All genres charts

Review: One of the most important albums of the 20th century, Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' gets a 50th anniversary specially packaged edition. Pressed exquisitely on clear 2x12 180-gram vinyl. 2x12 you ask? Well, each first side features the music while each second side has special accompanying UV enhanced artwork. This makes for a beautiful and unique special edition that sets itself aside from many reissues. This comes complete with full cover slipcase for the gatefold to reside in plus a poster as well! This album deserves a groundbreaking packaging and Warner Brothers sure gave it the proper tribute. Act quickly!

Review: Was anyone ready for one of the most talked-about albums of the year to be Andre 3000 going ham on the flute? Probably not, but in a post-reality world New Blue Sun just slots right in. Of course the legions of Outkast fans are going to be split when an artist of such prominence takes a wild swerve into experimental musical pastures, but for those with an open mind or a pre-existing appreciation of ambient and leftfield music, this album is an easy sell. Teasing the tension between acoustic and electronic, ancient and hypermodern, grounded and ethereal, Andre has been bold and honest in presenting this album to the world and his gamble has paid off.

Review: The influence of Type O Negative continues to be felt long after Peter Steele's death signalled the end of the band. The goth metal band have a generous number of high points in their career, and 2003 album Life Is Killing Me is surely one of them. Drawing on his personal struggles at the time, Steele created a powerful statement draped in the grandiose style of rock he had cultivated since the band's debut. As well as the single 'I Don't Wanna Be Me', there was a cover of the song 'Angry Inch' and the opening track 'Thir13teen', a piece of music from classic TV show The Munsters. Two decades on from its original release, this is the first time the album has been released on vinyl, presented as a triple black and green pressing in a trifold sleeve.

Review: Mark Knopfler's One Deep River album from 2023 immerses listeners in a reflective journey through Americana's heartland. It is a typically poignant album from the rock icon that showcases his mastery of storytelling as it weaves together tales of life's trials and triumphs. With his distinctive guitar work and soulful vocals front and centre, Knopfler paints vivid landscapes of dusty highways and riverbanks at dusk on each track, from the introspective 'Beneath a Prairie Moon' to the bluesy swagger of 'Ride On Across.' With its timeless allure, One Deep River speaks of Knopfler's enduring legacy as a guitar troubadour of the modern age.

Review: Now celebrating its landmark 50th anniversary, Pink Floyd's seminal The Dark Side Of The Moon remains a timeless masterpiece and is a groundbreaking fusion of progressive rock and psychedelic soundscapes. This iconic album, known for its conceptual brilliance and sonic innovation, continues to captivate with its introspective lyrics and haunting melodies half a century on and this 50th Anniversary Edition pays homage to the monumental work on some very special vinyl pressings and packaging. With its celestial tapestry of sound and thought-provoking themes, his record is often cited as one you need to hear before you die, and you really do.

Notes: The Groovewasher Mondo Record & Stylus Care System

Groovewasher's top-of-the-line record and stylus care system. Elegant and effective.

Groovewasher's walnut products are solid chunks of 40 year old Black Walnut trees. Every one is unique. Some may have small surface cracks, splits or knots. This is the character of the wood, not a craftsman's mistake.

Review: The prolific and influential John Coltrane comitted many a seminal recording to vinyl across his career. His 1961 work My Favourite Things is one such album and it now gets a special new pressing as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of Atlantic Records. The landmark album came from the same sessions as Coltrane Plays The Blues (1962) and Coltrane's Sound (1964), but marked something of a shift in his career. His playing is exploratory and innovative, unforced and naturally stylistic across gems like 'Everytime We Say Goodbye' and more.

Review: Clutch's cult and debut recording back in 1993 has never before been available on vinyl, but it is now thanks to Weathermaker Music who have pressed it up to a limited 180 gram sea glass blue vinyl and included a numbered and autographed insert. Transnational Speedway League is a great work from the band's Tim Sul and it comes with great artwork which has been redesigned by Dan Winters and Sult. The limited pressing is a must-own for fans that reminds of the band's very earliest sonic roots, raw riffs and guttural vocals that all make for an intense and arresting album still now all these years later.

