Waldorf STVC String Synthesizer and Vocoder is available now

Somewhat in the shadow of the release of Kyra, the Waldorf STVC String Synthesizer is here to show us how to do the old string/vocoder thing properly.

Allen & Heath Avantis: 64 channels of 96kHz digital mixing goodness

The Aventis is a 64-channel console with much in the way of standout technology, including dual 15.6-inch 1080p-resolution touchscreens and plenty of expansion options.

The Mark Agnesi interview: No ‘Play Authentic’ but plenty of Epiphone

An interview with Mark Agnesi of Gibson Guitars! Expecting a frank exchange about "Play Authentic"? Don't. But Mr Agnesi does hint at interesting times for Epiphone...

DPW MÖG D-2 4-band distortion for crunching your guitar through your Eurorack

DPW was showing their newly released MÖG D-2 4-band distortion and SH-1 Spectral Enhancer at Synthfest this year where you can plug your guitar into one and shape the harmonics and transients in the other.

JAM Pedals Double Dreamer stacks two drives in one pedal

The new JAM Pedals Double Dreamer combines the 808-TS-style drive Tubedreamer with the modern-sounding OD of its Lucydreamer pedals - and adds useful routing options, too.

Is Fender Custom Shop building a Joe Bonamassa Nocaster signature guitar?

Once upon a time Fender made a guitar with no name, the "Nocaster". Now Joe Bonamassa has loaned his PAF-loaded Nocaster to the Fender Custom Shop. Is there a new signature guitar in the offing?

CITES rules end for rosewood in musical instruments, official end date announced

CITES has issued an exemption for rosewood used in musical instruments, meaning that regulations for travelling with your favourite guitar are finally coming to an end.

looperEYE: An unlimited looper pedal with no buttons or footswitches?

Compact, yellow and ever so slightly oddball. Using an  integrated camera with advanced image tracking the looperEYE is a looper that goes beyond what you thought was possible from a loop station

Audified ToneSpot Electric Pro: A plug-in for better DAW guitar tone

Whether you record at home or work in a recording studio, mic tube gear or use virtual amps, Audified has a new plug-in to help sculpt your guitar tone: ToneSpot Electric Pro.

Gibson’s Mark Agnesi and Marcus King reveal new signature ES-345 guitar

Messrs Mark Agnesi and Marcus King discuss a brand new ES-345 signature model during a backstage interview at the Eric Clapton Crossroads festival. You can also get a sneak preview of the prototype!

Electro Harmonix Nano Operation Overlord: A mini JFET drive pedal for almost any instrument

Based around a JFET circuit and has a three-way input switch, which means that it will work with virtually any instrument and not just the guitar. Will the EHX Nano Operation Overlord drive your tone wild?

iZotope releases Ozone 9 with all-new mixing and mastering goodies

iZotope dropped Ozone 9, introducing the typical improvements and forward-looking technologies found in a major Ozone release. There's a new bass processor, instrument level editing, and plenty more.

ResonHeart: An acoustic sound generator with a mechanical soul

The physical modelling in Xhun Audio's ResonHeart is based purely on the mechanical components of clockwork, air pumps, motors, pneumatic valves and complex resonators. It's a mechanical synthesizer.

Line 6 Spider V 20 MkII – The perfect practice amp?

Is the new Line 6 Spider V 20 MkII the perfect practise amp? Well, for the money it certainly packs in a lot of useful features into this 20-Watt combo.

More fun times are here with the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-300 Keytar

The SHS-300 is a battery-powered Keytar with a built-in speaker, a dozen sounds and Bluetooth for ultra-portability. Paired with the JAM Function app you'll never play a wrong note.

Boss Katana MK II: A new sharper blade for your tone!

Boss Katana MK II launches today with five new amps and variations, for up to ten sounds and a new Stereo Expand feature for the 100 watt models. The blade has been sharpened and is ready for action.

Kirk Hammett ESP LTD Sparkle Ouija limited editions: Purple or Red Sparkle, anyone?

Mr Hammett's KH-2 Ouija sparkle models now come in stunning Purple and Red Sparkle finishes; both models are available now as part of the LTD range and next year from the Japanese Custom Shop.

Hudson Electronics releases Ariel Posen signature Broadcast-AP preamp pedal

A new signature version of the ever popular boutique, UK hand-built Hudson Broadcast preamp pedal. Now with silicon transistors and an ultra smooth OEP transformer.

Behringer issues USD 35 clone of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones, the BH 770

True to form, Behringer introduced a lower-priced take on a piece of studio-standard gear - in this case, the well-regarded Beyerdynamic DT 770 closed-back headphones. But are they any good?

M-Audio AIR series: New USB-C audio interfaces with Crystal preamps

M-Audio has unveiled the AIR series USB audio interfaces. With USB-C connectivity, Crystal preamps, low latency and low prices, the M-Audio AIR series interfaces are sure to make an impact.

Gibson YouTube channel is back – with a Slash!

Rumours were sparked over the weekend when all the content disappeared from Gibson's YouTube channel - now it's back with a new video featuring the company's Global Brand Ambassador, Slash!

Tannoy brings back its Gold monitors for modern music producers

Tannoy is staging something of a comeback for its studio monitor line-up with the introduction of Tannoy Gold, positioned as premium nearfield monitors to occupy the company's top range.

Ampethron Sci-Fi DSP hardware synthesizer is a year from launch

New concept futuristic synthesizer Ampethron is a whole year from its launch date but here are some teaser images and sound examples. Will we be seeing more soon?

Spice up your Elektron Model:Samples with an Oversynth overlay

The Elektron Model:Samples is arguably one of the dullest looking groove boxes ever to emerge from Elektron well now you can spice things up a bit with an overlay from Oversynth - that's better!