The post Soundcraft Signature Plus 12 review appeared first on All Things Gear.
]]>The new consoles are designed to do more than serve as live sound consoles though. Just like many audio interfaces are starting to bundle in more live sound features, live sound consoles are bundling in audio interface features. Many recent models support full multitrack recording. The Soundcraft Signature Plus 12 has some of those features — but is limited to being a 4×4 USB interface, rather than supporting the same level of multitrack recording that some of its competitors offer.
The new lineup is actually available in a few variants — including a 12-, 16-, 22-, and 32-channel configurations. I’ve been using the 12-channel model, which comes at $799, to find out just how versatile it really is.
Design and form factor
The Signature Plus 12 keeps the classic sloped-desk analog layout, and that’s a good thing. Pretty much everything about how the board is set up is where you would expect it to be, so if you have any experience with sound engineering, you should be able to find your way around the board just fine. Color-coded buttons help there too, and the new tactile “squircle” knobs (yes, that’s what Soundcraft calls them) are easy to grab and read by feel.
Build quality is great too. This is a rugged, tour-ready chassis rather than a lightweight desktop unit, closer in spirit to the original Signature 12 than to something like the Notepad-12FX, which trades faders and heft for portability. The 12-channel model ships with rack-mount ears in the box, which is a welcome inclusion for install and touring users who’d otherwise be buying them separately.
One small but helpful touch is a QR code mounted right on the surface, linking to training videos, manuals, and support resources. Sure, it’s a sticker-adjacent gimmick on paper. But if you’ve ever handed a mixer to a volunteer at a church or a bartender doubling as a sound tech, having the manual one phone scan away is useful.
Connectivity
The input channels use combo jacks with insert points, so you can patch in outboard gear per channel on the first six channels, which adds some extra versatility. You get four aux sends, up from three on the Signature 12, including a Mix to Aux function that makes building monitor mixes from the main mix considerably faster. There’s also a Pro Listen bus for auditioning channels without interrupting the main mix, and “Talkback To” routing that lets you send talkback exactly where it’s needed. These are features borrowed from much bigger consoles, and they change how the desk feels to operate.
As mentioned, there’s also the USB connectivity, which essentially turns the console into an audio interface. The routing is flexible there too — USB inputs can feed into groups directly, or override the mix entirely for break music between sets. That override function means you don’t have to worry about hooking up an external player to one of the aux inputs — which has gotten more complicated since phone brands stopped including headphone jacks.
But there is also a step backward when it comes to the USB features. The previous Signature 12 MTK offered a 14-in/12-out USB interface — full multi-track capture of every channel, which made it a legitimate one-box solution for project studios recording live bands. The Plus 12’s 4×4 interface can’t do that. Four channels is enough for a solo performer, but if you were hoping to track a full band straight into your DAW, the old MTK still beats the new desk handily.
Features
The monitoring section is where the Signature Plus 12 most clearly punches above its class. You get independent, user-configurable headphone and control room outputs, each with its own Mute, Dim, and Mono Sum controls. Single press select lets you flip your headphone and control room listening between sessions instantly, and each output can draw from the Auxes, the Listen bus, the main Mix, or direct USB returns independently.
In practice, that means the engineer can monitor one thing while a podcast guest or performer hears another, without any repatching. Mono Sum in particular is an underrated tool — checking a mix in mono is standard practice in studios, and having it on a hardware button rather than buried in a plugin is genuinely convenient. For a hybrid live-and-content-creation desk, this monitoring flexibility is arguably the strongest argument for the Plus over both its predecessors and most of its rivals.
Audio performance
The Soundcraft Signature Plus 12 sounds pretty good too. It offers Soundcraft’s Ghost mic preamps, which carry over from the original Signature series, and they remain clean, quiet, and generous with headroom. Soundcraft claims the sound quality in general rivals consoles priced three to five times higher, which is marketing math you should take with a grain of salt, but still, these preamps and signal path are better than most of what you’ll find elsewhere at this price. The Sapphyre EQ, with its swept mid on the mono channels, is great for tone shaping and taming problem frequencies, though you won’t be doing parametric-precision feedback hunting.
The bigger upgrade is dynamics. Where the old Signature 12 had dbx limiters on just two channels, the Plus gets dbx one-knob compressors on six channels. One-knob compression is a compromise by definition, but it makes sense here as a way to quickly and easily dial things in as needed. I found the compressors to sound quite good, too.
I really liked the Lexicon effects processor more than the others though. For this model, there’s the ability to store presets and a tap tempo feature, plus there’s a pretty good range of built-in options that you can choose from.
Conclusion
The Signature Plus 12 slots into Soundcraft’s lineup as the clear successor to the Signature 12, and it comfortably outclasses the Notepad-12FX for anyone who needs a real console rather than a desktop box. The awkward comparison is the Signature 12 MTK. If multi-track recording is your priority, the MTK’s 14-in/12-out USB interface remains the better tool, and the Plus doesn’t replace it so much as sidestep it.
There are, however, quite a few options at this price point. Once you’re at $800, you’re competing with digital options like the Tascam Model 12 ($600) and Zoom LiveTrak L-12 ($600), both of which offer twelve channels of multitrack recording straight to an SD card, per-channel recording capability, and — in the Zoom’s case — five independent headphone mixes, for several hundred dollars less. Mackie’s Onyx16 squeezes in sixteen channels with 18-track USB at 96kHz for roughly $750. Sure, you don’t get the Soundcraft preamps, Sapphyre EQ, or Lexicon effects — but you do get more channels and more versatile recording options.
That said, it’s still absolutely worth considering — especially if you want those analog touches, like the dbx compressors, Lexicon time-based effects, and Sapphyre EQ.
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]]>The post Best free virtual instruments: Make music without breaking the bank appeared first on All Things Gear.
]]>But one of the biggest benefits is that you can feel free to try them at no cost to you. With so many great options out there it’s impossible to include them all. Here are some of our favorite free virtual instrument plugins!
Best free virtual instruments overall: Native Instruments Kontakt Komplete Start
We all know that Kontakt is the shining gold standard when it comes to virtual instruments.
With Komplete Start, their intro package, you get access to a great-sounding collection of instruments, loops, samples, and effects hand-picked by Native Instruments.
These include over 2,000 sounds and 16 synths that can be customized to your production’s needs.
The bundle includes 18 instruments across percussion, stringed instruments, synths, basses, pads, and atmospherics. Every sample is of the highest quality. Guitarists even get access to Guitar Rig 6 Player, and every sound can be highly edited to fit your production.
Even for free virtual instruments and sampling, Kontakt pretty much runs the show. And Komplete Start is a great way to get your ears wet.
Best free virtual instrument multi-pack: Spitfire Labs
Labs is a unique concept. At its core, it’s a collection of free virtual instruments. Some are what you’d expect, but many are very esoteric and quite unique. Things like like a Glass Piano, Frozen Strings, Peel Guitar, and more offer sounds not easily found anywhere else.
The sound packs can be downloaded individually or as a bundle, and all of them are free. Each operates in its own easy-to-use GUI installed through Spitfire’s app. Labs is compatible with every DAW in VST2/3, AAX, and AU formats.
No matter if you’re looking for the familiar or want to take a leap into the unknown there is something for everyone in this unique, robust collection.
Most unique virtual instrument: Martinic Kee Bass
Kee Bass is an interesting take on a very esoteric instrument – a monophonic string bass. The plugin is built on the design of the analog Kee Bass, an interesting instrument from the 60s.
No sampling was used in creating the plugin. Included are some modern features like extended monophonic range, modulation, and filtering. It has a built-in fuzz and control over decay, sustain, and different tonal options.
The sound won’t fit in every production, but if you’re looking to inject your music with some authentic retro vibes it provides a solid simulation
Best free synthesizer plugin: Dexed
The Yamaha DX7 is one of the most infamous synthesizers of all time. And if you’re looking to load your sample library with one on the cheap, it doesn’t get much more authentic than Dexed. It’s not a 1:1 comparison, but it’s damn close. You select between one of three engine types.
Modern is the original 24-bit model, OPL has a more avante, experimental sound, and Mark I is a take on the OPL series with a higher resolution. This setting is the closest to the authentic DX7. In addition to being able to load patches from the original DX7, it can also conjure up sounds from the TX81Z.
Virtually every one of the 144 parameters of the sounds are editable, so you are only limited by your imagination. It’s cross-platform, so no matter if you’re on Windows, Mac, or Linux you can use it.
