Gift Guide

Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones

DISTRIBUTED BY: JANDS EXPECT TO PAY: $599

RECOMMENDED FOR: Music lovers, wireless enthusiasts, tech devotees FEATURES: Shure need no introduction as a professional microphone and headphone manufacturer for both live and studio environments. So it’s fair to say one would expect the same level of high end performance in their wireless AONIC 50 wireless headphones, and Shure enough, they do deliver. Anyone familiar with Shure’s studio headphones will know of their high quality, durability, deep, detailed sound and supreme comfort, so it’s no surprise that AONIC 50 share all of the same studio like qualities. Several useful tech features jump right out of the gate with these cans, being the superb studio quality wireless sound, adjustable noise cancellation for an enthralling listening experience without outside distractions, and the environment mode – for those who wish to hear their surroundings at the flick of a switch.

KRK Classic 5”

DISTRIBUTED BY: JANDS EXPECT TO PAY: $249 Producers, Beatmakers, Small scale studio types. home studio any time in the last ten years, then you are sure to be familiar with KRK. The iconic yellow woofers (and their bombastic, singular voicing) are at this point, a symbol of the culture. The front ported, KRK Classic 5” might be a much flatter affair than their rockin’ contemporaries, but what they lack in hype, they more than make up for in refined features like a detailed mid-range and a flat, translatable frequency profile (with adjustable eq settings for different genres), perfect for whipping a mix into shape in record time. Featuring a layered 5” glass aramid driver down low and a 1” soft dome tweeter up top (all powered by an innovative, class A/B amplifier circuit), the Classic 5’s provide critical, low distortion monitoring, at a price that is all kinds of accessible.

Providing up to 20 hours of battery life, a more than ample amount whatever the listening situation, fingertip control for answering calls, muting music and adjusting volume and long wearing durability and comfort, the AONIC 50 headphones are packed full of all the right features of a professional, studio quality wireless headphone. Accessories include a USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable and a protective carry case. OVERALL: A supreme set of high quality wireless headphones, bursting with studio grade sound, features and build quality to keep even the most discerned listeners

RECOMMENDED FOR: Bedroom FEATURES: If you’ve been in a and tech savvy folks satisfied. OVERALL: The High and lowfrequency controls let you contour your sound to your environment and preference, allowing for a whole host of tweakability at the listening position. There is even a switchable +2db boost in the bass frequencies, designed to replicate the classic KRK throb in the low end. The factory installed under-monitor foam pad is also a nice touch, operating almost like a decoupler for your decoupling foam, in turn providing that next level of isolation between speaker and surface. It’s this emphasis on truthfulness at the monitoring position (with the option to hype later) that is really at the heart of the KRK Classic 5”, making them a perfect gateway monitor for the budding mix engineer and a great gift for the maturing producer, beatmaker or content creator.

DISTRIBUTED BY: JANDS EXPECT TO PAY: $1829

RECOMMENDED FOR: Masters of Ceremonies, Buskers or anyone looking for the highest quality in portable audio solutions. FEATURES: Boasting an eightchannel digital mixer, studioquality onboard effects and with some incredible remote capabilities via Electro-Voice’s cutting edge QuickSmart Mobile application, the Evolve 30m is a convenient and full voiced column setup, for those who like to take the party with them. Featuring a powerful 10” woofer and a column array composed of six 2.8” neodymium drivers, all adjoined via a lightweight aluminium sub pole, the 1000w Evolve 30m stands as one of the most portable units in it’s class, being nearly 7kg’s lighter than it’s predecessor, the Evolve 50. But don’t think for a second that this means any less in the way of firepower. With its eight-channel mixer, 30 in-built effects and DSP based, adjustable EQ, the Evolve 30m is an awesome candidate for small

Pioneer DJ DDJ-200

DISTRIBUTED BY: JANDS EXPECT TO PAY: $249

RECOMMENDED FOR: Budding DJ’s, Social Butterflies, Music Lovers. FEATURES: If you’re totally new (or looking to dip a semi-serious toe) into the world of DJing, than look no further than the DDJ-200 from industry kingpins, Pioneer DJ. Boasting connectivity with iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Beatport Link and SoundCloud Go through apps such as Djay, WeDJ, Edjing and Rekordbox, the DDJ-200 offers vast media options, while the classic Pioneer 3-band EQ and two channel mixer layout (w/ crossfader and performance pads) is a crash course in Pioneer tactile functionality-something that will more than pay dividends as you move from booth to booth, onwards and upwards. Should you fall off the grid (and as a beginner, this is inevitable) the beat and phrase sync functions are always there to help keep things musical, while the eight performance pads allow you to scale PA applications like acoustic ensembles or Public speaking. The Evolve 30ms ability to provide phantom power brings a host of micing and sound reinforcement options to the makeshift stage, and it’s Bluetooth streamability and the flexible control (via the QuickSmart mobile app) means a seamless transition between live performance and house music, adding production values where you least expect it. OVERALL: The perfect gift for those keen on intimate, performance, busking or other applications where portability/ stowability are key. The Evolve 30m is an awesome sounding, endlessly mobile solution that never ceases to come in handy on stage or around the home. Especially great at barbecues, where it also doubles as the loudest Bluetooth speaker around.

trigger samples and FX, giving you a whole host of transition and mix options from track to track. OVERALL: With both Bluetooth and USB operability, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 is the perfect entry into the exciting world of DJ’ing and mixing for the floor. Featuring the ubiquitous Pioneer layout, vast streaming capabilities and with built in FX and sample pads (all housed in a unit small enough to fit in your backpack), it’s the ideal entry point-perfect for honing your craft, whether at house parties, social gatherings or locked away in your bedroom while your family celebrate Christmas without you (don’t worry, we’ve been there too.)

Audio-Technica ATHM50x BT

DISTRIBUTED BY: TECHNICAL AUDIO GROUP EXPECT TO PAY: $289

RECOMMENDED FOR: Professional musicians, producers and engineers who want a solid pair of cans to use in the studio, with the added perks of wireless functionality for day-to-day use. FEATURES: With their sleek looks, comfortable fit and incredible sound quality, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are renowned around the world as being the most cost-effective cans for studio applications. The ATH-M50xBTs take the reputation of their wired forebearers up yet another notch, offering wireless Bluetooth functionality with up to 40 hours of continuous use to appeal to musicians and fans alike. Audio is provided by a pair of 45mm large-aperture drivers, outputting a sound that’s incredibly nuanced and crisp, yet smooth and accurate for most mixing and monitoring applications. The wide frequency range of the headphones ensures that your ears will be treated to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, while the soft cushioning that

Audio-Technica ATLP140XP

DISTRIBUTED BY: TECHNICAL AUDIO GROUP EXPECT TO PAY: $679

RECOMMENDED FOR: Audiophiles will get a kick out of it, but this one’s tailor-made for DJs looking to spend their summer jogging the steel wheels and spinning wax to the masses. FEATURES: If you’re looking to transition from being a software DJ into a fully-fledged hipster who lugs a crate full of obscure records to play at family functions, the AT-LP140XP is the turntable you’ve been looking for. It’s a fully manual player with a direct-drive servo motor, with forward/reverse operation, variable pitch control and selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds making it perfect for DJing and recreational listening alike. The AT-LP140XP’S anti-resonant, die-cast aluminium platter is made to guarantee round-theclock stability and performance, while the S-shaped tonearm with anti-skate control and a counterweight easily lets you navigate your favourite record. The turntable is also loaded with adorns the headband and ear-pads of the headphones makes sure that you won’t be left sore after extended periods of use. When used wirelessly, a smattering of touch controls on the ATHM50xBT’s left earcup allow let you adjust volume and skip tracks without reaching for your smart device, with the addition of an inbuilt microphone providing a nifty option for handsfree phone calls - what more could you want? OVERALL: A modern classic. The sound quality of the ATH-M50xBT headphones is legendary, and their wireless functionality makes them all the more tantalising for users on the go.

one of Audio-Technica’s legendary AT-XP3 phono cartridges, helping to read the grooves of your record collection and transmit them into pristine quality audio for you and all your friends to enjoy. DJs will be stoked to find that the AT-LP140XP features both a stroboscopic platter and a stylus target light, letting you easily pinpoint your cue points and keep track of your rotation speed. There’s also a removable hinged dust cover to keep pesky particles from falling upon your records, and the player can be purchased in both black and silver finishes - classy! OVERALL: Looks, sound, performance, price - the ATLP140XP ticks all the boxes.

Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB

DISTRIBUTED BY: TECHNICAL AUDIO GROUP EXPECT TO PAY: $149

RECOMMENDED FOR: Budding content creators, wannabe podcasters, karaoke superstars, home studio beginners. FEATURES: if you’re just getting into the world of recording - whether it be for streaming, podcasting, YouTube video creation or to start your very own bedroom pop project - there’s a fair chance you’ll be in the market for a USB microphone. Audio-Technica’s ATR2100x dynamic USB microphone provides both USB and traditional XLR connectivity, with its ease of operation and 24 Bit /192kHz audio quality making it a great, affordable entry into the world of audio. Although its XLR output allows it to play friendly with analogue gear for performing musicians, it’s clear that Audio-Technica have got their sights on the content creator space with the ATR2100xUSB. An inbuilt headphone input and volume control dial allows for intuitive direct monitoring - a perfect drawcard for podcasters

QSC CP8

DISTRIBUTED BY: TECHNICAL AUDIO GROUP EXPECT TO PAY: $799 medium-to-large rooms with crisp, detailed audio, or even for users looking for a premium foldback or front of house speaker to release and perform with. super portable speaker that doesn’t skimp out on volume or performance, the QSC CP8 is a killer pick for live sound applications. Packing 1000 watts of Class-D power, it’s capable of pushing out plenty of air, but will hold its own just as well at meek volumes, acting as a chameleon product for performance, rehearsal, entertaining or even public speaking. The sleek contours of the CP8 lend it to being used as a foldback monitor, with a threaded mounting insert on the bottom also allowing you to hoist the speaker up onto a speaker stand for maximum projection. Internal DSP with Intrinsic Correction provides mindboggling sound quality without any external processing, and QSC’s

who need to quickly adjust levels on the fly - while a smooth sound, extended frequency response and cardioid polar pattern makes the ATR2100x-USB a killer fit for spoken word vocals straight from the source. The microphone is also bundled with a convenient, sturdy and compact tripod stand for your desktop, with a threaded clamp letting you easily attach and detach it to other stands should you please. It’s also functional with both Mac and Windows operating systems, and comes packaged with a range of USB and XLR cables to get you started straight out the box. OVERALL: The perfect bit of entry level kit for any passionate content

RECOMMENDED FOR: Filling FEATURES: A lightweight and creator. decision to implement Directivity Matched Transition into the CP8 allows for a reliable frequency response, even in the most awkward of audio environments. On the rear of the unit, the CP8 boasts two mic/line inputs with individual volume controls and a mic boost button, selling it as an ideal speaker for acoustic duos or soloists to cart around to festive functions. Meanwhile, the rugged construction of the grille and speaker enclosure make sure the unit is safe from dents, bumps and scratches, making sure it maintains its professional looks for years to come. OVERALL: With its amazing sound, versatile feature set and rugged performance, the QSC CP8 is so much more than a black box.

DISTRIBUTED BY: STUDIO CONNECTIONS EXPECT TO PAY: $220

RECOMMENDED FOR: Home Studio Types, Musicians, Content Creators FEATURES: A fresh approach to the small scale interface, the Evo Series by industry upsetters Audient, was one of the success stories of the year, demonstrating how powerful a little forethought can be in this industry and earning the little interface a legion of fans amongst the audio faithful. With its intuitive Smartgain feature, whistle clean layout and remarkably small physical footprint, the Evo 4 is a one of a kind portable recording solution for Musicians and creatives alike. While its portability and feature set already put it in a class of its own (especially considering the pricepoint), perhaps its the quality of the components housed within its diminutive little chassis, that really separate it from the pack. The two high quality onboard preamps and stellar A/D conversion go a long way to providing some incredible

Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro

DISTRIBUTED BY: SYNTEC EXPECT TO PAY: $59 podcasters, content creators, music lovers seeking a studio quality headphone DT 240 Pro headphone boasts a wonderfully compact over ear design with detailed professional sound. Anybody seeking a studio quality headphone will be in heaven with the DT 240 Pro’s rich low end, honest and detailed midrange and sparkling tops, all without hype, edge or bite. The snug over ear design provides maximum isolation and minimum leakage allowing the listener to focus on what they are listening to, with minor interference from the outside world, a perfect match for recording work or when detailed listening is required. The low impedance allows for maximum output volume, even from mobile and other such playback devices, great for those not in the studio and listening on the go. capture-particularly impressive when you think about how little desk space it takes up. OVERALL: All in all, Audient have clearly put a whole heap of thought into this thing. Nothing has been left to chance in terms of its ease of use, and it assumes nothing in the expertise of its end users. For a budding songwriter signing up to SoundCloud, or a touring rockstar needing to capture the flashes of genius, you cannot go wrong with the EVO 4. It’s the perfect present for the

RECOMMENDED FOR: Creatives, FEATURES: The Beyer Dynamic itinerate creative or pro on the go. As with any Beyer headphone, maximum comfort is assured with the lightweight headband providing supreme comfort and snugness, ideal for longer listening sessions, without become tiresome or uncomfortable, they likely won’t be coming off for long at all! OVERALL: A fine example of what a pro studio quality headphone can be without breaking the bank. A concise, ergonomic and wildly comfortable design coupled with only but the most detailed and precise audio delivery makes the DT 240 Pro a no brainer for those wanting all the goodies a set of professional headphones has to offer. That special someone will be nothing but thankful as they rest their sleepy noggin, headphones still attached.

DISTRIBUTED BY: STUDIO CONNECTIONS EXPECT TO PAY: $999

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone hunting for a serious quality microphone without selling off a vital organ to afford it. FEATURES: Already a serious contender in the world of U87 clones, Warm Audio’s newly revised WA-87 R2 takes a good thing and makes it even better. Boasting a NOS Fairchild transistor, with high-bandwidth polystyrene and film capacitors, the R2 stands on it’s own as an extremely workable, premium large diaphragm condenser for the modern studio. Featuring 3 polar patterns, a 80 Hz high pass filter and a switchable -10db pad, the WA87 R2 has all the functionality you have come to expect from a U87 clone, but with a pristine, broadband capture that edges it into the elite category for microphones of this type, thanks to the aforementioned component upgrades and the presence of a Cinemag USA output transformer (which result in an increased output as well as overall improvements in frequency response.)

Beyerdynamic Limited Edition DT 990 Pro black

DISTRIBUTED BY: SYNTEC EXPECT TO PAY: $289

RECOMMENDED FOR: Mix engineers, mastering engineers, musicians, audiophiles and lovers of a natural open back headphone FEATURES: If the DT 990 Pro wasn’t already enough of a classic studio headphone, the new limited edition 80-ohm black version certainly paints a clear picture on just how much of a following these headphones have gathered over the years. Known for their supreme frequency response of 5Hz – 35kHz (reaching well outside the range on human hearing), the DT 990 Pro’s deliver bass that kicks hard in the lowest of octaves and beyond. The midrange is present but never too forward, and the high end presented in glistening detail, but not over hyped or sheeny. The open back design, whilst not ideal for recording with likely leakage into mics, they deliver incredibly realistic and trustworthy playback for mixing and mastering OVERALL: Everybody needs at least one microphone that comes in a wooden box. Something classy, versatile and above all else, sonically superior to almost everything else in your mic closet. The new WA-87 R2 is just that, an awesome and affordable workhorse, with enough broadness in application to see it find favour across a whole host of applications, but particularly for vocalists, where it’s expensive sheen, and full frequency capture can be heard on full display.

applications, and in this domain they really are hard to beat. The feel and comfort of the DT 990 Pro’s is unmatched, with the springy headband designed to fit cosily on any head, and the soft inner headband and ear cushions can only be compared to a soft, fuzzy blanket around ones’ ears and head. OVERALL: Easily some of the most realistic, deep and pleasing sounding headphones around, the limited edition DT 990 Pro black headphones continue with the legacy of the classic model, all be it with a slightly more versatile ohmage rating and slick new look.