Notes: Replacement JNP110 stylus with elliptical stylus and aluminium alloy cantilever.

Fits MP110 cartridge.

Review: Released in 1960, Giant Steps was a watershed album for John Coltrane, solidifying the saxophone legend's reputation as one of the most influential and innovative musicians in jazz history, as well as delivering jazz to an increasingly mainstream audience, while garnering significant critical acclaim. Although this was John Coltrane's debut for Atlantic, he was concurrently performing and recording with Miles Davis. Within the space of less than three weeks, Coltrane would complete his work with Davis and company on another genre-defining disc, Kind Of Blue, before commencing his efforts on this one. Coltrane (tenor sax) is flanked here by essentially two different trios. Recording commenced in early May of 1959 with a pair of sessions that featured Tommy Flanagan (piano) and Art Taylor (drums), as well as Paul Chambers - who was the only bandmember other than Coltrane to have performed on every date. When recording resumed in December of that year, Wynton Kelly (piano) and Jimmy Cobb (drums) were instated, replicating the alternate non-Bill Evans lineup featured on 'Freddie The Freeloader' on Kind of Blue, sans Miles Davis of course. At the heart of these recordings, however, is the laser-beam focus of Coltrane's tenor solos.

Review: The legendary experimental German band Einsturzende Neubauten is back with their first album since 2020, Rampen (apm: alien pop music). Since their formation in 1980, the band his sought out to blaze their own trail in making what others would assume is noise into their own brand music. Their own music language was created and brought with them legions of followers that have added a bit of Einsturzende Neubauten's influence to their own sounds. The band has once again pushed their sound even further - alien pop music. This edition comes on yellow vinyl.

Review: The debut solo album by David Crosby of Crosby, Stills & Nash fame, If I Could Only Remember My Name is an ironic title for an artist first striking out on their commercial own. But despite its faux-amnesiac title, this freak-folk opus is actually a striking claim to, not a loss of, personal musical identity. Following the success of 1970's Deja Vu with Stills & Nash, Crosby sought to expound on that album's methodology - hard psychedelic drugs, brushes with insanity, copious studio time - to produce a crisp, profound and multifaceted vision on the intersection of blues, folk and collective music-making, with every legend from Neil Young to Joni Mitchell to Graham Nash in tow. The highlight has to be, above all, 'Tamalpais High (At About 3)'.

Notes: The Milty Pro Zerostat 3 is effective at neutralizing static charges on virtually any surface without the need of sprays.

The Zerostat 3 is highly rated for its ability to improve the sound quality of records and CDs by removing static. The Zerostat 3 incorporates a unique Piezo Crystal device which generates a positive electrical charge of Ions with a gentle squeeze of the trigger, and a negative charge on the material. Constructed from a durable hard plastic, it requires no batteries or refills and is a long lasting alternative to cleaning brushes.

Review: A compilation album that spans a wide range of subgenres, including deep house, tribal house and garage, its highlights include Ron Trent's 'Star Strut' - a devious, dark, and gritty deep house track captivates listeners with its wicked and intense energy - and Vick Lavender's 'Day Light', a soulful and sexy house track that features melodic elements and a touch of disco. Another great one is Timmy Regisford's 'Funa' (instrumental mix), a deep house workout that is both melodic and smooth, while Joe Claussell's 'A Deeper Grace' (LP version) is a classy house track infused with jazzy notes. Overall, this compilation is a must-listen for fans of deep house music - you definitely get your money's worth with this packed release.

Notes: DJ-specific version of AIAIAI's modular TMA-2 XE headphones, featuring 40mm S01 drivers, slim H01 headband, on-ear PU leather E02 earpieces and straight 1.5m C05 cable. Quality sound with loud, punchy response and eco-friendly credentials.

Supplier's Notes:
Modular DJ headphones.

Balanced sound
Clear sound at high volume levels
High sound isolation
Weighing only 168g
Modular headphone design

Modular DJ headphones with balanced sound for DJ performance and music exploration.

Signature bio-diaphragm drivers engineered to deliver high volume levels and minimise distortion when performing in loud environments. Weighing only 168g for enhanced comfort over extended periods of time.

