Large shows, concerts even events in smaller venues progressively rely more heavily on one aspect of the event: lighting.  Without lights, you can’t see the stage or the artists.  You can’t see the gear, or even where you will sit.  And, perhaps most important of all, fog machines lose their effect.  For venues, production directors and lighting operators, it can seem daunting finding a place to begin your research and eventually the purchasing of the necessary equipment.   However, there is one company out there that provides enough products to keep you busy with research for a while, all of them excellent options.  But, or course,Read More →

Mackie has built a legacy for themselves as a company that offers remarkable speaker systems for equally remarkable prices, and today they have continued on with that tradition, having just released their DRM series loudspeakers.  This line aims to fill nearly all speaker applications a venue or artist could have.   There will be five available models, the DRM212, DRM215, DRM315, DRM12A, and the DRM18S, all available in passive and active configurations.  Each speaker features extensive EQ and sound control with the high resolution color display and single control knob.  Intuitive and complete I/O makes for systems that can cover all your needs, and Mackie’s DSPRead More →

Technics is a long-running company that has become especially respected for its DJ turntable offering.  Their robust build and high audio quality have made them desired by many DJs over the years.  One line of turntables from Technics is the SL-1200 series, and having begun in 1970, this line’s success has risen with each new entry.  And now, in 2019, Technics has released their latest model: the SL-1200MK7. This stunning and much-anticipated turntable impresses at first sight with a sleek and minimalistic all-black design that screams sophistication.  From the gleaming table edges to the gently curving tonearm, the SL-1200MK7 deals with every aesthetic detail, producingRead More →

At first glance, the world of guitar effect stompboxes sounds pretty straightforward.  You find the effect you want in a box and strap it to your pedal board.  However, after about ten minutes of research, it becomes apparent that it is not nearly that simple.  Dozens of well-respected brands with their well-respected lines vie for prominence in the customer’s eye.  Where to begin?  Well, why not with one of the most well-respected pedal manufacturers there is: TC Electronic. TC Electronic’s guitar effect box line has such a vast and varying array of options, any guitarist could come close to filling their board with them exclusively. Read More →

In today’s music world, finding the right loudspeaker to accompany your rig can be quite daunting, what with the dozens of brands with their dozens of models and dozens of sizes.  Well, what’s a good place to start?  QSC, a leading loudspeaker manufacturer, provides PA pieces ranging from passive to active, from subs to floor monitors and from array speakers to front of house units.  With those options, many needs can be met, so let’s begin breaking them down. Active or Passive? Well, let’s start with what is passive and what is active?  A passive speaker requires external amplification and power, while active speakers areRead More →