Black Lion Audio: PG-1 MKII Power Conditioner
reviewed by Gus Berry
Since setting up my mix studio in Portland, I’ve been a bit annoyed by the noise floor of my Ocean Way Pro2A monitors [Tape Op #116]. It wasn’t until I saw an ad for Black Lion...
Gear Reviews
Wiring
Cranborne Audio: 500ADAT Expander/500 Series Rack
reviewed by Geoff Stanfield
The Cranborne Audio 500ADAT is an 8-channel converter/expander for your current interface, with a built-in 500 Series rack, summing mixer, and monitor section that includes two separate headphone...
WAGO: Lever Nuts 221 Series Splicing Connectors
reviewed by Garrett Haines
Most studio owners have to do some electrical wiring. Always check local codes to make sure you’re follow safety and legal guidelines. Traditionally, spliced wires are twirled together and bound...
Radial Engineering: Power-1 Surge Suppressor & Conditioner
reviewed by Larry Crane
The Power-1 is the first in a series of power distribution and conditioning/surge suppressor units from Radial Engineering. Why was I excited about swapping this one space “glorified power...
DBX: CT-3 Cable Tester
reviewed by Garrett Haines
Cables are the brakes of our “studio bus” – necessary to get anywhere and ignored until they malfunction. There are numerous ways to troubleshoot: continuity meters, known good...
API: Select T25 Tube Compressor
reviewed by Adam Kagan
API consoles, 500 Series modules, and their underlying technologies have been a staple of professional recording studios for over five decades. In 2021, API unveiled a new sub-brand called API Select,...
Prism Sound: OVER-KILLER Inline Soft Clip Limiter
reviewed by Brian Bender
Simply put, the OVER-KILLER is Prism Sound’s soft clip limiter circuit from their vaunted line of converters, made into a passive, standalone device. It is housed in a Switchcraft XLR barrel,...
El Garatge: Expression Knob
reviewed by Jonathan Saxon
For effects pedals with an expression input, consider using the Expression Knob by El Garatge. It’s well made, saves space, and is easy to use – I love it! This L-shaped device has a...
TechZone Audio: Stellar X3 Microphone
reviewed by Tony Vincent
I love microphones. When used – or abused – in the right situation, I’m a firm believer that nothing will give you an interesting tone or character like a unique microphone. Whether...
Hakko: CHP-170 Micro Cutter
reviewed by Matt Cohen
Twenty years ago a wiring guy loaned me a tool and reminded me to return it when I was finished because it was his “best flush-cutters” – I had no idea what the hell he was talking...
AudioRax: 2 Space Solid Wood Equipment Rack
reviewed by Kerry Rose
As I’m seemingly always reconfiguring my setup – with ergonomics, modularity, and aesthetics being the main driving forces – I was excited to get the opportunity to review...
Bleeding Ear Audio: 500 Series Tie Line Panel
reviewed by Scott McChane
It’s time to open up about those empty spaces in our 500 Series racks – it feels like a sickness inside you, doesn’t it? Every time you see a shadowy gap or blank panel in your rack,...