Balanced sound; punchy bass

Critically acclaimed sound specifically designed for live performance. Punchy bass and balanced sound for DJ performance and music exploration.

The speaker unit contains a bio-cellulose diaphragm made from bacterial cellulose, an organic compound grown using certain types of bacteria. The precision-grown diaphragm from bio-cellulose is stiffer, lighter, and stronger than regular PET speaker units, allowing the sound-producing diaphragm to vibrate without the levels of distortion found in other speakers.

Each of these qualities results in more accurate and detailed sound from the speaker with the ability to retain clarity of sound at high volumes.

Lightweight & durable

Put to the test and trusted in the most vigorous environments - on the road, in the studio, and on stage. This requires the highest standards and zero compromise.

Modular product design

With interchangeable components such as earpads, cables, and speaker units, you can upgrade or change parts of your headphones to improve sound quality, comfort and style.

Weighing only 168g

Slim headband design made from high grade nylon covered in neoprene, results in a total headphone weight of only 168g.

High grade materials

Speaker units made from 30% recycled plastics and diaphragms made from bio-cellulose. Ear-cushions made from soft and resilient vegan leather.

The TMA-2 DJ XE comes with a number of specific features suitable for live DJing.

Cable lock

Make sure the cable are not pulled out while playing by locking it to the speaker unit.

Adjustable cups

Change the position of the speaker units for the perfect headphone fit.

Angled stereo plug

Reduce the risk of pulling the plug from the mixer, and less intrusive cable when you are beat mixing.

Stereo jack adapter

Change from a stereo mini jack (3.5 mm) to a larger stereo jack (6.3 mm) with the adaptor.

In the box

S01 . Balanced sound - Bio-diaphragm

Engineered with a 40mm speaker diaphragm made from stiff bio-cellulose to reduce distortion and increase transparency. Tuned for a balanced, accurate sound. Balanced sound - Bio-diaphragm.

H01 . Slim - PU foam

Slim and lightweight polycarbonate headband with soft, durable PU foam padding.

E02 . On ear - PU leather

Soft on-ear memory foam cushions covered with PU leather. The thickness and materials gives high isolation and a punchy sound. Strong bass and low end dynamics.

C05 . Straight - 1.5m - Adapter

Straight black 1.5m thermo plastic cable with soft touch surface. Comes with 1/4 to 1/8 screw-on adapter.

As a music creator, you need headphones that can keep up with your evolving needs and styles. These TMA-2 modular headphone system offers a customizable solution that adapts to your creative process. With interchangeable components such as earpads, cables, and drivers, you can upgrade or change parts of your headphones to improve sound quality, comfort, or style.

By investing in this modular headphone system, you're not just buying headphones - you're investing in a long-term solution that evolves with your music. This reduces electronic waste while ensuring that you always have the optimal headphones just for you.

Diaphragm: Bio-cellulose
Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: 32 Ohm
Magnet: High-grade Neodymium
Max power: 100 mW
Rated power: 40 mW
Resonance freq: 80 Hz

Notes: The entry level Concorde Black boasts low vinyl wearout characteristics and a spherical stylus, while especially good sound characteristics emphasise its quality as a good all rounder.

Review: London Records has announced a deluxe reissue of Orbital's iconic debut album, affectionately known as the Green Album. Originally released in 1991, it straddled the line between rave and ambient techno, featuring timeless tracks like 'Chime', 'Belfast,' and the Butthole Surfers-sampling 'Satan.' Now, those tracks are considered cornerstones of the early UK techno movement. This 4 disc CD set offers the most comprehensive experience, with the original album on disc one and a treasure trove of Green Album-era B-sides, remixes, and alternative versions on discs two and three. Disc four treats fans to two live sets from 1991/92, sourced from the band's soundboard recordings. Wrapped in a 12" box, the deluxe edition includes reprinted flyers from the era and a lavish 60-page hardback book chronicling the Green Album's story, complete with new notes and a track-by-track analysis by Phil and Paul Hartnoll. This reissue is a must-have for Orbital fans and electronic music aficionados alike, offering a comprehensive exploration of a seminal album's legacy.

