out more recommended sales below:

Amazon: Money off accessories
Fender Play: 50% off annual
Fender store: Up to 20% off
Gear4Music: Clearance deals
Guitar Center: Save up to 25%
Guitar Tricks: 1 month just $1
IK Multimedia: $200 off Tonex Max
Musician's Friend: Flash Sale!
Plugin Boutique: Money off plugins
Positive Grid: Save on Spark
Reverb: Save on used gear
Sweetwater: Epic live deals
Thomann: Last-minute deals
TrueFire: Save 60% on lessons
Waves: Buy two get one free

How we choose our deals of the week

Our mission is simple - to help you make the best buying decision, find the right gear at the right price, to make the best music you can.

You can see more of our product recommendations in our buyer's guides and reviews.

Why you can trust our choices

Where are the best places to shop?

What sort of deals should I look for?

Great deals come in all shapes and sizes. There are a few key types to look out for:

Single item - A single product with a great discount
Site-wide discounts - A single discount percentage on a large range of products across a site
Discount codes - Load your basket to a certain value and redeem a discount code for money off your basket contents
Added value deals - These include multi-buy discounts, or additional products or software for free when you buy certain items

WoO.1 is a pocket-sized sampler designed for endless on-the-go looping

Si Truss — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:03:27 +0000

WoO.1, the debut instrument from Hong Kong-based Wunderkammer, has been previewed in a recent series of demo videos ahead of its imminent launch on Kickstarter.

The instrument – pronounced ‘woo one’ – is a pocket-sized, battery powered sampler designed to allow users to layer loops and patterns whenever and wherever creativity strikes.

With its thin, rectangular body and chunky, retro control panel, it's tempting to compare the WoO.1 to Teenage Engineering’s cult classic OP-1. In reality though, its workflow and price point mean that WoO.1 has more in common with Teenage Engineering’s EP-133 KOII.

Much like that sampler, the WoO.1 can make use of samples imported via its USB input or recorded directly from its built-in mic. Samples can be trimmed using the instrument's front panel controls, and then played chromatically and polyphonically using the button keyboard.

The WoO.1 is designed to work as a looper, letting users layer an apparently unlimited number of tracks to create compositions. These can be saved as grooves and chained to create longer arrangements. It will also offer simple resampling, making it easy to replay a loop at different pitches and tempos, as well as apply effects, with high-, low- and band-pass filtering and a pitch shifter on offer.

It appears that right now, each new layer is effectively baked into the loop – ie the layers are saved and exported as a single audio file – although in a reply to a query in the YouTube comment section, Wunderkammer has indicated it intends to implement individual stem export in a future update.

The device also features a variety of other tools, including an arpeggiator, MIDI output and a ‘music game’ mode, which promises to teach users to play along with 7 built-in songs in a variety of styles and tempos.

As well as allowing users to record or import their own sounds, WoO.1 will come stocked with 161 built-in sounds.

WoO.1 is still in the prototype stage so we’ll be interested to see how it develops as it heads towards production and release.

Wunderkammer is currently yet to launch its Kickstarter campaign – due to launch 19 August – so we don’t have a confirmed price. The brand’s site invites interested parties to reserve a unit in the first run for a deposit of $3 though, which will also secure a discount of ‘35% off (save $150)’ – so we’d expect a final price a little below $450.

Those that sign up now are also promised access to a VIP community and ‘secret extra gift’. Head to the Wunderkammer site for more information, and keep an eye on the Kickstarter page for updates.

“A highly flexible mic with an excellent overall delivery”: Warm Audio Fen-tone Ribbon Mic review

Jon Musgrave — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:10:00 +0000

What is it?

Ribbon mics have a reputation for being fragile and having low output, and unfortunately this often deters potential users. But they are excellent at capturing complex sounds and in a controlled studio environment are a highly desirable recording tool.

Available in single and matched pairs, Fen-tone from retro gear maestro Warm Audio, is a contemporary side address figure 8 ribbon mic inspired by Bang and Olufsen’s classic BM3 and BM4 mics. But despite the visual similarity, Fen-tone ups the offering considerably, with both passive and active modes. The latter employs an on-board phantom powered JFET line lifter based on their standalone Warm Lifter preamp, and is enabled using an on-body switch. This provides 26dB of boost, making Fen-tone better compatible with a wide range of mic pres and interfaces. Meanwhile the passive option delivers a more retro experience for those with a suitable low noise high gain mic pre.

(Image credit: Future / Matt Lincoln)

In construction terms, Fen-tone uses a raft of high-quality components including a custom Japanese ribbon, rare earth Neodymium magnet and CineMag USA output transformer. The whole mic is housed in a mirror finish compact pencil style housing and comes with a molded compact flight case. Further accessories include a mic sock, mic clip and polishing cloth.

(Image credit: Future / Matt Lincoln)

Performance

Fen-tone is unquestionably a beautifully made mic, and with final testing and quality inspection at Warm’s Austin HQ, plus a five-year warranty, the £599 price tag seems reasonable.

The mic is quite compact and at around 300g is light enough for a regular boom stand, which can only be a good thing. There’s no cradle, but the included clamp-style clip does the job and facilitates easy setup. The visible motor ‘wings’ design also provides handy visual feedback when orientating the mic’s figure 8 pattern.

Although the temptation is to position the mic with the logo towards the source, Warm Audio is keen to emphasise that the Fen-tone has no dark or bright side, so you can use whichever side is more convenient.

We started testing with the line lifter active. This delivers a very healthy output level, and higher than you’d get from a typical phantom-powered condenser. As you might expect, it’s unwise to hot plug the mic with the phantom active, and for safety it’s also best to switch off phantom power when using the passive mode.

For comparison, in passive mode the output level is much lower, but not as low as many ribbon mics we’ve tried. Indeed, we think most modern preamps and interfaces should have enough gain to work in passive mode for many sources.

(Image credit: Future / Matt Lincoln)

From a sonic perspective, the Fen-tone is everything that you would expect from this type of ribbon mic, delivering a smooth sound with gentle high frequency roll off. It also has impressive side rejection and as mentioned both on axis sides sound identical.

In keeping with other mics of this style, it’s great for nearfield use and with a high quoted maximum SPL is perfect for close miking guitar amps, bass cabs, or brass instruments, as long as you shield any direct wind.

The mic does exhibit some low-frequency proximity, and we found this very useful for getting ballsy electric guitars and punchy acoustic guitars. That said, it has no on integrated low-cut filters, which would add further low-frequency tailoring.

We tested the mic on different sources in both passive and active modes with the same mic preamp, and although the sound is close, there are some subtle differences. On electric guitar for example, the mid range sounded more forward and slightly brighter overall in active mode. Even so, the differences are subtle and have little bearing on the core voicing of the mic.

Finally, as you would expect from a ribbon design, you can EQ the recordings very successfully, so if you need to reduce the proximity or add some sheen before recording or at the mix stage, this should sound very natural and smooth.

(Image credit: Future / Matt Lincoln)

Verdict

Fen-tone’s passive/active design might seem a little unnecessary, but the upshot is a highly flexible mic with an excellent overall delivery. What’s more, it’s also beautifully made and finished. Top marks.

Hands-on demos

Warm Audio

Alternatives

Royer’s classic is an excellent and highly regarded pencil style ribbon mic.

Read more about Royer R-121

A compact and affordable ribbon mic with phantom-powered active circuitry.

Read the full SE Electronics VR2 Voodoo review

Specifications

Price	£599
Key features	Type: Dynamic Ribbon: 1.8 micron Magnet: Rare earth Neodymium Design: passive or active with in-line phantom powered 26dB line level lifter Pickup pattern: Figure 8 Sensitivity: 4.47mV/Pa (passive), 89.13 mV/Pa (active) Output: Custom CineMag USA transformer Output impedance: 300 Ohms (passive), 150 Ohms (active) Max. SPL: 148 dB (1kHz ≤ 1% THD) Frequency response: 30Hz to 15kHz (+/-3dB) Signal/noise ratio: 87dB
Dimensions	38(d) x 170(h) mm
Weight	304g
Accessories	Heavy-duty flight case, mic clip, protective mic sock, microfibre cleaning cloth
Contact	Warm Audio

"No complex bus routing and no endless plugin stacks": iZotopeʼs colourful new FXEQ multi-effects plugin lets you “paint” with saturation, reverb, and delay

Daniel Griffiths — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:03:18 +0000

New from iZotope comes an innovative multi-effects plugin that marks the next addition to its Catalyst series, a collection of easy-to-use plugins designed to help you quickly solve mix problems and remain in the creative flow.

Intriguingly, FXEQ allows users to “paint” reverb, delay, lo-fi and other effects directly onto sounds using an intuitive EQ-style interface, unlocking creative flexibility and sidestepping the "complex plugin routing and endless plugin stacks" required to achieve a similar effect.

In total, there are five creative effects on board, each with multiple modes and two central controls. Each effect module runs through its own six-band parametric EQ with four shapes and adjustable Q, giving you targeted control over its application across the frequency spectrum.

Those five effects are: Saturate, Reverb, Delay, Modulate, and Lo-Fi, with all of them accessible and tweakable through Catalyst’s familiar EQ-style interface.

(Image credit: iZotope)

FXEQ's Saturation module offers eight saturation modes designed to give your sounds "weight, bite and fizz", while the Reverb module features three distinct reverb algorithms, covering Hall, Plate and Chamber modes.

The plugin's Modulate module brings chorus, flanger, phaser and doubler modes to the table, while Delay delivers four delay types spanning Classic, Reverse, Crunch and Modulation, complemented by Time and Feedback controls. Finally, a Lo-Fi effect recreates the nostalgic tones of vinyl, cassette, tape and radio.

All five of FXEQ's modules has its own parallel signal path, processing the input signal independently before the results are combined and passed through a global zero-latency limiter at the output stage.

Compatible with macOS and Windows and available in AAX/AU/VST3 formats, iZotope's FXEQ is priced at $49/£49. Find out more at iZotope.com.

“Delving into the lush, the infinite, and the experimental”: IK Multimedia launches new reverb plugin module

Will Simpson — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:49:34 +0000

IK Multimedia has launched a new reverb plug-in module which it claims goes, “into new dimensions of sound and texture.”

Part of the T-RackS 6 plugin universe, the plugin, called Prism Reverb, is said to deliver more than other effects modules. IK is claiming it has been “developed for sound designers, producers, and guitarists to push beyond ‘beautiful washes’, allowing them to shape infinite, evolving textures with depth and creative freedom.”

“Traditional shimmer reverbs end at beautiful; T-Racks 6 Prism Reverb transcends this by delving into the lush, the infinite, and the experimental,” they explain. “Every control is designed to inspire, offering tools to create reverb textures that breathe, dance, and evolve in ways no other reverb can.”

The plugin has size and diffusion controls, which allow users to shape everything from tight, focused spaces to vast ambient environments. Integrated into this is a modulation section and two pitch shifters that mean you can fine tune to a hundredth of a semitone.

There’s also a feedback engine that controls the shimmer's intensity and tone, with a feedback pitch switch that toggles pitch shifting in and out of a loop, and a flip that switches stereo channels, thus enhancing spatial depth.

So there’s loads to play with here, whether you’re a guitarist looking for some shoegazery effects or a producer wanting to add a certain spatial breadth to your mix.

Like previous T-RackS 6 plug in processors, Prism Reverb is compatible with both Mac and PC. It also supports all the major plug in formats: Audio Units, VST 3 and AAX.

