14 days

Review: Sneaker Social Club are not messing around! Following their previous outings from the legendary trio 2 Bad Mice comes remixes from two impeccably forward thinking break crafters; Sully takes "Gone Too Soon" into some fantastical places as the breaks scream jungle but the big breeze pads scream Alex Reece but both elements work together emotively. Falty DL, meanwhile, gives us a hardcore schooling on "Limit Of Paradise" with its heavily layered breaks, wall of sound pads and dynamic drops into spacious hooks. Bad to the (clear vinyl) bone!

Notes: Low-cost, portable, compact enclosure that turns Eurorack modules into table-top instruments.

The Pod20 is 20HP with 1.34" (34mm) of available module depth. The built-in power supply has two power connectors and can be daisy-chained to other Pods. More power connectors can be added with the Multi Power Cable accessory.

Pods require a power brick. If you already have a powered Pod and power brick (or a Row Power module) you can use a barrel cable to daisy-chain powered Pods.

The Pod20 includes ten (10) M3x8mm stainless steel screws and is compatible with M3 Knurlies.

Notes: Low-cost, portable, compact enclosure that turns Eurorack modules into table-top instruments.

The Pod32 is 32HP with 1.34" (34mm) of available module depth. The built-in power supply has two power connectors and can be daisy-chained to other Pods. More power connectors can be added with the Multi Power Cable accessory.

Pods require a power brick. If you already have a powered Pod and power brick (or a Row Power module) you can use a barrel cable to daisy-chain powered Pods.

The Pod32 includes ten (10) M3x8mm stainless steel screws and is compatible with M3 Knurlies.

Review: Before Roman Flugel and Jorn Elling Wuttke found fame as Alter Ego, they spent much of the '90s releasing heavyweight club cuts as Acid Jesus. For those who missed their releases first time around (or were simply too young), Flashbacks 1992-1998 does a good job in telling the story. It gathers together the best of their released material with a few previously unheard bits thrown in. As the name suggests, the TB-303 was a regular presence in much of the duo's work at this time and you'll find house and techno jack-tracks throughout. Thrillingly, though, the set also contains cuts that are closer in tone to both Underground Resistance and early UK bleep techno than the wild and aggressive techno jams that Flugel and Wuttke would later become famous for.

Notes: With the A7X monitor, Adam Audio proudly presents the evolution of a legend. The first aspect that distinguishes the old from the new model is the X-ART tweeter. The X stands for eXtended frequency response and thus for one of the features of the accelerating ribbon technology that has been drastically improved: the frequency response. It now extends all the way up to 50 kHz. In addition, the X-ART tweeter has a higher efficiency and higher maximum sound pressure levels.

The perfect integration with the lower frequencies has been achieved with a newly designed 7" midwoofer. It has been redesigned with a much bigger voice coil (1.5") and is driven by an amplifier with twice the power compared to its predecessor. This combination produces an amazing sound and pressure levels with an almost distortion-free musical reproduction.

Each driver has its own dedicated amplifier. A 50W A/B amp is responsible for the X-ART tweeter, while the midwoofer is being driven by a 100W PWM amp. The front panel includes a power switch and a control for the volume that retains the volume setting independently from the on/off switch.

On the rear panel are several additional controls: a gain for the high frequencies (-/+ 4 dB) and 2 shelf filters for high and low frequencies. To ensure greater compatibility, there are both XLR (balanced) and RCA (unbalanced) connectors.

Notes: The T5V is a highly affordable two-way nearfield monitor and optimized for small control rooms.

With its 5" woofer the bass-frequency response of the T5V extends to 45 Hz. The new U-ART tweeter, a breakthrough solution for use in high-resolution recording and mixing on a budget, goes up to 25 kHz and is mated to a precision waveguide with the same dispersion-control attributes as the High Frequency Propagation (HPS) waveguide used in ADAM Audio's flagship S Series monitors. The waveguide's highly uniform dispersion of high frequencies provides an incredibly wide sweet spot that frees you from being glued to a rigid mix position while working.

A bevelled cabinet with a rear-firing bass reflex port and a small footprint allows placement anywhere in your room, no matter how small, and contains built-in DSP-controlled driver crossovers and equalization as well as multi-way analog connections. Powered with a 50 W Class D amplifier for the woofer and a 20 W Class D amplifier for the U-ART tweeter, the T5V produces SPLs of up to 106 dB per pair.

