Leapwing: RootOne Plug-In
reviewed by Scott McDowell
If you find yourself chasing modern low end, you’ll eventually end up playing with a subharmonic synthesizer. There are plenty of options, ranging from outboard gear like the dbx 120A...
Gear Reviews
The means contribute to the end. Usually.
Klevgrand: Brusfri Noise Reducer Plug-In
reviewed by Gus Berry
About two months ago, I was mindlessly scrolling on Instagram when an ad for a “Noise Reducer” plug-in caught my eye. (Yes, I know, I got reeled in by an Instagram ad). It showed an artist...
Heritage Audio: 73JRII 500 Series Mic Preamp
reviewed by Geoff Stanfield
If you’re an audio professional, it’s likely you know the simple number “73” means only one of two things: It’s either a reference to the revered Neve 1073 mic pre/EQ, or...
Flea Microphones: 249 Multi-Pattern Tube Mic
reviewed by Don Gunn
I usually like to structure my reviews with a full description of the product I’m writing about, then provide my experience with it (along with use cases during the review period), and...
El Garatge: Expression Knob
reviewed by Jonathan Saxon
For effects pedals with an expression input, consider using the Expression Knob by El Garatge. It’s well made, saves space, and is easy to use – I love it! This L-shaped device has a...
Fredenstein Audio: Bento 8 Pure Analog 500 Series Chassis
reviewed by Daniel Ryan Morse
As a home recordist on a limited budget, I’ve been hooked on 500 Series modules for the past few years. In addition to the possibility of building my own gear, like my beloved CAPI VP26 [Tape Op...
Avid: Pro Tools | Carbon Hybrid Audio Production System
reviewed by Eli Crews
It’s very simple – if you record music using Pro Tools with any regularity, and don’t require (or can’t afford) a full-blown HDX system, I cannot advise you strongly enough to...
TechZone Audio: Stellar X3 Microphone
reviewed by Tony Vincent
I love microphones. When used – or abused – in the right situation, I’m a firm believer that nothing will give you an interesting tone or character like a unique microphone. Whether...
Little Labs: LL2A Compressor Limiter
reviewed by Eli Crews
I’m always excited to see a new product from Little Labs. I’ve been collecting Jonathan Little’s [Tape Op #75] ultra-handy studio devices for over 15 years, starting with the...
Audix: A133 Condenser Microphone
reviewed by Dylan Ray
I would be hard-pressed to remember a recording project where I didn’t use an Audix microphone. Your initial reaction to the name Audix may paint a picture of affordable workhorse dynamic...
KRK Systems: Classic 5 Studio Monitor
reviewed by Fiona Gurney
Learning the ideal applications of your gear is an excellent ear training exercise, and frankly half the job – whether you’re a recording engineer or a musician. For me, simply remembering...
Universal Audio: DBX 160 Compressor/Limiter UAD Plug-In
reviewed by Mike Kosacek
Universal Audio has been quietly updating some of their previously released plug-ins with new features that you may have overlooked if not watching closely. About four years ago, I purchased the dbx...