DISTRIBUTED BY: SYNTEC EXPECT TO PAY: $549

RECOMMENDED FOR: Audio engineers, musicians, home and commercial studios FEATURES: If ever there was a classic dynamic microphone that has helped define the sound of countless hit records within the 20th and 21st centuries it would be the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG. With an incredibly wide frequency response of 30Hz – 20kHz (quite unusual for a dynamic microphone), the M 88 TG delivers defined low end and details highs, making it ideal for a plethora of instruments and voices. A go to for many engineers on kick drum and low end focused brass, a tight focused response and capture can be expected, without being tuned or scooped, but delivering just what an instrument sounds like. As for vocals and other more midrange centric sound sources, the M 88 TG’s linear response (with a gentle upper-mid lift starting at around 1.5kHz) gives presence to a voice without becoming harsh or brittle, suiting all voice types with honest, clear delivery. The tight

Château Chambord CAS-50

DISTRIBUTED BY: TENON INDUSTRIES EXPECT TO PAY: INQUIRE

RECOMMENDED FOR: Jazz juggernauts, Classical cats, brass lovers FEATURES: Château certainly know how to stand out in a crowd of brass, with their Chambord CAS-50 being offered in a variety of luxurious finishes, with exquisite engraving on the bow and bell, mother of pearl key pads and Pisoni HT pads. These prominent features deliver maximum magnetism for those who so desire an instrument that radiates both beauty and painstaking craftsmanship. Striking aesthetics aside, the CAS50 sounds every bit as beautiful as it looks, with its brass construction, F# tuning, ribbed construction and most of all its big bell; boasting increased volume, resonance and projection. A piece of pure artistry that has to be seen and heard to fully appreciate its allure. hyper-cardioid polar pattern makes it ideal for stage use, coupled with its high SPL handling make it ideal for even the loudest of sound sources. Its rugged design means it can take an absolute beating on the road or in the studio without a worry. A true classic and workhorse. OVERALL: An absolute legend of the stage and studio, the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG is worthy and really a must have for any live mic kit of studio locker.

OVERALL: A unique and striking take on an instrument that can at times can look a little same same. With a standout finish and increased volume to boot, the Chambord CAS-50 will ensure those sax solos won’t go unnoticed, ever again.

Beyerdynamic Fox USB Microphone

DISTRIBUTED BY: SYNTEC EXPECT TO PAY: $299

RECOMMENDED FOR: Podcasters, content creators, musicians, engineers FEATURES: The Beyerdynamic FOX is a large membrane condenser USB microphone. The beauty of a microphone design such as this is it helpfully removes some audio gear out of the equation, making things easy for those unfamiliar with audio equipment or signal flow, whilst still delivering high quality audio capture. Being a condenser microphone, the FOX boasts sensitivity and detail, ideal for voice work and acoustic instruments. The controls are simple, intuitive and easy to use, with a switch for gain (high and low settings – minimising the chance of overloading the input) and a mix knob - great for blending between the microphone source and already recorded material being played back from a computer or compatible mobile device. The mute button cuts incoming signal, ideal for when cueing music between segments

Château Versailles CAS-90

DISTRIBUTED BY: TENON INDUSTRIES EXPECT TO PAY: INQUIRE

RECOMMENDED FOR: Jazz heads, Avant-garde expressionists, handcrafted copper connoisseurs. FEATURES: Château have pulled out all the stops with their exquisitely tantalising Versailles CAS-90 series. The handcrafted 92% copper composition speaks with the most professional voice and its Air Channel Focus system on the neck keeps notes concentrated, smooth and sensual, just as a sax should sound. The high F# tuning, full body flower engraving, Adalone shell key buttons, Pisoni pro pads and Italian blued steel springs all come together to make one truly breathtaking instrument, entirely constructed by one specialized maker, so one can expect on the highest of build quality, and lead time to match. A one of a kind sax offering the truest of musical expression, or for avoiding live mishaps being recorded. Connection to a computer couldn’t be more simple via a single USB cable, which is bright orange, so it won’t be going missing easily! FOX is also compatible with iOS devices through the use of an appropriate adaptor. Converter resolution is up to 24bit and 96kHz for when higher res recording is required, and a notable frequency response of 70 Hz – 20kHz and sensitivity of 94dB SPL means the FOX is right up there with the many other mics in its class. OVERALL: A perfect companion for content creators and musicians looking for a no nonsense, simple solution to suit their recording needs.

finesse and meticulous attention to detail, that will fit right into the hands on any pro player seeking something remarkable.

OVERALL: A one of a kind sax that beams with beauty and voluptuous tones. A fastidiously handcrafted sax sure to turn all the heads of the smoky jazz bar of which it was born to be played in. Take a breath and prepare get swoony.

DISTRIBUTED BY: YAMAHA EXPECT TO PAY: $299

RECOMMENDED FOR: Gigging bass players, practicing players, those chasing the tone of a classic FEATURES: From the mammoth SVT Classic to the humbler BA series, Ampeg are THE name in bass and for good reason. The BA108 MK2 is the latest offering in the BA series, boasting 20-watt of amplifier power being pumped out of a single Custom8 speaker. With its legacy Ampeg preamp, flexible 3-band EQ for maximum tone shaping and light weight of 12.7kgs, the BA-108 MK2 makes transport and setup an absolute dream, and having the controls on the front are a welcomed convenience for adjustments on the fly. The 60-degree sound reinforcement monitor angle allows for optimum listening for both player and audience and some convenient connectivity such as the aux input for playback with smartphones (or other devices) and the headphone output allow for more focused

Vox SDC-1

DISTRIBUTED BY: YAMAHA EXPECT TO PAY: $309 shredders, Angus Young wannabes, buskers, lonesome travellers of miniature and traveller style acoustic guitars out there, it’s a treat to see that the electric guitar shredders haven’t been left out to dry. The Vox SDC-1 is every bit a riff monster as any full sized counterparts, all be it a little small, more portable and suitable for kids and adults alike. Its clever design allows for playing and tuning just like a standard size electric but in a 479mm small scale format. No corners have been cut when it comes to hardware, with the specialised high gear ratio tuning heads allowing for accurate tuning every time, which are specially designed for a short scale setup and a bridge built like a tank to hold everything in place. \Body, neck and fretboard are all top notch being poplar, maple and purple heart woods respectively, practice sessions, making this amp equally comfortable on smaller stages and practicing at home. Lastly, the -15dB pad keeps active basses in check or allows for further level control if required, a handy feature. Keeping things free from harm is an all-steel amp chassis and impact resistant metal corners ensure maximum protection for transport, setup and gigging, this amp is rugged as they come! OVERALL: With classic Ampeg tone, class and authority, that special someone will be sure to turn heads as they blast through their BA-108 MK2 at the next gig. sporting 19 medium jumbo frets 42mm nut a singular mini humbucker pickup and controls for volume and tone. A standard 1/4” output in exactly where it should be, and included accessories are wrench for neck adjustment and a soft gig bag, with the guitar being available in Red, Black and White finishes. when a SDC-1 in put in the right hands. A perfect gift for kids or adults that require all the goods a standard electric offers, but in one red hot, pocket sized package.

DISTRIBUTED BY:YAMAHA EXPECT TO PAY: $319

RECOMMENDED FOR: Gigging or touring folks, practice sessions, studios both bedroom and commercial FEATURES: Since the early days of the AC15 and AC30 back in the 1960’s, Vox have been at the forefront of guitar amplifier design and innovation, and the new MV50 range of compact amp heads is no exception. There are five models available, the “AC” – yep, you guessed it, based on the classic Vox AC circuit, “Clean” – luscious clean tones for days. Then there’s the “Rock” – for those in need of some more dirt, “Boutique” – offering gooier, more boutique like tones and lastly the “High Gain” – for all the truly dirt hungry fiends out there. The real excitement and innovation under the hood of the MV-50 series is certainly the Nutube technology, giving the front end of the amp all the benefits and delicious tones a tube does, without taking up masses of space.

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes

DISTRIBUTED BY: YAMAHA EXPECT TO PAY: $169 overlords, Mid-humped pedal pushers, Tube tone hounds, EQD enthusiasts the organic, harmonically rich tones of a tube amplifier becoming saturated and pushed into natural overdrive. Pair this with a certain “mid humped” pedal circuit and you’ve got an unmistakable tone like no other! Those uninitiated to such tonal nirvana or for those who wish to further explore the realms of these luscious tonal landscapes, the legends at EarthQuaker Devices have continued on from where this classic circuit was left, adding numerous tasty features sure to leave even the most esteemed tone hounds salivating. Plumes packs archetypal op-amp style clipping, with three modes available, from LED symmetrical, to a clean boost and a silicon asymmetrical style overdrive, each delivery a wide variety of tone The rest of the circuit is all analogue, with a simple design and intuitive controls for all the amps, being gain, tone and volume, or in the case of the “Clean” model, separate treble and bass controls. Connections on the back panel are easy to navigate with a line/headphone output, an EQ flat/deep switch and variable impedance switch of 4, 8 or 16-ohms, maxing out at 50-watts RMS on a 4-ohm load. OVERALL: It’s hard to believe this much authentic tube tone and volume is achievable from such a humble pie sized amp, but Vox

RECOMMENDED FOR: Kid FEATURES: With a healthy dose OVERALL: Prepare for riff carnage

RECOMMENDED FOR: Overdrive FEATURES: There’s nothing like have only gone and done it! options. Used in conjunction with the gain, level and tone controls, Plumes dishes up a plethora of overdrive choices from more saturated to a clean boost, perfect for pushing the front end of a lower wattage amp into harmonically rich overdrive. Boasting eons of clean headroom, Plumes is easily one of the more malleable and versatile overdrive pedals available, especially of this style of circuit, with intuitive and easy to navigate controls, providing a myriad of tonal possibilities. OVERALL: A unique take on the classic “screamer” circuit, pushing the boundaries and opening up new possibilities for a tone shaping, especially when paired with a tasty tube amp.