Review: Soul vocalist and covers extraordinaire Vanessa Fernandez - in other worlds known as Vandetta - throws a curveball with Remember Me, seguing through a fabulous mix of R&B classics, including 'That's the Way of the World' (Earth Wind & Fire), 'Lovely Day' (Bill Withers), 'You're the One I Love' (Barry White), 'Kiss' (Prince), not to mention a smattering of contemporary pop and soul numbers numbers such as Lenny Kravitz's 'I Belong To You', Tom Misch's 'It Runs Through Me', and Portishead's 'Roads'. Proving a wide-ranging knowledge of soul music that is difficult to match (the genre is often subject to staid interpretations, remaining too fixed to certain traditions or places), Fernandez takes on an all-embracing approach to her chosen sound and in doing so enlists a diverse cast of instrumentalists to help her along the way: Tim Pierce (guitars), Alex Al (bass), Victor Indrizzo (drums), Jeff Babko (keyboards), Felipe Menolio (acoustic guitars), and Luis Conte (percussion).

Notes: A digital DJ looking for a professional, durable case solution for your Ableton Push 3? Then look no further, UDG developed a super light EVA Hardcase designed for life on the road. Constructed from durable lightweight compression moulded EVA material with a laminated nylon exterior this case provides protection against drops, scratches & liquids. Skilfully designed & moulded to fit the Ableton Push 3, this case is perfect for the travelling DJ that needs to protect their equipment.

Specifications

Colour: Black
Weight: 0,90 kg / 1.98 lbs
Outer Dimensions (W x H x D): 42.4 x 40.7 x 6.1 cm | 16.7 x 16.0 x 2.4 inch
Inner Dimensions (W x H x D): 38.4 x 32.2 x 4.5 cm | 15.1 x 12.7 x 1.8 inch
Material: Durashock moulded EVA foam

Protection:

Covers main material 600D polyester with 5 mm EVA durashock moulded body
Water repellent laminated nylon exterior
Black soft fleece interior
Protective egg-crate foam prevent damage from vibrations & shocks

Extras

Extra space for cables
Heavy duty handle
Easy grip zipper pulls

Fits

Ableton Push 3 + extra cables

Review: It was big news this year when hip-hop legends De La Soul finally made all of their music available to stream on digital platforms. That move was backed up by them also dropping a load of reissues of their finest albums and now we have, for Record Store Day/Back Friday, this special coloured vinyl boxset featuring their most iconic LP, 3 Feet High and Rising, on seven individual 7"s, making them perfect for DJ deployment. The box set also includes a funky slipmat making this a perfect Christmas gift for the hip-hop head in your life.

Review: Thin Lizzy's double album 'Life,' recorded during their farewell tour in 1983, offers a boisterous yet intriguing glimpse into the band's final days. It boasts guest appearances by guitar legends Gary Moore, Eric Bell and Brian Robertson and boasts a tracklist that spans their discography, featuring selections from their last four albums. Highlights include fiery renditions of tracks like 'The Sun Goes Down,' 'Renegade,' and 'The Boys Are Back in Town.' Notable moments include a mind-blowing guitar solo by John Sykes on 'Got to Give It Up' and a chaotic jam session on 'The Rocker' featuring all five guitarists. While Life captures Thin Lizzy's energy and spirit os fully captured it remains a solid representation of the band's live performance abilities and serves as a fitting farewell to their legendary career. This reissue comes in limited gatefold translucent on blue vinyl which makes it extra special.

Review: Originally released in 1998, Garage Inc. would follow the split double albums of Load and Re:Load as a form of creative cleanse for thrash metal titans Metallica. Clocking it at over two hours, this epic compilation of covers taken from the Garage Days Sessions, B-sides, as well as new selections, paint a sprawling sonic picture of the vast array of influences each member holds dear. Running the gamut from punk and hardcore (Discharge, Misfits), to early proto-metal (King Diamond, Motorhead), all the way to their classic rock and more outsider inspirations such as Bob Seger, Blue Oyster Cult and Lynyrd Skynyrd (with their rendition of 'Tuesday's Gone' as an exceptional highlight); this bloated, overstuffed collection may appear overwhelming at first glance, but offers a curious through line and insight into the varying machinations that have maintained Metallica's status as the biggest thrash metal act of all time. It all had to start somewhere, and what better place than the garage?