There are three flavours of the module. The T-RackS 6 Prism, the T-RackS 6 MAX with Prism Reverb and the Total Studio 5 Max with Prism Reverb. Prices are between $/€79.99 for the former, going up to $/€149.99 for the Total Studio 5.

You pays your money, you takes your choice...

For more information head over to the IK website here.

“OMG, modular synthesizers and video games? Sign. Me. Up”: Look Mum No Computer just made their own computer game

Daniel Griffiths — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:43:16 +0000

You may be familiar with the Look Mum No Computer. Across his YouTube channel, social feeds and real-world museum, the musicians and synth personality – real name Sam Battle – locates, rescues, fixes and explains rare and vintage synth and studio hardware (with a sideline speciality of Mini cars).

Now – in a bizarre reverse twist – the channel’s themes and loves have been encapsulated inside the box, becoming inspiration for their very own PC game, available now on Steam.

“Brace yourself for a wild ride where music meets mayhem! Look Mum No Computer takes you to the quirky, pixel-art universe of Soldersworth in this twin-stick shooter action-RPG,” the blurb explains. “Join Sam and his synthesizer sidekick, Kosmo, as you battle rogue machines and fix them from the inside — one electrifying beat at a time!

“Travel through the world of Soldersworth’s rogue devices, meet unforgettable characters, and unravel the musical chaos inside. Will you repair the machines, conquer the bosses, and restore harmony — or lose the beat forever?”

Created in conjunction with German developers The Bitfather, the game promises an interactive music score where players can craft and upgrade synth modules and use them not only as weapons in the game but as part of its evolving soundtrack. “Customize your playstyle and experiment with the original electronic music of Look Mum No Computer.”

The modules on board are inspired by Look Mum No Computer’s iconic and eccentric designs, including the flamethrower module – a nod to their infamous flamethrower organ as featured on the channel – and the world they’ve created is “teeming with bizarre creatures ranging from acid-spewing capacitors to undead broccoli.”

Players take on enemies using “twin-stick controls, balancing the equipment slots and energy between your modules to power both your arsenal and your electrifying music,” its makers claim.

The team promises a game that’s equally ideal for both music lovers and gamers alike. “Whether you're a fan of retro games, electronic music, or Look Mum No Computer's inventive DIY spirit, this game offers something you’ll love.”

“OMG, modular synthesizers and video games? Sign. Me. Up,” writes one enthusiastic reviewer already.

The Look Mum No Computer Games runs on PC, Mac or Linux and is available now, from Steam for £11.99 with 20% off until 7 August.

“Why are you doing this!?”: Watch Ozzy Osbourne try to kickstart his ancient ARP 2600 vintage synth

Daniel Griffiths — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:24:58 +0000

Don’t worry. It’s not just you. Every musical genius can occasionally be completely floored by the tools of their trade.

Take this touching video of the recently departed Ozzy Osbourne that’s doing the rounds. In it we see Osbourne attempting to revive – not an ancient Les Paul or Marshall stack, as you may have been expecting – but an ARP 2600 synthesizer.

Yes, it's an original. A sideboard-sized piece of synth history that once graced Black Sabbath recordings but now, having doubtless endured unimaginable punishment at the hands of Osbourne and his bandmates over the years, has decided to take the rest of its life off.

And while it’s certainly a surprise that Osbourne, of all people, has a large vintage synth in his den, what’s perhaps less so is the fact that he can’t get it to work properly.

@synth_history

Read the f__king manual?

“Come on you motherf__ker! Why are you f__king doing this?” Osbourne ponders, recreating a moment that every music producer will have experienced more than a few times: Keys are pressed, knobs are turned but… all you get in silence.

Or, in Osbourne’s case, worrying, crackly fuzz that suggests that his prize possession may be about to go up in hellfire any minute…

“Come on you f__king thing,” he implores, before going off to get help. “I had it when I was in Sabbath. I forgot how to use the f__king thing. I haven’t used it for about 20 years,” he explains before – with the aid of a little help – the machine magically stirs into life, issuing forth deafening unholy sounds completely befitting the Prince of Darkness.

You may remember him as a charismatic (and more than a little unhinged) frontman but it appears an alternative career as a sound designer was once well within his expert grasp.

Sleep well, Ozzy. Thanks for the memories.

“We've been sleeping for 30 years. Please excuse us”: The Commodore 64 is back, packed with extra power for chiptune music makers

Daniel Griffiths — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 10:25:00 +0000

Great news for electronic music makers of a retro persuasion, or simply those who are looking for something ‘new’ to try – the Commodore 64 is back.

Yes, no more trawling eBay and car boot sales for you. Now – courtesy of a reborn Commodore – you can purchase a perfect, new, improved 2025 incarnation of the best-selling home computer from 1982, and literally get back to the future.

The Commodore 64’s MOS Technology 6581 Sound Interface Device (better known as the SID chip) had a sound all of its own, breathing life into videogames and music programs and knocking the basic bleeps of its rival Sinclair ZX Spectrum into a cocked hat.

Musically the C64 certainly had the edge, and, armed with the new chip’s polyphonic power composers such as Chris Huelsbeck ran wild, creating genuine soundtracks for video games (do check out his legendary work on Turrican) for the first time.

Classic cuts

By today’s standards the SID was distinctly limited with just three voices, but four waveforms, and a multi-mode filter gave the C64 a sound all of its own. So much so that in the years following the C64’s physical demise (and the death of the entire Commodore computer in 1994) countless emulators and hardware spin-offs have popped up to satiate those wishing to recreate that distinctive genre-defining ‘chiptune’ C64 sound.

And what better way to get a SID as part of your set-up than inside an entire faithful recreation of the C64, warts and all, in 2025!

The rebirth of Commodore comes courtesy of YouTuber Christian Simpson who originally only sought a licence to create an emulation but ended up buying the entire Commodore brand, its logos and the rights to all of its creations.

And his first hardware off the block (alongside a raft of T-shirts, sweatshirts and other branded retro goods) is the new C64 available in Basic, Starlight, and Ultimate Founders Edition forms.

The company now intends to begin shipping their first hardware in October of 2025.

“We've been sleeping for 30 years. Please excuse us,” the company says on its ‘new’ website. “Now we're back, you know we had to start with the best-selling desktop computer of all time.”

The new computer features a modern AMD Xilinx Artix-7 processor running the show, alongside 128MB of DDR2 RAM and 16MB of flash memory – marked increase on the 64 KB of the original.

Rather than simply emulate the C64 in software, a programmable FPGA circuit replicates the full chipset meaning that original peripherals (should you still have some in a box in the attic) can plug in and work just as with the real thing.

In fact, the new Commodore promises that the new unit is compatible with “over 99%” of original soft- and hardware.

(Image credit: Commodore)

And while it sports a new, obligatory HDMI port for output, it still maintains the original cartridge slot and DIN-8 connectors. Plus – in a first for a C64 – USB ports A and C for the connection of keyboards and other modern hardware, alongside Wi-Fi and Ethernet.

It even comes with a USB stick containing 50 retro games and demos, including a whole new game in the Jupiter Lander series.

The Basic unit carefully copies the original beige of the original while the Starlight Edition features a transparent case with RGB lighting inside.

(Image credit: Commodore)

Top of the tree is the Founders Edition limited to a run of 6,400, which aims to copy the Golden Anniversary Edition, originally made by Commodore to celebrate the sale of its one millionth unit. This model features an amber-tinted case and gold-plated keys.

Prices are $299 for the Basic, £349 for the Starlight and $499 for the Founders Edition.

Find out more at the reborn Commodore.net.

"Infinite, unique, new, original audio based on the characteristics of any sample": Output’s new Re-imagine feature in Co-Producer can rework samples to avoid copyright takedowns

Daniel Griffiths — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 06:48:26 +0000

Making music from samples has been popular ever since sampling was invented. And while today's increasing reliance on huge sample libraries only makes the task easier, it also creates its own mess of copyright problems for those plundering their subscriptions.

If everyone is using the same samples from the same libraries it's easy for YouTube's finely attuned algorithm to cry foul, giving credit perhaps not where it's due, and potentially consigning your track to the struck-out sin bin despite you only ever legitimately using the 100% copyright-free content that you've paid for.

Fortunately, such confusion is about to become a thing of the past thanks to Output’s new Re-imagine feature in their Co-Producer, a feature which uses AI to rework any of that plugin's samples, giving you your own, 100% unique version with a simple click.

Let your AI co-producer take the strain

Co-Producer is already a popular, AI-based plugin that gives any music producer a helping hand, suggesting sounds and music that will fit perfectly with their work-in-progress projects.

Why spend hours digging for samples or auditioning sounds when Co-Producer will give you what you need? Or so the theory goes, and certainly the plugin has no shortage of fans (and an endless raft of ads alongside every music production video on YouTube).

But with so many producers using the same Co-Producer output its increasingly possible to fall foul of digital services' strict copyright scans.

Make it all your own

Co-Producer’s new Re-imagine feature will study your selected sample from their library and synthesize alternatives, reworking whatever you picked to create 100% original takes that you can claim as your own.

Re-imagine can serve up an alternative that hits the same broad musical spot, filling that same gap in your track, but might be a little more to your favour.

It's yet another piece of impressive AI-powered ammo that allows music producers in a hurry (or perhaps lacking large libraries, extensive knowledge of what ‘works’, or track-building experience, talent or taste) to make music more easily than they could have done otherwise.

And, rather than simply using the same library as everyone else, it now gives you options to make something original, albeit based on the content they serve up.

Now, rather than contribute to the ‘artists vs AI’ debate raging somewhere in the distance with big names ‘moaning’ about not getting paid (while Suno and Udio use their life’s work as ammo) you can relax knowing that your track uses only original samples.

"Creative control without the worry that they're working with copyrighted material"

“Unlike tools built on scraped content, Re-imagine is powered by ethically trained AI and Output's iconic collection of musician-made samples,” they explain. “The result: original sounds that are unique, cleared for use, and ready to drop into any workflow.”

"So often we find a sample we love, but it's not quite right," explains Gregg Lehrman, CEO of Output. "Maybe it doesn't fit the track, maybe it's been used a thousand times, maybe it gets flagged by YouTube, or maybe it just feels too repetitive when you copy and paste. With Re-imagine, we wanted to keep the soul of real musician-made samples while giving producers the flexibility to make them their own."

“Re-imagine delivers exactly what modern producers need: fast results, originality, and creative control without the worry that they're working with copyrighted material. Whether reshaping a sample that sparked inspiration or exploring entirely new sonic directions, Re-imagine ensures that every sound is personalized, royalty-free, and unique in the moment.”

To be clear, Re-imagine will give you “Infinite, unique samples, instantly generate new, original audio based on the characteristics of any sample.” It works within your project’s key and tempo and it works in any DAW (just drag and drop samples from the plugin to your project). It’s yours for $9.99 per month. And we can’t wait to give it a try.

“Founded by ASCAP award-winning producer and composer Gregg Lehrman, Output builds creative tools that support human artistry, never replacing it,” the company proudly claim.

“Great-sounding, comfortable and stylish headphones with a neutral delivery”: Ollo Audio X1 review

Jon Musgrave — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

What is it?

Ollo Audio made serious waves with its initial S4 headphones, taking on existing players such as Sennheiser, Audeze, Beyerdynamic and Slate Audio. It also developed designs in closed-back (S4R), open-back (S4X) and immersive mixing versions (S5X). But now it’s all change, as both the S4 and S5 open-back designs have been replaced by the new open-back X1.