NRG Effects Gnawer-308

DISTRIBUTED BY: MOCHA EARTH EXPECT TO PAY: $319

RECOMMENDED FOR: Distortion demigods, low to high gain growlers, RAT racers FEATURES: There’s nothing like seeing a jam packed 1590a pedal enclosure that doesn’t make you think “how the hell do they fit it all in there?” and the Gnawer-308 is no exception. On first glance, the pedal from NRG Effects barks with authority with its simple, elegant design and aesthetic, with one larger knob and two slightly smaller knobs recessed above either side giving it a beautifully engineered look. Based on a heavily modified late 1980’s ProCo RAT 2, the Gnawer-308 kicks on from where that pedal left off. The coveted LM-308 op-amp takes care of the clipping duties, producing an incredibly meticulously detailed sound, with tones ranging from wide open low gain goodness to saturated and gorgeously compressed high gain madness, handling both with absolute ease and precision.

PreSonus Eris Sub8 Subwoofer

DISTRIBUTED BY: LINK AUDIO EXPECT TO PAY: $249

RECOMMENDED FOR: Purveyors of low end, mix engineers, sound designers. FEATURES: When working with a smaller set 3” - 5” monitors, the most common request from users is “more bass!”. Being limited by their physical construction and not being able to accurately replicate real low end information, these smaller monitors often benefit being paired with a sub, for the times one really needs to feel the thump. The PreSonus Sub8 is the perfect solution for such a scenario with its power, punch and accuracy, reaching all the way down to 30Hz. Although superbly matched with the Eris series of monitors, the Eris Sub8 of course plays very nicely with other studio monitors, so no need to shy away if the badges don’t match. Some noteworthy features of the Sub8 include variable low pass filter, ranging from 50Hz – 130Hz, ideal Controls include GNAW –simply gain/distortion, LOUD – you guessed it, volume control, and BITE – the treble/presence control. There’s also a NOSE trim control located internally for frequency and gain response. This high headroom, rich, full pedal offers clarity and detail like no other, and its small size is not representative of its monstrous distortion capability. OVERALL: A meticulously engineered work of art pushing out a wide range of gain and distortion tones for days. Designed, handcrafted and hand wired by Neil R. Grimes in Eastbourne, England, the Gnawer-308 is a true masterpiece distortion pedal, worthy of placement on any pedalboard.

for dialling in the perfect crossover point between sub and monitors. The frequency response of 30Hz – 200Hz takes care of all that subby goodness, with a peak power rating of 100-watts (50-watts RMS) provides more than enough power to push one back in the sofa, and a 113dB SPL (peak) at 1m allows the Sub8 speak for itself. Input gain range varies from -30dB to +6dB, for dialling the sweet spot in any room in which it is placed. OVERALL: Intuitive connectivity, variable low pass filter settings and wide gain range allow the Sub8 to be setup with absolute confidence and precision, no matter the room or monitors its paired with.

DISTRIBUTED BY: LINK AUDIO EXPECT TO PAY: $329

RECOMMENDED FOR: Podcasters, content creators, gamers, bedroom musicians/producers FEATURES: The people spoke and Aston were listened. In a world first, the Aston Element, dubbed “the people’s microphone” endured six months of R&D, with three months of public listening tests to develop the sound of the latest addition to the Aston mic family. The new Ridyon capsule technology boasts superior performance for a microphone in this category, and the accompany shockmount and magnetic pop filter make Element a truly complete package. Three rigorous blind listening tests were performed with Element to the public, going head to head against some of the biggest mic brands in the industry, and with many far above the price point where Element sits. These tests and collected data helped inform Aston of the direction to take, delivering a final product voted on by the people, for the people. The Aston Element is firstly a superb vocal microphone, but also excels

PreSonus Eris 3.5 Monitors

DISTRIBUTED BY: LINK AUDIO EXPECT TO PAY: $229

RECOMMENDED FOR: Podcasters, content creators, gamers, home video producers, bedroom producers, casual listeners FEATURES: The PreSonus Eris 3.5 Active Media Reference Monitors bring together accuracy, intuitive controls, connectivity and a concise, compact design, presenting an impressive monitor given their humble footprint. Throwing out 25-watts per monitor with a frequency response of 80Hz – 20kHz, they push some serious air reaching a whopping 100dB SPL (peak) at 1m, a seriously impressive figure given their 3.5” woofer and 1” soft dome tweeter configuration. The front panel consists of the power button, along with volume control, 3.5mm aux input and headphone output for quick and easy connection for headphones or playback devices. Balanced and unbalanced connections are found on the rear panel of the main (left) monitor, which consists of left/right 1/4" TRS balanced on other sound sources, with its rich low end performance, making it great for even kick drum and such other low end sources. Its cardioid polar pattern offers solid rear rejection and its rugged yet stylish design makes the Element a standout in the studio, both aesthetically and in its professional performance. OVERALL: With a wealth of nifty, well thought out features, the Element boasts a professional sound and honest capture, and will feel right at home in front of any vocalist and even the most challenging of sound sources.

and left/right RCA unbalanced connections. Also on the rear are the acoustic tuning knobs for high and low frequencies, allowing a boost or cut of +6dB or -6dB respectively. Being rear ported gives tight, accurate bass reproduction, so placing them away from wall boundaries is recommended in order to avoid unnecessary low end build up. Coming in at a feather light 2.9kg for the pair means the Eris 3.5 monitors can be easily transported if required. OVERALL: Equally fitting for upand-coming producers, gamers, content creators or next to the living room turntable for casual listening, the Eris 3.5 monitors get a big thumbs up, being some of the finest in their category.

DISTRIBUTED BY: LINK AUDIO EXPECT TO PAY: $294

RECOMMENDED FOR: Podcasters, content creators, broadcast, radio hosts, voiceover artists FEATURES: The demands of a good quality broadcast style microphone include crystal clear capture, a supremely tight and focused unidirectional polar pattern, with superb rear rejection, effectively eliminating any external or extraneous noise that isn’t the voice in front of it. The new PreSonus PD-70 broadcast dynamic microphone ticks all of these rather particular boxes, and comes in at a very affordable price point. With an end address configuration and cardioid polar pattern, the rear rejection of the PD-70 is great, and the included pop filter keeps problematic plosives at bay. Being a dynamic mic the PD-70 can handle a health dose of sound pressure level without distorting, so loud voices will be handled comfortably. The frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz maximises clarity and definition,

Pro Tools|Carbon

DISTRIBUTED BY: INNOVATIVE MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $6,070 engineers, small to commercial studios, post production facilities, small to large tracking sessions very long time, Avid’s Pro Tools has brought a in house designed and manufactured interface to the market, and it’s a serious system with some incredible high end features under the hood. On the hardware side of the fence, Carbon is a 25 input / 34 output interface, with eight onboard preamps promising pristine high quality audio capture, and digitally there’s 2 ADAT connections, upping the input count significantly. Four separate headphone output on the front of the 1U chassis make Carbon an absolute perfect pairing for big tracking sessions, giving the option of four distinct cue sends, without even delving into the other output configurations, more than four are required, but pretty unlikely.

with a gentle lift in the presence range starting at around 2kHz and sloping off after 10kHz. Its rugged construction safeguards the PD-70 from serious damage in sessions and the attached hard mount makes attachment to mic stands or broadcast arms a breeze. OVERALL: For those in need of a good quality broadcast style dynamic, the PD-70 really does tick all the necessary boxes in this category and comes in at a very attainable price. For that person spruiking their latest podcast ideas, they will now have no excuse not to upload their first episode immediately! Under the hood is where the real magic happens, with 8 HDX DSP chips holding some serious weight and allowing real time, low latency monitoring through compatible AAX DSP plugins for tracking, or one can opt to print through the plugins, replicating a more analogue style workflow. The compatible plugins on offer are impressive, with offerings Avid’s library of course, as well as McDSP, Plugin Alliance and Arturia to name but a few. interface with no corners cut in terms of power, connectivity and integration, perfect for those looking to upgrade an existing system or for those looking to enter the professional interface market with seamless and intelligent integration with a Pro Tools system.

