2024-04-23 15:51
After achieving success with their plug-in based ARC room correction mic + software package, IK Multimedia has released an interesting new implementation of ARC: the ARC Studio, a way to roo… Read More
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At the zZounds Blog, we speak music. Check us out for previews of new gear, interviews with artists and brands, reviews, in-depth demos, videos, and more!
2024-04-09 17:57
.strandberg* (more commonly known as Strandberg) has long been been heralded as one of the greats in the headless guitar world and for good reason. The comfort of these guitars combined with… Read More
2024-04-04 13:39
Universal Audio is in the business of sound design. Their catalog of plug-ins, interfaces, effects, and more offer artists around the world the opportunity to indulge in a nearly endless amo… Read More
2024-04-02 14:01
Loaded with pro-level features, Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection guitars are made for the player who loves vintage instruments. With models like the 1959 Les Paul and t… Read More
2024-04-01 16:53
Epiphone and zZounds teamed up to bring you some exclusive finishes while still remaining affordable! With sparkle and metallic finishes, these guitars scream rock ‘n’ roll. The… Read More
2024-03-21 14:18
From discovered blueprints to a production model, the Gibson Theodore represents a trip through Gibson history. A few years ago, Gibson Custom released a recreation of a guitar designed by… Read More
2024-03-19 13:39
Crafted and refined with modern players in mind, Strandberg’s Boden Prog NX 6 offers extreme performance with futuristic style. From its ergonomic, chambered swamp ash body and EGS Pr… Read More
2024-03-15 07:04
Lauten Audio has pioneered the first-ever FET condenser for miking snare drums! The Lauten Audio Snare Mic offers drummer-friendly options ideal for studio or stage that make sure you always… Read More
2024-03-07 20:49
Roland’s GAIA 2 synthesizer is a beacon of sonic innovation. Watch our exclusive video at for a celestial journey through its hybrid wavetable and virtual-analog engine. Its intuitive… Read More
2024-03-05 14:49
Now more accessible than ever, the Dave Grohl DG-335 is back! The Epiphone DG-335 has all the goods under the hood with Gibson USA Burstbucker pickups, CTS potentiometers, and Mallory capac… Read More
2024-02-23 06:40
We can’t all book out a world-class recording studio, it’s just not possible. But here’s some good news: Universal Audio has made it possible to sound like you’ve jus… Read More
2024-02-20 15:27
You might have come across flatwound guitar strings or flatwound bass strings if you’ve been browsing online or in-store string sections. Or you might have heard about them from the mu… Read More
2024-02-13 14:42
Designed and built by German microphone manufacturer Beyerdynamic (that’s pronounced like “buyer-dynamic”), the M 160 is a unique microphone that’s perfect for many d… Read More
2024-01-11 06:27
Should you buy a subscription or a perpetual license for your DAW software? Some DAW makers give you a choice of either model. Let’s consider the reasons it may be smarter to subscribe… Read More
2023-12-26 07:00
The Top Videos of 2023 As we prepare to say goodbye to 2023, we’re taking some time to look back on the year in zZounds videos! Scroll through to find our most-viewed and favorite vide… Read More
2023-12-14 13:27
Boss has always been committed to bringing studio-quality effects to the masses. The RV-200 reverb pedal brings studio-grade, 96kHz sampling rate reverb to your pedalboard in a rock-solid Bo… Read More
2023-12-08 12:21
Step into the world of Teenage Engineering with the OP-1 Field Synthesizer. The OP-1 Field pairs refined design with advanced technology, compacting tons of sound engines, sequencing power… Read More
2023-12-01 19:41
Discover the aggressive roar of Bad Cat amplifiers! Check out this episode of zZounds Live as Justin explores all that the Black Cat combo can do! Powered by a pair of EL84 power tubes, the… Read More
2023-11-17 19:02
Fender is taking their critically acclaimed Tone Master series of amplifiers to the floor, with the Fender Tone Master Pro workstation pedal. The Tone Master Pro features a whole host of eff… Read More
2023-11-14 14:14