Plugin formats include VST, AU, and LV2. The GUI has a lot going on, but most synth plugins do. It’s laid out logically but will take some getting used to.
Best free virtual drums plugin: MT Power Drumkit 2
There are a lot of great drum plugin free virtual instruments, but if you’re looking for the vibe of a real drummer this is far and away the best choice. If you’ve used a paid drum plugin the GUI of the kit setup will look really familiar.
A robust collection of grooves and beats is where this virtual instrument really shines. You get access to a number of styles and can build your drum parts in the DAW just like you can with every other MIDI-based drum plugin.
And if you like the grooves but not the sounds, you can use the MIDI information to trigger other drum plugins. The real acoustic drum samples might be somewhat limiting depending on the genre you’re looking to produce.
There isn’t much in-plugin processing available, but it does have a mixer and compressor.
It might be best in rock, pop, country, or metal territory but if you are looking for a free virtual drummer it doesn’t get much better.
Best free virtual piano: Sound Magic Piano One
You’re not likely to find a better free piano plugin that can do a virtual baby grand sound like Piano One can. Modeled after the Yamaha C7, it runs on Sound Magic’s Hybrid Modelling Engine.
This gives you the playability that comes with modeling as well as authentic sampling sounds. Truthfully, the sound is somewhere between a baby grand and an upright.
It’s bright, without really achieving the true low end of a mic’d up acoustic piano. But you can do some additional processing in the software to introduce some depth and space to it.
There are a nice amount of controls, with harmonics, tone, and perspective over the piano itself. There’s also reverb, damping, tuning system, and key dynamics among others.
Best free guitar and bass virtual instrument: Ample Sound M Series and Bass P Lite II
Stringed instruments are one of the most difficult to simulate, and they are generally one of the virtual instrument types that will never sound exactly like the real thing.
But Ample Sound’s freeware packs do a really good job of providing access to a host of guitar sounds.
Each pack offers the same essential features – including mono or stereo modes, multiple types of articulations (hammer-ons, pull-offs, palm muting, and more). You can pick and choose which packs are relevant to your productions, and most of them come in at under 1GB so they won’t eat up too much space.
Through the Capo Logic system you can experiment with alternate tunings just like you would with a physical guitar.
But the strumming is where these plugins can really shine. Each chord has multiple strum notes, can be played 28 different ways, and rhythms can be customized.
To add another touch of realism there are four Humanization settings. All chords and rhythms can be customized across two modes and audio can be bounced to MIDI.
Best orchestral free virtual instrument: Virtual Playing Orchestra
Having orchestral sounds in your virtual instrument library comes in handy whether you’re doing music production or sound design. Virtual Playing’s Orchestra is a wide-ranging library that covers multiple types of instruments.
For a free sample pack the quality of the sample packs are high level. Multiple articulations and dynamic layers let you create convincing orchestral performances, which makes this one of the best free orchestral virtual instrument plugins.
What to look for in free virtual instruments
Realism and sound quality
The most important thing is how the virtual instrument sounds. A plugin can offer dozens of presets and advanced features, but none of that matters if the underlying sounds aren’t good.
Look for instruments with high-quality samples, well-designed synthesis engines, or carefully modeled hardware. Depending on the type of instrument, you may also want realistic dynamics, expressive velocity response, and convincing articulations.
Sound variety
A good free virtual instrument should offer a range of sounds. Look for plugins that include a broad selection that covers different styles and applications.
A synthesizer might include basses, leads, pads, keys, and effects, while a free drum instrument may offer multiple kit pieces and individual samples. Preset variety can also make a plugin more useful for experimentation, particularly if you are still learning how to program virtual instruments.
Ease of use
The best free virtual instruments aren’t necessarily those with the most features. An intuitive interface makes a major difference in how quickly you can create music.
Look for clearly labeled controls, logical signal flow, easy-to-navigate presets, and visual feedback that helps you understand what the instrument is doing. If you’re new to virtual instruments, a simpler plugin may be more useful than a feature-packed instrument with a steeper learning curve.
FAQ
Where can I get free virtual instruments?
There are a number of resources for adding free virtual instruments to your plugin collection. Sites like KVR Audio and Plugin Boutique are a great starting point. But a simple Google search can lead you to some great options.
What is the best virtual instrument software?
The “best” virtual instrument software depends on your needs. Our pick is the Kontakt Komplete Start pack. With over 20,000 sounds you’ll never run out of instruments or ideas.
How can I download VST instruments for free?
You can download VST instruments a few ways. One is to go to the manufacturer website and try to get a license or a free trial. There are also a number of websites that deal with nothing but plugins like the ones referenced above.
Do free plugins work on all DAWs?
Most free plugins come in VST format. Fortunately, these days pretty much every major DAW supports the plugin format. Check your DAW’s requirements before downloading to be sure the free virtual instrument plugin you want is supported by yours.
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]]>The post Best pedal tuners: The easiest way to stay in tune appeared first on All Things Gear.
]]>They provide a level of convenience, accuracy, and different tuning modes that standard and headstock tuners generally can’t match. Some can even mute your signal, or provide additional routing options.
Since there are so many to choose from it can present a bit of option paralysis, so we hand picked our favorite pedal tuners to help inform your purchase decision.
Best pedal tuner overall: BOSS TU-3
If you take a look at the different models of pedal tuners across pedalboards the world over, you’ll undoubtedly see a BOSS TU most frequently.
One of the best things about the TU-3 is the different tuning options it offers. Most players use it in chromatic mode, which tunes by note name. But a Guitar/Bass mode allows for tuning by string number, and even includes extended range guitars and basses.
Guitar Flat mode accommodates drop tunings, way down to six semitones below A standard at 440Hz. All tuning modes run on the Accu-Pitch function that provides a visual readout of tuning accuracy.
A large format 21-segment LED, glare-free meter comes equipped with a high-brightness mode that just works no matter what kind of setting you’re using it in.
If you need something specific out of a pedal tuner, like a second-to-none strobe mode, there are better options. But if you want a little bit of everything that just works, BOSS’ TU-3 is the best of all worlds.
Best strobe pedal tuner: Peterson StroboStomp HD
Strobe tuners are the most accurate type, and Peterson has long been the premier manufacturer of the technology. For the longest time it was only available as a rack strobe tuner model, but now you can bring their innovative strobe tuning technology to your pedalboard.
There are over 100 tuning standards on deck, all within the accuracy of .1 cent. Guided tunings correspond to string numbers, so finding home couldn’t be easier. Also included is a healthy set of alternate, drop, and open tuning presets.
It’s all inclusive to everything from six to nine string guitars as well as four to six string basses, as well as eight, 10, and 12-string guitars. No matter what tunings you incorporate into your repertoire, it can handle Concert A range from 391Hz to 490Hz.
A high-definition full-color LCD display offers a variable-color LED backlight that’s easy to see whether you’re in the dark settings of a show or the direct sunlight of an outdoor gig.
If you want the accuracy of a strobe tuner with the slimmed down profile that fits onto a pedalboard, this is as good as it gets. Other pedal tuners offer strobe tuning modes, but no one does it better than Peterson.
Best rotational display pedal tuner: Walrus Audio Canvas Tuner
Many times pedalboard real estate is at a premium. Even if you don’t have a guitar pedal chain that runs 30 pedals deep, if you have a small pedalboard you might have to crease and cram to get anything else on there.
That’s where the Canvas proves itself the better option over alternatives. The display orientation can rotate 90, 180, even 270 degrees. So as long as it can physically fit, you can find a place for it on your board.
New firmware updates include four new tuning modes like Digital Needle, Strobe, Combo (Needle and Strobe in tandem), and Analog Needle. This amounts to a total of six total tuning modes.
Accuracy is within .1 cent, and the full-color LCD offers backlight brightness that users can adjust to their preference. Multiple tuning modes let you make sure you’re on point whether you downtune, use alternate tunings, or different capo positions.
You can even select different standby screen options, including a picture that users can upload.
Best mini pedal tuner: D’Addario CT-20
A wide calibration range and 32-bit processing fuels the CT-20. This guarantees fast, accurate signal readings so you don’t miss a cent. The enclosure is small and built with a strong aluminum enclosure that stands up to quite a bit of abuse.
The display is full-color and high-visibility and easy to view at any level of light. Mini pedal tuners usually don’t offer battery power, but the CT-20 can run on a 9v battery or external power supply. This opens up options for positioning it on your pedalboard.