DISTRIBUTED BY: INNOVATIVE MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $1,949

RECOMMENDED FOR: The primarily in-the-box DAW user who craves the tactility of multiple faders for mixing and automation tasks with lightning fast workflow. FEATURES: The Avid S1 brings a sleek, elegant, ergonomically designed compact control surface, boasting supreme build quality to be easily united into any DAW user’s setup. Featuring seamless control with instant physical and visual feedback, the S1 boasts eight hi-res motorised faders and rotary controls (assignable to control multiple parameters), OLED displays for instant visual feedback and matching colour coded button at the bottom of each fader to match track colours in sessions if so required. There’s dedicated buttons for EQ, dynamics and more for quick operation, assignment and control. Mute, solo and record enable buttons are above each fader allowing one to zip around any session without the need to jump for the mouse or keyboard.

Reason 11

DISTRIBUTED BY: INNOVATIVE MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $399 wizards whose creative workflow is the love of anything and everything virtual. with virtual instruments, effects, utilities, player MIDI FX, sounds and patches, users will find themselves in a dreamscape of sonic possibilities and creative exploration. Full instrument suites include drums from club vibes to retro swagger, an array of world percussion instruments, synth monsters, numerous samplers, drum machines, sequencers and more. As for effects and processing, the usual EQ, compressor/ limiter (including a master bus compressor), maximizer, stereo imager suspects can be found. On top of that there’s an array of interesting modulation effects, pitch shifting, filters and plenty of time based effects fun to be had, and of course eons of more idiosyncratic effects for experimenting with.

This not only frees users up to be more “hands on” with their mix, but alleviates getting bogged down with arduous click and drag tasks. Those wanting to setup with a tablet can take advantage of Avid’s Control app, taking the tactile nature of the S1 to new heights with even deeper integration and gorgeous visual feedback. OVERALL: A truly versatile compact control surface, the Avid S1 offers unparalleled hands on control over a DAW session (with particular attention to detail in ProTools), allowing users to utilise and customiSe the many physical elements of this professional control surface, enhancing workflow and speeding up hefty

RECOMMENDED FOR: Audio FEATURES: For the first time in a OVERALL: A powerhouse hybrid

RECOMMENDED FOR: In-the-box FEATURES: Packed to the brim mix sessions. To top the effects library off there’s an amp and bass amp from plug-in titans Softube, tasty stuff indeed! For the nuts and bolts utilities side of things as well as MIDI FX are well taken care of with an arpeggiator, numerous sequencers, mixers, splitters and CV merger and splitter are all part of the arsenal. And to top things off there’s the mammoth sound bank, which is in excess of 29,000 device patches, loops and samples. OVERALL: There’s a monstrous amount of professional virtual creative fun to be had here. Offered in slimmed down versions to the fully fledged suite, Reason 11 offers those seeking a comprehensive package of virtual instruments, effects and more.

DISTRIBUTED BY: INNOVATIVE MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $199

RECOMMENDED FOR: Those who want to feel the rhythm without an intrusive click in the ear. FEATURES: Probably one of the most exciting and innovative music tools to come out in recent times, the Soundbrenner Pulse is a smart, vibrating metronome watch that allows musicians to feel the rhythm they set, without the annoyance of a metronome click causing one’s ears to bleed. The 7G ERM vibrating motor keeps the vibrating pulse precise through the Haptic Driver, a new patented technology for more precision and accuracy with each vibration. Double tapping the front face plays and stops the metronome, whilst three taps enters tap tempo mode, with the watch instantly picking up on the set tempo. For more precise adjustments turning the wheel left and right dials in the exact tempo required. The “Companion” app allows for more exact user requirements. Here one can change time signature, sub division, varying intensity of accents and more,

Fender Marine Layer Reverb

DISTRIBUTED BY: FENDER EXPECT TO PAY: RRP$299

RECOMMENDED FOR: Lovers of both classic and modern reverb types with just the right amount of parameters to dial in the most alluring and ( when required) aquatically reverberant soundscapes. FEATURES: The Fender Marine Layer Reverb brings a refreshingly simple yet incredibly versatile palette of reverb sounds to any pedalboard searching for anything from classic tight verbs through to deep and luscious soundscapes Controls include pre-delay to create a small delay between the dry signal and reverb effect for subtler or more obvious effects. The damping knob controls the high frequency role off and the reverb decays and and of course a level control. Three reverb types are available including classic “Hall” and “Room” and a more modern “Special” type, which when used in conjunction with the variation switch in the 2 position creates a tasty “shimmer” reverb. and with the ability to save all the settings, making changes quick and easy. Change the LED colours or turn them off completely in discrete mode. Where things get even more pro is Soundbrenner DAW tools, allowing the Soundbrenner Pulse to integrate with any DAW for seamless integration with live sessions. What’s more, multi player synchronization allowing multiple Soundbrenner Pulses to be connected and synced to one device, allowing for all members of an ensemble to feel and play to the same rhythmic pulse simultaneously. OVERALL: A truly innovative and thoroughly thought out bit of kit that is designed by musicians for musicians.

A standout feature are the backlit LED knobs (switchable on/ off), great to identifying pedal parameters, especially useful in low lit settings. The magnetic battery door is a welcomed feature for those needing a fast battery change without the often fiddly process of taking a pedal apart. The lightweight aluminium chassis is made for gigging on even the most raucous of stages and the amp jewel status LED rounds things off, exuding classic Fender vibe. OVERALL: A simple, elegant, equally classic and modern approach to reverb.

Fender Tread-Light Wah Pedal

DISTRIBUTED BY: FENDER EXPECT TO PAY: RRP$239

RECOMMENDED FOR: Those wah hungry fiends - be they novice or pro - who want a little more tonal control and visual flair. FEATURES: Upon immediate inspection, the Fender TreadLight Wah Pedal just oozes Fender class, with its wood grain treadle pad and sleek ergonomic design. Boasting some very smart and useful features including adjustable treble, variable mid frequency, a buffer on/off switch and LED on/off switch, this wah packs a feature packed punch. If ever there was a problem with many a classic wahs out there, it would be the absence of an LED, not to mention often being rather troublesome to find on a poorly lit stage. This is where Fenders clever LED design really shines (excuse the pun), being an under-treadle LED allows for instant and easy pedal location and status feedback on any stage. As you’d expect from anything Fender, the circuit under the hood is all original which sounds full and lush, and paired with the variable

Marshall MG10G 10W MG Gold Combo

DISTRIBUTED BY: ELECTRIC FACTORY EXPECT TO PAY: $145

RECOMMENDED FOR: Rock dogs, Home Practitioners, Very Small Guitarists FEATURES: Everybody needs a small amp for the home and with 10w of solid state power, the MG10 Gold is just what the doctor ordered. Featuring both clean and overdrive channels, a ¼ inch headphone jack and an input for an external playback device (like an iPhone or media player), the MG10G is the perfect companion for those long nights honing your chops in the spare room. One particularly handy feature on the MG10G is the contour control, which allows you to tweak the ratio of high and lows in relation to the mids, to give you ample tonal options for chord work or other applications that might require a bit of shaping to get right. Regardless of whether you’re learning rock, country, blues or anything else, this one will tick all the boxes. mid frequency switch allows for further sculpting of one’s “cry”, without the need for modification or a heftier price tag. OVERALL: The Fender Tread-Light wah will be right at home on any guitar player’s pedalboard, be that a seasoned wah-king pro or a budding up and comer. If the awesome sounding circuit wasn’t enough on its own, there’s more than enough tonal shaping capabilities to keep even the most meticulous tone tweakers satisfied, not to mention it won’t be easily lost on stage.

OVERALL: Practice amps are worth their weight in gold and rest assured the new MG10G combo is the gift that keeps on giving. With just enough tonal flexibility to get you in the ballpark on a bunch of different styles, and with its diminutive footprint and headphone jack being perfect for silent practice, it’s the little mate that you can depend.

Samson XPD Table top system

DISTRIBUTED BY: ELECTRIC FACTORY EXPECT TO PAY: $399

RECOMMENDED FOR: Roadies, FOH people, Cable-phobes FEATURES: Investing in a wireless setup is one of the wisest moves any presenter or vocalist can make and with everyone back accepting bookings, now is the time to get your wireless setup sorted. The Samson XPD Table top system, is the perfect entry point into the exciting world of wireless, being fully scalable across the XPDm range. The XPDm LM8 Lavalier and PXD1 beltpack are easily paired with the portable desktop RXD1M receiver, in turn providing 20 hours of battery life for trouble free, straightforward syncing. Operating across the 2.4ghz licence free frequency (and free of the legal restrictions that plague certain geographical locales), the dual channel Samson XPD Table top system punches well above it’s weight, providing clean, crisp signal up to 30m from the receiver.

