Behringer has released the UB-1 Micro, claiming it to be the world's smallest fully-featured analog synthesizer, priced at just over $50. It features two DCOs, multiple waveforms, a sub-oscillator, noise generator, filters, envelopes, and LFOs, with a touch-sensitive keyboard, OLED display, and MIDI connectivity, making it a portable and affordable option for synth enthusiasts.
Arturia has unveiled AstroLab, a stage keyboard featuring over 1300 sounds from its Analog Lab software, a 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with channel aftertouch, a circular display interface with macro controls for sounds and effects, arpeggiator, chord and scale modes, a 32-bar looper, vocoder engine, and multitimbral patches. It comes with AstroLab Connect mobile app, Analog Lab Pro software, and offers customization options for sound library and macros. Priced at $1699, it offers WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, MIDI, and various audio connectivity options.
The UwU Virtual Pet Buffer is a unique guitar pedal that combines a buffer pedal with a Tamagotchi-style virtual pet and mini-games, encouraging players to practice and play to help the virtual pet evolve over 30 levels. The pedal, designed by Ground Control Audio, aims to add a whimsical element to pedalboards while also serving its primary function as a high-quality buffer with 18v headroom and no tone coloration. Priced at $139, it is available for preorder and is set to start shipping in March.
Casio's Dimension Tripper is a wireless expression controller that allows guitarists to control their guitar pedals using their guitar strap. The system consists of a transmitter that attaches to the guitar strap and a receiver that connects to the pedalboard, providing visual feedback as the guitarist stretches the sensor. While the concept may seem gimmicky, it offers a fun and natural way to manipulate effects, although its practicality is questionable. Currently available through a crowdfunding campaign, it remains uncertain whether the product will become a retail offering.
Positive Grid unveiled the Spark Live, a 150-watt portable PA system with four channels of audio inputs, designed for band practices or small gigs, featuring 33 amp models, 43 built-in effects, and a sensor for dynamic EQ adjustments. They also announced the Spark Control X, a Bluetooth foot controller, and the Spark Link wireless guitar system, both available for pre-order along with the Spark Live.
Gibson has relaunched its guitar amps line with the Falcon 5 and Falcon 20, compact tube amp combos designed with input from Randall Smith and his Mesa/Boogie R&D team. These amps, inspired by a classic ‘60s design, feature power scaling, tube-driven spring reverb, and footswitchable tremolo. The Falcon 20 offers Multi-Watt technology with three different wiring options, while the Falcon 5 is a single-ended Class A amplifier. Both amps are portable, equipped with a DI output, and reasonably priced, with the Falcon 5 at $1,499 and the Falcon 20 at $1,799.
Boss has released the IR-2 Amp & Cabinet Pedal, a compact yet feature-packed device that includes amp modelling, direct recording, and a headphone out. Priced competitively at $199 / £179, it offers 11 premium guitar amps and cabinet impulse responses (IRs) provided by Celestion Digital. The pedal also supports third-party IR uploads and features an onboard effects loop. With advanced DSP and high-quality audio processing, Boss continues to deliver innovative solutions for guitarists.
Teenage Engineering has released the EP–133 K.O.II, a $300 groovebox that combines a drum machine, synthesizer, and sampler. The device, an upgrade to the smaller PO-33 K.O, has a retro 1980s design and features oversized buttons and knobs. Teenage Engineering is known for its unique and visually appealing audio gear, and while some may find their products overdesigned or overpriced, the company's focus on creating emotional responses sets them apart. The Knock Out II strikes a balance between affordability and higher-end gear, making it an enticing option for musicians. Although mastering the device may take time, its approachable design invites users to explore its features.
Pedalmania is offering a chance to win pedals from AmpRX, Amplified Parts, Atomic Amps, Pigtronix, and Revv Amplification. The AmpRX BrownBox is an input voltage attenuator for tube amplifiers, allowing you to bring the voltage down to an optimal level for your gear. The Mod Electronics Seismic/Shift is a JFET boost pedal that adds subtle color to a guitar's sound. The Atomic Amplifiers Ampli-Firebox MKII is a stompbox-sized digital amp and cabinet modeler with over 20 amp models and effects. The Pigtronix Cosmosis is a stereo morphing reverb pedal with three original spaces and a unique Morph function for real-time manipulation.
Pedalmania 2023 Week #4 offers a chance to win pedals from Fishman, Mojotone, Revv Amps, Walrus Audio, and Voodoo Lab. Featured products include the AFX Broken Record Mini Looper/Sampler, Mojotone BB-OD pedal kit, Revv Tilt Boost, Walrus Audio Slöer Stereo Ambient Reverb, and Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 PLUS, each offering unique features and capabilities for musicians and pedal enthusiasts.
Keeley Electronics has introduced the Noble Screamer, a 4-in-1 pedal that combines familiar drive circuits with new amp-like distortion tones, allowing guitarists to create hybrid sounds. The pedal features true-bypass or buffered switching and is housed in a new aluminum enclosure.
Boss has introduced the ME-90, an updated version of its popular ME-80 multi-effects processor. The ME-90 features 11 types of AIRD amp models, 60 effects from the GT-1000, IR loading, and an effects loop. It also includes a redesigned expression pedal and eight multi-function footswitches. The ME-90 can be powered by batteries or an AC adaptor, but Bluetooth connectivity requires an additional adaptor. The ME-90 is priced at $349 / £309.
A guitarist in Arvada, CO has turned his pedalboard into a diorama of a raging outdoor show using $3k worth of Homies figurines, an MXR Iso Brick as a stage, and an EVH Wah as a tour bus, flanked by limos. The setup features $3,000 worth of Homies figurines and took 35 hours to construct. Pedals include a Boss TU-2, EVH wah, EVH Phase 90, MXR Analog Chorus, MXR Carbon Copy and MXR Reverb, while the MXR EVH Flanger was apparently obtained from Dweezil Zappa and can be authenticated.
Periphery's Jake Bowen, Mark Holcomb, and Misha Mansoor showcase their signature gear from Ibanez, PRS, Jackson, Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Bare Knuckle, and Peavey. They discuss the evolutions of their signature gear and how everything meshes and molds together for the greater, Transformer-like machine that is Periphery. They also talk about their use of digital modelers to shape and shift their sound.