Much like its predecessors, the X1 are hand-crafted studio headphones designed for professional music users rather than the wider hi-fi market. They are manufactured in small runs by Ollo in its Slovenian base, and can be pre-ordered direct from Ollo Audio or bought via selected resellers. They come with a five-year limited warranty and a handy 90-day money-back guarantee.

The X1 sports a bold retro look that features real walnut ear cups coupled with deep over-ear pads. The ear cups are fully rotatable and have slotted back plates with an X pattern and Ollo branding. They are joined together by a springy steel band with an attached headband, and audio connects to both ear cups via a 2m colour-coded Y cable. The headphones come in a stylish zip-up hard case. It’s worth saying that the headphones are designed so users can replace parts easily, and all spares right down to drivers, back plates and sockets, are available to buy direct from Ollo. That said, any major repairs should be referred to Ollo as they may void your warranty.

The X1 can be used ‘as is’ straight out of the box. However, each individual pair is tested and calibrated, providing the registered owner with their own calibration data file. This is designed for use inside USC II (AU, VST, VST3, AAX, Standalone), a software package designed in partnership with developers dSoniq and based on its Realphones correction software.

(Image credit: Future / Matt Lincoln)

Performance

The X1 is an over-ear design with a 58mm inner diameter on the ear pads. Couple this with the walnut ear cups and you do have quite bulky headphones. At 390 grams, they are also on the heavier side, although they are still lighter than a number of competing designs. Even so, they are very comfortable and this is down to both the soft ear pads and also the headband, which is elasticated and therefore stretches to accommodate your head size.

As mentioned, you can use the X1 without any form of adjustment and this is how we started our listening tests. The overall sound is reasonably neutral with some subtle air on the higher frequencies. The low-mid and lower frequencies feel reasonably full, but as you would expect for a mixing design, the highs and lows are not over-hyped. What’s more, although they’re an open-back and over-ear design, the snug ear pads still provide some passive isolation.

Future / Matt Lincoln

The USC II software, downloadable from dSoniq, is for both calibration and emulation, and can be used either as a plugin on your DAW output or as a standalone app, dovetailing with your system audio device. Once you’ve imported your own headphone calibration (XPS) file, you can apply the calibration (0 to 100%) to taste, and also choose from a number of emulations, once again setting an amount (0 to 100%). We found the impact of the calibration reassuringly subtle, marginally tweaking the low mids and mid-range.

There are emulations for both headphones (Flat, Spatial, Harman) and listening spaces (Studio, Car, Club), and the Spatial option is designed for immersive users. Further handy features include soloing of just the mono or stereo signal components and overall EQ tilt. Meanwhile, the XPS file format is easy to open in a text editor, which means you can tweak it yourself or replicate the enclosed EQ settings in other headphone calibration systems.

Verdict

Overall, the X1 are excellent headphones that more than meets Ollo Audio’s own remit focused on comfort, sound, repairability and value. They may not be the most slimline mixing headphones available, but they are Ollo’s best offering to date, and we think worthy of full marks.

Hands-on demos

OLLO Audio

Alternatives

Designed in collaboration with top producer Manny Marroquin these offer much of the Audeze sound at a more affordable price point.

Read more about Audeze MM-100

If you’re after a mixing-specific design with excellent room emulation, then Slate’s VSX should be on your list.

Read more about Steven Slate Audio VSX

Specifications

Price	£386 pre-order
Design	Open-back over-ear dynamic
Driver	50mm with composite Pu+PET membrane
Transducer magnet	Neodymium
Impedance	32 Ohm
Frequency Response	5Hz to 22kHz sweep ⅓ octave p-p range 9.8 dBSPL +/-1dB
Sensitivity	101 dBSPL @ 1kHz at 1V RMS
THD	<0.05% @ 94dB @ 1kHz
Connection	Detachable 2m split Y cable 2.5mm to 3.5mm TRS jack with 6.3mm adapter
Ear pads	Acoustic foam with artificial leather and velour
Ear cups	American walnut
Included extras	Hard carry case, 3m detachable cable, USC II software
Weight	390g
Contact	Ollo Audio

“Quite neutral sounding and one of the more comfortable over-ear open-back designs we’ve tried”: Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa review

Jon Musgrave — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:44:35 +0000

What is it?

For studio work, we typically recommend closed-back headphones as they provide decent isolation from other performers and prevent headphone bleed onto mics. Even so, if you can afford a dedicated pair of headphones for programming, mixing and mastering, then an open-back design will usually provide an easier listen and be more comfortable, which is an important consideration for long sessions.

ATH-R70xa is the latest open-back reference headphone from Audio-Technica and is aimed squarely at audio professionals seeking this sort of design. It’s an updated version of the ATH-R70x, and is now the flagship model in their ATH reference headphone range. At £299 a pair, they’re clearly not cheap, but the price is comparable to the competition and certainly more affordable than Audio-Technica’s audiophile range.

Out of the box, the over-ear design looks quite bulky, but at 199 grams, they are impressively lightweight. Despite looking a little fragile, the frame-like metal construction is pretty tough, and the use of perforated aluminium on both the headband and ear cups helps reduce the overall weight, while the use of carbon composite resin improves the structural rigidity. Overall construction quality is excellent and reflects the high standards at Audio-Technica’s Machida, Tokyo factory, where they are hand-built.

Sound delivery is handled by a 45mm driver, and the fully open-back design provides unrestricted airflow, eliminating internal resonances. The headphones ship with a 3m L/R split stereo cable with a 6.3mm adapter and a soft carry bag. Replacement velour ear pads and headband are available to purchase.

Performance

The combination of lightweight construction, soft headband and ear pads makes the ATH-R70xa incredibly comfortable, and the loose headband design, which is only attached at each end, ensures plenty of airflow, which is an important consideration if you’re wearing headphones for long spells. In general terms, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them, and when you remove them, it’s not a relief, as is sometimes the case with heavier or closed-back designs.

As mentioned, the headphones use a detachable L/R split cable and this needs to be connected to both ear cups. We’re sure this design has its fans, but even if you’re not one of them, on the upside, the locking plugs are L/R signal independent, so thankfully, you can connect the cable either way without it affecting the L/R channels. It’s also nice to see a decent length (3m) lead included as standard.

From a sonic perspective, the ATH-R70xa is instantly likeable, with the open-back design delivering a natural, unforced sound. Frequency separation is good and the overall sound is solid without being unnaturally punchy.

Overall, the key mid and upper-mid frequency range is reasonably forward, with the high frequencies slightly more restrained. Swapping between these and other headphones, it’s obvious these are not the brightest-sounding. That said, this can be preferable for long listening spells, as long as you’ve adjusted your expectations. Despite the monitoring style frequency response, there is plenty of weight in the low frequencies. What’s more, there’s no noticeable tail off in the lows until you get below about 40Hz, which is handy for sorting out sub bass issues.

Verdict

Choosing a pair of headphones for non-recording tasks is a decisive step, and the open design of these headphones clearly makes them unsuitable for most recording tasks. Nevertheless, if you are truly committed to this path, then the ATH-R70xa not only ticks a lot of boxes, but is super light, quite neutral sounding and one of the more comfortable over-ear open-back designs we’ve tried.

Hands-on demos

Alternatives

Sennheiser’s latest TEC Award-winning headphones offer a reliable open-back sound at a reasonable price point.

Read the full Sennheiser HD 490 Pro review

Although quite a bit heavier than the ATH-R70xa, the AR5000 is a good choice for mixing and mastering.

Read more about Aune AR5000

Specifications

Price	€349 \| £299
Design	Open-back over-ear dynamic
Driver	45mm
Frequency Response	5Hz to 40kHz
Sensitivity	97dB at 1mW
Impedance	470 ohms
Included accessories	Carry pouch, 3m detachable cable, ¼” adapter
Optional accessories	Replacement earpads, replacement head pad, detachable cable, carry pouch
Weight	199g
Contact	Audio-Technica

Why wait for Prime Day when Thomann's massive Music Days sale will save you up to 65% off big brands right now?

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:35:21 +0000

The Prime Day music deals are just around the corner, but why wait until July 8th when Thomann is already throwing a massive sale? In case you hadn't heard, Amazon's flagship sale is a four-day extravaganza this year, but Thomann has just dropped a sale that is sure to rival it, especially if you're a musician. For a limited time, you can score up to 65% off hundreds of musical products.

Whether you're just starting your musical journey or you're a seasoned pro, now’s the perfect moment to snag that dream instrument or gear you've been eyeing for ages. Seriously, from Gretsch drums to ESP guitars, Native Instruments MIDI keyboards to Technics DJ Turntables, the options are downright jaw-dropping.

Let’s dive into the goodies we’ve hand-picked just for you.

Thomann Music Days: Up to 65% off!
From now until July 22, you can score up to 65% off on hundreds of products across every category. Whether you're a beginner, a pro musician, or somewhere in between, there has never been a better time to grab a bargain. View Deal

First up, feast your eyes on the radical ESP LTD Arrow BKM, a blacked-out metal beast featuring a fierce single EMG 81 humbucker, an EMG TKO kill switch, and a Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo. With 47% off, this bad boy is now yours for just £679.

If you’re after something more classic, the Fender Standard Strat might be more up your street. Discounted by a generous 15%, this affordable beauty is now only £432. Get those iconic spanky Strat tones without putting a big dent in your wallet.

Now, let’s talk home studio essentials. The Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 is a must-have, and guess what? It has a whopping 47% off right now. Our glowing review hailed it as “a premium quality keyboard and controller” ideal for both DAW and live performances. Don’t miss your chance to scoop up this gem for just £261.

Looking for a versatile condenser microphone that can do it all? The Warm Audio WA-14 is where it’s at. Currently available with an 11% discount, this high-quality condenser mic features a large diaphragm brass capsule that mimics the legendary sound of a C414. Whether you’re tracking vocals or capturing acoustic guitars, this mic is sure to deliver.

And let’s not forget the stunning Gretsch Catalina drum kit in Maple Walnut Glaze. With 18% off, you can grab this classic-sounding kit for just £695, talk about a steal.

Now, that's just a small selection of what's available - there’s so much more waiting for you in this epic sale. We encourage you to check out the Thomann site and see what goodies you can uncover yourself. You have until July 22 to get involved.

$1,200 off one of the best guitar synths on the market is a deal too good to ignore in Sweetwater's epic 4th of July sale

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:12:24 +0000

Well, that's the 4th of July sales here - and there’s plenty on offer for musicians! For Independence Day 2025, we’ve seen most of the bigger music retailers dishing out serious discounts on everything from digital pianos and studio headphones to beginner electric guitars and electronic drum sets, and Sweetwater is the latest to join the fold, as they offer up to 60% off big-name brands.

With everyone feeling the pinch right now, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to manage our bills while still finding the funds to continue pursuing our hobbies. This epic 4th of July sale could be the best opportunity yet to make your music-making budget stretch that little bit further.

So, if you can’t wait for next week’s Prime Day music deals bonanza, or you’re looking for discounts similar to those usually reserved for the Black Friday music deals later in the year, now could be the time to shop.

We’ve rounded up our favourite deals of the sale below to make finding the very best savings a little easier. Let’s take a look.

Sweetwater: Fourth of July Sale
For a limited time, guitarists can score an impressive up to 60% off a massive range of gear, from instant savings on big-name brands, rebates, Certified Open Box deals, and a whole lot more. View Deal

Kickstarting our list is the mind-blowingly awesome Boss EURUS GS-1! This beauty blends an electric guitar with a synthesizer to unlock a treasure trove of polyphonic sounds with just a quick flip of a switch. Say goodbye to extra pedals and fancy pickup systems - this guitar lets you dive into a whole new world of expressive synth sounds effortlessly. And guess what? It’s currently rock-bottom, with a jaw-dropping $1,200 off the original price!