1 Spot 9V power adaptor

DISTRIBUTED BY: EGM DISTRIBUTION EXPECT TO PAY: $54.99 Wizards, Pedal lovers, the Utilitarian in all of us. for whisper quiet performance, bombproof build quality and with the ability to convert international voltage automatically (without the aid of a transformer), the classic 1 Spot 9v power adapter is in a league of its own, being the perfect stocking filler for anybody who likes their music electrified (which is basically everyone). Featuring a reinforced power cable, 1U footprint and with a triple-filtered output for clean daisy chaining, the 1 Spot is anything but your generic power supply, providing good clean power to your synths, pedals and more. There’s always room for another one of these bad boys in your kit, whether you’re in the studio, onstage or even just running pedals in your bedroom. ‘you can never have too many OVERALL: In the live domain, the list of advantages that come with wireless integration are long and well documented. Even if just for rehearsals or small gigs, there is something inherently liberating about not having to worry about cables. This makes the Samson XPD Table top system a particularly thoughtful gift for anybody in the presentation, live music or even the content creation crowd, where the receiver can be routed to an interface for recording purposes. In terms of practical gifts, they don’t

RECOMMENDED FOR: Electric FEATURES: With a reputation OVERALL: A wise man once said, come much better. power supplies’, and this more than rings true, especially when they can boast the kind of sound quality and impressive trickbag as the classic 1 Spot 9v. Sturdy, functional and useful as anything, the 1 Spot 9v power adaptor is the kind of gift that will never disappoint. Designer socks and jocks for the MI/Audio world, these are an essential for anybody even remotely serious about their (musical) rig.

Making Music Production Book

DISTRIBUTED BY: ABLETON EXPECT TO PAY: ENQUIRE

RECOMMENDED FOR: Those in need of some creative production inspiration or who require an esteemed hardback on their coffee table. FEATURES: There’s an infinite amount of resources that cover all the technical elements of music creation, ala how to use a compressor, EQ a vocal, create a send and return for a reverb or side chain and kick and bass, but few (if any) such resources cover the actual process of making music. In Dennis DeSantis’ “Making Music – 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers”, the delicate, often frustrating and sometime even intimidating process music creation is thoughtfully broken down, where problems (or roadblocks) are presented, and accompanying solutions or patterns are laid out to help overcome these creative barricades. This can vary from the starting of a project, bringing organisation to piles of existing material or providing solutions in completing a

Truetone 1 Spot Pro 12 Multi Voltage Power Supply

DISTRIBUTED BY: EGM DISTRIBUTION EXPECT TO PAY: $449

RECOMMENDED FOR: Stompbox Fanatics, Pedal Wizards, Shoegazers FEATURES: Power is a vital component to electrified music and carrying multiple power supplies around is no fun at all. Thankfully the legends at Truetone are back with an affordable, versatile power brick for the modern instrumentalist or audio buff. Featuring 12 isolated outputs for buzz free, clean power, and with five switchable voltages (only clocking up more in the way of versatility points), the Truetone 1 Spot Pro 12 Multi Voltage Power Supply is the all purpose solution to your power needs. Just when you think it can’t get any more handy, they go and include mounting brackets that allow the Truetone 1 Spot Pro 12 to fit Pedaltrain branded pedalboards-allowing for install while on tour. What more could you ever need? project. What can be quite elusive concepts, Dennis breaks down in a clear and concise way, coming from decades of experience, learning and music creation Primarily aimed at musicians making music electronically with machines, this book provides real life scenarios that (it’s fair to say) all musicians will be relate to in some way or another, opening up the conversation and delivering solutions for when the creative juices dry up and need a serious shake up! OVERALL: A well thought out, detailed and solution based read that is both informative and inspiring. A book for all musicians, but especially those who create electronically. Who doesn’t need a hardback to impress the guests with.

OVERALL: Handy is the name of the game for this years gift guide and the Truetone 1 Spot Pro 12 Multi Voltage Power Supply might just be the handiest of the lot. With 12 isolated high quality outputs all boasting Truetone famous circuitry, any gearhead/ musician worth their salt would be stoked to see this one under the tree.

Lehle Mono Volume pedal

DISTRIBUTED BY: EGM DISTRIBUTION EXPECT TO PAY: $469

RECOMMENDED FOR: Lapsteel wizards, Volume swellers, Expressive guitar players FEATURES: Volume pedals aren’t exactly anything new, nor are the anywhere near as exciting to talk about as say the amount of overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedals one has one their pedalboard this week. But, if there was ever a time to get excited about a volume it would be when checking out the Lehle Mono Volume pedal. Whilst most volume pedals operate with mechanical potentiometers, optical sensors and other physical moving parts such as springs and wires, which the Lehle avoids by working on purely magnetic principle and design. Without getting too technical, a “Hall” sensor measures the distance of the pedal movement, which controls a VCA (Voltage Control Amplifier). It then varies the voltage censored by the Hall sensor, giving pinpoint accurate measurements and removes

Ulbrick Music Systems – NRS Model 1

DISTRIBUTED BY: EGM DISTRIBUTION EXPECT TO PAY: $249

RECOMMENDED FOR: Single coilers, Hum haters, Noise suppressors, Tone purists FEATURES: There’s nothing like the sweet, delicate, yet screaming tone of the single coil pick up from a Fender Strat, Tele or other such delectable single coil guitar. But with such dulcet tones dripping from ones’ finger tips there comes an inevitable trade off, noise. This, for as long as most of us can remember made for a continual headache, with very few, if any real solutions that didn’t involve serious overhaul, complete pickup replacement (ah, we think not!) or without hindering that single coil magic. That was of course before electronics wizard, guitar tech, handcrafted amp builder and musician Dave Ulbrick defied the laws of electronics and brought the world the NRS Model 1. An un-intrusive, easy to install (guitar tech and/or soldering experience recommended) and marvellously simple device, the NRS Model the requirement for other such traditional move parts. The input voltage of the pedal is rectified, filtered and increased to 18 volts, giving the Lehle a mammoth 110dB of dynamic range. With laser point accuracy of even the smallest of foot movements, the Lehle Mono Volume pedal gives unmatched control, feel and precision, all whilst retaining every element of a guitars frequency response and tone. OVERALL: A supreme gift for those who require only but the finest of volume control, with an incredibly unique and painstakingly methodical design under the hood, which remains completely unintrusive to one’s guitar tone.

1 effectively eliminates single coil noise and hum for good, all while retaining all the tones of those beloved single coil pickups without having to rip the guts out of any guitar of which it is installed. Sorry Newton, guess the Laws of Motion just don’t apply here. OVERALL: If ever there was an elegant, effective and simple solution to solve those noisy single coil woes, it is without doubt the Ulbrick NRS Model 1. For those sporting a single coil guitar, ala Strat, Tele, Jag and alike, this is indeed the perfect gift. Wail on friends!

Maxon Overdrive OD808 40th Anniversary Edition

DISTRIBUTED BY: EGM DISTRIBUTION EXPECT TO PAY:$419

RECOMMENDED FOR: Any guitarist seeking to treat their tone to one of the most pristine lowto-medium gain overdrives the market’s got to give. FEATURES: Created in 1979 by legendary electronics engineer Susumu Tamura, the Maxon OD808 laid the blueprint for one of the most iconic overdrive pedals of all time with the Ibanez TS808. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of its original design, Maxon have given the OD808 a special reissue, sharing the exact same specs as Tamura’s original design to provide both a crucial tone-shaping tool and a historic keepsake for eager guitarists. While this 40th Anniversary Edition unit mightn’t look like much on the surface, it’s the inside of the pedal that makes it as special as it is. The inclusion of an authentic JRC4558 IC chip delivers the same warm, coveted overdriven tone favoured by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and John Mayer, with a trio of Balance, Tone and Drive controls letting you

Phil Jones Bass Bighead Pro HA-2

DISTRIBUTED BY: EGM DISTRIBUTION EXPECT TO PAY: $635

RECOMMENDED FOR: Professional bassists looking for a premium solution for silent rehearsals, or even an ultra-portable alternative to an audio interface. FEATURES: A slight step up from the original Bighead Pro, the HA-2 from Phil Jones Bass is a compact and feature-packed utility to benefit the needs of the working bassist. Squeezing both a headphone amplifier and an audio interface into its miniature chromebrushed finish, the Bighead Pro HA-2 is perfect for practice and impromptu recording alike. Despite weighing in at 290 grams and packing dimensions smaller than the average smartphone, it’s amazing to see just how much tech is included in this little pocket rocket. A master volume allows for simple volume adjustments, while a two-band EQ and input gain should allow for barebones tone sculpting while in a pinch, and there’s even a line out and AUX in should you need them. achieve everything from a subtle clean boost to all-out crunchy drive for steady riffing. Each of these 40th Anniversary Edition Maxon’s feature a commemorative plate to signify their status as a collectors item, with side-mounted input and outputs and a top-mounted power supply inputs rounding out its classic design. OVERALL: Real tone fiends know that the Maxon OD808 is the go-to for situations that require low-to-medium gain, and this commemorative edition is a perfect collector’s item for fans of the iconic green machine.

