Marcus works in the software, recording and synthesizer worlds. In addition to writing for GEARNEWS (editor-in-chief of GEARNEWS.com & GEARNEWS.de), bonedo and DJ Mag, he is a music producer, mix & mastering engineer, sound designer, live performer, DJ and lecturer (including SAE). Based in Mainz, Germany, the music producer brings decades of experience and a diverse musical background to his various music projects. He has had countless releases on various prestigious labels and produces music for film, radio and advertising companies in genres such as pop, dance, techno, house, downbeat and more. Marcus has toured as a solo artist and under various pseudonyms such as Broombeck and Guardner. He has over 30 years of professional studio experience, plays numerous instruments and has made a name for himself in the field of electronic music with hits such as "Alone" by 2pole, which spent several months at number one on the Beatport Top 100 chart, as well as gold records. His technical skills and deep understanding of musicality are unmistakable in his productions, and although he already has an impressive career and some early successes behind him, the story of Marcus Schmahl is far from over.
We all love the 1990s Seattle heroes: Cobain, Cornell, and company. But what defines the sound of grunge guitar?
Available now!
ROTO-CONTROL Firmware 2.0: Motorized controllers, live parameters, touch feedback, and more features for Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio.
Until 21 July 2025, you can save on DAW software with the Bitwig Studio Summer Sale Special!
KORG, GForce, and Pitch Innovations are offering special prices on software that is a must-have for sound designers and synth fans. For a short time only!
The O Turntable delivers analog warmth with modern precision. A bold move by Orange Amplifiers for true vinyl lovers.
In 2026, Apple will launch a cheaper MacBook with an A18 Pro - the first iPhone chip in a Mac. Benchmarks indicate M1 performance.
The Toyphonic Micraliser from Caelum Audio is a plug-in for those who want to sound truly awful—and have a system to match. It's available as freeware!
Slash's gear: a top hat, sunglasses, and a Les Paul. That's it? Let's take a look at the equipment used by some of the best guitarists of all time.
The Behringer BM-15M-MURF-BOX is a faithful replica of Moog's classic MuRF with MIDI and USB capabilities. And a nice price tag!
It's actually not difficult to integrate external synthesizers into Ableton Live. This allows you to use synths and effects as "plugins" in the DAW.
In our Elektron Digitakt II review, we check out what's new, what's great and what isn't great yet with the stereo sampler. And there's a new update available!
Old technology meets new design with the nothing Headphone 1, which draw on Walkman vibes and cassette aesthetics. And they do so with high-end technology!
Receive big discounts from IK Multimedia, SSL, and Martinic. Get cool plugins at greatly reduced prices. Offer available for a limited time only!
The Roland Mood Pan is a unique instrument that combines meditative sounds and intuitive operation, making it ideal for creative sound journeys.
FREEWARE
The new version of Cakewalk Sonar comes with ProChannel and ARA support, as well as unlimited tracks and a free license - no subscription required! Wow!
Authentic 1980s sound meets modern technology: The Behringer LM Drum is more than just a LinnDrum alternative. Available again & my review!
The TX-6 from Teenage Engineering is a super-compact, 12-channel mixer and audio interface. It now has a major update for the mini mixer and TP-7 recorder!
AUDIO
Avid Pro Tools 2025.6 integrates Splice directly into the system, making it perfect for sample-based production. But there's more!
Receive big discounts on products from Synchro Arts, LANDR, and Sonnox. Top plugins and bundles are heavily discounted. For a limited time only!
AI singing with emotion, expression and modulation: how real does the virtual singer sound? We put the Dreamtonics Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro to the test!
The epa-1 is no joke. Teenage Engineering has delivered a serious e-moped with an impressive price tag and plenty of design flair.
In mid-June, the 2025 Sónar Festival brought together superstars, avant-garde artists, and tech visionaries in Barcelona. The festival attracted 161,000 visitors!
Thomann Synthesizers has a new name: Voltage Labs. They're bringing a breath of fresh air to the synthesizer scene and connecting creative minds beyond content.
Big discounts on products from Bitwig, Sonarworks, and SSL x Harrison: top plugins and bundles at greatly reduced prices. For a limited time only!