New Guitars 2016 GearQuiz

There are people who play guitar. And then there are full-blooded guitarists who know their 2016 releases like the backs of their hands. Which are you?

Joué modular pressure sensitive MIDI controller

Joué is a customisable MIDI controller with modules for pads, knobs, XY controls, fretboards and weird knobbly nipples for the ultimate in modular tactile control

Ninja Stars: Audio/CV stereo hub from Plankton Electronics

Terribly useful little Ninja Stars shaped splitters for audio or control voltage to send signals all over your modular synth.

New TC Electronics guitar pedal range: High quality at low prices?

A new range of analogue pedals at a very competitive price point: the TC brand is stepping away from its image as premium, digital-centric maker of boutique effects. Who exactly is this new release aimed at?

Tines from Klevgränd – the simplest electric piano yet

Not another electric piano? Oh yes but Tines is simpler, groovier and much cheaper that any of those massive Rhodes emulations.

Apogee gets JAM all over Windows

Apogee actually release an interface for Windows but the JAM 96k's use of ASIO4ALL is going to seriously hamper its performance

Focusrite publish free iOS Control App

Recent Focusrite audio interfaces can now be remotely controlled via a free iOS Control App. These interfaces just keep getting better.

Can Warm Audio land a Christmas number 1 with the WA-412?

Warm Audio have done it again, emulating another piece of classic hardware. Will these 4 'API-style' mic pres be on the top of your Christmas list?

Avid comment on Pro Tools 12.6 licensing screw-up

Many users have found themselves unable to run Pro Tools 12.6 because licenses haven't appeared in iLok accounts. Avid finally tell us what's going on.

MODO BASS: Physically modelled electric bass from IK Multimedia

8 years in the making, IK Multimedia have modelled every aspect of 12 iconic electric basses including how they are played. Will it make your bass-lines sounds any better?

Friedman Amplification Sir-Compre Pedal: A new squeeze in town

This sweet-sounding optical compressor can lay on the gain when needed. Not surprising when you consider who designed it...

Cort Action DLX AS OPN Bass Guitar: Stripped back to basics

Stripped back, but not where it counts. Can this budget bass punch above its weight?

Deluge: portable sequencer, sampler, synthesizer gets bigger

Synthstrom Audible double the number of pads and invite everyone to the launch party of their Deluge portable sampler, synthesizer, sequencer box

Sandman Pro – a dreamy delay from Unfiltered Audio

Unfiltered Audio have upgraded their delay plug-in with an arsenal of modulation, delay modes and that pink/black interface - enter the Sandman Pro

Google leak! IK Multimedia MODOBASS?

A google search has revealed the name of IK's secret new product - MODOBASS

Add some vowel sounds with The Orb formant filter plug-in

The Orb gets mouthy with its easy to use three band formant filter, but is it all mouth and no trousers?

DSM03 Feedback Eurorack Module from Dave Smith Instruments

The DSM03 Feedback Module is a new release from Dave Smith Instruments, offering sound shaping components as seen in the Pro 2 and Prophet 12 synthesizers.

Cakewalk give away their CA-2A, for FREE!

The LA-2A is one of the most emulated compressors ever. Cakewalk's CA-2A is one of the best emulations, and now you can get it free for a limited time!

DESTRUCTOR! Blue Cat’s suitably named distortion effect plug-in

Blue Cat Audio promise their new distortion plug-in Destructor will go to 11, and everywhere in-between. And it features guitar amp simulation, too.

Acustica release SSL-modelled plugin bundle: SAND FAB4

Acustica has again applied its sample-based CORE9 processing to emulate a classic British mixing console EQ, dynamics and control features.

Keeley’s Loomer: My Bloody Valentine’s ‘Loveless’ in a pedal?

Keeley's new Loomer pedal tries very hard to sound like My Bloody Valentine's 'Loveless' album, but somehow it's not quite there...

Frank Zappa’s Utility Muffin Research Kitchen is up for auction

Lady Gaga, who has acquired Zappa's estate, is selling the contents of the house including his legendary home studio. Go grab a piece of history.

Radial Tonebone Classic V9: What, no tube?

The classic tube based overdrive pedal gets a makeover and yet loses a certain something integral to its original tone...

Steinberg Dorico notation software ships next week

Steinberg's new flagship notation software is almost ready to go. With attractive crossgrade pricing Dorico is looking to take the score writing market.