Break through creative block! Tips and gear to get you composing again

Running out of ideas? In a creative cul-de-sac? Here are some valuable pointers and ideas for gear that will get you composing again.

First Look Review: Akai MPC Studio and MPC Desktop production system

Almost 10 years ago, Akai presented the MPC Studio, a very compact USB and MIDI controller with accompanying software. At the time, this MPC generated positive feedback but also some critical voices. The famed ...

Best Hardware Sequencers: How to go dawless with gear from Korg, Arturia, Erica and co.

So, you're thinking of going Dawless and are considering a hardware sequencer. What are the options and what could they bring to the sequencing table?

Guitar Amp Tubes Demystified: All about amplifier valves!

Know your EL34 from your KT88? Here's our condensed primer on guitar amp tubes, from preamp and power amp valves through to rectifier tubes.

Amplifier Speakers Demystified: All About Amp Speakers!

British or American? Alnico or Neodymium? Series or parallel? This introduction will help you find your way to the right speaker for your guitar tone.

First look review: Pancz multi-band transient shaper plug-in by Oversampled

Pancz ticks the right boxes by doing exactly what a transient shaper ought to, then going ways beyond it. Bow to the punch!

5 key ways to make publishing your music on Tunecore a success

Thought about or currently using Tunecore to publish and distribute your music? These 5 key aspects will help you get the most out of Tunecore.

Why sampling is still relevant in modern music production

Love it or hate it, sampling has always been a part of music. Today, we take a look into what makes this concept popular, and some ways you can use it.

How to budget and get a great Logic Pro setup for under £1000

You can have an all singing and dancing Logic Pro setup for under £1000. In this article, Jef shows you where you need to spend your money to get it.

Best Guitars for under €500: Our Top 10 Budget Electric Guitars!

The best guitars for under €500! It's a great time to grab a new electric guitar for some sweet summer jams - these 10 guitars should be on your radar.

First Look Review: Crazy Tube Circuits TI:ME, a retro digital delay pedal

Crazy Tube Circuits' TI:ME is billed as a retro-flavoured, warm-sounding delay pedal - does it hold up to the hype? We take it through its paces.

Audio rooms for musicians: New tools to grow your audience?

Audio rooms on Facebook, Twitter, Spotify and Deezer let you engage with your fans and even generate income - let's see how audio rooms can help you.

First Look Review: Harley Benton Dullahan FT-24 and AT-24

Harley Benton's Dullahan headless guitar found its way to the Gearnews office - here's what (not) to expect from your first headless guitar.

Case Candy: Waste of money or added value?

Case Candy: Do you love it or hate it? And does it add value to your purchase? Does Case Candy make you feel special? Here's our take - what's yours?

First Look Review: Minimal Audio’s Rift pushes the creative distortion envelope

Rift splits waveforms in two, destroying each half in more ways than you could possibly imagine. Our verdict: No distortion plug-in comes close.

The Gretsch 6128: How I ended up with one, and why you should get one too

Read one guitar-buyer's journey that began with the overpriced '79 Les Paul Silverburst and ended with a delightfully playable used Gretsch 6128.