Darren Blakeborough
My day job is as an Assistant Professor in Media and Communication Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. My primary teaching and research interests revolve around popular culture and technology. I am an adequate at best guitar player currently attempting to romanticize my inglorious youth in a Hair Metal cover band called "Glam Chowder”. When not working or watching TV, I am usually listening to music, recording music, playing music, or trying to figure out what gear I need to make all of that music sound even better.
Flexibility is key for the iKlip Xpand adjustable tablet holder
As more of us either use, or are considering using, our iPads or tablets in a live music or studio setting, you know how precarious it can be to have it be both secure and within easy reach. Well, worry no more because the iKlip Xpand from IK Multimedia is here to alleviate your concerns with an incredibly handy and secure method of mounting your tablet to a mic stand or desktop for use on stage or in the studio.
The MXL 2006 large condenser microphone is very good at a lot of different things
There was a time not so long ago when the thought of purchasing a quality large diaphragm condenser microphone meant that you were about to drop some serious dollars. In recent years several manufacturers have started to produce top quality mics at an affordable price point and the MXL 2006 may be the cream of this crop.
The iRig Voice Microphone features functionality and fun!
The iRig Voice is more than simply a “handheld microphone for smartphone and tablets”, it is a remarkably diverse tool that can be used for work or for fun.
The Fender Bassbreaker 007 is tube might in a small package.
When it comes to inviting grit and warmth in your tube amplifier, the Fender Bassbreaker 007 proves that size isn’t everything.
Fender pays homage to a legend with its Hendrix Stratocaster [VIDEO]
It never hurts to model a new guitar offering after a classic played by one of the instrument’s greatest heroes. And so it is with Fender’s new Hendrix Stratocaster. Based on the guitar used by the game changing innovator of the six-string, this may just be the Fender you’ve always been waiting for.
iRig Acoustic and iRig Pro Duo take music recording mobile.
Ever evolving technologies is putting unrivalled control and affordability in the hands of regular consumers and hobby music recording techs. IK Multimedia has been at the forefront of this in recent years and with their introduction of the iRig Acoustic and iRig Pro Duo devices, they are giving users the option to play and record their musical ideas without being tethered to a desktop computer (although they will work with those too).
NAMM 2016: ESP’s new guitar preview
ESP guitars has previewed its new lineup of guitars including offerings from the ESP, ESP E-II, and LTD lines. There are new artist signature series models as well as new and updated guitars and basses to whet your appetite and ensure that 2016 is a year where ESP is sure to have exactly what you want just waiting for you to pick it up.
NAMM 2016: A new generation of Marshall amplifiers
The Marshall name is synonymous with tube amplification and loud gritty rock music. In 2010 Marshall took an exploratory foray into digital modelling with the JMD line but for the most part has remained on the outside of this hotly contested field. That is likely to change with the introduction of the CODE series at NAMM 2016.
Guitar multi effects pedals.
Arguably offering the most flexibility and ease of control, a Multi Effects unit is a guitarist’s compact answer to altering their guitar sound. In this blog I will discuss how they work, what they offer, and recap all of your options when it comes to your search for that elusive tone that will ultimately define your playing.
Review: 2 beautiful ESP electric guitars [VIDEO]!
Notions of vanity aside, if Shakespeare were alive today I believe that he’s be a guitar player and he’d agree with me that ESP makes some of the most aesthetically pleasing guitars in the world. That is only part of the equation, however, as the playability and tones produced are virtually unrivalled. In this blog I take a look at the ESP USA Eclipse and the ESP E-II M-II. Beauties indeed.
