SECRETS OF GREAT SOUNDING GEAR - Essential Ingredients and more

What is “Great Sounding Gear”? This typically refers to high-quality audio equipment designed to deliver superior sound performance. The term “Great Sounding Gear” is often used in audio enthusiast communities to describe gear that prioritizes sound quality, durability, and design. There are three essential ingredients in Great Sound, do you know what they are?

TRIBUTE TO LEO FENDER: His legacy lives on

Do you know what separated Leo Fender and made him unique? He tried his best!

REVIEW VOX AMPLUG3 AC30: Convenient, Inexpensive, but…

I wanted to love this little headphone amp from Vox. The clever, integrated design eliminates the need for a guitar cord, you just plug this little box into your guitar, plug iyour 1/8” headphones into amPlug3, and start jamming, right?

RIP JOHN LODGE, Award winning writer, singer and bassist for The Moody Blues

The Moody Blues were threaded throughout my life. The bands use of the Mellotron keyboards seemed so unique and important back in the 1970's as my adult life was first unfolding. I did not know how they made their sounds, I just knew I liked it. Interesting vocals and awesome creative song writing. He left us on October 10th, 2025.

REVIEW HEADRUSH “FRFR GO” POWERED SPEAKER: Rechargeable battery too

Headrush is a relatively new player in powered speakers. The acronym FRFR was previously described here on High on Technology, Headrush has borrowed it and put it into the name of today’s review product. The Headrush “FRFR GO” is a small, inexpensive, portable speaker system with an emphasis on musical instrument applications — think guitar modelers, digital drum and synth use, jamming with loops, listening to tunes and so much more. But is it good?

REVIEW PRISM SOUND OVER-KILLER: Passive Peak Limiter, but is it good?

I was excited to finally find a product by Prism Sound that I not only wanted, but one I could actually afford. Just reading the ads on retailer web sites, the Over-Killer seemed like such a simple device, why is nobody else doing something like this?

WHAT IS FRFR? Why you need Full Range Flat Response

In the world of audio, FRFR stands for Full Range Flat Response. It refers to audio equipment, typically speakers or monitors, designed to reproduce sound across the entire audible frequency range (roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz) with a flat frequency response. This means the system doesn't emphasize or attenuate any particular frequency, aiming to deliver sound as accurately and neutrally as possible, without coloration or distortion.

REVIEW TC LEVEL PILOT X: Balanced Desktop Volume Fader

This is one of those products that was not initially clear why I needed it. After giving it a try I can’t live without it. 

A TRIBUTE TO OLIVER ARCHUT: Modern Day Microphone and Transformer Champion

I feel so lucky to have been able to chat with Oliver in Prosound forums. I never got to meet him personally but I felt a profound loss when he left us back in 2014. 

REVIEW TC ELECTRONICS THUNDERSTORM FLANGER PEDAL: Heavy Duty Package

The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger was released in 1976 as the world's first stompbox-format flanger. Development began around 1975 and after introduction it quickly became iconic. Later variants, like the Deluxe Electric Mistress, arrived in 1978, but the original dates to 1976. I loved those early model Flangers though they had a lot of background noise. I don’t have any of those left but I do have at least five dedicated Flanger pedals and several others inside multifunction pedals. So what is going on with the Thunderstorm Flanger from TC Electronics?

REVIEW BEHRINGER GO MIDI INTERFACE: Add USB MIDI to older synthesizers

Got an old synthesizer like a DX7 which you’d like to connect to your DAW? Maybe the MIDI-out port on your DAW already has a synth plugged in, but you’d like to connect another old synth that does not have USB out, how are you going to connect it?

REVIEW D’ADDARIO HEADPHONE TRS COUPLER: Will it be Reliable?

I was a dealer for D’Addario guitar strings throughout the 1980s and I’ve used them even longer. The company has a history of innovating in accessories and it’s allowed them to grow in marketshare.  There’s basically NEVER been a reliable, quality, TRS-to-TRS connector made by anyone (but me) so I was anxious to give this little molded jack-connector from D’Addario a try. Will the plugs fit right? Will the connections be solid? Is it worth $9 or more?

