Blacked Out:17 leading effects pedal brands partner to release 19 pedals!

Boutique pedal companies around the world have released a series of blacked out limited edition models, following on from the huge social media campaign earlier this week. This is so cool.

Carvin MACH100 squeezes a 100-Watt stereo amp into a pocket-sized pedal

The new Carvin MACH100 crams a 100-Watt stereo amp into a pocket-sized pedal. Is this the perfect backup for gigging guitarists nervous that their old tube amp might pack up during a live show?

ADDAC System 105 4-Voice Cluster of square waves

The next in their series of T-Networks inspired modules is the ADDAC 105. It has a square wave oscillator with 4 voices, FM, slew decay and a multimode filter.

TipTop Audio dazzles with 3 compact DSP effect modules

TipTop Audio has released the ZVERB, ECHOZ and Z5000 DSP effect modules in a compact 8HP form. They share the same front panel layout but each has its own bag of tricks running on the internal DSP.

Rainy Day Electronics Cirrus FM Touch Synth is very cool and far too exclusive

Otem Rellik has been selling his boutique synths under the lovely name of Rain Day Electronics. His latest invention is the Cirrus FM Touch Synth but he only made 4 and they've all gone already.

JHS makes good things better with Color Box Version 2 preamp pedal

The JHS Color Box Version 2 preamp pedal looks like it could be a great solution for studio work. Neve 1073-based and sporting a new EQ section, this version could prove an enticing proposition.

Behringer Wasp Deluxe synthesizer leaks all over Sweetwater

Sweetwater appears to have decided that the Behringer tease of a potential Wasp synthesizer was the trigger to release all the details, specs and images and to start taking preorders for $298.

#BLACKEDXOUT is all over Instagram, but what does it mean?

Have you been on Instagram today? Then you may have seen the huge #BLACKEDXOUT campaign involving lots of boutique guitar companies. But what does it all mean?

Acustica Audio Gold 3: The British console channel strip gets an update

Acustica Audio has released Gold 3. The British console channel strip plug-in has been expanded with two new EQs and now runs on the new Core 14 engine. As always, the introductory offer is on fire!

Behringer adds MONOPOLY to its growing collection of synthesizer trademarks

Behringer has been out shopping for trademarks and has added MONOPOLY to a list that includes Polykobol, Polivoks, Quadra, Prodigy and Logan amongst others. And did someone see a wasp?

Help get the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation to NAMM

The recently formed Alan R. Pearlman Foundation has been invited to present the ARP legacy and charitable projects at NAMM 2020 - they need your help getting there via an Indiegogo campaign.

ESP presents a slew of stunning new LTD models ahead of Winter NAMM 2020

ESP has just previewed the first wave of new LTD models lineup for next year. Billed as Phase 1, these stunning new guitars should all be at Winter NAMM 2020.

Joyo Preamp House: A compact, affordable modelling pedal with 9 preamp flavours

The new Joyo Preamp House pedal manages to cram in nine amp models including classics from Fender, Vox and Marshall, plus more modern models like ENGL, Mesa and Friedman too.

Fender Japan brings back the Swinger for a limited run

Fender reissues an oddball 60s classic, the Swinger, for the Japanese market. If you're into retro guitars, you're gonna love this one! But it might prove hard to buy outside Japan...

Instruo Arbhar and Lubadh now available for preorder

The remarkably named Arbhar and Lubadh from Instruo are now available for preorder offering some really interesting pathways into modular-based sampling and granular manipulation.

Dean USA Kerry King V Limited Edition: Slaying your wallet!

The new Dean USA Kerry King V Limited Edition boasts EMG and Sustainiac pickups and a Kahler KFK bridge. With only 50 guitars being made, you'd better be quick. And rich.

Wampler Terraform Multi-Modulation pedal: A Strymon Mobius killer?

Wampler has just announced a brand new, all-digital Multi-Modulation pedal called Terraform. Until now, the Strymon Mobius has been king of the modulation pedals - can Terraform take the crown?

WING: it’s a Personal Mixing Console

It's a mixer! A good looking mixer, too, deliciously thin, jauntily angled, glowing like a space ship and packed with features and interconnectivity. This is WING.

What happens when you bury your guitar in the desert?

What happened when YouTuber Guitar MAX buried his Les Paul in the desert? What do you mean, who cares? Oh come on, admit it, you're just a little bit curious. We certainly were.

New Harley Benton Fusion-T range: How much ’boutique’ can you expect for under €400?

Quite a lot, it turns out! With a Tele-inspired body shape, the Fusion-T range includes a tasty HH Roasted FNT model, with boutique-ish styling and high-quality hardware at a frankly awesome price.

Future Retro your Minilogue with the Love Hultén Carrier 37

Love Hultén's latest creation is not an original instrument but rather a mod for the Korg Minilogue called Carrier 27 that transforms it into a piece of 1970s Sci-Fi.

Masterlab Audio DynaQ simplifies dynamic EQing with its smart design

What makes DynaQ special is that it offers independent processing of the two frequency ranges, simultaneously. So you can equalize the loud and quiet parts of your track independently. Neat.

Fender Silent Siren Jazz Bass and Telecaster: Female J-pop band gets new signature models

Fender Japan tweets about two fetching new Silent Siren signature models, the first announced since the company said it was aiming to increase its marketing exposure with female artists.

Behringer WING to be released early as the industry rolls their eyes

WING has been delayed, no, scratch that, they are going to release it early in the sort of emotional rollercoaster only Behringer can manufacturer. Counselling will be available.