Excellent acoustic characteristics, small dimensions and an outstanding cost/performance ratio make this studio monitor perfectly suited for use in small control rooms in music, video and broadcast production.

If you need to hear more bottom end, the T5V is compatible with the ADAM Sub7 and Sub8 subwoofers.

Notes: The T7V is a two-way studio monitor designed for vertical use in a nearfield application.

The T7V features a 7" woofer that provides bass extension down to 39 Hz, while the U-ART tweeter's diaphragm provides pristine and extended high-frequency response up to 25 kHz - virtually unheard of in monitors in this price range. The U-ART tweeter is fitted to a precision waveguide with the same dispersion-control attributes as the High Frequency Propagation (HPS) waveguide used in ADAM Audio's flagship S Series studio monitors. The waveguide's highly uniform dispersion of high frequencies provides an incredibly wide sweet spot that frees you from being glued to a rigid mix position while working.

On the rear side of the T7V's bevelled cabinet, a rear-firing bass reflex port joins a sturdy metal backplate that's home to the analog input connections. The U-ART tweeter is powered by a 20 W Class-D amp, while a 50 W Class-D amp serves the woofer. These new powerhouses yield an impressive maximum of 110 dB SPL per pair.

The wide frequency response, high dynamic range, excellent transient response, wide sweet spot and small footprints make the T7V perfectly suited for use in small control rooms for music production, video post-production and broadcast production - a great fit for the modest budgets that many facilities need to work with.

The ADAM Sub8 subwoofer is the perfect match to complement the T7V to extend the capabilities of monitoring in the bottom end.

Notes: Created for DJs and electronic music purists, Xone:43 is a 4+1 channel DJ mixer that offers the very best of analogue audio quality, including the legendary Xone filter with resonance control, 3 band EQ, crossfader with three curve settings and X:FX for send/return to your favourite FX unit.

The crossfader has three switchable curve settings for blending or scratching styles and can be easily replaced or upgraded to a custom Innofader for ultimate crossfader performance.

With balanced XLR main outputs, independent booth and record outputs, Xone:43 excels in the club and in high end personal DJ setups.

Notes: Winner Red Dot Award 2015:
Alpine Hearing Protection has won the Red Dot Award 2015 for the design of its latest earplugs. The jury of this prestigious design price applauded the "high quality and the innovative ability" of the earplugs.

Revolutionary earplug model:
Twenty years of experience have allowed Alpine to develop a revolutionary new earplug model with a noise filter, that filters out damaging sounds. The extremely well thought-out and extensively tested shape of the earplugs, provides a perfect fit.

AlpineAcousticFilters - No more ringing in your ears:
The high quality acoustic filters in PartyPlugs hearing protection reduce the volume of music to a safe level. Your music experience as well as the sound quality of the music remains very good. Naturally, you can keep talking to your friends. By wearing PartyPlug earplugs when you go out, you prevent that irritating high pitch noise in your ears. Besides, the earplugs are barely visible thanks to the unique transparent filters.

AlpineThermoShape material - Very comfortable:
PartyPlug hearing protectors are made of special AlpineThermoShape material. This material adapts to the shape of the ears so that you always have the perfect level of noise attenuation. They are also very comfortable to wear. There is no sense of isolation or external pressure on your ears. AlpineThermoShape is hypoallergenic. This means you will not experience itching in or around your ears, as is often the case with silicone earplugs: you can wear Alpine PartyPlugs the entire night.

Choose your own colour:
You want to look good when you go out and you do not want your earplugs to be visible to everyone from a distance. You set a good example and you are proud of this. Just as well Alpine has ensured the earplugs are barely visible in your ears thanks to the transparent filters. PartyPlug earplugs are available in four colours. In addition to the barely visible transparent version, you can choose trendy black earplugs, glossy silver grey, or bright white. Whatever suits your style.

Alpine Miniboxx:
In addition to a practical storage container, every PartyPlug pack also contains an easy to use Alpine Miniboxx. You can take this ideal mini storage container with you when you go out and you can open it with one hand (while holding a pint in the other...). The Miniboxx easily fits into your trouser pocket, handbag, bra, or sock.

Lifespan and cleaning:
The lifespan of the earplugs depends on frequency of use. Keeping the earplugs clean will extend the lifespan. The earplugs can be cleaned with lukewarm water and soap.

Dutch Design:
The design of the Alpine hearing protectors is an exclusive Dutch Design. All earplugs and filter systems are produced in the Netherlands.