For recording, the unit boasts a 384 kHz/24-bit USB audio interface that also supports PCM playback, while a micro USB port juices the Bighead Pro HA-2 with up to eight hours of runtime for remote operation. You can even utilise the Phil Jones Bass Bighead Pro HA-2 as a preamp to drive power amps should you please, rounding out what can only be considered a Swiss Army knife for the demanding bassist. OVERALL: Whether you’re rehearsing or recording, the Phil Jones Bass Bighead Pro HA-2 won’t let you down.

Phil Jones Bass Micro 7 Combo

DISTRIBUTED BY: EGM DISTRIBUTION EXPECT TO PAY: $689

RECOMMENDED FOR: Bassists who need a compact, rugged and lightweight amplifier to cart around between gigs and rehearsal rooms. FEATURES: As the most compact and affordable combo amplifier in the Phil Jones Bass range, the Micro 7 is a killer amp for bassists of all skill levels and sonic leanings, pushing 50 watts of solid-state power into a 7” driver and 3” tweeter to ensure no frequency goes astray. Although its diminutive size - the thing measures an astounding 30cm on all sides - may lead you to assume it’s nothing but a mere practice amp, the Micro 7 makes it immediately clear that this isn’t the case. The surprising output and sheer performance of the PJB Micro 7 makes it a tidy option for small-to-medium rooms, with a line output expanding the possibilities of its use with a DI box. Tonally, the amplifier covers everything from mellow jazz to bright bass-in-yourface funk, with a three-band EQ, gain and master volume letting

BluGuitar Amp 1 Iridium Edition

DISTRIBUTED BY: EGM DISTRIBUTION EXPECT TO PAY: $1899

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone who really digs the specs of the BluGuitar Amp 1 Mercury, but needs just a tad more gain on tap to dish out their modern metal riffage. FEATURES: Filling a similar niche to its sightly more utilitarian sibling in the Mercury, the BluGuitar Amp 1 Iridium Edition is the ultimate mini amp for metal guitarists. Offering a sole clean channel with a heap of headroom and three independent Modern, Classic and Vintage overdrive channels to provide high-gain tones with plenty of richness and nuance, the Iridium will keep up with everything you can throw at it, be it Djent, deathcore, sludge or just a dash of classic thrash. Like the Mercury, the Iridium also features a boost footswitch and its own digital reverb as well as a nifty noise gate function, with Metal, Soft and Off modes allowing for a range of different applications when paired with each overdrive channel. Perhaps most tantalising, you tweak the sound to your own liking. For players running different instruments, the PJB M7 packs a nifty passive/active pad switch to compensate for any volume drop, while creature comforts such as an Aux In (with independent volume), clip level LED and mute switch making the PJB Micro 7 a hot contender for use in any rig. OVERALL: With its versatile feature set, compact dimensions and impressive performance in a range of room sizes, the Phil Jones Bass Micro 7 is a solid piece of kit for any bassist’s rig.

the Iridium can also handle impulse responses to make it all the more versatile while recording - simply turn off the analogue speaker simulator of the Iridium, and you’re good to go. Elsewhere, the compact dimensions of the BluGuitar Amp 1 Iridium Edition make it perfect to put on your pedalboard or even cart around in a backpack if necessary, while the matte black finish of the amplifier makes for a killer aesthetic. OVERALL: Suitable for all kinds of high-gain stylings and portable as hell, the BluGuitar Amp 1 Iridium Edition is brutal as hell, and all the better for it.

BluGuitar Amp 1 Mercury Edition

DISTRIBUTED BY: EGM DISTRIBUTION EXPECT TO PAY: $1799

RECOMMENDED FOR: Guitarists looking to leave their bulky amps at home, but who still crave the tone, feel and dynamics that only tubes can provide. FEATURES: Guitarists looking to leave their bulky amps at home, but who still crave the tone, feel and dynamics that only tubes can provide. Features: A state of the art guitar amplifier that’s crammed with great features and connectivity, the BluGuitar Amp 1 Mercury is nothing short of a Godsend. It’s a pedal-sized guitar amplifier built to suit the needs of tonal purists, offering four uniquely voiced Modern, Classic, Vintage and Clean channels that harness the power of Nanotube technology to output their glorious tones. The tone of the Amp 1 Mercury can be extensively shaped via the amp’s three-band EQ, while the overdrive section of the amp also offers Master and Gain knobs. Digital reverb can also be engaged and sorted into three presets via an onboard footswitch, with an

Voodoo Labs Dingus ¼” Feed-Thru

DISTRIBUTED BY: EGM DISTRIBUTION EXPECT TO PAY: $79.95

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone who owns a Voodoo Lab Dingbat pedalboard who wants to integrate easy-access audio cable connectivity for mono and stereo setups onto their board. FEATURES: The Voodoo Lab Dingbat pedalboard is one of the most popular boards on the market today, with its nifty dimensions, solid construction, light weight and sweet looks helping to highlight its formidable reputation. As easy as it may be to use, any musician can agree that there’s always a way to make things easier, and Voodoo Labs know this all too well, creating the Dingus ¼” Feed-Thru to offer a perfect pairing with the Dingbat pedalboard. In a nutshell, the Dingus ¼” FeedThru can be connected to your pedalboard to help streamline the connection between your amp, pedals and guitar. It’s an add-on that provides both mono and stereo connections, and can be easily mounted underneath your Dingbat pedalboard courtesy additional boost button providing a viable option to cut through the mix when soloing. A built-in cabinet speaker simulation output lets you keep your cab at home and plug the Amp 1 Mercury straight into FOH or an audio interface to streamline your workflow while recording or performing. There’s also a headphone output for silent practice if that’s up your alley, while an onboard FX loop helps enshrine the Amp 1 Mercury as a deadly tool for the demanding electric guitarist. OVERALL: The BluGuitar just might be te future of the guitar amp as we know it - 100 watts of tube-coloured tone in a package that’s quaint enough to squeeze onto a pedalboard? Sign us up!

of pre-drilled holes on the left and right of the unit for sheer convenience. The Dingus works with both mono and stereo TRS connections, and can be used alone or combined with other Dingus units for more complex routing configurations should you please. Obviously, it’s not the most exciting piece of kit, but any certified pedal head can spout the benefits of employing such a setup - it really, really does makes a difference. OVERALL: An all-too-useful utility for Dingbat pedalboard users, the Voodoo Lab Dingbat will work wonders for your pedalboard workflow.

Markbass Marcus Miller Range

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $1150

RECOMMENDED FOR: Any bassist seeking a lightweight amp, cab or combo that’ll rock any room, particularly those playing funk, soul or jazz styles. FEATURES: A collaboration between Markbass and the great Marcus Miller, this bass amplifier range is kitted out with everything a modern bassist could ever wish for in an amp. There’s four different Little Marcus bass heads - available in 250, 500, 800 and 1000 watt variants - each of which feature a five-band EQ as well as two Old School and Millerizer filter knobs, perfect for slicing through the mix with a solo or nailing that classic Motown thump. For those looking for an all-in-one amplification solution, the Marcus Miller range also features four combo amps - the CMD 101 Micro 60, CMD 102 250, CMD 102 500 and CMD 103 500 - all of which feature all the same features as the Little Marcus series, except for the pocket-rocket CMD 101. The range is finalised by two

Faith Nomad Series Travel Guitars

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $995 on the go who aren’t willing to compromise on projection, tone and clarity. baby-jumbo shaped Neptune and the slightly smaller, squareshouldered Saturn, the Faith Nomad Series provides players with two small-bodied acoustics that punch way above their weight While their dainty size might lead you to assume that they’re built for children, these guitars are nothing short of the real deal: both the Neptune and the Saturn are constructed from solid tonewoods such as spruce and mahogany to provide a classic tone and feel, while their 23.3” scale makes playing chords and single-note runs a walk in the park. In action, the Neptune and Saturn just sing, with both guitars delivering plenty of projection and clarity thanks to their X-brace design and solid construction. They’re suited for strummers speaker cabinets - the 104 and 102 - each of which are specifically voiced to provide an enhanced low end, or as Marcus says, ‘more booty.’ A rear-ported and slanted design makes them perfect for minimising floor rumble, while a 1” voice-coil tweeter ensures the high frequencies won’t go astray while your playing. OVERALL: There truly is something for everyone in the Markbass Marcus Miller range. These amps sound incredible live, and their sheer performance, portability and packed feature set makes them a

RECOMMENDED FOR: Musicians FEATURES: Comprised of the standout pick this silly season. and fingerpickers alike, with the all-mahogany Neptune being a particularly good fit for anyone looking to pluck out arpeggios up and down the neck. Storage is also made simple with Faith’s inclusion of a custom gig bag for both guitars, and to put the cherry on the top, both guitars in the Faith Nomad Series are loaded with a Fishman Sonicore Pickup and Isys T preamp, letting you plug in onstage and tweak your tonal settings with ease prior to a show. OVERALL: Whether you’re roadtripping around the country or simply warming up backstage before a show, a small-scale guitar can prove to be a very welcome companion on your travels, and Faith’s Nomad series certainly won’t disappoint.