Notes: The ISO-PUCK mini is the new little brother of the popular ISO-PUCK, offering the same benefits but designed for lighter speakers and monitors. The IsoAcoustics ISO-PUCK mini provide an innovative new approach in isolating studio monitors, speakers and other systems. This unique design provides a high degree of isolation while resisting lateral movement and oscillations, which results in greater sound clarity and focus. This versatile isolation tool is possibly the most cost effective upgrade available for improving the performance and clarity of your speakers or monitors.

Notes: This bag which accommodates 40 records and additional accessories, is absolutely perfect for shorter DJ gigs or for the weekly record shopping trip. With a lot of small accessory pockets, the bag can also be used as a multi-functional courier bag for office or leisure time.

Review: The Beatles: The Red Album: 1962-1966 encapsulates the iconic band's early years with a dynamic selection of tracks that have now all been remastered at half speed so they sound extra good. This compilation showcases the evolution of their sound from the exuberant energy of 'Love Me Do' to the groundbreaking creativity of 'A Hard Day's Night' and beyond. There are also timeless hits like 'Twist and Shout' and 'Yesterday,' which means this collection serves as a definitive journey through the first part of the The Beatles' legendary catalogue. Each song is a direct portal back to the 60s and to the vibrant era of Beatlemania at the peak of its powers.

Review: As part of Atlantic Records' 75th Anniversary celebration, the label has launched an extensive year-long vinyl series featuring 90 releases spanning the entire history of the company, from its earliest days until the present. Of these emerges this latest reissue of Crosby, Stills & Nash's self-titled debut album, first released on the label all the way back in 1969. The album features some of CSN's most well known and iconic songs; 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,' 'Marrakesh Express,' 'Guinnevere,' 'Wooden Ships,' 'Helplessly Hoping' and 'Long Time Gone.' This album saw a shift in sound to what was popular at the time - blues based rock - opting for a more folk rock, and sometimes jazz-based sound. It would lay the foundations for the California Sound that would be popularised out of Laurel Canyon in the '70s. Artists such as The Eagles, Jackson Browne and Fleetwood Mac would take inspiration from the sound of this record.

Review: Voices From The Lake is the pairing of Italian techno craftsmen and sound sculptors Donato Dozzy and Neel. They came together to do a live show at the famed Labyrinth festival in Japan and that's what gave rise to this new now seminal album. It's a deeply meditative and dubbed-out world of delicate synths and rolling drums that change only slightly and slowly but manage to keep you utterly locked in for the duration. It's pure techno that has been remastered for this new edition across eight sides of wax. An absolute modern classic for sure.

Review: Eleven miasmic, brooding tape meditations from the legendary Bryn Jones, reissued and packaged by Ukrainian label I Shall Sing Until My Land Is Free. Recorded in the immediate wake of the Oslo I accords, the album both bares Jones' stance on the peace pact and eerily predicts its aftermath, with humming, resonant drones, tinny vocal fragments and reversed percussion colliding in aural analogues of political tension, distrust and cyclicality. Overall it is an equally meditative and ominous listen, peppered with many of the hallmarks of mid-nineties Muzlimgauze productions, from swung, steppy, proto-DMZ ride cymbals, to plucked FM synth MIDI earworms, to his ever-present swathes of darkly churning string drones. Essential!

Notes: The SlingBag is a medium size bag that holds approximately 50 Vinyl records or a (MIDI) controller, an Audio Interface, a Headphone and cables. A perfect bag for the starting DJ.

It has a pocket on each side and one full size pocket in the front. Next to this the bag features the special steel bolts which make it impossible for grips and straps to break loose from the bag. The SlingBag can be used as a set in combination with the UDG SlingBag Trolley. A perfect size bag for a quick DJ set!

*Photographed records are not included

Notes: IsoAcoustics introduce the next evolution of their specialized line of speaker stands for the audio professional, music hobbyist, audiophile, and music lover. The new ISO Series of speaker stands provide superior acoustic isolation and enhance the sound clarity of any speakers including studio monitors, home theatre systems and sound reinforcement.