Best budget pedal tuner: Ibanez BIGMINI
The technology of pedal tuners has really advanced, and “budget” doesn’t mean low quality anymore. The Ibanez BIGMINI is small format, so it is a pretty easy fit into your pedal chain.
Calibration ranges from 435Hz to 445Hz to accommodate different tuning standards. You can select between needle or strobe tuning modes, and it works just as effectively on guitars as it does bass.
The accuracy is rated to be within +/- a single cent to provide the best accuracy. A bright backlit LED display provides visibility in the darkest environments.
Budget, versatility, options, and accuracy combine in the BIGMINI.
What to look for in a guitar pedal tuner
Tuning accuracy
Accuracy is one of the most important considerations when choosing a guitar pedal tuner. Look for a model that is precise.
Modern pedal tuners’ accuracy is measured in cents, with some capable of detecting very small pitch differences. An accurate tuner provides greater confidence that your instrument is properly tuned.
Tuning speed and note detection
Fast note detection makes a significant difference when tuning between songs or during a performance. A good pedal tuner should recognize notes quickly and provide a stable reading without excessive jumping between pitches.
Look for a model that reliably tracks notes across the entire range. Consistent note detection is especially valuable when you’re using alternate tunings or guitars with extended-range fretboards.
Display visibility
A tuner is only useful if you can easily see it while you’re playing. Look for a pedal with a bright, easy-to-read display that remains visible under different lighting conditions.
This is particularly important for live performers who need to tune on dark stages or under bright stage lights. Larger displays and clear tuning indicators make everything easier.
FAQ
What is a guitar pedal tuner and why should I use one?
It’s a tuner that sits on your pedalboard, and allows you to tune your guitar or bass quickly and accurately. It’s faster and more precise than clip-on tuners and can mute your signal during tuning.
Do pedal tuners work for bass guitars too?
Most modern pedal tuners handle bass frequencies with a high level of accuracy. Some even have bass-specific modes, so bass players have multiple options when shopping for pedal tuners.
What is strobe tuning, and do I need it?
It’s an extremely precise tuning method that shows the difference between your note and the target pitch on a moving display.
Strobe tuners are regarded as the most accurate and used by pros for live and recorded work, as well as for repairs and guitar tech purposes.
Do tuner pedals work with alternate tunings?
Yes. Most tuners detect pitch chromatically, meaning they’ll recognize any note you play. Many also support alternate things, flat and drop tunings, even custom tuning modes.
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]]>The post Best guitar amps: Find the perfect platform for your tone appeared first on All Things Gear.
]]>The best guitar amps offer quality tone, useful controls, and additional features that suit each individual player. Here are our top picks in a number of categories so you can find the best match for your sound.
Best high-end guitar combo amp: Vox AC30 Custom
The AC30 has been one of the high end guitar combo amps since the 1960s. There have been a lot of iterations over the years, and the Custom combines features from across the decades. It includes the famous Top Boost circuit for adding high end, and the onboard tremolo is lush and organic.
Oddly there’s no reverb. But this amp can get loud! A lot of players use a guitar amp attenuator so they don’t have to sacrifice tone for reasonable volumes. It’s one of the best clean amps, but make no mistake it can get dirty without losing that charming British chime.
Best stereo guitar amp: Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120
Possibly the most famous solid-state amp ever, the JC-120 has a lot going for it. It’s a two channel stereo amp with reverb, but the effects magic is in the onboard chorus/vibrato.
It includes the same revered circuit found in the discontinued BOSS CE-1. Thick, lush, analog chorus and vibrato sounds that cost exorbitant amounts on the used market.
Each of the two input channels has a high and low input (for passive and active pickups respectively) and 3-band EQ. The effects loop is also stereo.
It has amazing clean sounds and the light weight and caster wheels make it easy to transport, even if it is a little bulky.
Best clean guitar amp: Fender ‘65 Deluxe Reverb
Fender has a lot of classic guitars in their storied history, and the 1965 Deluxe Reverb is up there with the best of them. It’s a portable 22 watt, 2×10 high end combo amp that produces some of the best clean sounds you’ll ever hear.
Purists who want to plug straight in can just turn a few knobs and have that iconic Fender amp tone. It’s a great platform for pedals too, and the tube circuit really brings effects to life.
There isn’t an effects loop though, so if you want to use pedals everything has to go in through the front end.
Best mini amp head: Marshall 2525H Mini Silver Jubilee
The Silver Jubilee has a unique story. It was released in 1987 to commemorate Marshall’s 25th anniversary and was only manufactured for a single year. But it caught the ear of some big names like Slash and John Frusciante, who still use it in their backline.
For decades players wanted a re-release, and finally got one in 2015. But not every guitarist wants or needs a half stack. That’s what makes this mini amp version so perfect. It’s got the classic Jubilee sound in a much more convenient package.
Wattage was scaled down from 100W to 20W, and an onboard attenuator lets you scale it down to a cool bedroom-level 5W without sacrificing tone quality. It can feed into a single or dual 4, 8, or 16 ohm cabinets, has an effects loop, and DI.
At $1,300 new it’s still a top-tier price point, but as far as tone goes it’s in a class all its own.
Best mini guitar amp: Orange Crush Mini
To be clear, we define mini guitar amps as small, low wattage practice amps. And this 3 watt wonder is one of the best. The single channel pumps through a 1×4” speaker with controls for gain, volume, and shape (EQ) to craft the tone.
What makes it such a great tool for writing, jamming, practicing, or even recording are the extra features. It has a built-in tuner, headphone output for silent playing, auxiliary input for jamming to tracks, and an 8 ohm speaker output for powering an external cabinet.
You can run it on mains or battery power too.
Best acoustic guitar amp: Fender Acoustic 100
There are a lot of reasons acoustic guitar amps come in handy, and the Acoustic 100 is one of the most unique. It pumps out an impressive 100 watts over two channels. Each input is a combination XLR and ¼” design, so you can use it as a PA system too!
It only sports a single 8” speaker, but it is full range. Each channel has controls for volume, a 3-band EQ, effects selection, and effects level control. And the effects suite is impressive. It includes room and hall reverbs, tape echo, delay with repeats, chorus, vibrato, delay with chorus, and delay with hall reverb.
The enclosure has a sleek vintage vibe too with a wood frame and brown grille cloth. For solo performers this is a great acoustic amp that will come in handy in a lot of situations.
Best guitar amp pedal: Hughes and Kettner Amp Man
You don’t need to lug around a physical amp anymore to get realistic tones. There are a lot of guitar amp pedals, and the Amp Man is one of the best. It’s simple, but it focuses on sound quality and not distracting features that most players probably won’t use.
Don’t think of it as a pedal, because it’s really more of a preamp on the floor. It’s set up with fifty watts through two channels. Each channel has individual gain, tone, resonance, presence, and volume controls as well as sagging to replicate the performance of a tube amp. The onboard noise gate lets you push the gain without worrying about noise.
It’s equipped with a Red Box DI with eight selectable cabinet types. So you don’t even need an external cabinet, but there is a 4-16 ohms cabinet output if you do want to push air. This is great for quick setup for recording or going straight to the board for performances. There’s even an effects loop.
What to look for in a guitar amp
The right amp type
The first decision is whether you want a tube, solid-state, modeling, or hybrid amplifier.
Tube amps have a warm, dynamic tone. Solid-state amps are generally more affordable, reliable, and require less maintenance while delivering consistent performance.
Modeling amps use digital technology to recreate the sounds of different amplifiers and effects, making them an excellent choice for versatility. Hybrid amplifiers combine tube and solid-state components to offer a balance between traditional tone and modern convenience.
Speaker size and cabinet design
Speakers play a major role in shaping an amplifier’s overall sound. Smaller speakers, like 8-inch and 10-inch models, typically emphasize tighter, brighter tones that work well for low-volume playing.
Twelve-inch speakers are a standard because they offer a balanced combination of bass response, clarity, and projection. Larger cabinets with multiple speakers move more air, which creates a fuller sound that fills larger rooms and stages.
Whether you choose a combo amp or a separate head and cabinet should depend on your portability needs and desired tonal flexibility.
Tone controls and EQ options
A quality guitar amp should give you enough control to shape your sound without making adjustments overly complicated.
Most include bass, middle, and treble EQ controls as well as gain and master volume. More advanced models may add presence and resonance. Some amps also feature multiple voicings or EQ presets that allow you to quickly switch between different tonal characteristics.
