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64 Audio Aspire 4 — Long-Term Impressions & Practical Review

in In-Ear Monitoring

If you’ve been curious about getting into 64 Audio without jumping straight to four-figure customs, the Aspire 4 is the company’s “serious but accessible” universal IEM: a hybrid 1DD + 3BA, four-driver design aimed at working musicians and listeners who want a stage-worthy monitor that still sounds engaging off a phone-sized DAC. It launched at…
Tone King Imperial Preamp — Hands-on Review

in Pedals

If you’ve ever loved the feel of a cranked Tone King Imperial MKII but wished it lived on your pedalboard (and could go straight to front-of-house or headphones), this is that dream made real. The Imperial Preamp is a high-voltage, tri-tube preamp/amp-in-a-box that lifts the actual Imperial MKII preamp and phase-inverter circuits into a pedal,…
Ampeg V-4B Bass Head Review: Vintage-Inspired Tone in a Modern Package

in Bass Amps

For decades, Ampeg has been synonymous with bass amplification, delivering the signature tones heard on countless records and stages. Among their storied lineup, the Ampeg V-4B holds a special place as an all-tube head that balances classic warmth with modern reliability. Today’s reissue of the V-4B remains faithful to the original design from the 1970s,…
Universal Audio Apollo x4 Review: Desktop Powerhouse for Professional Audio

in Audio Interfaces

When it comes to professional audio interfaces, Universal Audio has long stood out for its blend of excellent AD/DA conversion and onboard UAD DSP processing. Their Apollo series has become a go-to choice for musicians, producers, and audio engineers seeking top-tier performance in both studio and mobile setups. The Apollo x4 carries this legacy forward…
Neumann KH 120 II Review: Next-Generation Precision in a Compact Package

in Monitors

Neumann is synonymous with high-end studio microphones, but over the past decade, the German audio giant has also cemented its reputation in monitoring with the acclaimed KH series. The KH 120 quickly became a mainstay in professional and project studios, lauded for its clarity, balanced tonal response, and robust build. Now, Neumann aims to push…
Marshall MG30GFX – A Versatile & Affordable Practice Amp

in Guitar Amps

For countless guitarists, the name Marshall conjures thoughts of towering stacks, roaring distortion, and legendary rock stages. Yet, Marshall has also established itself in the world of practice and small gig amplifiers, appealing to beginners and pros who need a reliable compact solution. The Marshall MG30GFX is a shining example of this category: a 30-watt,…
Korg miniKORG 700Sm

in Synthesizer

For synthesizer enthusiasts, the name “miniKORG” evokes images of early electronic music laboratories and 1970s rock stages. The original Korg miniKORG 700, released in 1973, was Korg’s first mass-produced monophonic synthesizer—an affordable, user-friendly instrument that helped introduce a generation of musicians to the world of synths. Soon after, Korg improved on the design by releasing…
Alesis Crimson III Mesh E-Drum Kit Review: A Feature-Rich, Road-Ready Electronic Drum Set

in Electronic Drums

When it comes to electronic drum kits, Alesis has become a go-to brand for drummers looking to balance affordability and performance. The Crimson III Mesh kit is a recent addition to Alesis’s lineup, promising a fully immersive, “acoustic-like” drumming experience in a compact, electronic package. Does it deliver on this promise, and how does it…
Origin Effects Cali76 V2 FET Compressor

in Pedals

In the world of guitar pedals, compressors play a pivotal role in shaping dynamics, enhancing sustain, and polishing a performer’s overall sound. Among the various options on the market, Origin Effects’ Cali76 series has garnered considerable praise for faithfully distilling the legendary 1176 studio compressor’s character into pedal form. The Cali76 V2 builds upon the…
Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa Review: Redefining Open-Back Studio Headphones

in Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa is a testament to precision engineering, offering professional-grade performance tailored for critical listening and mixing. As Audio-Technica’s first open-back reference headphones, the ATH-R70xa has made its mark in the realm of audio production, promising a balanced sound profile and unparalleled comfort. These headphones strike the perfect balance between form and function, making…