With a lower profile and new contemporary design, the ISO Series of stands positions your studio closer to the supporting surface or meter bridge, and the new redesigned isolators moves the acoustic performance another step forward.

IsoAcoustics ISO Series speaker stands are built with a unique, patented isolation technology that provides a high degree of isolations and manages the speaker's energy to deliver authentic, uncoloured sound. This next generation of speaker stands effectively eliminates energy transfer into the supporting surfaces. Bass becomes tighter, overall imaging is enhanced and your speakers are enabled to perform to their full potential. Following the same design philosophy as the ISO-L8R Series, these isolation stands provide 14 variations of height and tilt adjustment to optimize the placement and performance of studio monitors by getting the tweeters in the correct alignment with the listening position.

Whether you're a pro mixing in the studio - a musician creating in a home project environment - or an audiophile who appreciates every nuance of music and sound - you'll hear and appreciate the difference with the ISO Series speaker stands. It's simply the best investment you can make for superior audio.

ISO-155:

Designed for medium size speakers and studio monitors. These stands provide 14 variations of height and tilt to optimize speaker placement and performance. Isolate your studio monitors from the supporting surface and allow them to breathe so they can deliver the clearest and most accurate sound possible.

6.1"x7.5"/15.5x19cm Short: 2.9"/9.5cm Tall: 8.75"/22.5cm 40 lbs/18kg

Notes: Module A-124 is a special 12dB multimode filter using the "strange" filter circuit of the "EDP Wasp" (an analog synthesizer with black/yellow case built end of the seventies, manufactured by the UK company "Electronic Dream Plant" with Chris Huggett und Adrian Wagner). This design "abuses" digital inverters as analog operational amplifiers leading to distortions and other "dirty" effects that generate the specific sound of this filter. The filter is equipped with a band pass output and a combined low/notch/high pass output. For this output a control knob defines the relation between low and high pass signal. If both signals appear at the same level (i.e. middle position of the Mix knob) one obtains a notch filter. Otherwise the low or high pass signal predominates. The module does not feature self-oscillation in contrast to most of the other filters of the A-100 system.

Inputs: Audio In, CV In (2x)
Outputs: Bandpass Out, Low/Highpass Mix-Out
Controls: Audio and CV attenuator, Frequency, Resonance, LP/HP Mix

The function and operation of this module is very similar to the module SEM VCF A-106-5. But the sound of both filters is very different! The only functional difference is the position of the sockets and controls, and the function of the controls CV2 (A-124: normal attenuator, A-106-5: polarizer).

- 3U Eurorack module, 8HP wide, 45mm deep
- Current draw 30mA

Notes: Practical care set for basic cleaning. Lasting antistatic effect with Disco-antistat mixture, a special self-acting liquid that removes dust, dirt and dried liquids groove-deep and without residue.

Notes: The UDG Starter record bag is a medium size bag that holds approximately 50 vinyl records. It's the perfect budget priced padded DJ bag for the starting DJ and a perfect chance for every DJ to have an original UDG product.
It comes with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap and 2 hold-all straps that make it easy to carry. Your records will be extra protected by the foam padded PVC reinforced walls.

The UDG Starter record bag is a perfect bag for the starting DJ.

Review: By 1997 Photek had already marked himself out as a wild card in the rapidly evolving d&b scene. He'd had three years to carve out some frankly dizzying displays of break editing wizardry and such was the innovation on display there just had to be an album coming. Modus Operandi smartly stepped to one side of the dancefloor, offering a smoky reflection on where jungle and d&b had got to, highlighting the compatibility between half-speed downtempo and breakneck drums and bringing inherent jazziness to the forefront of the beats, which avoided all the usual cliches. It's a masterpiece which hasn't dulled with time and here it's getting a heavyweight reissue across three slabs to ensure the loudest cut. All the better to blow your mind with, all over again.

Notes: Updated version of much-loved DJ/studio headphones. This simplified model offers the same sound as the more expensive models at a more affordable price. Check out our full review.

Supplier's notes:
The HD 25 Light are closed, dynamic headphones for monitoring, recording and outdoor applications.

