Eric Allen

Transformers have always been the name of the game with Rupert Neve's creations, and when the masterful tinkerer started Rupert Neve Designs, there were no plans to change this line of thinking. RND has continued to add even more transformers to its gear, and with its latest creation, the Master Bus Transformer, the brand has built one of its best coloring tools yet. Continue reading →

Universal Audio has been busy building its UAFX lineup with choice amp simulations and thoughtful combinations of classic effects. The brand's initial nine releases have used the same two-footswitch enclosure,  but now they are back with four new pedals that break that mold.  Meet the Orion Tape Echo, Heavenly Plate Reverb, 1176 Studio Compressor, and Evermore Studio Reverb. This expansion...

There's been a lot going on in the pro audio world, but one thing that can't go overlooked is the sheer amount of incredible software that has been released this year. From meticulously emulated analog classics to mind-bending immersive instruments, our favorite brands have come correct with loads of new tools for us to use. So how do we celebrate all of these releases? It's become somewhat of a tradition around these parts to round up the best new software halfway through the year. Check out some blasts from the past here (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022), and continue on below to learn more about the hottest plug-ins of 2023 (so far). Continue reading →

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Texas-based Shadow Hills Industries is known for the all-black aesthetic and rugged military-style construction of outboard favorites like the Mastering Compressor, Dual Vandergraph, Equinox, and Mono GAMA. After establishing itself as one of Vintage King's best-selling preamps, Shadow Hills is refreshing the Mono GAMA with a new VK-exclusive edition dubbed Mono GAMA Copper. Continue reading →

Please read below to see the official rules for the Shure SM7B Custom VK Edition giveaway. If you'd like to enter, visit our contest blog by clicking here. NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. THIS CONTEST HAS NO AFFILIATION WITH FACEBOOK AND IS IN NO WAY SPONSORED, ENDORSED OR...

With the popularity of podcasting, the Shure SM7 (currently available as the SM7B) has become one of the world's most recognizable microphones. But, as most audio engineers know, the SM7 has been around way longer than the general public might realize. The dynamic microphone is actually celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023. Continue reading →

The ELA M 251 is an iconic microphone that has left an indelible mark on the recording world. Renowned for its excellence as a vocal mic, the timeless collaboration between Telefunken and AKG has sparked the imaginations of countless other manufacturers, leading them to embark on their own journey to replicate its greatness. Continue reading →

Imagine it. You are standing around your kitchen with your closest tone confidants. You're in so deep that you don't know what's up and what's down. You lean back on the sink and say in exasperation, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." Any proper pedal head or effect freak knows THAT feeling. The search to find the perfect pedal for your board remains endless because brands like Strymon, Universal Audio, and Boss continue to create new innovative takes on delays, reverbs, and overdrives. We want to seek out the best, and the best keep on coming. In this blog, we'll break down the hottest pedals and effects of 2023 (so far). Let's hit it! Continue reading →

Universal Audio's entry into the world of microphones has been a huge success, thanks to releases like the SD-1, SP-1, Sphere DLX, and Sphere LX. Around the same time as the launch of these mics, the storied brand also announced several large-diaphragm condensers via its UA Bock line. Continue reading →