Next up, let’s give some love to the gorgeous Sire Larry Carlton T7 FM, which has just had its price cut by a sweet $100! This guitar is the fruit of a collaboration with the legendary Grammy-winning guitarist, featuring a classic T-style body, modern design flair, and outstanding playability.

I can’t help but gush over Guild guitars - especially the fabulous Starfire III hollowbody. With its delightful retro vibe, incredible playability, and killer tone, this gem is a steal at just $799, marking a fantastic $400 off!

But wait, it's not all about guitars, there's plenty of other deals to be had too. There's currently a whopping $499 off the Alesis Strata Prime Expanded. This version is a seven-piece kit with 6 cymbals (hi-hat inclusive), and a supremely powerful touchscreen module with an incredible library of BFD-derived sounds and kits. For us, this is the be-all end-all e-drumming solution, with I/O to die for.

Looking for more music gear deals? Below is a list of the sales you don't want to miss

Fender: Save on guitar parts
Guitar Center: Up to 60% off
GuitarTricks: 1 month for $1
Musician's Friend: Save up to 60%
Reverb: Up to 66% off used

Start your Independence Day weekend with a bang, as the Musician's Friend 4th of July sale lands early - score up to $850 off Music Man, $200 off Elektron and more

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 08:57:36 +0000

The early 4th of July celebrations kick off with a bang this year, as Musician's Friend is offering up to 60% off a massive range of musical equipment from electric guitars to microphones, acoustic guitars to digital pianos, and so much more. So, no matter what you are looking for, you'll be sure to find a bargain this holiday weekend.

We must say we're very impressed with what's on offer right now. There's a saving to be had on all the heavy hitters from the world of guitar, with the likes of a whopping $600 slashed off the price of the stunning Ernie Ball Music Man St. Vincent Goldieand $700 off the Ernie Ball Music Man Sabre in Honey Suckle.

So, it's fair to say, if you're a 6-string connoisseur, you'll be sure to find something to get excited about this 4th of July.

Musician's Friend 4th of July Sale: Up to 60% off
For a limited time, you can bag yourself serious discounts on popular models from Fender, Music Man, Gretsch, Schecter and many more. You have until 6 July to take advantage of this stellar sale, so don't hang around! View Deal

However, it's not all guitar-related savings on offer; there are also deals to be had on synths, with $200 off the Elektron Digitone, as well as electronic drum kits, with $200 off the Alesis Nitro Pro XL.

Of course, this is only a small cross-section of what's available, so we encourage you to explore all the categories for yourself and discover what other delights are on offer. The sale runs until 6 July, so be quick to ensure you don't miss out.

That said, the Prime Day music deals aren't too far away, meaning July is shaping up to be one of the best times outside of Black Friday to bag major savings on new gear!

Not sure what your next purchase should be? Our buyer’s guides are here to help

These are the best guitars for beginners
Protect your axe with the best guitar cases and gig bags
Best cheap microphones: budget mics for the studio and stage
Get started with the best keyboards for beginners and kids
The best electronic keyboards for all budgets
Don't forget about these essential piano accessories

Tick, tick, tick, tick, boom! Camtronome is the essential musical metronome app that you didn’t know you needed

Daniel Griffiths — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:20:25 +0000

Let’s face it. We could all do with a little extra practice, and on long and complex live or studio sessions it's all too easy to lose your way, miss your cue and let the entire band (and your audience) down.

Good news. The intriguingly comprehensive Camtronome is here to help.

Imagine a metronome on your phone, independent of your DAW that you can take anywhere and program to keep perfect time no matter what you need.

It might not be a concept that you’ve been crying out for… But now that it's here it’s hard not to quickly think of a use case that could make Camtronome an essential part of your playing.

Firstly, it’s a simple metronome on your phone. With a large, easy-to-understand interface it’s quick to pick a time signature, tempo, your choice of metronome sound (there's 47 to choose from) and play along, allowing it to keep perfect time for you.

But how about musical pieces with complex time signatures or tempo changes. No problem. You can program them too, creating a bespoke metronome that will always map out your tune and keep you and the rest of the band in time.

Speed up, slow down. Rests and pauses. Random burst of a different time signature… Whatever unusual guidance you need, it’s easy to program and Camtronome can serve up your queues in whatever audio or visual form you want them.

But what about an entire gig or recording session? No problem. Metronomes can be chained together to form playlists allowing your entire performance from beginning to end to be in perfect lockstep with the metronome and your bandmates.

(Image credit: Camtronome)

And you can even record audio and video alongside your metronome and watch them back to spot where you need to practice a little more.

Want to personalise it even more? Replace the audio metronome with your own audio queues. Be they clicks, spoken, short musical queues or entire passages of music to play along with. You can even layer the two, playing along to both a prior perfect performance with a metronome click keeping on the straight and narrow.

Never lose your way again

Ever got lost in a performance? Is that a verse or the bridge coming up? Have I played that sequence 15 or 16 times?… No problem. Camtronome’s built-in audio prompts can remind you when tempo changes or verses and choruses are coming up, and discreetly give you prompts over your headphones while your audience marvels at your time keeping.

You can even output these prompts as audio files to your DAW - a click track on one channel and the audio prompts on the other, telling you what’s coming up and what to do next.

And – in its quest to become the perfect practice buddy – there’s even a counter for how long you’ve been practicing with rewards for hitting your milestones.

It all adds up to the essential musical playing partner that you didn’t know you needed.

Find out more at Camtonome.com

Neil Peart called him 'the Wood Whisperer' and now he's blended metal and timber in DW's new SonicPly shells

Daniel Griffiths — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:18:00 +0000

DW have announced a new technical breakthrough for the Collector’s Series, adding their SonicPly construction technology to their topline series of acoustic drum kits.

SonicPly bonds wood and metal layers together for strength and sound, producing drums that offer both huge projection and improved dynamic response. DW promises that drums with SonicPly shells will cut through mixes better, bringing enhanced presence to your playing, allowing every note to be heard with greater clarity whether you're performing on stage or in the studio.

They’re the company’s first new shell construction enhancement since the introduction of their PurpleCore drumsin 2021 and they’ve been produced in conjunction with a star designer.

John Good has been nicknamed the ‘Wood Whisperer’ by Rush drummer Neil Peart and is the brains behind DW’s latest innovation, having worked as a drum tech with Michael Jackson, Frank Zappa, and many more.

Wood has brought his encyclopaedic knowledge of the science of wood plies and their sonic properties to the project and, following two years of experimentation, has come up with a process for bonding aircraft-grade aluminum and North American maple plies with a special adhesive formula.

The result is a drum shell that balances the optimum qualities of both wood and metal, and gives drummers a whole new sound and presence to play with.

SonicPly drums come in sizes from 10” to 24” in diameter, each fusing eight plies of maple with a 0.6mm core of aluminum.

Meanwhile the snares go multiple steps further, using twelve plies of wood with two aluminium plies to deliver a sound with warmth and resonance (courtesy of that maple) but teamed with the attack, crack and sustain of that aluminium.

(Image credit: DW)

The SonicPly drums come with Collector’s Series hardware, including Suspended Tom Mounts (STM), full-sized turret lugs, True Hoops, and standard bearing edge and are available in all of the Collector’s Series finishes, including the more exotic veneers and custom lacquers.

To hear how they sound, check out the video by Thomas Pridgen of The Mars Volta, Trash Talk, and Fever 333 above and a demo by Frank Zappa and Allan Holdsworth legend Chad Wackerman below.

Find out more here. Price and availability TBC.

“A highly flexible yet portable unit that is easy to use but can also be configured to taste”: Zoom H6 Essential review

Jon Musgrave — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What is it?

Zoom’s Handy Recorders deliver quality 32-bit float recording in a compact format and are surprisingly affordable. The H6 Essential is one of the largest and best spec’d in the range and unsurprisingly offers plenty of flexibility.

As standard, you get four mic/line inputs, integrated stereo mics in a fixed XY configuration, with recording to eight tracks, playback from six tracks and 44.1/48/96kHz operation.

However, where H6 Essential moves away from its smaller siblings is the headstock design. This is removable (Zoom’s interchangeable Mic Capsule System 3.0) and allows for the included XY headstock, and also two pay-for options. These are a stereo shotgun mic (SSH-6e) or the connectivity expansion with two additional mic/line inputs with a 3.5mm lavalier microphone input (EXH-6e). The H6 Essential also ships with a blanking plate should you choose to use no headstock module.

The general design is similar to the H4 Essential, although the layout is slightly different. You get four XLR/TRS combi inputs (two on each side), while the front panel top to bottom includes track arming, monitor speaker and transport with the menu-driven colour screen at the bottom.

(Image credit: Future / Olly Curtis)

On the sides, you’ll find further controls and connectivity such as headphones, volume, USB-C and the Menu controls – dial and Enter. Meanwhile, there are also rubber-capped ports for Micro SD (SDHC or SDXC up to 1TB) and the Bluetooth adapter, which, if fitted, supports remote control from an iOS device.

In terms of connectivity, it’s good to see separate headphones and stereo line out. Slightly annoying though is that there’s no lavalier mic input as standard – you’ll need the EXH-6e headstock expansion for this.

The H6 Essential is battery (4xAA) or USB powered. The USB-C port also supports data transfer and the 6-in/2-out audio interface feature, which works with PC, Mac, iOS and Android devices. Audio interfacing can be used at the same time as SD recording, although in this mode USB interface sampling frequency is limited to 44/1/48kHz.

(Image credit: Future / Olly Curtis)

Performance

The H6 Essential is a bit more chunky than the H4 Essential, and with the included XY mic, it measures roughly 20cm long and weighs 423g. Even so, the ergonomically positioned menu controls make single-handed use very achievable. From an operational perspective, the recorder is very similar to the H4 Essential, although the default screen view shows six available inputs rather than four. Meanwhile, 32-bit float coupled with the dual A/D input circuit delivers clip-free recording with no need to set gain.

Inputs are recorded to dedicated tracks, with tracks 7 & 8 recording the stereo balance from the monitoring mixer. The mixer page (accessed via the Mixer button) allows you to view input metering and set monitoring levels for active record tracks. Meanwhile, the Rec Source option allows you to switch from the default direct mode so that recordings are sourced post-Mixer levels, which is very handy.

The display and menu system provide access to a multitude of settings, including input options such as low-cut filters (80, 160, 240Hz), 48V phantom power and stereo mode. Stereo settings include mono/stereo for the onboard mics and stereo or MS linking for adjacent input pairs.

(Image credit: Future / Olly Curtis)

Verdict

Overall, H6 Essential is an excellent recorder that pushes the limits for a handheld device, while offering a greater degree of flexibility via additional headstock options. Integrated simultaneous interfacing is a major bonus, and although it would be great to see a lavalier input as standard, this can be achieved using one of the pay-for-upgrades. What’s more, with further extras including Bluetooth for remote iOS control, and the usual accessories pack, there are plenty of ways you can tailor your H6 Essential purchase to taste.

Hands-on demos

ZOOMcorporation

Alternatives

With very similar specs, including 32-bit float audio, six inputs and eight track recording, this is a must-try alternative.

Read more about Tascam Portacapture X8

If you want a more music-focused portable recorder, the R4 includes mic and instrument tailored inputs and integrated 2-in/2-out USB interfacing.