REVIEW JOYO JA-02 II: Rechargeable Guitar Amp Bluetooth Speaker

Those clever designers at Joyo have combined a rechargeable Bluetooth speaker and a guitar amp together in a lightweight plastic amplifier, complete with switchable distortion, external line input, headphone output and USB-C charger hole. But there is one feature that blew my mind and caused me to immediately hit the buy button.

REVIEW HEADPHONE WRAPUP: Why and where to spend your money

Six different headphone models, from five important manufacturers, with prices ranging all over the place. There were some fun results from all this researching, comparing and testing. You don’t need to drop $400-$2,000 on a a set of headphones to get world class performance. One of the lowest priced models offers linear performance that is up there with one of the BEST priced hundreds more. Ready to see how they stack up against each other?

REVIEW AKG K240 MKII STEREO HEADPHONES: Classic Design and Style

I bought a brand new set of K240 MK II for this review. I received no accommodation, deal or special discount. I've been exposed to this model for over 45+ years and wanted an opportunity to carefully review them here on H.o.T. As always, it's my own opinion about these headphones, this time, in 2025. Should you buy them?

WHAT DOES THE TERM "SOUNDSTAGE" MEAN IN HEADPHONE REVIEWS?

In headphone reviews, soundstage refers to the perceived spatial environment or "stage" where the sound appears to originate when listening to audio through headphones. It describes how well headphones can create a sense of width, depth, and height in the sound, making it feel like the music is happening around you rather than just inside your head.

REVIEW AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M50X STEREO HEADPHONES: Almost Classics?

I bought my first two sets of ATH-M50 back in 2010 at Guitar Center in LA. I had a recording session that afternoon and needed “two of something” that matched. This was the only model of any brand for which they had two units in stock. I was completely unfamiliar with Audio-Technica headphone offerings but I had many years of experience with their microphones so I took a chance. Fortunately, they sounded good to me after some breaking in and they’ve been a regular in our studio operations ever since. So what’s this new X model all about? 

REVIEW BEYERDYNAMIC DT 770 PRO STEREO HEADPHONES: Still Studio Favorites?

For decades, Beyerdynamic has been a trusted name in professional audio, and the DT 770 PRO headphones continue to carry on that legacy. Designed for studio professionals, these closed-back headphones have earned a reputation for delivering precise, reliable sound in demanding environments. Whether you're a music producer, sound engineer, or audiophile seeking critical listening gear, the DT 770 PRO promises a blend of comfort, durability, and exceptional audio fidelity.  What makes these headphones a staple in studios worldwide? Do they live up to the hype in 2025?

REVIEW SONY MDR-7506 STEREO HEADPHONES: Still Awesome After All These Years?

 

Slipping on the Sony MDR-7506 feels like greeting an old friend. Since 1991, these closed-back headphones have been heroes in studios worldwide, delivering no-nonsense sound that’s reliable. Are they still worthy of your consideration?

REVIEW SENNHEISER HD 650 STEREO HEADPHONES: Don’t Do What I Did

If the HD 600, which I reviewed earlier, is the analytical scholar of headphones—precise and uncolored—the HD 650 is its soulful sibling. These look like an upgrade at first glance but don’t press that buy button without reading this.

REVIEW SENNHEISER HD 600 STEREO HEADPHONES: Sonic Truth Revealed for a Price

These headphones hit the market way back in 1997, when music was about purity, not processing. In a world obsessed with wireless convenience and pulsating bass, the HD 600 offers a rare gift: sound, exactly as the artist intended, unvarnished and alive. Nothing wireless to see here, you must plug them in, and you better have an amp that can handle their 300Ω input impedance along with some deep pockets to fund the rest of the journey - but the sound - WoW!