Gibson adds a splash of style to their SG Standard & Standard ’61 models with six custom color options! Powered by a set of 490R and 490T humbuckers, the Custom Color SG Standard s… Read More
2023-11-07 17:01
Zakk Wylde is the powerhouse guitar player for the likes of Ozzy and Black Label Society, as well as the creator of his own gear brand Wylde Audio. Though Wylde Audio boasts a robust product… Read More
2023-11-02 15:20
The tone wizards at EarthQuaker Devices are back at it tackling the arcane art of transistor-based distortion. The EarthQuaker Devices Zoar is their latest effort in delivering incredibly in… Read More
2023-10-30 15:16
In 1987, Mike Soldano released a soon-to-be legendary amplifier: the Soldano SLO. The 100-watt, high-gain, shred-ready amplifier has since become one of the most coveted in history. Since th… Read More
2023-10-25 10:45
With better noise cancelling, longer battery life, and a new “spatializer” audio setting, Shure’s new flagship AONIC 50 Gen 2 wireless headphones improve on the original in… Read More
2023-10-20 13:47
Sterling by Music Man crafts more affordable versions of guitars and basses by their big brother brand, Ernie Ball Music Man, allowing everyday musicians to experience a performance instrume… Read More
2023-10-18 12:40
Built to complement your heaviest riffs and most electrifying leads, Gibson’s Les Paul Supreme combines timeless style with modern versatility. Boasting a lovely AAA figured maple top… Read More
2023-10-17 17:13
I grew up as the “electric guitar guy” who always kept an acoustic guitar in the corner. Only learning the acoustic hits from my favorite rock bands of the ’80s and ’… Read More
2023-10-06 15:38
Gamechanger Audio started in 2015 crafting piano-style sustain pedals for any melodic instrument. Their unique design style broke the mold and caught the eye of artists like Jack White, John… Read More
2023-09-21 17:32
As any recording engineer will tell you, setting proper gain levels has always been key to capturing audio accurately — but 32-bit floating point recording, commonly known as 32-bit fl… Read More
2023-09-19 16:56
Imagine being able to select and combine your favorite characteristics from multiple Keeley-designed overdrive and boost circuits! The Keeley Noble Screamer does just that with four amp-like… Read More
2023-09-18 20:17
Following the lineage of the “pics only” front panel, the Orange OR30 has vintage tone running through its veins with a few modern features that today’s guitarists need. So… Read More
2023-09-15 19:21
Watch us leave no stone unturned as we look closer at Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-REV7 DJ controller in our exclusive live demo with DJ JAM ONE. Discover the DDJ-REV7’s motorized vinylized… Read More
2023-09-01 17:07
Boss and its parent company Roland have been the worldwide leaders in guitar synthesizer innovation for nearly five decades, beginning with the revolutionary GR-500 system in 1977. The GM-80… Read More
2023-08-25 19:23
Unleash a boundless realm of sonic possibilities with the extraordinary Pittsburgh Modular Taiga! This paraphonic analog synthesizer exudes vintage musicality while boasting a cutting-edge s… Read More
2023-08-23 17:08
Universal Audio’s Summer ’23 pedals are an incredible collection of legendary effects that are potent and studio-ready. Watch Justin as he takes on the Orion tape echo, Heavenly… Read More
2023-08-14 16:59
A good piano is a must-have for any serious recording space. Whether you are a bedroom producer, studio engineer, or classical musician, just about everyone is searching for the perfect pian… Read More
2023-08-11 16:59
Arturia KeyLab Essential keyboards are versatile, high-quality MIDI controllers that spark creativity and simplify music-making. Pair Arturia keyboards with included Analog Lab software… Read More
2023-07-28 12:07
The landscape of how we make music is always changing. From the first digital recorders, to guitar rigs that fit in your pocket, there’s always something on the horizon that makes musi… Read More
2023-07-19 14:36
Painstakingly modeled after the legendary “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard, this Gibson Custom Shop model is sure to entice any rock fan. By the time Kirk Hammett purchased the or… Read More
2023-07-12 05:31