A flexible equalizer makes it easier to adapt your sound to different guitars, pedals, and environments.
FAQ
Is a 20 watt amp too loud for playing at home?
Twenty watts is plenty of power for home use. It might actually be too much for some scenarios. Anything between five and 20 watts is plenty, even better if your amp offers power scaling to reduce the wattage when necessary.
How important is speaker size for electric guitar amps?
Speaker size has a much more critical effect on an amp’s tone than most realize. Larger speakers reproduce low end better, which is why 12” and 10” models are outfitted in a lot of speaker cabinets and combo amps. Large speakers also move more air, so they produce more volume.
Can I record electric guitar without a physical amp?
Yes. You can go direct into an audio interface with amp modelers, plugins, or multi-effects units.
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]]>The post Best Pultec plugins: Get that classic Pultec sound in the box appeared first on All Things Gear.
]]>Like a lot of other pro audio gear, the magic lies in an all-tube circuit design, and the unique way that this design lets you boost and cut at the same time. They fell out of fashion for a while, but have seen a resurgence over the past two decades thanks to plugin emulations and popular mixing engineers like Chris Lord-Alge.
These are some of the best Pultec plugins.
Best Pultec plugin overall: UAD Pultec EQP-1A
It’s no surprise that Universal Audio has created the best Pultec emulations you’ll find in a plugin. The bundle brings all three of the famous models to life.
This means the glow of the tubes, the amplifier overload, and the push of the transformers impart analog magic to your mono or stereo tracks.
You get the fat low end of the EQP-1A, shape the mids like only the MEQ-5 can, and create soaring highs with the. HLF-3C. The only downside is that it requires UAD-2 or Apollo hardware to run.
Most unique Pultec plugin: URS FullTec Program Equalizer
A lot of plugins provide multiple variations of the Pultec in a cascading fashion (at least visually), but the FullTec from URS is a single unit split into five frequency bands.
There are input and output level controls as well as metering and a phase switch, so you can easily maintain proper gain staging. It’s also usable in a number of DAWs and comes in VST, AU, TDM, and RTAS formats.
Best MEQ-5 Pultec plugin: Apogee MEQ-5
The MEQ-5 is the unsung hero of the Pultec family. It focuses on the midrange to add precise moves to the frequency curve and adds warmth and weight to the signal.
There aren’t many controls and it’s easy to dial in. If you’re looking for an EQ plugin to make precise, surgical moves there are better options. It’s so authentic it’s officially licensed by Pulse Techniques.
If you need something to add color and character to the mids, few equalizers do it better.
Best Pultec plugin under $75: PSP Audioware NobleQ
PSP’s take on the famous passive equalizer brings some modern ideas to the timeless design. The midrange and high shelf sections can be independently selected to boost or attenuate.
You also have the option of adding in two types of tube flavors or bypass that altogether. It uses a “rounding algorithm” to create a more realistic tube response and make not only the sound, but the way the plugin reacts, more like hardware.
Best hardware model Pultec plugin: Softube Tube-Tech Equalizer Collection
This package includes meticulous software emulations of two of the most famous hardware units – the PE1C and ME1B. Together they are a great complement to one another in a single, consolidated plugin that can do some truly magical things with the sound.
In terms of sound and tone authenticity this might be a top two option if you’re researching the best Pultec plugins.
Best Pultec plugin under $100: IK Multimedia TrackS EQP-1A
IK Multimedia left no stone unturned here, modeling two hardware units with their proprietary DSM and SCC technology. The output section based on a variety of types of tubes and operates in left, right, linked, or M/S.
It works natively or within the TrackS ecosystem.
Best free Pultec plugin: Ignite Amps PT-EQx
For a freeware EQ you won’t find a better Pultec than this. It includes three models in a single interface with independent switching so you can control the lows, mids, and highs very deliberately.
Ignite’s own triode stage gain modeling provides selection between four different tube types, and additional frequencies, and refined filtering. It operates in VST/3 and AU in 64-bit.
As far as best Pultec plugins go this one is worth an audition even though it’s free.
What to look for in a Pultec plugin
Accurate emulation of the original
The most important feature is how faithfully it recreates the sound and behavior of the original hardware. Classic Pultecs are prized for their smooth, musical curves rather than surgical precision.
A quality plugin version captures the harmonic coloration, transformer saturation, and passive EQ characteristics that made the original units legendary.
Classic boost and attenuation interaction
One hallmark of a genuine Pultec-style equalizer is the ability to boost and attenuate simultaneously. This unique design creates a resonant low-end shelf that adds weight while tightening muddy frequencies.
A plugin that accurately models this interaction provides the signature low-end enhancement and preserve the smooth, natural response that keeps the bass sounding full without becoming overwhelming.
High-quality analog modeling
Professional-grade Pultec plugins go beyond matching EQ curves by modeling the analog components that contribute to the hardware’s sonic personality. Vacuum tubes, transformers, and passive circuitry all introduce subtle harmonic distortion and saturation that help audio feel richer and more three-dimensional.
Many modern plugins offer switchable analog modes or adjustable saturation controls that allow engineers to dial in as much or as little vintage coloration as needed.
FAQ
What type of EQ is a Pultec?
It’s a type of parametric passive equalizer that’s famed for adding sonic “magic” to source signals it’s used on. This is mostly due to the fact that it’s capable of cutting and boosting overlapping frequency ranges at the same time, which results in EQ curves most other EQ plugins aren’t capable of.
What makes a Pultec so unique?
Pultecs are certainly mysterious.They are one of the oldest types of equalizers and have an all-tube design. It was also the 1st. EQ to be based on a passive filter circuit.
What makes them so unique is that unlike a parametric EQ, a Pultec can boost and attenuate the same frequency at the same time, which allows for some serious EQ mojo!
How does a Pultec work?
The design was among one of the first EQs ever created, and as such the control scheme can be a little confusing at first. The boost/attenuation controls for the low band are linked, and these overlapping filters are great at bringing out character of low end instruments.
The low frequency section is a four-band selectable shelving filter. The magic kicks in, as you can create really unique curves via boosting and cutting simultaneously.
A boost-peak EQ rules the highs, with selections between 3kHz and 16kHz. Unlike the low section, there is a bandwidth control. There’s also a high-shelving section that’s great at adding clarity and air to the top end.
Such is the positive benefits the unit can have on the signal that there is a technique where you simply run the audio through the Pultec – without it set to effect anything. This would obviously be a feature of the hardware version, but there are plenty of affordable Pultec-style EQs available.
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]]>The post Best guitar pedals: Enhance your signal chain appeared first on All Things Gear.
]]>We’ve put together multiple guides covering different categories of effects pedals, so we took our favorites from each category across every major effect.
Best amp modeler: Fractal Audio Axe-FX III
Amp modelers have come a long way and Fractal is one of the companies leading the charge. If you check out side-by-side comparison videos between Axe-FX sounds and the real amps they’re modeling it’s difficult to tell the difference.
Sounds are dialed in from the front panel and LED metering lets you keep an eye on your levels. The routing is just as flexible as the modeling. You can load your own impulse responses with up to thousands available including the ones that come onboard.
With an amp modeler this sophisticated it’s understandable that there is a steep learning curve that comes with it. But once you get the workflow down there isn’t anything you can’t do with it.
Best multi-effect guitar pedal: BOSS GX-10
We recently reviewed the GX-10, the most pedalboard-friendly model in BOSS’ GX series. There are 32 total amp models, 23 guitar and nine bass. Some amp simulations lack dynamics, but these respond well to playing articulation.
Each amp comes paired with a preselected cabinet and the microphones and positioning is fully customizable. BOSS’ and Roland’s lineup of effects is available, even some of the rarest models like the RE-201 Space Echo and Slicer with a total of 170 in all.
You can use either the touchscreen or control knobs below it to create signal flow and route things, and each is useful in different situations. There is some overlap in modern multi-effects and amp modelers.
The GX-10 is the best of both worlds.
Best overdrive guitar pedal: Ibanez Tubescreamer TS808
It’s no surprise the most famous overdrive pedal of all time made the cut. It’s simple, but there are so many ways to use it.
Use it as a standard medium-gain drive, or with the gain down and the volume up to boost the input of your amp. Stack it with other drive pedals to create layered gain sounds, and it’s great in this application because it works with other kinds of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz pedals.
There are a lot of variants too, like the TS9. But the TS808 is the crown jewel of the series because the circuit is built around the 4558 op-amp. The biggest complaint with the TS808 though is the footswitch design, but it’s easy to get used to.
