Marcus feels at home in software, recording gear, and synthesizers. Beyond his work as an author, he's a music producer, mix and mastering engineer, sound designer, live performer, DJ, and lecturer (including at SAE). At GEARNEWS.de & GEARNEWS.com he's Editor-in-Chief, and he has also written for bonedo, DJ Mag and other magazines. Based in Mainz, Germany, he's worked across strikingly different projects over the decades: touring as Broombeck and Guardner (including a live show at Berghain), as one half of 2pole with the Beatport number one hit "Alone feat. Ursula Rucker", and under his own name as Marcus Schmahl. He's released on a wide range of respected labels, produced music for film, broadcast and advertising across genres from pop to techno to ambient, and holds two gold records. His technical background as a graduate electrical engineer shows in his productions just as much as his musical instinct. And even though his catalog already runs to more than 2,000 releases, the story of Marcus Schmahl is far from over.
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Studio highlights from NAMM Show 2025: This gear is worth a look, and some of it's even available now.
Not much bigger than a matchbox, the FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano DAC and headphone amplifier looks like a miniature Walkman.
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Taylor Swift's bassist Amos Heller is a fan of the new Darkglass Kaamos effects pedal and was also involved in its development.
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Gallien Krueger RB Legacy 1001RB and 2001RB will be introduced in time for NAMM 2025. Powerful bass amp heads and plenty of power.
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The PM-202 and PM-202FX battle mixers from Omnitronic offer the most important features (including Bluetooth!) at an attractive price.
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The Phase Pro combines enhanced precision and flexibility with a touchscreen, 15-hour battery life and MIDI integration for vinyl DJs.
The GR-1 firmware update 3.0 from Tasty Chips Electronics adds new MIDI features, workflow enhancements, and storable multi-timbral presets.
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Dunlop presents three models of their effects pedal series: Mick Ronson Cry Baby, Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah and Sepultura 40th Anniversary Cry Baby.
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Fender introduces the limited-edition Player II Series, adding SPKL3TS to the name - glossy sunburst finishes and classic designs for that signature sound.
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With three specialized variants and comprehensive immersive audio support, FLUX's MiRA sets new standards in audio analysis.
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Hercules introduces the first wireless DJ controller for streaming and app-based DJs, the DJControl Mix Ultra.
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At NAMM 2025, Fender expands its American Vintage II line with new colors and a stylish LTD 1951 Telecaster.
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This limited-edition reissue of the legendary Small Stone from Electro-Harmonix features original components and a stylish gold-colored housing.
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Back to basics. Marshall kicks off the new year with true amp classics. Marshall 1959 Modified and JCM800 Modified!
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The 2 new Apogee Podcast Kits offers professional recording quality in a compact package of four microphones and accessories - ideal for beginners and professionals.
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The Martin Billy Strings Signature models are inspired by Billy's treasured D-28 from 1940, giving a modern twist to the classic pre-war design.
The Martin Billy Strings Signature Models in ...
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The classic from the 1960s, the Shure Level-Loc, is making a comeback as a modern plugin and hardware solution. Black Lion & Korneff Audio make it possible!
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Connect 4/12 is a must-have for all Bitwig DAW users, offering perfect integration with Bitwig Studio and high quality audio.
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The new Taylor Gold Label 814e Collection offers beautiful guitars with traditional elements, new ideas and a beautiful look.
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Plugin Alliance SPL Machine Head provides legendary tape machine sound and creative control over frequencies and dynamics in a plugin.
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The Cordoba Fusion 12 Exotic Top guitar is the perfect choice for those who want to combine traditional sound with modern design.
Hercules DJ's Control Inpulse 300 MK2 and Starlight DJ controllers are currently on sale.
As always, the manufacturer is going the extra mile to give us a huge range of new ESP LTD signature models in collaboration with big names in time for Namm 2025.
Over 202 million songs on the Spotify streaming service - but 87% of them have not even reached 1,000 streams. What does that mean for the music industry?