Read the full Zoom R4 MultiTrak review

Specifications

Price	$330 \| €359 \| £309
Included Mics	Coincidental cardioids in fixed 90 degree XY configuration
Mic Sensitivity	7.9 mV/Pa
Inputs	4x TRS/XLR mic line
Outputs	2x (line and headphone) 3.5mm jack
Recording	44.1/48/96 kHz, 32-bit float, stereo/mono
Maximum simultaneous tracks	Recording 8, playback 6
Formats	WAV, BWF, iXML
Recording media	Micro SDHC (4 to 32GB), micro SDXC (64GB to 1TB)
Display	Full colour LCD 2” 320 x 240
Onboard speaker	20mm x 30mm
USB connectivity	Type-C connector, USB 2.0 high speed
USB audio interface	6-in 2-out, 44.1/48/96 kHz, 24-bit/32-bit float
Bluetooth	Wireless remote control using additional BTA-1 adapter
Power	4xAA batteries, USB bus power or external USB PSU (not included)
Battery duration continuous operation (hours)	2 track recording alkaline (18), NiMH (14.5), lithium (30). 6 track recording alkaline (3.5), NiMH (4), lithium (9)
Dimensions	193(l) x 78.1(w) x 42.8(d) mm including XY capsule
Weight	423g including batteries and XY capsule
Options	Capsule: SSH-6e Shotgun Mic or EXH-6e Dual XLR/TRS Combo Input £109 each Accessories: APH-6e pack - hairy windscreen, padded shell case, AD-17 USB PSU, USB-C cable £55 Bluetooth: BTA-1 Adapter £39.50
Contact	Zoom

“A good-looking kit which won’t break the bank”: DrumCraft Urban Beats review

Tom Bradley — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:13:15 +0000

What is it?

Originally launched by German instrument manufacturer and distribution giant GEWA in 2009, the DrumCraft brand was surprisingly short-lived and faded from existence just a few years later. Revived and revamped by Thomann in 2022, the company now offers an ever-growing number of kits, standalone snares and hardware solutions.

Delving deeper into DrumCraft’s three main kit ranges available, we’ll start with the entry-level Series 3. Aimed at beginner to intermediate players, this option uses poplar shells, comes in three finish options and four size configurations (including a cute junior setup and even one with twin bass drums). The Series 4 is the mid-range lineup aimed at intermediate or price-conscious players. It offers five finish options, mahogany/poplar shells and three shell-pack configurations. Lastly, the Series 6 (we’re not sure what happened to Series 5) is the drum builder’s flagship range, which boasts suspension-mounted tom hardware, maple/walnut shells and six colour options.

The latest addition to the range, and the focus of our review, is the brand spanking new Urban Beats kit. Unlike the plethora of size and colour options available with Series 3, 4 and 6, the Urban Beats is a standalone setup with a fixed three-piece configuration of 20”x12” bass drum, 12”x8” rack tom and 14”x13” floor tom. There is also only one finish available, which is a rather fetching matt black wrap. Think along the same lines as the Ludwig Breakbeats, Sonor Jungle, Tama Club-Jam and Dixon Little Roomer compact ‘busking’ style kits – ideal for those looking for something more portable or a kit with a smaller footprint.

The Urban Beats shares much of its DNA with the entry-level Series 3, both of which are constructed using 7-ply poplar shells with 45-degree bearing edges, aiming to “deliver a warm tone that allows for a wide range of applications”. Both also feature the same chrome shell hardware, which includes triple-flanged hoops and DrumCraft’s P-shaped lugs.

(Image credit: Future / Lucy Robinson)

In terms of price, the three-piece Urban Beats kit comes in at a mere £289 at the time of writing. An extremely low price for a brand new drum kit, no doubt, but do bear in mind (especially if you’re eyeing this up for a first drum kit) that you’ll need a lot more to get started than just the three drums included in this pack – most pressingly, a snare drum!

Despite the low cost, it’s a little surprising that the set does not include a snare, considering that every single one of DrumCraft’s other kits does come complete with one (as do each of the above-mentioned busking kits). In comparing the Urban Beats to the Series 3 studio kit which uses very similar sized shells (20”x16” kick, 10”x7” & 12”x8” rack toms, 14”x12” floor tom and 14”x5” snare), it becomes apparent that £170 more will not only afford the snare drum but also an extra rack tom, a bass drum pedal and hi-hat stand.

Check out the Thomann website for up-to-date prices on each kit. There are even standalone drums available as add-ons.

The DrumCraft Urban Beats under test conditions (Image credit: Future / Tom Bradley)

Performance

In the box, the bass drum and floor tom come disassembled and nestled one inside the other, while the rack tom is already fitted with drumheads and good to go. The standard of the shells is generally good, although we notice there are some imperfections to the bearing edges of the floor tom as we fit the provided Remo UC heads. The kit oozes class in matt black, which is contrasted beautifully by the shining chrome hardware. One slight gripe is that the joins aren’t very well hidden from certain angles.

Although there is no full hardware set included, inside the box we also find the floor tom legs with memory locks, a Yamaha-style ball-joint tom arm (which uses a thick tube to slide into the tom rather than Yamaha’s thinner hex style), a sturdy boom arm for mounting a cymbal alongside the tom arm from the drilled bass drum mount, plus a lightweight cushion for dampening the bass drum. This can be secured in place using the velcro strip, which affixes it directly to the inside of the drum shell, leaving some room for adjustment. It’s not quite big enough to make contact with both the batter and resonant head, despite the bass drum’s shallow 12” depth, so we opted for pushing it up against the batter head.

(Image credit: Future / Lucy Robinson)

Considering the unported reso head and shallow depth, we’re pleasantly surprised by the thump emanating from the bass drum. It’s drier than expected and offers plenty of versatility at different tunings. It feels sturdy to play, too, thanks to the telescopic bass drum spurs.

The floor tom is relatively cooperative and it doesn’t take long to get a pleasing boom from it. The tuning range isn’t vast, but it works well in medium to higher tunings. This is fairly typical of the cheaper ‘factory’ Remo UC heads, which lack low-end and usually make tuning a trickier ordeal. It’s always worth factoring in better quality heads into the investment of a new kit as it really makes an enormous difference.

(Image credit: Future / Lucy Robinson)

Verdict

Overall, Urban Beats is a good-looking kit which won’t break the bank. It's a potentially great option for beginners although additional hardware would need to be factored into the budget.

Hands-on demos

DrumCraft

Alternatives

The Club Jam looks even more compact, courtesy of that dinky 14" x 7" floor tom and offers different sizings elsewhere around the kit. You're also getting a 13" x 5" snare and a kick drum-mounted cymbal stand.

Matching the Urban Beats' BD size in terms of diameter, however, the Little Roomer is nearly half the depth at a svelte 7". No extra hardware here, but you do get the added bonus of a 2" x6" tambourine.

Probably the closest to the Urban Beats in terms of price, at just a shade over £50 more, but there are more options for finishes and Gretsch also throws in a 14" x 5" snare to make up for the lack of extra hardware.

Specifications

Price	£289
Key features	Configuration: three-piece shell pack Compact shell set for performances with limited space Shell material: Poplar wood Bearing Edge: 45 degree Lugs per drum: Bass drum: 16; rack tom: 10; floor tom: 16. Drum shells with matt black wrap finish Includes tom holder, Remo drum heads, kick drum pad
Dimensions	20”x12” bass drum 12”x8” rack tom 14”x13” floor tom
Contact	DrumCraft

We Are Rewind goes back to the ‘80s with the GB-001, a cassette boombox that gives you a genuine taste of old-school tape recording

ben.rogerson@futurenet.com (Ben Rogerson) — Thu, 29 May 2025 11:44:28 +0000

As anyone who grew up in the late ‘70s or ‘80s will tell you, a boombox was the only kind of hi-fi system that the teenager of the time wanted. Featuring a radio, cassette player - sometimes dual cassette players for those naughty homemade album copies - and built-in speakers, it was the perfect bedroom solution.

Now - as with most tech of the time, it seems - it’s back, thanks to a jazzed-up revival from the nostalgia freaks at We Are Rewind. Having previously rebooted the Walkman concept with the WE-001, the company is now bringing us the GB-001.

There’s no radio, sadly, but you do get a cassette deck, Bluetooth compatibility, a carry handle and built-in speakers. These are powered by two 32w amps for the woofers and two 20w amps for the tweeters, giving you a total power output of 104w.

We’re told that the GB-001 has a “top-of-the-line cassette deck mechanism” with a user-adjustable motor that includes internal speed regulation, and there’s a noise reduction circuit with Dolby B emulation. Type 1 and Type II (chrome) cassettes are supported - you can flip between these with a top-panel rotary switch.

(Image credit: We Are Rewind)

It should also be noted that the GB-001 is capable of making stereo cassette recordings, so if you want to capture some of that old-school tape magic, you’re good to go. There are both line and mic inputs and adjustable recording levels; the VU meters will tell you when you’ve hit the sweet spot.

As you’d expect, the GB-001 can also function as a wireless Bluetooth speaker, and there are bass and treble controls so that you can adjust the tone. Power comes from a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery that’s user-replaceable: if playing through the speakers you can expect up to 10 hours of life in tape mode and 15 if you’re using an aux source; on headphones, these figures rise to 15 and 28 hours respectively.

A price for the GB-001 has yet to be confirmed but it’s expected that pre-orders will open in July. Find out more and sign up for updates on the We Are Rewind website.

"Bringing a long-awaited rock 'n' roll flair to the world of soundbars": Marshall’s Heston 120 packs the latest tech into the style signature of its classic amp heads

Daniel Griffiths — Wed, 21 May 2025 12:23:27 +0000

After 60 years of blasting out stadiums worldwide, Marshall is bringing its distinctive sound skills and styling a little closer to home.

Say hello to their Heston 120, the legendary wall-of-sound maker’s first altogether more civilised foray into the high-fidelity world of soundbars. Yes, expect less of the ear-shredding SPL and more of the room-filling DSP as it promises to bring "a long-awaited rock 'n' roll flair" to the living room audio market.

In this day and age of ever thinner TVs with increasingly vanishing frames the need for a decent pair of speakers has never been more vital. And, aiming to capitalise on its reputation for both high fidelity and old school rock ‘n’ roll styling, Marshall reckons that it's come up with the ultimate package that any music or movie fan will love.

(Image credit: Marshall)

First of all there’s that sound, with Marshall promising that the Heston will deliver deep, rich, and clear sound audio, complete with a powerful bass that belies its slim styling. Its soundbar has been tuned for low frequencies, producing lifelike audio, and special effects for a big impact.

Plus, the Heston 120 can cope with whatever hi-tech sound standards you throw at it being both Dolby Atmos and DTS-X compatible and fitted with 11 individual speaker drivers aimed in different directions to more precisely place surround sound anywhere within your room.

(Image credit: Marshall)

And adding one to your TV couldn’t be simpler with a single HDMI eARC connection to your TV or home cinema amp, or add one to your streaming music setup with HDMI pass-through. And, of course, if you simply want to blast out of your phone, Bluetooth is included.

Luxe Familiar

The whole thing looks more than a little like a shrunken Marshall amp head with the same knurled metal knobs, wraparound leather-style tolex and a brushed metal front panel that you might find on one of its legendary cab-top myth makers.

(Image credit: Marshall)

And should things get a little too rock 'n' roll next time you’re busting out Loose Women, Marshall assures us that – just like its road-worn, long-life, heavyweight amp brethren – the Heston 120 is completely repairable with replaceable parts.