Best distortion guitar pedal: Mesa Boogie Throttle Box
Mesa Boogie built their brand on some of the best distortion sounds around. The Throttle Box is best if you’re looking for high gain. It doesn’t get messy or indistinct when you push the knobs, and the inherent midrange frequency dip is great for a scooped sound popular in heavy music.
It pairs well with separate EQ pedals too, and guitarists like the EQ section so much Mesa Boogie offers it as a separate pedal in the Throttle Box EQ.
Best EQ guitar pedal: MXR 10-Band EQ
EQ pedals can serve many purposes in a guitar pedal chain. They can be used to augment the equalization on an amp, a boost for solos that alters the tone to cut above a band mix, or be used to emulate the sound of different pickups.
However you want to use an EQ pedal, more bands offer more versatility. MXR’s 10-band EQ is one of the best workhorse guitar pedals, not just EQs, available. Aside from the frequency sculpting options there are sliders for input gain and output volume, and all have backlight LEDs that provide an easy visual.
It can run at standard 9v operation or 18v volts for increased headroom too. The only downsides are the size of the enclosure, about twice the size of a traditional pedal, and there is no stereo I/O. Most analog EQs don’t offer that anyway.
Best reverb guitar pedal: Strymon BigSky
Strymon has perfected DSP in guitar pedals and the BigSky is a full-on reverb workstation with 300 presets. It’s powered by SHARC, and it’s some of the highest-fidelity digital signal processing you’ll hear.
Twelve reverbs cover all the bases. Familiar ones like hall, room, spring, and plate are a given, but it’s the esoteric settings where things get interesting. Swell gives you pad sounds, Bloom builds up over time, and Cloud adds octave shifts. These 12 reverbs give you plenty of a creative base to let your imagination run wild.
Best chorus guitar pedal: BOSS CE-2W
Other than the rare CE-1 chorus, which isn’t manufactured anymore (though you can find it on the Roland Jazz Chorus amps), the CE-2 is a player favorite chorus pedal and one of BOSS’ best. It was out of production for many years too until BOSS re-released it under the Waza Craft line.
With just two knobs for Depth and Rate the controls are a little limiting, but the sound is very organic. That’s due to the bucket brigade (BBD) circuit that classic powered many modulation effects. This lets you dial in lush chorusing that doesn’t sound thin and vibrato that doesn’t sound out of tune more than the effect is supposed to.
There are two modes – Standard and CE-1. So if you’re chasing the vaunted sound of the latter you don’t have to dish out the money for one on the used market. The only quirk is that it’s got stereo outputs but only a mono input.
Best octave guitar pedal: Electro-Harmonix Nano POG
The Nano POG blurs the line between octave pedal, harmonizer, and pitch shifter. Semantics aside, it can conjure some very cool sounds with just a few controls with Octave Up, Sub Octave, and a Dry blend. Input is mono and output is stereo, but one of the outs sends a dry signal.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you. You can get organ sounds, simulate a bass or 12-string guitar, harmonize lead lines, get fuzzy sub octaves, or add it to a delay for a shimmer sound. The tracking is fantastic, and it’s just as good on chords as single notes.
If you want more robust control, Electro-Harmonix offers multiple other POG models that go all the way up to a full-fledged octave workstation.
Best pitch shifter guitar pedal: DigiTech Whammy 5
The Whammy has seen a lot of iterations, and the fifth model in the lineup is the best of all worlds. Nine controls over harmony and whammy each give you a wealth of shifting options in one of the best pitch shifters.
A detune setting that simulates pushing down a guitar’s vibrato bar can be set to shallow or deep. It can be controlled in real-time through the treadle or as an effect.
MIDI control lets you connect it to any MIDI-enabled device to send/receive pitch information. This is perfect if you want to use another piece of MIDI gear to control it.
Its biggest downside is that you have to set it to monophonic (Classic) or polyphonic (Chords). The enclosure is large as well, which makes the MIDI option all the more appealing.
Best harmonizer guitar pedal: Eventide H9
All of the classic Eventide sounds are here, but the H9 is much more than just a harmonizer. It includes a wealth of other effects like overdrives, modulation, delays, and reverbs. Parameters are dialed in through the single knob on the face, and alternate effects sounds with the X/Y/Z buttons above it.
Through the H9 Control software you can do deep customization on a PC, Mac, or iOS device. There’s MIDI and expression pedal connectivity, so no matter how your signal chain is designed it integrates easily.
There are some cons though. It’s pricey, has a learning curve, and you can only use one algorithm at a time. Eventide took off when the first Harmonizer released in the 70s, and they’re still pushing the envelope of guitar innovation.
Best volume guitar pedal: Korg XVP-20
Volume pedals are one of the most useful guitar accessories. The XVP-20 is a combo volume and expression pedal. Two sets of I/O let you use it in mono or stereo, with a separate one to use it as an expression pedal.
The aluminum enclosure is ergonomic and durable, and the gear mechanism of the treadle has a smooth, clean sweep. A minimum volume knob lets you adjust the range of the sweep, and the travel can be torqued to player preference.
What to look for in the best guitar pedals
Sound quality and tone
Listen for clarity, musicality, and how naturally the effect responds to your playing dynamics. High-quality pedals preserve the character of your guitar while enhancing it rather than masking it.
Distortion and overdrive pedals should clean up when you roll back your guitar’s volume; delay and reverb pedals should produce rich, natural repeats without overwhelming your original signal.
Consider whether you prefer vintage-inspired warmth, modern precision, or something in between.
Analog or digital?
Effects are available in both analog and digital formats, and each offers unique advantages.
Analog pedals are known for their warmth, organic response, and musical imperfections. Digital pedals excel at versatility, precision, and advanced features such as multiple effect algorithms, presets, stereo operation, and extensive customization.
Understanding the strengths of each helps narrow your options based on your playing style and desired sound.
Versatility and long-term value
Some pedals excel at producing one sound, others provide a broad range of tones. Consider whether you need a highly specialized effect or a versatile pedal that can adapt as your playing evolves.
Features like presets, multiple operating modes, connectivity options, and MIDI integration can extend a pedal’s usefulness for years, which makes for a worthwhile investment even if the initial cost is higher.
FAQ
What are guitar pedals and why do I need them?
They’re small signal processors designed to work with an unbalanced/TS guitar signal. They modify your guitar’s sound in different ways to shape your tone.
Can I use multiple pedals at once?
Yes. Most guitarists use more than one pedal at the same time. Stacking pedals is one of the best ways to discover new sounds. Just be aware of signal degradation and consider using a buffer (a lot of pedals have them built in) or effects loop if you need to.
Do I need a power supply or can I use batteries?
Some pedals can run on 9V batteries, but a dedicated power supply is more reliable, especially if you use multiple pedals. Isolated power supplies are ideal because they avoid noise, interference, ground loops, and protect your gear from “dirty” power.
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]]>The post Best bass guitars: Lay down the low end appeared first on All Things Gear.
]]>Discover some of our favorites and what sets them apart from the pack.
Best bass guitar overall: Fender American Ultra II Precision Bass
It’s a debate that seems to go on perpetually – Jazz versus Precision bass guitars. The reality is it’s all up to player preference, but what if you could have the best of both worlds? That’s what the American Ultra II brings to the table. And wow, does it have ways to customize the sound.
A contoured offset alder body strikes the perfect balance between feel and comfort, and the Modern D-profile neck with 10-14 inch compound-radius fretboard (available in maple or ebony) lets you glide up and down easily. A tapered neck heel makes accessing higher frets easy, if that’s your thing.
The electronics are much more sophisticated than your average bass. Pickups are Fender Ultra II Noiseless, and the onboard 18-volt preamp with 3-band EQ gives you all the pump and punch you could ask for.
Master volume is a push-push S-1 switch, there’s a pan pot to select pickups, and stacked concentric midrange cut/boost with passive tone, stacked concentric treble cut/boost and low end cut/boost.
This level of control makes this instrument a tone machine that’s perfect for session players or bassists that need to be able to experiment.
Best bass guitar with single-coil pickups: Fender American Professional II Precision Bass
The American Professional II brings decades of Fender innovations into a single instrument. A ‘63 C-profile neck with rolled fretboard edges has a good mix of the taper toward the nut of a Jazz bass and the chunky feel of a Precision bass neck. A sculpted neck heel provides easy access to the upper frets, which is one thing that a lot of bass guitars lack.
