Reviews

Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface Review

February 26, 2020 By Sean

We’re huge fans of recording gear if many of you haven’t been able to tell, and when we were able to catch the new EVO 4 audio interfaces (yes, technically by ‘Audient’ at NAMM, we were pleased to give our thoughts and experiences with our viewers. First and foremost however, it isn’t necessarily an ‘Audient’ product, as it is from a new spin-off company they’ve created called “EVO”. It’s their gateway into some entry-level products (which we’ve seen some from higher-end brands this year, surprisingly, however none of them have created a new ‘company’ like this). This particular EVO 4 model is their first interface to come out this quarter (with the EVO 8 coming along a little later, just expanded with some extra ins and outs). With a super cheap retail price and some impressive specs, let’s see what the EVO 4 interface is all about.

Solid State Logic SSL2 Audio Interface Review

February 18, 2020 By Sean

Our review of the new SSL2 audio interface — Source: solidstatelogic.com

We had a chance to check out the Solid State Logic SSL2 and SSL2+ at the winter show this year, and let’s just say this is probably one of the biggest buzzes we were hearing about around the entire convention. For those aware of SSL and who they are, we’re all fond of their high-end consoles and other audio products they bring typically to the professional world of music making. However, could you imagine some of their technology in some home studio applications and introduced into a range that is, pretty simply put, affordable? Well this is what we get when it comes to the SSL2 audio interface. And it’s amazing!

Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller Review

February 12, 2020 By Sean

For those of you looking into a higher-end 88 key MIDI keyboard controller, Arturia has your back here. We were excited for them to add on to their reputable KeyLab Essential MIDI keyboard series, considering many were begging them to give them an 88 key model. For this year, we were pleased to see they listened to many of us and they didn’t tweak too many features we all love in their other KeyLabs but simply some extra beef and of course, more keys! Let’s get into the details of our Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 review.

PreSonus ioStation 24C Interface and Controller Review

February 11, 2020 By Sean

Audio interfaces are definitely a popular piece of gear, but nowadays we like to get a lot more strict when it comes to really judging what newer models can bring to the music equipment world. We were super excited to see this thing from a distance as we were walking up to the PreSonus booth. With 24-bit, 192 kHz analog-to-digital converters (audio quality is always our biggest gripe), USB-C connection for desktop use and an overall user-friendly design with extra control features to take our recording to the next level, we had to get our hands on this thing at least for a little while at NAMM 2020. We were able to watch a demo and jot down our thoughts of what we thought was most important to understand about this audio interface and controller before making the buy. Here’s our PreSonus ioStation 24C review.

Nektar Aura MIDI Controller and Sequencer Review

February 6, 2020 By Sean

Some new hardware? We’re all ears. When hitting up the Nektar booth at NAMM, our eyes lit up when we saw some colored pads in a box-like shape. So what’s Nektar have to offer with this interesting looking MIDI pad controller and sequencer, with others calling it a ‘beat composer’? If you’re coming out with something like this in 2020, you’re going to be getting some buzz. But at the same time, will have to come strong with either a combination of features that are already available in one or perhaps some new twists and turns that will perk up some musician’s ears. Here are some of our thoughts and a review of the new Nektar Aura beat composer.