Packaging contents:
- Two universal thermoplastic hearing protectors
- Two acoustic filters
- Alpine Miniboxx
- Plastic carrying case
- Alpine insertion sleeve

Review: Channeling the history of the guitar and stretching the boundaries of traditional genres, Portland-based guitarist, composer and improviser Marisa Anderson possesses a unique and distinctive musical voice. Her playing is fluid, emotional, dexterous and original. Anderson's recent solo albums on Mississippi Records, "The Golden Hour" (2011) and "Mercury" (2013), feature improvisations inspired by Delta blues, West African guitar, Appalachian mountain music, vintage country and western, gospel, noise, rhythms, cycles, mortality and praise. For "Traditional & Public Domain Songs", Anderson reinterprets a collection of American classic folk songs in her fluent and accomplished style.

Pressed in an edition of 300 copies, the record is available as a one-time offer in extremely limited quantities. Now in its third year, Grapefruit is a subscription based record club founded by musician Simon Joyner and Ba Da Bing Records head Ben Goldberg to release exclusive and limited, vinyl-only LPs, all part of an annual series, sharing identical cover art but in different colors. The only connection between each group is that Joyner and Goldberg are both fans.

Notes: Compact performance switch controller for generating triggers and gates. Used manually it provides you with triggers, momentary gates or latched/toggle gates, selectable per each of the five channels.In a sequential context it is a pattern generator with five channels which generates 32 step long sequences which are tapped with your fingers. Patterns can be saved, recalled and chained.

Launch Codes has two primary modes:
The Control Mode is a manual mode where you use the buttons to generate gates and triggers. Gates can be temporary or toggling.
The Sequencer Mode turns the module into a clocked 32-step sequencer with five tracks, reset, performance mutes, a special CV mode and the possiblity to chain patterns.
Sequences are entered by playing the buttons; both gates and trigger can be generated. Triggers are played immediately but recorded in a quantized fashion.

Options, selectable with the Opt button:
- MODE: control mode, sequencer mode with reset or special CV sequencer mode
- LENGTH: pattern length, per pattern; either 8, 16 or 32 steps. When prolonging the sequence length Launch Codes automatically fills the pattern by doubling the data.
- GENERATE: creates variations of the loaded pattern when pressing the button. A copy of the original pattern is loaded into the undo memory so you can recall it anytime.
- LOAD: press ths button for one second to load all saved settings and sequencers. This overwrites all temporary settings.
- SAVE: press this button for a second to save all sequences, mute states, pattern chains and settings.

- CV sequencer: the reset socket now acts as a CV input which modifies the behavoiur of the sequencer:
- CV Step Generate: At 0V the sequencer plays as usual but the higher the CV gets 8max. 5V), the higher the chance of random step generation.
- CV Scrub: The CV can address steps within the sequence, even in addition to the running clock.
- CV Freeze Loop: A CV above 5V freezes the sequence and starts looping it from this point on.

Special settings: manual reset, deactivating the automatic pattern data doubling, selection of the standard CV sequencer mode (CV Step Generate, CV Scrub or CV Freeze Loop).

Review: Building on his Brownswood debut earlier this year - "Go See" on the label's deep-digging We Out Here collection - Ezra Collective's pianist and composer lays down his most expansive and expressive body of work to date. Weighing in at near album size, it's a powerful experience from the off as Afrikan Revolution's Asheber sets a political framework and sense of freshness and unity on the title track. Elsewhere we're treated to hazy bluesy hip-hop on "Ragify", raw freeform fizz on "London's Face" and soul-soothing narratives in the form of "Mollison Dub". Stunning.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, product in perfect working order***


The world's favourite small-format, versatile step sequencer just got a makeover. Control analog gear, virtual instruments, and more with the black limited edition BeatStep.

The perfect combination of space-saving, flexible control and an easy-to-master sequencer, BeatStep Black Edition gives both musicians and producers access to their DAW and exciting news ways of creating sequenced beats and melodies.

The perfect precision weapon when it comes to finger drumming and sample triggering, BeatStep lets you unite your hardware and software instruments with its built-in step-sequencer. A streamlined, yet versatile hybrid controller, BeatStep Black Edition features a rack of pads for programming and performance, transport buttons for playback control in your DAW, and rotary knobs to tweak your sequence. Thanks to its great connections, you can get your outboard synths and drum machines playing perfectly with your DAW, all while being sequenced or synchronized by the BeatStep.