WHAT IS FLAT FREQUENCY RESPONSE: The Key to Accurate Audio

In the world of audio engineering and consumer electronics, terms like "frequency response" get thrown around a lot, especially when discussing headphones, speakers, or microphones. But what exactly does a "flat frequency response" mean, and why should you care? Whether you're a music producer fine-tuning tracks in the studio or an everyday listener streaming podcasts on your commute, grasping this concept can help you make better decisions about your gear. In this article, we'll break it down step by step, exploring its technical foundations and real-world implications.

BEHRINGER SYNTHESIZERS and EFFECTS BY HP: Eurorack Horizontal Pitch (width)

This is a simple quick reference for ordering rack ears or making Eurorack plans. It's also a guide to Behringer Eurorack synthesizers reviewed on HoT.

REVIEW BEHRINGER 69 VIBE PEDAL: Is this the best Uni-vibe clone EVER?

The Behringer 69 Vibe Chorus/Vibrato Pedal is a budget-friendly homage to the iconic Shin-Ei Uni-Vibe, a pedal that defined the psychedelic rock sounds of the late 1960s, famously used by guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, and David Gilmour. Priced at around $59-$69, this all-analog pedal aims to deliver those lush, swirling modulation tones at a fraction of the cost of boutique alternatives or vintage originals. After putting it through its paces, how does the Behringer 69 Vibe stack up?

REVIEW MOOER PE100: Tiny Powerful Guitar Processor that easily fits in your shirt pocket

In the world of guitar effects, bigger isn't always better—especially when you're practicing late at night or jamming in a cramped hotel room. Enter the Mooer PE100, a compact desktop multi-effects processor that's designed to pack a full pedalboard's worth of versatility into something that easily fits in your shirt pocket. Released a few years back, this little beauty from Mooer Audio has earned a reputation as an affordable and complete solution for practicing guitarists. It's got an incredible bargain price, but does it deliver? 

REVIEW ELECTRO-HARMONIX LIZARD QUEEN: What happened to this pedal?

The Electro-Harmonix Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz pedal, released in April 2023, is a vibrant slice of retro-inspired tone that captures the gritty, octave-drenched spirit of 1970s EHX designs while delivering modern versatility. 

REVIEW JOYO ORTHROS: UNIQUE A-B Guitar Pedal Effect Switcher

In Greek mythology, Orthros is a two-headed, serpent-tailed dog that guarded the cattle of the monster Geryon. Here, in the real world, where we actually live, Orthros is a deluxe A-B switching pedal from Joyo. The mythological Orthros, with its two heads, might symbolize the dual signal paths (A and B loops) the pedal manages, allowing you to switch or blend between two effects chains or signal routes. The pedal is really inexpensive and has many killer features, is it good?

A TRIBUTE TO JIM MARSHALL: The Father of the 4x12 Speaker

James Charles Marshall, affectionately known as "The Father of Loud," was more than just the founder of Marshall Amplification—he was a visionary whose innovations shaped the sound of rock 'n' roll and beyond. Born on July 29, 1923, in Acton, West London, into a family of boxers and music hall performers, Jim's early life was marked by adversity. A little-known fact is that he suffered from tubercular bones as a child, spending much of his youth encased in plaster casts and hospitalized, which deprived him of a formal education. Yet, this hardship fueled his resilience; exempt from World War II service, he turned to music, becoming a skilled drummer and singer. He even built his own portable amplification system for his vocals, foreshadowing his future empire.

THE JOHN HARDY COMPANY: Replacing Jensen Transformers with in-house built models

PRESS RELEASE FROM "THE JOHN HARDY COMPANY"

I am pleased to announce that The John Hardy Company is now manufacturing the model 16C mic input transformer and 11C line output transformer. These transformers are now being used in the M-1, M-2 and Jensen Twin Servo 990 Mic Preamps of The John Hardy Company. The 16C and 11C replace the Jensen JT-16-B and JT-11-BM transformers respectively. The 16C and 11C are built to the exact specifications of the Jensen models.

