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The Magazine

July 2017

Whether it’s the sole instrument of the singer/songwriter or the backbone of the rock band, the guitar holds a place of honor in the world of modern music that’s essentially unchallenged. That’s why so many recording musicians put so much effort into getting the very best guitar sounds for their songs... and that’s why RECORDING’s July issue is taking a hard look at recording guitars, both acoustic and electric.

This issue’s slate of reviews leans heavily on guitar-centric products, with reviews of guitar mics from Placid Audio and MXL, the latest preamps from AEA and Avedis Audio, cool new guitar pedals and recording tools from API, Radial Engineering, and Catalinbread.

What if you’re looking beyond guitar gear? This issue also features the latest headphones from Yamaha, monitors from up-and-coming designer HEDD Audio, and much more.

In this issue, Sven-Erik Seaholm steps outside the usual guitar recording techniques to teach cool tricks for both acoustic and electric guitars that will make your recordings stand out. Paul Stamler goes deep on best practices for recording acoustic guitar, and wraps up his series “How Mics Work” with a deep dive into everyone’s favorite guitar amp mics—dynamics and ribbons.

Everyone’s heard of Reverb.com, the online sales site that helps take the worry out of buying and selling music gear (and now offers a variety of music software deals through its SYNC program). But what really goes on at Reverb, and why has it risen to be such a respected source for gear trading? Paul Vnuk went to Chicago to tour the Reverb headquarters and learn more about how the firm builds trust among buyers and sellers alike, and you can read about it here.

This issue also includes Readers’ Tracks with Marty Peters, our regular monthly features, and much more. Whether you’re looking for the best possible guitar sounds or raising your game in other recording areas, you can’t afford to miss the July RECORDING!

Pick it up now on the newsstand... and so you get your next issue early (and save on cost), why not hit the big red SUBSCRIBE NOW button on this page and have RECORDING delivered to your door each month?

Reviews

Reviewed & Revisited: AEA RPQ2 Preamp/EQ | Reviewed by Paul Vnuk Jr.

A new look and improved specs make for a thoroughly modern version of a classic channel strip.

HEDD Type 05 Studio Monitor | Reviewed by Mike Metlay

The father of the modern folded-ribbon tweeter rolls out a new product line that impresses on both the high and low ends of the audio spectrum.

Yamaha HPH-MT5 and HPH-MT8 Headphones | Reviewed by Mike Metlay

A classy contender at the higher end of the studio headphone market is joined by a surprisingly value-rich entry-level model.

Radial Engineering JDX Direct-Drive and 4-Play | Reviewed by Alex Hawley

Impeccably engineered solutions for guitarists who might need to rehearse or record with no amp, or switch instruments on the fly without hassling the engineer.

API TranZformer GT | Reviewed by Alex Hawley

What do you get when you put API components and sound quality into a guitar pedal? A lot of really happy guitarists, that’s what!

Reviewed & Revisited: Placid Audio Resonator Mics | Reviewed by Paul Vnuk Jr.

We enjoyed these cool microphones on a lot of sources, but they really shine in the application for which they were developed: miking guitar amps.

Hotone Xtomp | Reviewed by Allen Goodman

Powerful modeling DSP inside a compact pedal, changing from one effect to another with a touch of a button.

Avedis Audio Electronics MD7 | Reviewed by Paul Vnuk Jr.

This 500 Series preamp offers a new take on gain staging for a richer tone, as well as very cool DI and reamplification options.

MXL DX-2 Dual Capsule Variable Dynamic Microphone | Reviewed by Paul Vnuk Jr.

Two blendable capsules plus a flexible design equals a mic that’s unlike pretty much anything out there, anywhere.

Catalinbread Belle Epoch, Echorec, Adineko, and Talisman Guitar Effects | Reviewed by Paul Vnuk Jr.

Modern modeling recreates the sounds of classic echo machines and reverbs in a beautiful set of stompboxes.

Samson MDA1 and MD1 Pro DI Boxes | Reviewed by Alex Hawley

High-quality DI for your guitar or bass doesn’t have to break the bank, as these active and passive models show.

Once Over: Neat Treats For Guitarists | Reviewed by Mike Metlay

Eventide PitchFuzz for the H9 multieffects pedal; Grace Design ALiX instrument preamp pedal.

Interviews

Welcome To Reverb | Interviewed by Paul Vnuk Jr.

A Chicago-based company is rewriting the rules on buying and selling gear online. In extensive interviews, we learn about what sets Reverb apart from the competition.

Features

So You Want To Record An Acoustic Guitar? | Written by Paul J. Stamler

Why is capturing a really good acoustic guitar track so hard, when all you need to do is put up a mic or two and hit Record? There are rules to be learned!

Building Guitar Character | Written by Sven-Erik Seaholm

How do you get out of the rut of standard acoustic guitar tracks, when all you ever do is put up a mic or two and hit Record? There are rules to be broken!

How Mics Work. Part 3—Dynamic Mics: A Tale Of Coils And Ribbons | Written by Paul J. Stamler

Condenser mics are everywhere and do certain things really well, but sometimes, you just have to use something a little different...