They are extremely comfortable, featuring a minimalistic headband and a unique capsule design, making them an attractive and lower-cost alternative to the HD 25-II. These are also suitable for nightly DJ use.

Notes: Module A-151 (Quad Sequential Switch) is like an electronic four-position rotary switch.

It includes trigger and reset inputs, four in / outputs, and a common out / input. Each time a pulse is received at the trigger input socket, the common out / input is connected to the next in / output. After the fourth in / output, the next trigger makes it step back to the first again, and so on. A positive pulse at the reset input switches the out / input immediately back to the first in / output (see Fig. 1). Voltages in the range -8V...+8V at the O/I resp. I/O sockets can be processed by the module.

Four LEDs indicate the active in / output (i.e. the on that is connected to the out / input at any particular time).

Notes: When the classic MS-20 analog synthesizer appeared in 1978, it had a trusted partner in the SQ-10 step sequencer. Now, after thirty years, the MS-20 has been reborn as the MS-20 mini, and the SQ-10 has evolved into the more modern SQ-1.

The SQ-1 is a compact step sequencer with 2 x 8 steps. It's wealth of connection jacks allows it to be connected to the MS-20 and a variety of other synthesizers. Vintage analog synths or the latest compact synths can be controlled from this single unit. You can also switch between a variety of synthesizer modes and use the step buttons to create performances overflowing with spontaneity, just as when using a volca unit.

Liberate yourself from the numerically-bound parameter editing that's typical on a DAW; you'll enjoy truly musical inspiration as you train your ears and concentrate on what your fingertips are doing. Don't miss the experience of music that's driven by your instinct.

Rather than the commonly used V/Oct standard, the CV design of the MS-20 always used the Hz/V standard that provides excellent pitch stability limiting the step sequencers that are able to correctly control the MS-20. As a descendant of the SQ-10, the SQ-1 supports the Hz/V standard, enabling it to perfectly control the MS-20 or MS-20 mini. It goes without saying the V/Oct standard is also supported, and the voltage level of the CV output and polarity of the GATE output can be specified as appropriate for the device you've connected. This versatility will enable you to control a wide variety of other synthesizers as well.

As a connector, the SQ-1 provides two CV/GATE OUT channels, the standard MIDI OUT and USB MIDI, littleBits out (to connect to the littleBits synth kit by littleBits Electronics Inc.), plus the SYNC IN/OUT channel that allows you to connect to the volca series and monotribe. Compact and complete with all the functions you need, the SQ-1 is the ideal hardware sequencer.

The SQ-1 provides two channels (A and B) of 8-step sequencer that can operate consecutively, or be used in a variety of other modes. For example, you can run A and B following each other to function as a 16-step sequencer, ignore the order and make the steps play randomly, or use A and B to control different parameters as they run in parallel. From simple sequences to complex changes, you can choose from a variety of modes to suit your needs.

The 2 x 8 step buttons can be used in the usual way to turn notes on/off, but you can also use the MODE button to switch their function, opening up powerful possibilities such as letting you "perform" the sequence itself, as on a volca unit.

"Active Step" lets you skip steps mid-way through a sequence, and "Step Jump" lets you instantly play just the step that you press, producing irregular rhythms or effects that are reminiscent of short loops. "Slide" produces an effect in which steps are connected smoothly; using this to control a synth bass is an easy way for anyone to generate an acid sound.

Packed with carefully selected functionality, the SQ-1 features a compact and very sturdy sheet-metal body. Placed beside the MS-20 series, you'll notice a sense of solidity that gives the impression they were manufactured in the same era. The unit can operate on two AA batteries or on USB bus power.

Sequence step resolution is selectable as quarter notes, eighth notes, or 16th notes.

You can specify the way in which the step knobs control the pitch. The knob values can specify the pitch directly, or they can specify the closest note in a major, minor, or chromatic scale.

Notes: The MIDI Solutions Quadra Thru is a 1 in 4 out MIDI Thru Box. All MIDI messages appearing at the input are sent to all four Thru outputs. Active circuitry cleans up any skewing of MIDI data bits that has occurred at the input, ensuring reliable operation in setups that require daisy chaining or long cable runs.

