Musical Instruments

There’s a lot to like and very few nits to pick with the Shure MOTIV line. Following up on my review of the MV88, I got to take the rest of the MOTIV line (MV5, MV51 and MVi) for a spin. These made-for-portable-recording devices are well designed, rugged and will get the job done… and get it done well.

The M-Audio Studiophile line attempts to straddles that edge between high-performing computer speakers and entry-level studio monitors. Their size is large when compared to desktop computer speakers, but small when compared to studio monitors. The AV 30’s features go beyond traditional computer speakers and approach those of studio monitors. These speakers have decent sound, can deliver a good punch and, in the end, are something to consider for even the most budget-conscious. If you’re looking for some good sound for your gaming, music or videos on your computer, then the AV 30’s are worth a listen.

The Yamaha FG720S dreadnaught style acoustic guitar and the APX500III electric acoustic feel, play, and sound like guitars well above their price points. In this blog I look at and play both of these guitars that prove cheap pricing doesn’t mean cheap craftsmanship or cheap sound.

Shure is a foundation brand in the microphone and pro-audio realm. Their foray into USB and now iOS compatible microphones was inevitable and they’ve come up with a new line that sets a very high standard. I’m going to be sad to see this microphone go back once this post is published. It’s a small little device, but surprises you with its features, capabilities and above all, sound quality.

Yamaha has evolved their near-field monitor line through the years—beginning with the “industry standard” NS10’s back in the 1980’s and arriving at the latest HS series today. The HS5’s are small, but they pack a lot of performance and value into their diminutive size. I had the chance to put them through their paces in my studio for a few days and found them to be a small dark horse that defied my expectations.

Boss answers the boutique pedal manufacturers by releasing 2 new (old) pedals under their WAZA Craft branding that retain their original analogue warmth while adding some nifty new features. The Boss DM-2W Delay and the Boss SD-1W Super Overdrive are re-imagined for the modern guitarist. In this blog I will talk about their hallowed predecessors, compare them to this new iteration, and put them through their paces to see how kind time has been.

Almost all major guitar manufacturers now carry at least two brands of guitar under their umbrella. You have the one “name” brand that is the premiere flagship brand and then a less expensive brand that makes more affordable versions of the classics. Gibson Guitars has the Epiphone brand, ESP has LTD, and Fender has Squier. And while these guitars are more affordable than their famous brothers, that doesn’t mean that they don’t play and sound great, especially considering their price points. This blog will look at two Squier Stratocasters and discuss playability, sound, and value.

As technology advances it often makes the things we want to do easier, quicker, and more efficient. It can also make things significantly more confusing. As we continue to add peripheral devices in our music making lives, you may notice as I did, that similar looking cords and cables are not always created for the same tasks. TS vs. TRS or Balanced vs. Unbalanced are just two of the differences we encounter when we look to buy or upgrade our music related cables. In this blog I will do my best to try and explain, as I understand, some of these differences so that getting the connections you need is less of a chore than it need be and you can get it right the first time.

A lot of different bang for your buck.   The Alesis Transactive Wireless speaker functions as a wired speaker, a Bluetooth speaker, a USB charger for your mobile devices, an amplifier for guitar, keyboards, or electronic drums, and a small Personal Address (P.A.) system. It is portable, can run on AC power or with the built in rechargeable battery, and can even be pole mounted. This hard working unit can do it all and not empty the bank account.

On the faceplate for the BOSS GT-001 it reads, “Guitar Effects Processor”, but that is really selling itself short. The GT-001 is so much more than “just” a guitar processor. While it does contain the legendary BOSS guitar effects that will give you the sound to play vitually any style of music from metal to blues to indie, it also includes effects for acoustic guitar and voice as well as being a desktop audio interface that allows you to connect to your computer for practising or recording. And there’s more!