Rather more hi-tech, however, is the Heston’s range of digitally signal processed audio moods, including Music, Movie, Night and Voice, each finetuned to spin a subtle EQ to better present your chosen entertainment. And should the idea of walking over to tweak its amp-inspired easy-access volume and tone knobs be a little too much like the old days, you can sit back and take control via the Marshall app instead.

The app will even listen to your room during the Heston’s simple setup procedure, eliminating the need for a front-of-house sound guy.

Plexi and you know it

“We know that soundbar owners use their soundbar to listen to music, yet most soundbars are not built for both music and TV. This gave us a reason to exist and an opportunity to really shine with our legacy in music and audio” says Anders Olsson, Senior Product Manager at Marshall Group.

(Image credit: Marshall)

“We spent hundreds of hours finetuning Heston 120. It was important to us that we spent equal time and effort on both TV and music, not one over the other. Everything inside is tailored and engineered to have very specific roles to give you an optimal audio experience, no matter what you’re watching or listening to,” added Ed Camphor, Audio Technology and Tuning Lead at Marshall Group.

I believe in a thing called cash

And to better announce its new home-focused, retro-inspired speaker, Marshall has dipped into the mists of time to pull out Dan and Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, who welcome viewers of a new YouTube video into their Heston 120-equipped home for a nostalgic rejig through old MTV Cribs territory.

And should MTV’s turn-of-the-century, through-the-keyhole glimpse into the homes of the rich and famous have passed you by, don’t worry: Marshall has even squeezed in an appearance by the hot-right-now Nova Twins. Phew.

“We had a blast inviting Marshall into our home. No one has ever seen where the Hawkins bros live - Justin and I are basically hermits, living in total silence (apart from when we listen to our majestic Marshall soundbars that fill every room),” offers Dan Hawkins.

Thunder approaching…

While we’re certain that Marshall can keep the Hawkins brothers happy as regards audio fidelity, there's the small matter of those that love lots of bass. Fret not: The Heston Sub 200 subwoofer is coming later this year, alongside a more affordable stripped down Heston 60.

Heston 120 is available for pre-order now and will go on sale on 3 June on the Marshall website and be at select retailers including Currys from 16 September. It’s yours for £900.

Roland's V-Drums go wireless for new simple and seamless WT-10 sensor and DH-10 hub DrumLink system

Daniel Griffiths — Wed, 14 May 2025 09:34:33 +0000

Roland has great news for anyone wishing to add digital elements to their analogue kit but who aren’t keen on festooning their already complex physical set-up with ugly wires.

Their new DrumLink system has been developed in partnership with Drum Workshop and aims to make adding the flexibility of an electronic drum kit to your acoustic set-up (or simply getting rid of the wires on your digital kit) as simple and as seamless as possible.

(Image credit: Roland)

Key to that goal is the wireless nature of the system. The new WT-10 Wireless Trigger Adapter takes the analogue trigger outputs from existing Roland drum pads and cymbals and converts them to wireless singles which are then picked up by the new DH-10 DrumLink Hub.

Each WT-10 has two inputs, meaning that it can take single- and dual-trigger pads and cymbals and communicate both to the hub, making it ideal for use with hi-hats and cymbals featuring bell and edge triggering. Alternatively, for simpler single trigger drums, you can attach two pads to one WT-10.

There’s an integrated flexible mount allowing you to effectively ‘hide’ each WT-10 as part of your kit, eliminating ugly cables and making pre-gig set up fast and worry free.

Most importantly though, the DrumLink system uses a proprietary technology developed specifically for the purpose of speedy transfer meaning that up to 30 channels can be at play simultaneously, all wirelessly, all delivering your hits to the Hub with lightning-fast response and rock-solid performance that feels exactly like you’re playing an acoustic kit.

Supported sound sources out of the box include the Roland V71, TD-50X, and TD-27 sound modules, SPD-SX PRO Sampling Pad, and the DW Soundworks software instrument. The WT-10 also makes it easy for owners of Drum Workshop’s DWe acoustic-electronic wireless convertible drums to integrate Roland pads into their set-ups.

Up to 15 units. Up to 30 channels

A single DH-10 DrumLink Hub can capture the trigger signals from up to 15 WT-10 units, which are sent to the sound module or a computer via a simple USB-C connection. The DH-10 also features a MIDI output for sending MIDI note messages and CC data to external gear.

And they’ve even created a bundle to get you started. The Roland 4CY-4WT-01 DrumLink Cymbal Pack allows you to quickly outfit a DWe acoustic-electronic wireless kit with Roland’s electronic cymbals. The bundle includes three CY-16R-T crash/ride pads, one VH-10 V-Hi-Hat pad, and four WT-10 Wireless Trigger Adapters ready to talk to the kit's DWe DrumLink Wireless Hub.

(Image credit: Roland)

Drum Workshop also now offers complete four- and five-piece DWe kit bundles with Roland V-Cymbals and WT-10 units already included.

To learn more about the DrumLink system, visit Roland.com. And to learn more about DWe acoustic-electronic wireless drum sets with Roland V-Drum cymbals head to DWdrums.com.

“It replaced three plugins on my vocal bus - I love it!ˮ: Meet Velvet, iZotope’s new smart vocal smoothing tool

Daniel Griffiths — Wed, 07 May 2025 14:05:00 +0000

Izotope has today launched Velvet: a new de-esser plugin that will smartly split audio into sibilance and tonal channels to let users de-ess, de-click, and re-shape troublesome vocals into a perfect performance.

The idea is that while traditional de-essers can often dull the overall character of a vocal, Velvetʼs more precise control and smart features allow users to be far more accurate in rooting out the problems.

It's the latest plugin in iZotope's affordable, fast, easy to use and task-focussed, Catalyst series, appearing alongside new offerings such as Aurora - an 'intelligent reverb for cleaner mixes' - and Plasma, the tape saturation plug in for 'adding precise warmth, depth, and character'.

Velvet features what iZotope calls 'intelligent de-essing' which dynamically reduces sibilance only where it's needed, leaving the tonal quality of the vocal untouched.

It can automatically identify sibilant frequencies and then create 'intelligent' EQ nodes to hone in and zap those problem frequencies.

Meanwhile, Velvet’s Lift and Tame controls allow users to shape vocals toward a variety of smooth and polished vocal tones, all without affecting sibilance.

And its de-click feature will eliminate any unpleasant pops, clicks, mouth-noise and other accidental knocks and thuds with a simple fader tweak.

(Image credit: iZotope)

Most powerful of all though, Velvet's separate processing for sibilance and tonal channels allow users to tweak one without having an adverse effect on the other. Then hit the delta button to hear exactly whatʼs being processed.

“Velvet is an instant problem solver for vocals! It replaced 3 plug-ins on my vocal bus... I love it!ˮ says Dave Cerminara, the producer and mix engineer for Father John Misty and Bartees Strange.

Like all of iZotope's simple but powerful Catalyst series, users will get one powerful effect per-plugin, with just the right number of parameters to achieve quick, creative, and clean results.

And, with 50 presets on board it seems like it'll be simple to deploy and get your noisy vocals sounding great without fuss - but we'll report back after taking it for a spin soon…

Like the rest of the Catalyst plugins, Velvet is keenly priced at just $49 or $39 in a limited-time crossgrade from any paid iZotope product (anytime prior to 21.05.2025).

Arturia embraces NKS - and offers hardware owners free access to Native Instruments' Komplete 15 Select

Daniel Griffiths — Wed, 07 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Superbooth 25: Is NKS set to be the one sound browsing standard to rule them all? That’s the interesting and exciting prospect following the news that Arturia is embracing Native Instruments' standard even further - adding the browsing and selection of NKS compatible plugins to its previously 'Arturia-software-only' hardware controllers.

Arturia controllers gaining NKS compatibility are the KeyLab mk3, KeyLab Essential mk3, and MiniLab 3.

That means owners will soon be able to audition and select sounds from Native Instruments plugins and those from fellow partners such as Best Service, Big Fish Audio, Ohm, Spitfire Audio, Sugar Bytes and more - all directly from their Arturia keyboard. No on-screen pointing and clicking required.

“This collaboration gives producers, performers, and composers a streamlined creative workflow - where software and hardware speak the same language, right out of the box,” said a statement from Arturia.

It's the continuation of a journey we've previously covered - highlighting NI's drive to standardise the NKS format.

And, reinforcing the collaboration, Native Instruments will now be giving away its (on sale for €99) Komplete 15 Select - previously a freebie alongside their own Komplete Kontrol keyboards - with Arturia keyboards too.

Komplete 15 Select is a ‘highlights’ selection from the much larger (and more expensive) Komplete Standard, Ultimate and Collector’s Edition bundles. Offering Beats, Band, and Electronic versions (and such NI favourites as Massive X, Battery 4 and TRK-01) its inclusion is a big score for Arturia’s bundle.

A new age of cooperation? Or did the plugin world just get smaller?

Just as the rest of synth-dom banded around Sequential and Roland’s co-operation for the invention of a single MIDI standard back at the start of the 80s, so it seems that Native Instruments has successfully established NKS as the de-facto way to tag and search for sounds within our ever growing mountain of plugin presets.

Arturia's decision to incorporate the standard into its hardware (after adding NKS tagging to all the presets in their synths and the V Collection) only looks set to cement the standard’s profile and make it more tempting to more synth makers to get with the program.

Clearly the thought here is that Arturia’s keyboards and hardware (previously only a front end to the company's own plugins and the V Collection mega-bundle) just got more attractive to users already entrenched in the Native Instruments Komplete camp.

Certainly with NI's Komplete Kontrol keyboards already able to browse Arturia's libraries, the fact that Arturia's keyboards were unable to do the same back, was beginning to look like a disadvantage.

Can I tempt you with a powerful but pricey new MIDI keyboard?

As to whether the move will shift more hardware, Arturia certainly seems to hope so - with wider connectivity and breadth for their already impressive and software-integrated abilities surely good news for existing owners.

“Arturia is committed to designing universal MIDI controllers, built to inspire creativity without limits.” says Martin Dutasta, Product director at Arturia. “We're thrilled to partner with Native Instruments on NKS integration. This initiative brings greater connectivity and a more fluid workflow, benefiting creators who rely on both ecosystems.”

"This reinforces our commitment to an open and connected music industry," adds Simon Cross, Chief Product Officer at Native Instruments. "We’re giving musicians the freedom to explore sound without workflow limitations."

Official comms say that the new NKS integration to Arturia's hardware is 'coming soon'. We’ll keep you posted!

In the meantime head over to Native Instruments and Arturia's websites to keep abreast of the latest developments

Bastl Instruments' Kastle 2 Wave Bard is a cute, patchable and experimental groovebox that fits in your pocket

Daniel Griffiths — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:41:58 +0000

As we edge ever-closer to Superbooth - Europe's biggest trade show for electronic music gear, taking place next week - brands big and small are unveiling new products. Next up is Bastl Instruments' Kastle 2 Wave Bard, a compact sample player and patchable groovebox that, astoundingly, isn't the first sampler to reference a vaguely medieval aesthetic that's been released in the past 12 months.

Bastl Instruments says this compact and portable sample player is designed to "empower you to discover new rhythms and riffs through modulation and modularity". Onboard you’ll find a CV and Gate-based pattern generator with physical controls to modulate its output creating your own bespoke beats, triggered from the in-built LFO which can sync to your other gear or run wild, controlling the show.