The Quadra Thru is MIDI powered, and requires no batteries or power supply to operate with most MIDI products (see FAQs - Power and FAQs - LED for more information). A MIDI indicator LED lights up when the product is powered and flashes when MIDI data passes through it.

Notes: Dual 1 x 3 buffered mult (one audio or cv signal in with multiple buffered outputs).

The output of the first mult is normalled to the input of the second mult to create a 1×6 buffered mult

Notes: Audio-Technica's PRO5X headphones are proper all-rounders, just as happy in the DJ booth as they are in the studio. Plenty of people like them for general listening too. Cult favourites for good reason.

Supplier notes:
Audio-Technica updates the PRO5 line with the ATH-PRO5X professional DJ monitor headphones. Featuring lightweight, sturdy construction and two interchangeable, locking cables - a 1.2 m - 3.0 m (3.9' - 9.8') coiled cable and 1.2 m (3.9') straight cable - the ATH-PRO5X headphones are designed to stand up to professional DJ use.

The PRO5x headphones are equipped with newly developed 40 mm drivers capable of handling 1,500 mW of input power, giving you extremely accurate sound reproduction that remains distortion-free even at high volume. And the soft, durable earpads fit comfortably over the ears to provide excellent sound isolation.

Review: Steven Stapleton is Nurse With Wound. Originally a band, sometimes abbreviated to NWW, since 1978 the English act has explored a range of dark and brooding styles, including industrial, dark ambient, drone, and noise. Well known for sound collages - usually pretty intense in nature - influences come from the dada and surrealist art schools, cabaret music, John Cage, The Beach Boys, Krautrock, and Musique Concrete. She & Me Fall Together In Free Death is, in this instance at least, the highly anticipated reissue of the landmark album which proved just how good NWW is at all forms of song craft. Work here edges into the eerier end of Liars collaborating with Tom Waits' at his most experimental and that's really clutching for reference points. Quite unlike anything else you'll buy today, we promise.

Notes: The Goldring philosophy is to promote the accurate reproduction of the original recording, maintaining the creative nuances, musicality and rhythm the artist intended you to hear. The E Series is designed to capture this experience when used with all medium to high mass tonearms found on the majority of budget to medium priced turntables. This is achieved through the use of Magnetic Duplex Technology and Goldring Expert Adjustment.

The E3 cartridge, the highest in the range features the same aluminium cantilever as the E2, but benefits from a superior bonded, super-elliptical (0.3 x 0.7 mil) stylus. This gives it superior high frequency groove detail retrieval ability over ordinary elliptical (0.4 x 0.7 mil) or spherical (0.6 mil) styli due to its smaller front to back radius. Its main effect is the reduction of sibilance, especially in high level vocal recordings.

Magnetic Duplex Technology:

All cartridges in the range feature Magnetic Duplex Technology - a 'dual magnet' generator assembly which more accurately traces the record groove providing better stereo separation and a more involving and musical sound stage.

Expert Adjustment:

The E-series cartridges have been designed to allow micro-adjustments to be made during production using a special adjustment screw. This means the cartridge can be safely installed in a typical turntable because the angle that the stylus makes with the record surface has been pre-set. The result is an optimised channel balance with zero degrees of horizontal tracking adjustment required. This ensures a consistent and reassuring performance for the life of the product.

Stylus/Cantilever:

Featuring spherical styli with a choice of cantilevers, the E1 and E2 models are ideal as an upgrade to any budget, pre-fitted or obsolete cartridge.

The E3 model with its refined super elliptical stylus is a worthwhile upgrade for those wishing to squeeze even more information and detail from the record groove.

Notes: The new Magma 45 Record-Bag 100 is the latest addition to Magma's 45 bag range and perfectly holds up to 100 x 7-inch records. The fully padded main body features a reinforced semi-hard PVC-body, providing excellent protection and a stable fit even in the pre-selected position of the records. Additional accessories such as headphones, a needle-case and 45-adapters can be stored in the two zippered side-pockets.

Fits

100 x 7" Vinyl-Singles
45 Adapters & accessories

Specs

Outer measures: 29 x 20 x 21 cm (incl. side pockets)
Inner measures: 19,5 x 18 x 19 cm
Weight: 0,9 kg
Colour: black