EarthQuaker Devices is helping sonic explorers embark on a magical journey for the much sought-after classic chorus tone. The Aurelius is a chorus pedal summoned by the tone wizards at EQD w… Read More
2023-07-07 15:18
Breedlove has made sustainability their top priority over the last several years, and the Breedlove Organic Pro Wildwood Concert CE is an example of the guitars produced by that mindset. Sus… Read More
2023-07-03 20:17
The original Bose S1 Pro has long been a top choice of performers and presenters in need of a compact, battery-powered personal PA system. An easy-to-carry unit with two mic/instrument input… Read More
2023-06-16 15:23
Since the dawn of touring, bands have used vans to get from show to show, stuffing gear and luggage alike into trunks like a game of Tetris. In 2022 my band planned a tour that would see us… Read More
2023-06-14 15:43
Epiphone makes the legendary 1958 Korina Flying V available to all at an incredible price! Originally launched by Gibson in 1958, the first Korina Flying Vs were a little too forward-thinkin… Read More
2023-06-14 15:40
Epiphone captures the style and sound of the legendary Gibson ’58 Korina Explorer at a price anyone can enjoy! First released by Gibson in 1958, the original Korina Explorers proved fa… Read More
2023-06-13 18:33
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2023-06-09 14:00
Drum Workshop has been an elite, American-made drum and hardware brand for over 50 years. Their artist roster reflects the high-quality approach they take to their kits, and their time in bu… Read More
2023-06-06 18:46
Walrus Audio has always crafted high-fidelity, intriguing pedals fit for studio or stage. To help musicians of all levels discover the Walrus magic, they’ve crafted the Fundamental ser… Read More
2023-05-23 16:50
The Fishman AFX line was originally founded on preserving acoustic tone while offering a host of effects and utility to the players using them. Even today, they still carry a cult-like follo… Read More
2023-05-17 17:07
When you require larger than life tone, then there’s no other choice than Mesa/Boogie’s Mark VII. Boasting three channels (with three voices per channel!), the Mark VII ranges fr… Read More
2023-05-16 06:50
Any independent musician in this day and age knows how important social media is. Love it or hate it, the apps are the best way to get your name out there and your talent noticed. It is no s… Read More
2023-04-20 15:02
When the Fender Tone Master Princeton Reverb was announced, I was pretty intrigued. I’ve played my ’65 Princeton Reverb for a long time now, and it has become one of my favorite… Read More
2023-03-24 06:43
The story of pedals designed by British tone heavyweights Marshall Amplification dates back to the late 1960s. But in the late ’80s, music was changing, and the need for a dimed-out Ma… Read More
2023-03-15 15:29
John Jeffers from Whiskey Myers discusses his bands hard-nosed work ethic, the joys of touring in a Chevy Suburban, and of course, his wall of AC30s. About The Guest John Jeffers is the lead… Read More
2023-03-15 15:15
Jake Smith, aka The White Buffalo, discusses making his new record Year Of The Dark Horse and why he hasn’t surfed Topanga in a while! About The Guest The White Buffalo is the stage na… Read More
2023-03-01 16:37
Compact synths are becoming more powerful by the day, and what you can do with a desktop hybrid synth today is astounding! The ASM Hydrasynth is one particular specimen that has been proving… Read More
2023-02-27 20:18
The Epiphone Power Player Les Paul and SG make for more than just a first guitar. Slightly larger than most small-scale guitars, Power Players are guitars you can grow with. While these guit… Read More
2023-02-18 08:24
LEGENDS: WENDY CARLOS https://youtu.be/Wn7lDY3N3MI What happens when science and music collide? That is the question legend Wendy Carlos has been answering for decades. The explosive spark f… Read More
2023-02-08 20:13
The Athens, Greece-based sonic gods of Dreadbox are back, summoning two massive titans from their boutique design history. Watch as we wrangle their epic Hades bass synth and Erebus paraphon… Read More
2023-02-06 15:52
As someone who plays vintage reissue Fender amps, the PRS HDRX 20 was a bit of a different beast at a first glance. After some fiddling with all the controls on their own, I started to figur… Read More