Bastl describe the Wave Bard as being “semi-autonomous”; being a unit that given enough freedom will essentially compose for you, with in-built inspiration coming from the onboard sound bank lovingly put together by electronic artist Oliver Torr.

But, of course, Wave Bard really comes into its own when you make it your own. Load the unit with your own samples, apply them to the pattern generator, tweak the sound with pitch and mod knobs and remix the patterns on the fly. A sample knob allows you to switch samples while the length control will adjust decay while turning left will allow you to adjust the attack, going all the way to reversing the sample should you go so far.

There are controls to manipulate the sequencer as it plays and the effected output is under your full command with controls for the stereo delay, chorus/flanger FX and built-in resonant filter with low- and high-pass modes. There's even a mini patchbay on board so you can manipulate the playback by physically wiring its components together into whatever order you like.

Wave Bard has room for eight samples per bank and six factory-loaded banks, with up to 32 banks available in its computer-based editor software should you need more room to breathe. And, by virtue of being battery-powered (on three AAs) in addition to that ubiquitous USB-C port, you really can use it anywhere.

Getting samples inside is accomplished via a simple web-based app – where you can also inject new scales and rhythms to try out – and there’s a generous 89 seconds of mono sample time (that’s 44 in stereo) at a high-quality 44kHz rate. Of course, if you’re after more time or simply love that lower sample-rate sound, you can downgrade and have room to spare.

Wave Bard 2 is priced at €160.

Visit Bastl Instruments' website to find out more.

(Image credit: Bastl Instruments)

With the same mesh-head playability and powerful new Strata module as its bigger brothers, Alesis Strata Club brings a new compact form to its best-selling range

Daniel Griffiths — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000

The Strata Club is a full 7-piece kit that shares the latest tech with its bigger cousins (Image credit: Alesis)

Alesis has a new member of its Strata Drum electronic drum set family – the new Alesis Strata Club, all set to deliver the pro-quality performance of their Strata kits in a new Club format that’s perfect for compact spaces, be that a crowded stage or a spare bedroom.

The Strata Club is a full 7-piece kit that shares the latest tech with its bigger cousins. It’s therefore ideal as a compact kit in its own right, for use as a practice kit, or even for enhancing and expanding an acoustic kit for players looking for more variety and range.

Front and centre of the Strata Club’s eye-catching features is its 7” touchscreen drum module, as found on the Strata Core, featuring a multi-core processor bringing the kind of controllability and speed of set-up we enjoy every day on our smartphones into the world of recording gear.

(Image credit: Alesis)

That touch screen gives unrivalled, intuitive navigation, DAW-style mixing, and drum set customization, alongside six rotary dials, push encoder, transport controls, and dedicated volume knobs for different outputs.

And that extra processor power means that the Strata runs the full BFD3 sound engine, Alesis parent company InMusic having acquired BFD’s maker FXpansion in 2020.

That means that the Strata comes with one of the best and most expansive drum libraries around, being 25 GB in size with 144,000 individual samples across over 370 different kit pieces and 800 unique articulations, along with compressors, EQ, filters and other audio tools – all built into the Strata from day one.

And with great sounds and ease of use built in, the Strata won’t let you down on feel and playability either. Strata features high-quality mesh drum heads with adjustable tension for perfect rebound and Strata's patented anti-hotspot sensor system for natural, expressive playing surfaces.

Key to the Club’s portability and footprint is its integrated rack system while still serving up a full 7-piece kit. This includes a 12-inch dual-zone mesh snare, a pair of 10-inch dual zone mesh toms and a 8-inch kick drum tower with a mesh head to deliver true-to-life rebound and response.

(Image credit: Alesis)

This is topped off with a 14-inch ARC triple-zone, 360° ride cymbal, a 12-inch ARC triple-zone, 360° crash cymbal and 12-inch ARC triple-zone, 360° hi-hat cymbal with Alesis’ Active Magnetic Hi-Hat Controller for extra realistic feel.

The ride and crash both incorporate ARC for 360-degree playing without dead zones, allowing players to choke cymbals by grabbing the edge just like the real thing, while the triple zones allow players to play bow, bell, and edge of all cymbals to trigger different variations on the sound.

(Image credit: Alesis)

Want even more? Go for the Strata Club Expansion Pack which adds one more 12” premium dual-zone mesh drum pad and one 16” ARC 360 triple-zone cymbal to the kit along with a new 28” crossbar and cables for easy connection to that drum module.

Needless to say the new module features USB/MIDI connectivity for seamless DAW integration, owners get the full BFD Player desktop application with virtual drum expansion pack and there’s even a 90-day free subscription to drum tuition platform Drumeo thrown in too.

(Image credit: Alesis)

"We’re proud to introduce the Strata Club, a kit designed to eliminate the compromise between space constraints and professional performance," said John Boudreau, Director of Product Development. "We've engineered a solution that gives drummers and producers the authentic feel and sound they demand— without requiring dedicated space or soundproofing."

The Alesis Strata Club is available globally starting today for $1,599 with the Expansion Pack coming in the early summer of 2025 for $349.

MusicRadar deals of the week: Enjoy a mind-blowing $600 off a full-fat Gibson Les Paul, £500 off Kirk Hammett's Epiphone Greeny, and so much more

daryl.robertson@futurenet.com (Daryl Robertson) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:02:31 +0000

Welcome to MusicRadar's Deals of the Week! Here, we share the best offers on top-rated musical equipment from around the web. As the name suggests, we bring you a fresh batch of exciting discounts every week, so be sure to check back regularly to stay updated.

Guitar Center's Guitar-A-Thon is back, offering incredible discounts on big-name brands. You can save $600 on a Gibson Les Paul, enjoy 30% off Epiphone and Schecter guitars, and 25% off Squier models. And better yet, there are a variety of new exclusive models available as well. This is easily the best guitar sale online right now.

Switching to keyboards, Sweetwater is still running its massive Keyboard Month sale, featuring up to 30% off keyboards, pianos, MIDI controllers, synthesizers, and much more.

For readers in the UK and Europe, be sure to check out Thomann. Their Sweeter Than Chocolate Easter sale offers amazing savings of up to 70% on a wide range of music gear. With 372 items on sale, there's definitely something for everyone, no matter which instrument you play.

US Editor's picks

Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V: ~~$2,999~~, $2,399
Gibson’s iconic solidbody design is seen here with all the essential appointments, but it also has some extra mojo happening under the hood in the form of a weight-relieved body and advanced pickup controls, including coil split, coil tap, and phasing options.View Deal

Despite having only been released recently, Positive Grid has seen fit to discount their all-encompassing Spark 2 smart amp with a cheeky $10 discount. Packing a built-in looper, more amps and effects than you can shake a stick at, as well AI tone generation and powerful practice tools, it's a cutting-edge guitar amp that will suit a huge variety of players.View Deal

Fender Player II Strat: Was $879.99, now $699.99
Are you looking for a contemporary Fender Stratocaster? Well, look no further than the Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Plus. This ultra-modern guitar is capable of producing searing lead tones as well as the crisp, clean tones you’d expect from a Strat. Right now, you can get a whopping $180 off! View Deal

UK Editor's picks

EPIC DEAL

Epiphone Greeny 1959 Les Paul: Save £500!
This collaboration between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop has resulted in a stellar guitar that both companies can be proud of. With effortless playability and the credentials to absolutely nail those iconic Peter Green, Gary Moore, and Kirk Hammett tones, this Les Paul is one of the best Epiphone guitars we've played in a very long time - save a whopping £500 at Andertons!View Deal

This £47 discount on the M-Audio Uber Mic is one of the biggest I’ve seen in the sale, and it gets you a nice quality podcast mic for a ridiculously low cost. It has multiple polar patterns which makes it super flexible, the built-in mute button is super handy, and you get a headphone output for direct monitoring on the fly. Of course, it’s not going to compete with something much more expensive like the SM7dB, but if you want to get started recording decent quality spoken word without spending hundreds of pounds, you could certainly do a lot worse.View Deal

The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is already sensational value for money at RRP considering what you get, so with a cool £91 discount it’s a lot of keyboard for a lot less in the Thomann sale. Combining the feel of a piano with the versatility of a software synthesizer, it’s got a wealth of controls to help with flexibility both in the studio and during performance, like 16 velocity sensitive pads, controls for your DAW, and rotary knobs and faders that give you complete control over your sounds.

Looking for more bargains? Check out more recommended sales below:

Thomann: Shop hot deals
Andertons: Here's the very best offers
Guitar Center: Save big on guitars & more
Fender Shop: Shop discounted Strats & Teles
Sweetwater: Latest deals at Sweetwater
IK Multimedia: Save on iRig and AXE I/O
Musician's Friend: Save big at MF
Plugin Boutique: Save big on plugins
Positive Grid: Smart amp sale
Reverb: Save big on top brands
Guitar Tricks: One-year sub just $99

How we choose our deals of the week

Our mission is simple - to help you make the best buying decision, find the right gear at the right price, to make the best music you can.

You can see more of our product recommendations in our buyer's guides and reviews.

Why you can trust our choices

Where are the best places to shop?

What sort of deals should I look for?

Great deals come in all shapes and sizes. There are a few key types to look out for:

Single item - A single product with a great discount
Site-wide discounts - A single discount percentage on a large range of products across a site
Discount codes - Load your basket to a certain value and redeem a discount code for money off your basket contents
Added value deals - These include multi-buy discounts, or additional products or software for free when you buy certain items

“A well spec’d device that bridges the gap between a basic stereo field recorder and a more advanced multitrack device”: Zoom H4 Essential review

Jon Musgrave — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:20:49 +0000

What is it?

If you’re after a compact field recorder, Zoom’s Handy series offers plenty of choice and great value. Options include not only mono/stereo recorders but also multitrack devices such as the H4 Essential that we have up for review. Much like other Handy recorders the H4 Essential provides a choice of inputs and here these include stereo onboard mics in a fixed XY orientation, two XLR/TRS mic/line/instrument inputs with phantom power and a 3.5mm mic/line input with plugin power.

However, what the H4 Essential also offers is simultaneous recording to up to six tracks and playback from four tracks. The audio recording format is 32-bit float and coupled with Zoom’s adjustment free gain stage provides clip-free recording. There’s also support for a range of micro SD cards up to 1TB, meaning plenty of recording capacity.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of layout, the onboard mics and main inputs top and tail the device, and you’ll find further connections such as 3.5mm line/headphone output, 3.5mm mic/line input, volume dial, USB-C connector, menu control dial and micro SD slot on the sides.

(Image credit: Future)

Meanwhile on the back is the onboard speaker. This handles playback and record monitoring, as well as the spoken accessibility option if selected. The menu driven colour screen handles most settings options, but you’ve also got dedicated track selection buttons, and a bunch of transport controls just below. There’s also a Mixer button to open the mixer page.

(Image credit: Future)

The H4 Essential can be battery (2xAA) or USB powered, and the USB connector also handles USB audio interfacing and file transfer to your device (computer, smartphone and tablet).

Pricing

Full price: £205 / €239
APH-4e accessories: £55
BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter: £39

(Image credit: Future)

Performance

The H4 Essential is slightly bigger than its stereo siblings but at 243 grams including batteries is still reasonably light and easy to operate one-handed. Should you want to stand mount it, there’s a standard camera thread on the bottom.

For recording the XLR/TRS inputs get two dedicated tracks, the next two tracks are for either the onboard mics or 3.5mm mic/line input – plugging into the latter cuts the onboard mics. Finally, tracks 5&6 record the mixer blend. To clarify, there’s no way to record all six physical inputs simultaneously, and no way to overdub onto an existing recording. Screen quadrants display real-time waveforms for the active inputs, and display icons access settings – inputs, outputs, USB and so on.