One of the biggest selling points is the pickup. It’s a V-Mod II Precision Bass split-coil pickup that provides all of the punch and growl you’d want from that kind of pickup
This model has better sustain than others, and there are multiple reasons why. It has a genuine bone nut, and a HiMass Vintage bridge that can be used string-through or top-loaded. Lightweight vintage-style tuners provide tuning stability from the head portion of the instrument.
Fender’s American Professional II Precision Bass is quite the versatile instrument. So whether you’re a touring pro, session ace, or weekend warrior the value here is undeniable.
Best bass guitar with humbucker pickups: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special HH
Humbuckers are sort of the black sheep of the bass guitar pickups family. They’re obviously popular with electric guitars, but there is still a lot of mystery around them when it comes to basses.
But the reality is they are thick, heavy, and add sustain to the tone like no other type of bass pickup. And when it comes to humbuckers in a bass guitar, Ernie Ball pretty much wrote the script.
The StingRay special has the iconic Ernie Ball look, punchy sound, and chunky premium roasted maple neck and maple fretboard that has appealed to players since the 1970s. It uses Ernie Ball’s 5-bolt neck and brings the tuning stability that bassists have come to love.
But the pickups steal the show with this model. Soap-bar style humbuckers with neodymium pickups have thick pole pieces that set the stage for you to dial in the sound. An 18-volt active preamp with 3-band EQ customizes it further.
The StingRay Special is a unique tonal starting point. It’s loud, in-your-face, and has great headroom. Any bass player from indie rock to metal can make it the premier piece in their signal chain.
Best budget electric bass guitar: Ibanez GSR200
There is no shortage of bass guitars on the market that fit the budget category. Beginners often experiment with their tone so they can find the best for their style, so why not go with as versatile an option as possible?
The GSR200 sports two pickups, single-coil and split-coil variations. These open up a range of sounds that you can blend. Each pickup has its own volume control so you can blend to taste and finalize the overall EQ with a master tone knob.
Ibanez chose a unique blend of tonewoods for this model. The neck is one-piece maple with a Jatoba fretboard. An agathis body is lightweight with strong low end resonance, the midrange has good bite, and there’s an open top end.
It’s got an active preamp with a Phat II bass boost circuit that adds weight and sustain to the sound. And the 18-volt power supply offers plenty of headroom to prevent clipping.
The body is sleek and contoured, which makes this bass comfortable to play. It comes in a variety of finishes, and though you might buy it as a starter instrument with the proper setup you can use it long into your playing career.
Best acoustic bass guitar: Martin BC-16E
Who knew Martin makes acoustic bass guitars? Like their guitar models, the BC-16E is crafted with stunning quality.
Martin selected an interesting combination of tonewoods for this full-scale acoustic bass guitar. The rosewood back adds depth, while the Sitka spruce top provides a nice snap in the high midrange.
The singlecut body with dovetail neck joint allows for easy access to higher frets, and the 34” scale length has less string tension that provides easier playability.
Martin’s E1 electronics system and preamp gives you controls over volume and a 3-band EQ for precision sound shaping. A lot of onboard preamps sound thin and anemic, but with the E1 you get precision sound shaping.
It’s got a regal look like other Martins. The body isn’t too thick, but the low end is full and resonant.
What to look for in a bass guitar
Tonewoods
One of the first things to consider when choosing a bass guitar is the type of tone you’re looking for. The wood used in the body, neck, and fingerboard all contribute to the instrument’s character.
Alder and ash bodies typically deliver balanced, versatile tones, while mahogany emphasizes warmth and sustain. Maple necks often add brightness and definition, while rosewood and ebony fingerboards can subtly shape the attack and feel of each note.
Although pickups and electronics have a significant impact on tone, the overall construction of the instrument provides the foundation of the sound.
Neck profile
Comfort plays a major role in selecting the right bass guitar. Neck width, thickness, and fingerboard radius all influence how the instrument feels in your hands.
Players with smaller hands may prefer slimmer neck profiles, while others appreciate a fuller neck for added stability. The bass’s overall weight is equally important, especially for musicians who perform standing for extended periods.
A comfortable instrument fosters better technique, reduces playing fatigue, and makes having hands on the instrument far more enjoyable.
Pickup configuration
Pickups have a big influence on how a bass guitar sounds.
Precision-style split-coil pickups produce a thick, punchy tone. Jazz-style single-coil pickups offer greater clarity and articulation. Many modern basses combine both pickup styles or feature humbuckers for increased output and tonal flexibility.
If you want the most versatility, a bass with multiple pickup options and blend controls can provide a wider range of sounds.
FAQ
What features should I look for in a bass guitar?
Key features to consider include neck shape and feel. Scale length also matters, with 34″ being standard and longer or shorter scales affecting tone and string tension. These directly affect playability.
Pickup type is also critical. Passive pickups offer vintage warmth and active pickups provide modern clarity and onboard EQ control. Other important elements are weight, which impacts comfort during long sessions, and tone versatility, especially if you play across multiple genres.
Should I get a 4-string, 5-string, or 6-string bass?
A 4-string bass is standard and ideal for most players, especially beginners. If you need extra low-end range, a 5-string bass adds a low B string. A 6-string bass includes both a low B and a high C string, which offers a full range for soloing and extended techniques.
Are expensive basses worth it?
High-end basses are built with better materials, electronics, and quality control. If you’re gigging, recording, or want a lifetime instrument, they’re worth the investment.
But there are great-sounding basses in every price range. Playability and tone are more important than brand prestige.
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]]>The post The best plugins: Discover the best choice for your library appeared first on All Things Gear.
]]>Here we go over our favorites in each type – paid and free – so you can save some time shopping around and get back to making music.
Best channel strip plugin: Waves Scheps Omni Channel
Channel strip plugins combine multiple processors in a single plugin, which is convenient and frees up recording computer resources for other mix elements. Waves’ Omni Channel offers different preamps, filters, EQs, compressors, de-esser, and a gate/expander in one GUI.
You can customize the signal chain however you want, and it works in mono, dual mono, stereo, and mid-side modes.
Best EQ plugin: FabFilter Pro-Q 4
Pro-Q 4 might be the most versatile EQ plugin ever. There are up to 24 bands, and through the interactive display you can add or sketch them where you need, enable them as dynamic, and manipulate the parameters of multiple bands at once.
Features like Spectrum Grab and EQ Match speeds up your workflow so you can mix in the moment. You can control other plugins through the interface, or use Spectral Dynamics mode to change the gain of a band if it exceeds your set threshold.
It’s impossible to lay out everything you can do with Pro-Q 4, that’s what makes it one of the best EQ plugins. And you don’t have to worry about sterile, digital sounds. Different EQ types let you add color.
Best Pultec plugin: UAD Pultec Collection
It’s no surprise the most convincing and best Pultec plugin comes from Universal Audio. It accurately models the signal path of the original hardware units, which is critical in bringing this beloved mythical analog EQ to the digital realm.
Included are the EQP-1A, MEQ-5, and HLF-3C Pultec models. What sets the Pultec apart from other equalizers is that it can cut and boost simultaneously. You have to learn how to use it, because it’s unlike any other.
There’s a reason professionals swear by it.
Best free EQ plugin: Sonimus SonEQ
One of the best free EQ plugins is one that should be more popular. SonEQ is a great all-around equalizer, even if it does only offer three frequency bands.
You can boost and attenuate the lows, and the mids and highs have a single gain knob. You can select between four frequencies over the lows and highs, and there’s a slider to set the midpoint from 150Hz to 4kHz.
Input and output controls keep levels in check, and a defeatable drive lets you get the signal dirty or you can leave it clean. Low-pass and high-pass filters handle shelving.
All-in-all it’s a well-rounded EQ that sounds great, doesn’t take up much system resources.
Best compressor plugin: FabFilter Pro-C 3
Compressor plugins are as varied as the source material they’re used on, so you want at least one versatile option in your plugin library. Pro-C 3 is that and more.
It’s great for clean compression, but can get vibey if that’s what your tracks call for. Multiple metering views let you know exactly how your signal is being effected, and the attack and release can be set to a program-dependent mode for more accurate time constants.
If you’re going for a lot of color it’s probably not the best choice, but when it comes to versatility not many do it better.
Best free compressor plugin: Analog Obsession Fetish
There are so many free compressor plugins it’s beyond overwhelming. But few are truly designed to model analog hardware, much less the most famous compressor of all time – the 1176.