2023-02-02 20:45
Arcade Audio designs and builds a diverse line of stompbox pedals at affordable prices. Each pedal features a sturdy enclosure ideal for gigging, and offers a variety of classic effects and… Read More
2023-02-01 15:52
All eras of music teach us lessons about recording, playing, and mixing. When it comes to tracking a drum kit, something changed in the 1950s and early sixties ’60s in Detroit, where t… Read More
2023-01-30 20:10
Watch this edition of zZounds Live where Justin takes us through the Orange Rockerverb 50 MkIII Neo. Loaded with neodymium speakers and a slightly lighter cabinet, this amp shed nearly 20% o… Read More
2023-01-24 18:20
Boutique microphone maker Lauten Audio had a hit on their hands with their original “Series Black” family of mics. Embraced by artists seeking versatile workhorse condensers at m… Read More
2023-01-23 21:14
Kicking off the new year with The War And Treaty (aka Tanya & Michael)! About The Guest The War and Treaty are an American husband and wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter… Read More
2023-01-23 20:15
Denon DJ’s SC Live series brings you groundbreaking standalone DJ systems with built-in speakers, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the world’s first DJ integration with Amazon Music. Perf… Read More
2023-01-13 17:06
Curious about the the Katana-50 MkII EX and the Katana-Artist MkII head? Watch as Justin pushes these amps to their limit in this edition of zZounds Live! As one of the most popular guitar a… Read More
2022-12-27 07:00
Our Top Videos of 2022 As we close out the year, we took some time to compile a list of our favorite and most-viewed videos from 2022. Put on your brand-new slippers, make that hot cocoa mix… Read More
2022-12-12 15:23
He’s a single wide dreamer in a double wide world!! He is Aaron Raitiere!! About The Guest Aaron Raitiere is a lyricist, performer, and visual artist from Danville, Kentucky. Still int… Read More
2022-12-08 19:47
Brett St. James is a respected film and TV composer living in the Bay Area. He has filled many roles as an additional music composer for blockbuster films like “Venom: Let There be Car… Read More
2022-12-08 16:42
In the 1970s, London, England-based Orange Amplification reached into the depths of their own amplifier circuits and pulled out a family of signature effects players came to adore. Today, th… Read More
2022-12-05 15:26
Randy Rogers zooms in from the bunkhouse to discuss their new record, “Homecoming,” and the tour that never ends (not to mention smoking weed with Willie). About The Guest Randy… Read More
2022-12-02 18:05
Don’t let Eurorack fanatics have all the fun! With Source Audio’s C4 Synthesizer pedal, you can turn your guitar or bass into a fully-fledged analog synthesizer. The C4 features… Read More
2022-12-02 06:00
Let’s face it, there are little to no silent nights when you’ve got a drummer in the house. By their very nature, percussion instruments are a loud and disruptive family. But eve… Read More
2022-12-01 13:15
Watch this edition of zZounds Live where Justin takes us through the IK Multimedia TONEX Capture. The IK Multimedia AmpliTube TONEX Capture gives you the ability to record your beloved tube… Read More
2022-11-11 16:50
Why a rubber bridge? When I bring up in conversation that I’ve been fiddling with this old parlor acoustic guitar, it’s usually brought to some general confusion. For the last se… Read More
2022-11-09 20:43
Ashley McBryde & John Osborne (Brothers Osborne) stop by to discuss making “Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville.” About The Guests A four-time Grammy nominee, Ashley McBryde… Read More
2022-10-28 19:41
Red Panda gives players unprecedented technology in their DSP-powered stompboxes that are fit for studio or stage. The Red Panda Tensor is loaded with powerful DSP that gives you the ability… Read More
2022-10-26 17:43
Known for their popular iLoud MTM monitors, IK Multimedia is stepping into the high-end monitor market with their iLoud Precision line. At this price point, high-quality materials and cuttin… Read More
2022-10-07 12:53
Some say shoegaze is making a comeback. The moody, reverb-rich, guitar-based genre plays on feelings of nostalgia, melancholy, and a lust for Jazzmasters. The folks at Catalinbread believe s… Read More