Features of note include mono mixing of the onboard mics and individual low-cut filters for all inputs (80, 160, 240Hz). The two external inputs can be stereo linked or set to MS mode, which converts your MS input to a stereo recording with user selectable sides level. H4 Essential’s Mixer page primarily serves to balance the active inputs for monitoring. However, the Rec Source option also allows recordings to capture post mixer levels, which is a handy inclusion.

(Image credit: Future)

H4 Essential can be used as a 4 in / 2 out USB audio interface at 44.1, 48 and 96kHz with 24 or 32-bit. If you also want to simultaneously record to micro SD, interfacing still works, but is limited to 48kHz, which is a shame.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning there are two pay for add-on options. The BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter fits in a dedicated side slot to provide app based remote control. And the APH-4e accessory pack adds windshield, case and USB power supply.

(Image credit: Future)

Verdict

All told, the H4 Essential is a well spec’d device that bridges the gap between a basic stereo field recorder and a more advanced multitrack device. It does have some limitations, but nevertheless its screen-based simplicity and integrated simultaneous USB audio interfacing make it a desirable choice.

Hands-on demos

ZoomSoundLab

Alternatives

Simultaneous 4 track recording and adjustable onboard mics make this recorder a flexible choice.

Specifications

Built-in Mics	coincidental cardioids in fixed 90 degree XY configuration
Sensitivity	7.1 mV/Pa
Inputs	2x XLR/TRS mic/line/instrument, 1x mic/line 3.5mm jack
Outputs	line/headphone 3.5mm jack
Recording	44.1/48/96 kHz, 32-bit float
Maximum simultaneous tracks	recording 6, playback 4
Formats	WAV, BWF, iXML
Recording media	micro SDHC (4 to 32GB), micro SDXC (64GB to 1TB)
Display	Colour LCD 320 x 240
USB	type-C connector, USB 2.0 high speed, USB audio 44.1/48/96 kHz, 24-bit, 32-bit float
Power	2xAA batteries, USB bus power or external USB PSU (not included) wireless remote control using additional BTA-1 adapter
Battery duration continuous operation (hours):	alkaline (9), NiMH (9), lithium (19)
Size	155.7(l) x 66.9(w) x 37.9(d) mm
Weight	243g including batteries
Accessories	Optional APH-4e Accessories Pack - hairy windscreen, padded shell case, AD-17 USB PSU, USB-C cable BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter
Contact	Zoom

Dog Paw just invented a controller that looks like a drum pad but plays like it crossed a weighted piano with a violin…

Daniel Griffiths — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 10:05:00 +0000

Every so often in the world of studio gear there comes a moment where one has to ask: 'How come nobody thought of this earlier?' When something new comes along that just kinda makes perfect sense. And when you’re left wondering ‘so, how much, and when?’

And Dog Paws’ new weighted controller hits all those spots bang on the nose.

Dog Paw is a new company, only just establishing itself a boutique builder of tech gear aimed to fit broad niches, and its self-titled first offering is a first public foray into the crowded world of MIDI controllers. It’s a device that’s currently looking for support via Kickstarter so that the team, based in Oakland, California, can make it a reality.

And don't let appearances be deceptive. This is not just another controller.

At a passing glance the Dog Paw looks like any other set of drum pads. Like the front surface of an Akai MPC, or the pads off stage right on a Roland Fantom. Hit them, trigger a sound, you know the score.

But it’s only when you take a closer look via video that Grid’s special features set it apart.

Instead of each large, square, pad being a simple ‘button’, they’re weighted in much the same way as a weighted piano keyboard giving a much more tactile approach to playing what can broadly be considered a new type of instrument, or, if you want the touch but not the sound, for adding more depth and feel to the inputs in your DAW.

For while this is a new type of controller with 'the feel of a piano with the versatility of a grid controller,' its makers claim it’s also an entire musical instrument all-in-one, with a built-in Raspberry Pi-based computer and audio outputs giving it synth and sample capabilities with no extra gear required.

“Dog Paw bridges the gap between traditional instruments and modern controllers," explains Bill Bartke-Croughan, the creator of Dog Paw.

"Musicians coming from acoustic backgrounds will find an intuitive way into electronic music production, while producers and digital creators can add a new layer of expression to their workflows.”

Not only are the instrument's pads sensitive to the degree of velocity with which its pads are struck, but also they’re also pressure and movement sensitive allowing the player to introduce vibrato and pitch bend just as you would a stringed instrument.

Press and shake for vibrato. Bend the pad left and right… Bend the pitch up and down.

And all on a device that – rather than being stuffy old piano key shaped and requiring a degree of keyboard skill (as per Roli’s multiple takes on similar heightened means of control) – looks and plays like a set of finger-friendly drum pads instead.

“Avoid the confusing finger gymnastics of traditional instruments. With our grid layout, the pattern you learn for one chord or scale will work everywhere,” its makers claim.

And rather than simply being a front end to getting digits into your DAW (it needless to say offers full MIDI and MPE compatibility) it’s audio outputs and audio sound engine mean you can leave the laptop at home too.

Find out more about Dog Paw and help make their dream a reality here.

RIP headphones? New tech can now beam music into your ears without the need for any hardware

Daniel Griffiths — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 11:05:00 +0000

Of course, we’re all used to listening to sound via speakers and enjoying all the freedom that brings, from wandering from room to room unencumbered or collectively enjoying a gig or movie out in the real world.

But more and more of us are listening to more and more audio discreetly and, while wireless headphones have become the norm, there’s always the need to purchase, connect and ‘wear’ them in order to hear what’s going on.

So how about a new technology that will allow you to leave the headphones at home (or on the shelf entirely) and listen to discreet music in your own ‘enclave’ without disturbing anyone else, and without having to purchase (or wear) any additional hardware?

That’s the promise coming from American university Penn State's 'Audible Enclave' research, a new tech that uses ultrasonic waves to provide private listening without headphones.

It works in a similar way to the 3D beamforming and wave field synthesis technology used at cutting-edge music venues such as The Sphere.

There, music and sound effects can be placed anywhere within the arena's physical space, giving a personalised ‘it’s coming from over there’ audio experience no matter where the actual speaker and no matter where you’re sat.

Audible Enclave’s ultrasonic curved waves are inaudible, but can be fired and focused by metasurfaces – acoustic lenses that incorporate submillimeter-scale microstructures that bend the direction of sound – and where the two beams cross an audible air vibration generated, allowing the tech to create pockets – or enclaves – of sound that only ears present at the exact right physical position will be able to hear.

Pardon?

The tech has been developed at the Pennsylvania State University and so far they’ve been able to place sound within a room and even accurately bypass obstacles such as heads or pieces of furniture, reaching their intended targets as if they weren’t there.

“We essentially created a virtual headset,” said Jia-Xin “Jay” Zhong, a postdoctoral scholar in acoustics at Penn State. “Someone within an audible enclave can hear something meant only for them – enabling sound and quiet zones.”

Of course, the technology isn’t ready for primetime (and eradicating the multi-billion dollar headphone industry) just yet.

So far the sound can only be transmitted around 1m at around 60 decibels, aka speaking volume. But given that most discreet audio listening is done at this kind of range – from a phone to a pair of wireless headphones, say – it looks like they’ve cracked the most extensive use case already.

(Image credit: Penn State)

Indeed, the most obvious application would be on board devices such as mobile phones, being portable devices that are carried with the user and never usually more than one meter away.

However, developers of the tech believe that by increasing the intensity of the ultrasound being used they can both increase the range and its loudness, in theory making it possible to transmit sound to individual audience members at a gig or – at some point in the future – provide discreet audio while you’re walking down the street or sitting in the park, sparing you the need to ‘plug in’ and allowing you to leave any kind of playback device at home entirely.

Plus, without the associated ‘detachment’ of wearing headphones, listeners would be able to listen to their selected audio and still be ‘present’ in their physical space, able to hear what’s going on around them and engage in interaction and conversation.

It’s certainly exciting tech with multiple potential uses.

Doubtless there’ll be more than a few mobile phone makers and headphone brands watching this one with interest.

Alesis’ popular Crimson e-kit just got an upgrade with version III sporting new heads and a new BFD-powered drum brain

Daniel Griffiths — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:39:05 +0000

The hit Alesis Crimson electronic drum kit just got an upgrade. This mesh-head favourite has been a winner with cost-conscious drummers since its release in 2021, and now the Crimson III bears a significant feature hike, aimed to put it back on top around that all-important 1k price point.

The Crimson III’s main tweak is in its drum module – previously perhaps the weakest aspect of the Crimson II given the quality of the rest of the hardware.

The Crimson III once again offers nine pads in total. There’s a 12″ snare, two 8″ toms, a 10″ floor tom, a 14” ride cymbal and two 12” crashes and a 12” hi-hat set up. The 8” kick pad comes mounted on a stand.

(Image credit: Alesis)

All the toms are pleasingly dual-zone – allowing for the triggering of different sounds depending on where you hit them – with the ride featuring three zones for ultimate playability. While there is a hi-hat pedal supplied the unit once again comes without a kick pedal, allowing the user to spec their own favourite.

Elsewhere the entire kit comes mounted on a four-post tubular rack and the snare stand is pleasingly double-braced for durability.

In fact, the only visible upgrade to the kit itself are improved mesh heads, the giveaway upgrade between the II and III variants being that the new heads are white, rather than black as previously. Doubtless these ‘more realistic-looking’ heads will turn a few… er… heads, when compared to the fake and functional black finish previously.

The brains of the operation

However, the main upgrade comes in the shape of an all-new Crimson III drum brain. The new Crimson module has 80 kits on board with 40 presets and a further 40 being user definable. All in all there are now 470 multi-sampled individual sounds, all of which are lifted from the BFD libraries.

(Image credit: Alesis)

InMusic – the giant European gear brand – bought Alesis in 2001, of course, and subsequently snapped up FXpansion, the makers of the much-loved BFD drum plugin in 2020. The Alesis Crimson III sees the company putting the pair together at last, representing a major hike in the quality and range of the III’s on-board sounds.

Additionally, there’s even a set of 100 songs to play along with, plus room for 10 user-programmed songs recorded using the module’s built-in sequencer.

And physically the Crimson III brain has had a number of upgrades too. There’s now a quick and easy six-fader mix section (beating the one-knob menu diving required on the less control-laden mkII) and upgrades to the number, size and quality of the screen and surrounding buttons.

There’s the familiar D-Sub connector for plugging in the pads and round the back there's the option to add more pads via two more triggers (assigned to Tom 4 and Crash 2) and the usual complement of MIDI, USB, stereo out and headphones.

(Image credit: Alesis)

There’s also a stereo AUX in so you can play in music directly from your choice of source and play along and Bluetooth compatibility so you can do the same without even needing a connection.

There’s an SD card slot so you can record your performances as audio (in WAV or MP3) or as MIDI files for exporting to a DAW for further tweaking. Plus – all new – you can now import your own samples into the unit, if that expanded BFD library doesn’t hit the spot.

Want more? How about a thrown-in 90 day subscription to top tuition site Drumeo and a copy of the BFD Player software that comes with the core BFD Player library plus the Dark Mahogany expansion pack?

Looks like Alesis and InMusic have thought of everything, with the kit available now for a keen €1,199.00.

Find out more here and purchase from Thomann here.