Everything from the circuit behavior to the GUI is accurate, but Analog Obsession took it a step further in adding a 4-band EQ and wet/dry Mix control. It’s not just one of the best free 1176 plugins. It’s one of the best compressors, free or paid, you’ll find.
Best saturation plugin: Soundtoys Decapitator 5
Another plugin meticulously modeled after analog hardware, Decapitator brings authentic analog saturation to your DAW. From subtle to extreme and the spectrum in between you get five hardware models.
Five buttons at the bottom of the GUI provide different sound options, and then you further customize the sound with the control knobs. Mix lets you blend in the effect with the dry signal, so no more cumbersome routing to achieve parallel saturation.
Drive it as hard as you want. It gets nasty, but in the most musical way possible.
Best reverb plugin: Liquid Sonics Seventh Heaven
There isn’t any plugin equivalent of the heavenly Bricasti M7 reverb unit, and few have tried. But Liquid Sonics knocked it out of the park with Seventh Heaven. There are two versions to choose from. Professional comes with 256 sounds and Standard with 30.
The reverbs are lush and authentic, and the GUI isn’t too busy. Other reverb plugins can get crazier sounds, but none of them sound as natural as this.
Best delay plugin: FabFilter Timeless 3
FabFilter does it again with one of the most customizable delay plugins. It’s not about what can you do with it, more about what you can’t do. Which is pretty much nothing. From simple taps to tweaked out modulation effects you’re only limited by the time you want to spend with it.
It has filtering, onboard effects, feedback routing, and analog tape parameters like wow and flutter. The biggest issue is how daunting it can be to learn, but there are plenty of presets to give you a head start.
Best virtual instrument plugin: Native Instruments Kontakt 8
Kontakt is the platform for virtual instrument plugins. It’s equipped with features for sparking new ideas fast, and it allows you to build custom instruments. The best part is that it supports thousands of third party sample-based instruments, so there’s no end to the sonic exploration you can do with it.
Conflux hybrid synthesizer combines wavetable and FM synthesis so you can manipulate samples like no other plugin but Kontakt can.
Best free virtual instrument plugin: Native Instruments Kontakt Komplete Start
Kontakt is great, but it’s always good to give a plugin a go before you commit to it. Komplete Start gives you over 2,000 sounds to play around with over every type of virtual instrument imaginable, which is a pretty amazing sample size (pun intended!).
It’s not just the 18 free virtual instruments. You get loops, samples, and effects all curated by Native Instruments.
What to look for in the best plugins
Sound quality comes first
Nothing compensates for poor sound quality. The best plugins accurately model analog hardware or deliver clean digital processing without introducing unwanted artifacts.
Whether you’re using an EQ, compressor, reverb, or saturation plugin, it should enhance your audio and preserve clarity and musicality. Listen for natural frequency response, transparent dynamics, and low noise.
Choose plugins that fit the workflow
Plugins should help you work faster. A clean, intuitive GUI makes it easier to dial in settings quickly and stay focused on the creative process. Features like scalable user interfaces, preset management, A/B comparison, and solid metering can significantly improve productivity during each production phase.
Versatility and practicality
The best plugins can adapt to a wide range of production tasks. Modern processors include advanced features such as mid/side processing, parallel mixing controls, oversampling, sidechain inputs, dynamic processing modes, and customizable signal routing.
These tools provide greater flexibility without requiring additional plugins. This helps streamline your workflow while expanding your creative options.
FAQ
Do I need a lot of plugins to make great music?
Not at all. In fact, many successful producers limit themselves to a core group of well-known selections. Mastery of a few versatile plugins often leads to better, faster production than constantly chasing the next best thing.
Are there any plugin bundles that are worth investing in?
Bundles can save you a lot of money. FabFilter Total Bundle includes world-class EQ, compressor, reverb, limiter, and more. Soundtoys 5 Suite provides a complete arsenal of creative FX.
Plugin Alliance’s MEGA Bundle gives you access to analog-modeled gear from SSL, Neve, and more with subscription flexibility. Komplete 14 by Native Instruments is an enormous bundle that includes synths (Massive X, FM8), samplers, pianos, orchestral instruments, and effects perfect for hybrid composers or producers.
What does VST stand for?
Created by Steinberg in 1996 at the advent of modern digital recording, VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology. It’s a standard for audio plug-ins that allows processing and virtual instruments to be integrated into DAWs to create and manipulate digital audio.
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]]>The post Best budget studio monitors: Sound quality meets affordability appeared first on All Things Gear.
]]>We’ve done the best studio monitors under $1,000, so here we define “budget” studio monitors as models under $500, with most in the $300 range. Monitors in this price range are usually powered, so you don’t need an external power amp, and often come in pairs.
Best budget studio monitors overall: Yamaha HS8
The HS series was the natural evolution from Yamaha’s popular NS series of studio monitors. Bi-amp drivers, ports in the enclosures, very little frequency coloration, and accurate stereo imaging are just a few of the biggest upgrades.
With a frequency response that spans 38Hz to 30kHz they’re not as open on the low end as some other options. Active power amps are matched to the woofer and tweeter, and the monitor enclosure design is tailored to minimize unwanted cabinet resonances – or remove them altogether.
Keep in mind, a monitor’s efficacy works hand-in-hand with room treatment, proper physical monitoring configuration, and dimensions of the space you’re working in.
Luckily, the Room Control and high trim offer some ways to offset the drawbacks of a less than ideal acoustic environment.
Best powered budget studio monitors: JBL 308P MkII 8”
JBL’s 308P are made for project and home studios. It runs on two drivers, an 8” low frequency transducer that nails the bass and midrange, and a 1” that takes care of the highs. Together you can use these monitors for every stage of the production process and get desirable results.
The 112 watts of Class-D amplification is efficient, and a double-flared port is designed to work in tandem with the woofer for the best low end at any playback level. Trim over the high and low frequencies let users set the extreme ranges of the spectrum to whatever is best for your recording space.
Thanks to the XLR and balanced ¼” inputs they integrate with all types of devices. Some people prefer monitors with some midrange hype, but these provide a neutral sound.
This model isn’t sold as a pair. But at just over $500 for two of them they offer a level of value that’s not necessarily so easy to find in budget studio monitors.
Best designed budget studio monitors: PreSonus Eris Pro 8 2nd Gen
With a single-point source coaxial construction the Eris Pro 8 2nd Gen’s provide an articulate and accurate sound reproduction. The “sweet spot” is broad, and the component quality offers some of the best phase correlation in monitors in this price range.
The stereo imaging is exact, the transients have solid detail, and the dispersion patterns are symmetrical. This makes them a great choice for Dolby Atmos setups or standard music production rigs. Considering these build qualities, they help reduce ear fatigue. But always watch those levels!
There is some lift in the bass frequencies, which starts at 35Hz. So if you do a lot of low end work, especially in electronic styles with sub-bass tracks like 808s that extend farther down it’s worth considering alternate options.
But the flipside are the sophisticated onboard acoustic tuning controls. Four bands cover the lows, mids, and high end with an Acoustic Space that helps to compensate for room dimensions or treatment deficiencies.
Best two-way active budget studio monitors: ADAM Audio T7V
There is a lot to love about how the T7Vs are designed. A 7” woofer and rear-firing reflex port translate the midrange accurately and smoothly, which affects the midrange the most.
U-ART tweeters have a diaphragm made of material used in spacecraft technology. This means the high end goes all the way up to 25kHz with reduced color and distortion, with lows that reach down to 39Hz. The woofer has balanced mids that work equally well for mixing and mastering.
It’s a little lacking in the bass, as many other models go down to the 20Hz range. But ADAM Audio planned for that by including low frequency and high frequency trim controls that go up or down 2dB.
Best budget desktop studio monitors: IK Multimedia iLoud Micro
Studio monitors with driver diameters of only 3” aren’t the first kind that comes to mind. But there are a lot of reasons to have them at your disposal.
They’re great for checking mixes on smaller speakers, since a lot of listeners these days play audio on mobile devices. Small speakers are convenient to move around, or maybe you just want something a little better than bargain bin computer speakers for streaming media or gaming.
The iLoud Micros offer a linear frequency response without any coloration. You can EQ them other ways if you like, but they’re designed to be transparent out of the box. Just because they’re small, don’t think they can’t reproduce at the low end. Ideally they reproduce frequencies down to 55Hz.