2022-10-04 19:50
Gibson has re-introduced the Faded series that became popular in the early 2000s, that later attained a cult status amongst gigging guitarists. This time around, Gibson has brought the &ldqu&hell…Read More
2022-09-29 14:42
Whether you’re a DJ, producer, performer, audiophile, or you just love having a soundtrack for your runs, commute or homework, our 2022 Headphones Buying Guide can help you find the pe… Read More
2022-09-27 19:44
The EBow… one of the many wonders of the world, and music! This unique tool allows guitar players to turn their picking hand into a “bow”, creating a feedback loop that ca… Read More
2022-09-21 18:25
Let’s get back to the basics! Building an ambient pad is an ideal application of software synthesis and what better platform to explore this medium than Phase Plant? This top-of-the-li… Read More
2022-09-13 15:20
Introduced in 1974, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo stands among the most legendary and sought-after effect units ever produced. The Boss RE-202 faithfully delivers the authentic sound and beha… Read More
2022-09-03 06:00
Songwriting Techniques and Tips Do you dream of writing your first song, or just need some tips to enhance your own works? You’ve come to the right place. Find our collection of posts… Read More
2022-09-02 16:47
Compression is one of the most-heard effects in the world, but its ubiquity is almost matched by its mystery. While the applications of compressors can range from gentle squeeze to full vice… Read More
2022-08-27 15:00
Satisfy your cravings for the ultimate Mesa/Boogie tone with the world-renowned Mark Series. This series’ pedigree spans over four decades, from founder Randall Smith’s earliest… Read More
2022-08-24 15:05
Melodic, harmonious, intuitive, and playful, Syntakt is a 12-track drum specialist that brings Elektron’s world-class 64-step sequencing into the realm of drum synthesis and soundsca… Read More
2022-08-20 15:48
On the eve of her brand new record Raised hitting the streets, Hailey Whitters joins host Chris Shiflett to chat about songwriting and home town inspiration! About The Guest Hailey Faith Whi… Read More
2022-08-12 13:23
Nearly every pedal company offers an overdrive effect. It’s a decently simple circuit to create, and there are a ton of variations available on the market today. From the first overdri… Read More
2022-08-05 21:33
Get ready to rock with the Blackstar St. James amps! Available in both head and 1×12″ combos, these amps come in your choice of two bold flavors, thanks to the legendary pedigree… Read More
2022-08-02 18:28
Add vintage character to your recordings! The Universal Audio Volt 276 interface has built-in analog compression and tube emulation circuitry to add warmth and vibe to your tracks. With its… Read More
2022-07-29 14:43
Not everyone has access to a perfect live room with 20-foot ceilings and sound treatment fit for an orchestra. But you don’t necessarily need unlimited space or money to achieve a huge… Read More
2022-07-25 19:18
Pint-size but mighty, Korg’s Volca Series synths and groove machines are quite possibly the perfect portable music instruments for stage and studio. Watch as Justin covers the compelli… Read More
2022-07-15 21:00
Sometimes you just want to take your tone to another world. Wampler, Beetronics, and Walrus Audio are all known for crafting effects pedals that are not only built like tanks, but feature so… Read More
2022-07-13 15:23
Named after some of the most revered music venues on the East and West coasts, Mesa/Boogie Fillmore guitar amplifiers pump out vintage tone with modern versatility. The Mesa/Boogie Fillmore… Read More
2022-07-12 17:54
If you’ve been following our songwriting series to this point, you’ve gotten tips on how to write an intro, pre-chorus, chorus, and bridge. We’ve reached the end, and to cl… Read More
2022-07-07 19:13
Polyend Play is a standalone, portable, USB-powered groovebox that takes an open-sandbox approach to beat-making. Play gives you the flexibility and freedom to create as you wish, using samp… Read More
2022-07-07 06:00
“Silk” is one of the standout features on many Rupert Neve Designs preamps, including their flagship Shelford Channel mic preamp, and on RND’s limited-edition 5025 Dual She… Read More
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