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.
How to Use a Reference Track Effectively: Here’s how to compare your mix strategically and improve loudness, balance, and energy much faster.
Sampler meets drum synthesis: Elektron Digitakt II, cre8audio West Pest and Behringer Edge make a Perfect Match for custom beats without a drum machine.
u-he Repro, GForce OB-X, and Synchro Arts VocAlign Pro on sale: vintage synth emulations and pro vocal tools at a serious deal price.
Beatport Track ID is a new free feature in the Beatport app that identifies tracks in real time, even in live mixes, edits, and mashups.
The IK Multimedia Brown Sound Bundle bundles all three TONEX collections with 206 Tone Models at a special price. Available at Thomann until May 31, 2026 only.
Pink Parrot Studio QuadTrack is a 4-track Amiga groovebox for Mac, PC and real Amiga hardware, from Cenk Sayinli, formerly of Elektron.
FREEWARE
Goodhertz LA-210 is a free plugin with an opto compressor, soft clip saturation, and cassette tape model for Mac and Windows. Currently in beta.
Thomann Live Days bring workshops, an expo, and live performances together. Test gear on site, talk to pros, and get hands-on - free entry included.
SUPERBOOTH
Elektron Outbox 8 is an 8-output interface for all Overbridge-compatible devices, spotted at Superbooth 2026. Price expected between €249 and €299.
Mobile beatmaking in 2026: AKAI MPC Sample, KORG handytraxx play, and the right headphones make a perfect portable setup for producers on the go.
SUPERBOOTH
Roland Project LYDIA Phase 2 uses neural sampling to transfer any sound onto other signals in real time. Prototype on show at Superbooth 2026.
SUPERBOOTH
Teenage Engineering's EP-136 K.O. Sidekick combines a two-channel mixer, audio interface, and effects processor in one compact, battery-powered package.
SUPERBOOTH
The Make Noise Plexiphon is a stereo space effect for Eurorack that morphs between reverb and echo, developed by Tom Erbe. Preorder now for €479.
Universal Audio Apollo and Volt audio interfaces are discounted through the end of May. Volt models also include additional native plugins at no extra cost.
SUPERBOOTH
Elastic OSC brings 24 oscillator models, dual XY pads, four LFOs, and MPE support to Mac and PC as a plugin and standalone for €39.
Fors FMS turns the Game Boy Advance into a 2-op FM groovebox with a sequencer, sync options, and Elektron-style features for $10 on itch.io.
SUPERBOOTH
The dadamachines TBD-16 packs a full groovebox, sequencer, and open DSP platform into a pocket-sized device. Preorders are live at €499.
SSL, Universal Audio, and Spitfire Audio are on sale this week with deals on multiband compression, classic reverb, and orchestral libraries.
Komplete 26 is NI's biggest bundle yet, with 340+ products, Absynth 6, new pianos, drums, and mixing plugins from iZotope and Brainworx.
Available now!
The Ableton Push 3 update significantly benefits from Live 12.4: Link Audio, an expanded MIDI mapping system, and improved M4L integration.
Available now!
Ableton Move users can now work with audio files more easily right on their devices. The new version 2.0 can do even more, and it’s available now!
Available now!
Ableton Live 12.4 is being released today, May 5, with new features, improved devices, and numerous bug fixes.
Cyberweek is already kicking off this spring! The Plugin Alliance Mega Deal offers a wide range of the company’s plugins at significantly reduced prices.
Thomann and Shure are giving away a live slot at the Montreux Jazz Festival 2026, including travel, gear, and a €3,000 fee. Apply by May 17!