Small enough to work in any setup, but powerful enough to bring a new dimension to your sound. Let BeatStep Black Edition unleash the potential of your setup.

Deceptively versatile, the new limited edition black version of our iconic small controller is the perfect companion for producers on the move or musicians with limited space.

BeatStep Black Edition's pads are both velocity and pressure sensitive, letting you punch in dynamic rhythms in your DAW. Once you're happy with your performance, you can tweak the sounds and parameters of your software instruments with its control mode, letting you freely assign the knobs, buttons and pads within your DAW. In sequencer mode, you can create 16-step monophonic sequences using the pads to punch in notes and the knobs to edit the pitch. To streamline your workflow, BeatStep also lets you choose from a selection of scales and sequence modes.

Analog Lab Lite:

Imagine conveniently having all the keyboard and synth sounds you need for a gig or session all in one place on your computer. No racks. No stacks.

Analog Lab Lite gives you streamlined, tag-based access to hundreds of the hottest presets from our award-winning V Collection. You'll be spoilt for choice with 17 faithfully modelled legendary analog synths, digital workstations, organs, string machines and pianos. Each preset automatically maps the most important sound parameters to Arturia controllers for intuitive tweaking and performance control, and you can easily custom map to any other controller via the MIDI Learn feature.

Ableton Live Lite:

An introduction to one of the most the most intuitive, popular production platforms around.

New users and seasoned pros alike love working with Ableton Live Lite. Featuring an innovative twin workflow, time stretching and pitch shifting functions, as well as numerous studio quality effects, you'll be releasing professional quality tracks in no time.

Step Sequencer:

In SEQ mode the pads become toggles for each step in your sequence. The 16 encoders will adjust pitch for the associated step. 16 memories allow for instant recall of your favourite patterns while the pad scale modes, sequence playback modes and time division functions allow for real-time performance changes.

On top of all that it has MIDI, USB and CV/GATE connectivity, giving you a sequencer that will work with all types of gear, including analog synths, software instruments, and MIDI hardware.

Percussion Controller:

With 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, BeatStep is the perfect compact percussion instrument. The ultra-sensitive pads allow for great dynamic performances. The 16 encoders can be assigned to adjust various parameters for further real-time control over your drum sounds.

General purpose control surface:

The BeatStep pads can be configured to send MIDI note on/off messages, MMC commands, Program and Bank changes, or serve as MIDI CC buttons.

With 16 encoders, 16 pads/buttons and 16 presets, there are as many ways to use BeatStep as there are live gigs and studio environments. You can trigger clips in Ableton Live or use the encoders to adjust the effects in your favourite DJ app. The transport buttons can be MMC controls or send MIDI CCs to start and stop your DAW. It can be the MIDI Clock master or slave to an external clock.

Using an iPad and a camera connection kit, you can turn BeatStep into one of the most flexible iPad app controllers ever.

Notes: The half-inch standard mount and dual-magnet AT-95E cartridge sounds clear, dynamic and richly balanced. The AT-95E has been a multiple recipient of best buy ratings in the UK. It has been created from combinations of the classic and musically acclaimed Linn Basik, K5 and K9 phono cartridges. Unlike these cartridges however, the AT-95E is delightfully affordable and available. It allows music lovers to use limited means to upgrade their turntables and as a result get a higher level of discernment and listening pleasure without the usual expense of high end cartridges, and some users may no longer wish to upgrade further.

Manufactured to Audio-Technica's world class quality standards, the Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge is completely hand assembled and tolerances are held to just thousands of an inch.

Review: Avenged Sevenfold release their new self-titled album. The eponymous album continues Avenged Sevenfold burgeoning reputation as one of the most exciting bands on the contemporary metal scene. The result is an uncompromising collection laden with heavy riffage, fluid leads, battering rhythms and insistent hooks. Not to be missed.

Review: While Amon "Aybee" Bazile rarely puts a foot wrong, there was arguably a time when his releases were a little too frequent to register with buyers. Thankfully, he's simmered down in recent years, seemingly content to just release the cream of his studio productions. Certainly, Nexus shows the producer at the top of his game. Check the deep and spacey hypnotism of "The Scroll", where dreamy chord progressions seemingly float around an analogue rich deep house groove, and the broken techno headiness of "Veger". Both bubble along at a house tempo, but draw huge influence from Motor City futurism. Perhaps best of all, though, is opener "In The", a rolling, bongo-laden saunter into life-affirming outer-space deep house blessed with a rich and warming bassline.