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $69.95

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Adventurous bassists looking to experiment with the different techniques and tones afforded by a fresh set of strings. FEATURES: Markbass continue to expand into the broader world of musical instruments with a range of Markbass Strings. With an assortment of nickel-plated, stainless steel, round-wound, flatwound and nylon strings available in a range of gauges for four, five and six string basses, it’s suffice to say that Markbass have well and truly got all basses covered - pardon the pun. The eco-friendly Longevo series will appeal to players who dig the feel and lifespan of nanofilm shielded strings, while the ever-reliable Groove series provides an optimum solution for bassists hunting the warmth provided by nickel. Meanwhile, the bright-sounding Energy series is extremely resistant to corrosion, and for bassists who prefer a soft feel and touch, the nickel Ultimate series and stainless steel Advanced

Kyser Quick-Change Capo Neon Collection

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $44.95

RECOMMENDED FOR: Need we explain? A capo should be a gig bag essential for any guitarist, especially those who need to quickly transpose a song in lightning speed. FEATURES: If you’ve ever had the pleasure - or misfortune - of playing guitar, then there’s a fair chance you’re already acquainted with the humble Kyser QuickChange. Assembled in the company’s factory in Texas, these capos are considered to be the industry standard for electric and acoustic players alike, providing both optimum performance and sheer simplicity. To celebrate the festive season, Kyser have produced a collectable new range of Quick-Change capos dubbed the Neon Collection, with four luminescent colours to choose from. Players can now pick from Yellow, Green, Pink and Orange variants, putting a unique twist on the tried-and-true capo you all know and love. series will be be a perfect pairing For something a bit different, Markbass also offer the Balanced series, designed in conjunction with bassist Paolo "Pi" Costa to combine nickel and steel for an amazing tonal balance. If you’re after a classic tone, the Vintage series flatwounds will be right up your alley, and there’s even nylon sets for double basses. OVERALL: With so many different options on offer and a price-tag that’s near impossible to say no to, you really can’t go wrong with anything from the Markbass bass string range.

In operation, these capos are a pure joy to use. Contrary to other units which are overly stiff, buzzy or require two hands to operate, the Kyser Quick-Change is swift and simple to use. The classic trigger action ensures that a one-handed grip is all you need to open and close its rubber-padded clamps around your fretboard, and the ergonomic design makes it all too easy to move up and down the neck of your instrument without causing grief. OVERALL: You know them, you love them - now, you can get them in a wild palate of colours! The Kyser Quick-Change Capo is a classic for good reason, and these special Neon units are just the epitome of cool.

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $35.95

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone. These cables are the real deal, and once you replace your old worn out instrument leads with a Klotz, I can guarantee you’ll hear the difference. FEATURES: Klotz, the selfproclaimed ‘signal masters’, are considered as royalty within the world of cabling. Of course, this mightn’t sound like much to the average punter, but most musicians who’ve been fortunate enough to use a Klotz will speak volumes of their sensational quality. These instrument cables are constructed in Germany using premium components and enhanced shielding to minimise signal interference, providing an ultra-clean, ultra-quiet sound for use in the studio or onstage. For those who like a bit of variety, there’s a broad range of Klotz cables on the market to suit different applications and budgets, starting from the entry-level KIK and 59er variants and going all the way up to the premium quality La Grange and Titanium Walnut leads.

DV Mark Eric Gales Raw Dawg 60 Combo

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $1595

RECOMMENDED FOR: Guitarists looking for a portable combo amplifier with a tube preamp that’ll take pedals without any worries. FEATURES: Blues firebrand Eric Gales has returned to DV Mark to create the DV Raw Dawg 60, delivering a classic single channel 1x12” configuration to suit all live and studio applications. By combining a 60 watt Mark Proprietary Technology power amp with a 6205 micro tube in the preamp section, the Raw Dawg 60 promises exceptional volume and performance with that vintage tone that only valves can provide. A smattering of knobs on the front panel of the EGC Raw Dawg 60 lets you adjust the Level, Bass, Mid and Treble of the amplifier, with an onboard reverb helping to add a dimension of ambiance to your playing. While this layout may seem simple, it’s designed that way for a reason: this amp is an absolute machine when it comes to handling pedals. The barebones construction of The range also features a signature guitar lead for virtuoso Joe Bonamassa for instrumentalists who pride themselves on their tonal clarity, while the ProArtist lead provides a solid middle ground for the average punter. Each lead in the Klotz range is flexible enough to withstand all the wear and tear of a live performance, with a range of straight and right-angled jacks being present across the range to suit different guitar and bass types. OVERALL: It’s a small and rather dull investment, but once you’ve had a Klotz in your life, you’ll never look back.

the EGC Raw Dawg makes it a dream for stacking overdrives and experimenting with modulation and time-based effects, with an onboard FX loop allowing for even further flexibility. Other nifty features include an Aux In and Headphone Out for silent practice and playing along to backing tracks, while a dual voltage 120/240v switch makes the Raw Dawg a viable partner for international touring - whenever it may return. OVERALL: A sublime hybrid amp that’s ultra-portable and pairs wonderfully with pedals, the DV Mark Raw Dawg 60 might just be one of the best kept secrets in the guitar world.

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: $9.95

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone and everyone - even your non-musical mates will surely find a purpose for Ernie Ball’s range of accessories. FEATURES: When Christmas comes a knocking and you’re in the market for some little goodies to bust out on the big day, who do you call? Ernie Ball of course! With their huge range of accessories, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes down to the wire during the last-minute rush, with a bevy of picks, strings, cables, straps, capos and much more proving to be the perfect stocking stuffer for this silly season. Ernie Ball are world famous for their guitar strings, and their Slinky range will cater for any kind of guitar or bass player, be they specialising funk, punk, country or anything in between. Similarly, Ernie Ball’s nylon straps have been long considered an industry standard, and their wide range of picks - from the standard Everlast style to the jazzy non-slip Prodigy plectrums - are also in the same boat.

2021 Sterling by Music Man StingRays

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC MUSIC EXPECT TO PAY: EXPECT TO PAY: SUB - $1150, SHORT-SCALE - $1650

RECOMMENDED FOR: Any bassist who demands a punchy, midheavy tone to own their space in the mix, all within the confines of a classic design. FEATURES: New to their 2021 range, Sterling by Music Man are expanding their family with the addition of two new StingRay models: a SUB Series StingRay Ray4HH, and a cool new shortscale StingRay. Both of these basses are slick as hell and priced incredibly reasonably, providing a viable option for anyone looking to pick up a new instrument this Christmas. Let’s start with the Ray4HH. This instrument puts a bit of a twist on the classic StingRay sound by offering not just one, but two humbuckers, with a five-way pickup selector switch and active preamp letting you tap into both vintage and modern bass tones. A basswood body and maple neck make navigating the instrument a breeze, while a fully adjustable For something a bit different, the Axis Capo is a contemporary offering to suit electric and acoustic guitars alike, and their cables are pretty tidy too. There’s even a range of guitar maintenance products, patches and badges to choose from, and if you’re so inclined, Ernie Ball’s range of effects pedals are pretty damn good too. OVERALL: For last-minute gift ideas, Ernie Ball’s range of musical knick-knacks will be sure to put a smile on the dial of any musician these holidays.

bridge ensures the bass can be set up exactly to your liking. For smaller hands - or perhaps a more distinctive tone - the Sterling short-scale StingRay should do the trick, squeezing the classic sound of Music Man’s flagship four-string into a quaint 30” scale instrument. A push/pull volume knob provides a passive boost, while a three-way rotary control to flick between parallel, true single-coil, and series modes to let you access an even broader palate of sounds. OVERALL: The StingRay is a classic bass guitar, and with these two 2021 players, they’re now available at a much more affordable price to suit the requirements of every player.