Bi-amped speakers offer 50W of combined RMS power. This means there’s plenty of headroom, and cohesive stereo imaging. The ¾” silk-dome tweeter and 3” custom-composite woofer run on class-D power amps and offer a controlled low end, open midrange, and smooth high end.
There are a number of ways to connect including RCA, ⅛” TRS, and even Bluetooth. If you’re looking to add a small format pair of monitors to your setup, or a second pair to integrate with your monitor controller, these offer a lot of value.
What to look for in budget studio monitors
Consider your room setup first
Even the best studio monitors can only perform as well as the room they’re in. Small, untreated rooms create standing waves, low end buildup, and reflections that negatively affect what you hear.
Consider the dimensions of your workspace and whether you’ll be able to position the monitors correctly with some distance from walls. Investing in basic acoustic treatment or monitor isolation pads can dramatically improve accuracy.
Choose the right driver size
Monitor driver size has a significant impact on performance. Compact 3″-” and 4″-inch” monitors are well suited for small desks and tight workspaces, while 5″ models often provide the best balance between low-frequency extension and room compatibility for home studios.
Larger 6″ or 8″ drivers can deliver deeper bass but typically require more space and proper acoustic treatment to prevent unwanted room reflections.
Choosing the right driver size for your environment produces better results than just buying the biggest speakers within your budget.
Active vs. passive
Most modern budget studio monitors are active, meaning each speaker contains its own built-in amplifier. Active monitors eliminate the need for an external power amplifier, simplify setup, and are designed so the amplifier and speaker components work together efficiently.
Passive monitors are less common for home studios and require additional equipment, which increases total cost. For most beginners and project studios, active monitors offer the best combination of convenience, performance, and value.
FAQ
Are budget studio monitors good enough for professional work?
A lot of budget studio monitors offer great clarity and balance for home studios, content creators, even professional work.
They might lack some of the amplification power or bass response of high-end monitors. But they’re more than capable of producing great results when used with proper studio techniques in a well-treated room.
How should I place studio monitors in my room?
Position them in an equilateral triangle relative to your listening position. Ideally at ear level and away from walls – especially corners. Use isolation pads or monitor stands to minimize unwanted resonances like low frequency coupling. Consider acoustic treatment to reduce reflections.
Are there any downsides to budget monitors?
Budget monitors can have slightly less detail. Cheaper components can affect stereo imaging and clarity. But there are plenty of model options that punch far above their price point.
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]]>Though gear like wah pedals and the Dunlop Rotovibe are technically a type of expression pedal, here we focus on dedicated models. Some are familiar, some push the boundaries of the concept altogether.
These are some of our favorites!
Best expression pedal overall: Fender Tread-Light
This combination expression and volume pedal is a versatile piece gear to have in your signal chain. Fender’s original all-analog circuit provides clean operation, and it has a very responsive travel.
An under-treadle LED displays when the pedal is active, and it’s bright enough to see on even the darkest stage. And top mounted I/O jacks make it convenient to fit into a crowded pedalboard.
As far as I/O, the volume pedal side has mono input and output, and there’s a single expression pedal output. The anodized aluminum enclosure is lightweight, but it’s rugged enough to handle even the most demanding performance schedule.
Aesthetically it’s got a classy look, with a wooden accent pad on the treadle.
Best passive expression pedal: Moog EP-3
Moog’s EP-3 is a simple expression pedal with great utility. It’s designed to work with any effects pedal expression input as well as synthesizers, digital pianos, or anything with an expression input.
An external level adjustment control gives you full range over how it integrates with your other gear. The output works with any TRS cable, and if you purchase it new, a six-foot cable is included. its cam mechanism provides a smooth treadle return and travel range.
It would be nice if it had a LED indicator, but at just $54.99 new it’s a no frills way to provide real-time control over expression-enabled guitar pedals, rack mount effects, and equipment.
Best volume and expression pedal hybrid: KORG XVP-20
Considering KORG is one of the premier names in keyboards and digital pianos, the XVP-20 is marketed as an expression pedal for them. But this stereo volume and expression pedal hybrid is perfect for guitar rigs.
It’s constructed out of a rugged aluminum body chassis with a non-slip rubber top on the treadle. The bottom also has non-slip rubber to help keep it in place. A minimum volume control sets the base level when the pedal is in the toe-up position. Torque is adjustable, a feature that many expression pedals don’t offer.
Stereo inputs and outputs give users different types of signal routing options, perfect for running two different guitar amps or complex effects chains.
The enclosure is on the larger side, but it has to accommodate some additional circuitry to support the stereo functionality. It’s one of the more expensive expression pedals, but considering it’s a hybrid, stereo expression/volume pedal with adjustable gain and treadle torque the value is easy to see – and hear.
Best static expression pedal: Electro-Harmonix Cntl Knob
Expression pedals are most commonly designed as a way to provide additional real-time control, but static expression pedals work a little differently.
Control Knob from Electro-Harmonix is a very affordable, ergonomic way to control expression. Expression control pots simulate two distinct positions of the travel of traditional expression pedals. The footswitch lets you toggle between them.
The counter-clockwise position relates to the heel position, and clockwise the toe position. LEDs below the control pots indicate which is active and it runs on the standard 9 volts, so you can connect it with your pedalboard power supply or an individual power cable.
A TRS+/- button allows for polarity matching depending on what type of gear it’s connected to. It would be nice to have two footswitches though. This would allow for faster switching between settings and would open up some unique sound options with both expression controls engaged.
But it’s compact, well-made, and a terrific option if you want an expression pedal with a unique static design.
Most unique expression pedal: Old Blood Noise Endeavors Expression Ramper X3
Now this is one of the coolest creative guitar pedals you’ll come across anytime soon! Expression Ramper X3 places three synchronized ramping effects onto your pedalboard. Three mono effects loops provide tone shaping through switchable square, triangle, or random waveforms.
There are also three random shape settings in smooth, sharp, and one-shot. Timing and motion rate is determined by the A, B, and Rate settings.
Rates are set independently for each loop. This lets you dial in trippy washes of ambience, chop and stutter for the connected effect(s), or rhythms that are sequenced. Tap tempo helps it play nice with time-based effects like delays, reverbs, and modulation like flangers and chorus pedals.
Ramper X3 can do a lot of unique things. It’s a great augment to your guitar pedal chain that lets you pull out sounds that aren’t possible otherwise. Considering what it does, it takes some real experimentation to get the hang of it and discover how it works with your other gear.
But one thing is certain though, this is one of the most unique ways to control expression.
What to look for in an expression pedal
Passive vs. active design
Passive expression pedals rely on a potentiometer to vary resistance as you move the treadle. This makes them simple, reliable, and free from external power requirements.
Active expression pedals use powered electronics to process the control signal. They’re less common for guitar rigs, but active designs offer good flexibility and compatibility with keyboards and synths.
Features
Some expression pedals go beyond simple volume control and offer extra functionality. Features like foot and polarity switches, adjustable treadle torque, dual outputs, or hybrid expression and volume pedal modes.
A toe switch, for example, allows players to activate effects like a traditional wah pedal, while dual outputs can control two devices simultaneously. These extras may not be essential for every guitarist, but they can simplify more complex rigs and expand creative possibilities.
Pedalboard space
Pedalboard space is valuable, so consider the physical footprint of an expression pedal. Full-size versions provide greater precision and comfort but take up more space, and compact expression pedals offer similar functionality in a smaller enclosure that’s ideal for larger signal chains.
FAQ
What is an expression pedal, and why should I use one?
It’s a device, usually foot controlled, that allows you to manipulate a specific parameter of your effects pedal or amp in real time. They’re similar to how wah and volume pedals work, but expression pedals are more versatile.
Depending on the pedal it’s connected to you can use it to control settings like delay time, reverb depth, modulation speed, pitch shifting, and gain among others. It’s an essential tool for players who want to open up more sound options from their effects or have hands-free control.
What makes a good expression pedal?
The best expression pedals are responsive and built to last. Look for one with a sturdy housing enclosure, good range in the sweep, and a reliable potentiometer.
Adjustable treadle tension and polarity switches are also useful if you want to use the pedal with a variety of effects too. Not all pedals share the same polarity or taper response.
Can I use an expression pedal as a volume pedal?
Some expression pedals can double as a volume pedal, like the KORG XVP-20. But not all are designed for that purpose. A true volume pedal typically has an audio signal running directly through it, where most expression pedals send only control voltage to another pedal.
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