REVIEW SHURE MVX2U XLR TO USB ADAPTER: Do not buy for Apple MAC Processor

I wanted to love this little Shure XLR to computer, digital audio interface. I’m a Mac user and Apple Silicon is powering almost all my current fleet of Macs. I’m glad I read the manual for the product, I did not need to read much, “Not recommended for ARM-based PCs”. It gets worse, much worse for current Mac users.

A TRIBUTE TO DEANE JENSEN: Visionary Genius behind Jensen Transformers

 

Young Deane Jensen

Back in the late 1970’s, if you called the Jensen Transformers business phone number, there was a good chance the man himself, Deane Jensen, would answer the phone. He did not identify himself, it was just a business-like “Jensen Transformers”. And I’d say, “I’m calling about a 21-xyz” and he’d launch into the features, advantages and benefits, no waiting, no looking in a catalog, instant knowledge, right there. He was brilliant for some products he developed but one aspect that is always overlooked; Deane Jensen was a genius marketing guy. If he got your ear, the things he said MADE you want Jensen Transformers.  He was always enlightening and educational in the dozen or so times I got to talk with him. So here is my tribute to the man who made the very best low-distortion, precision audio transformers. 

WHAT IS AN INDUCTOR EQ? Vintage Technology for Modern Sound

Can you spot the inductors?

In the world of audio engineering, equalizers (EQs) are the unsung heroes that shape sound, carving out space in mixes and adding polish to recordings. From taming harsh frequencies to enhancing warmth, EQs come in many flavors. But among them, the inductor EQ stands out as a classic with a unique charm rooted in analog circuitry. If you've ever wondered what makes an inductor EQ special—or how it stacks up against more common types like fixed-band, sweepable, or parametric EQs—this article dives deep into its mechanics, history, and applications. Whether you're a bedroom producer or a seasoned studio pro, understanding this tool can elevate your sonic toolkit.

A TRIBUTE TO ASPEN PITTMAN: Soulful Innovator of Groove Tubes

Aspen Pittman was a visionary whose passion for music and technology left an indelible mark on the audio world. As the founder of Groove Tubes, he didn’t just build a company—he ignited a revolution in sound. Pittman’s pioneering spirit brought tube microphones to the forefront of American musical manufacturing, crafting tools that captured the warmth and soul of music in ways that resonated with artists and engineers alike. His creations, born from a deep love for tone and innovation, became a cornerstone of studios across the globe. 

REVIEW AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M50xSTS: A Pro Headphone and Microphone Combination?

I have several sets of the Audio-Technica ATH-50 headphones and they’ve been a favorite here in the studio, for reasons like good isolation, big bass sound, clear highs and good mix translation on rock music production. I’ve also owned and had experience with the AT-2020 microphone, a budget priced, electret microphone which is styled like a side-address, studio vocal microphone. I was very excited to discover AT had integrated these two products into a reasonably priced, headset-mic combination, is it good?

REVIEW BEHRINGER PRO VS mini SYNTHESIZER: Compact Powerful Puzzle Box

The Behringer PRO VS mini

There are people who love puzzles and there are people who love to compose music. Which one are you?

B-E-A-D BASS TUNING: Delivers 5-string low tone with 4-string convenience

This post is really meant to highlight an older article here on High on Technology. It's for bass players using 4-string basses who are curious about that EXTRA LOW TONE ability of a 5-string.

SPOTLIGHT ON MUSIC: Making “The Storm”, Ambient Music Exploration

What is “Ambient” music? Many people confuse Ambient and Background music genres. While Ambient can be a background it has other underpinnings that make it unique and special. For “The Storm” I specifically chose big epic chords and percussion to create the feeling of a musical journey. Let’s break it down.

REVIEW GFORCE SOFTWARE OBERHEIM OB-E: Virtual Synth Tom Oberheim Endorses

While working on my review of the new Behringer 2-XM synthesizer (a hardware clone of Oberheim’s SEM) I found a video of Tom Oberheim discussing this GForce software synthesizer. After hearing Tom speak so highly about this software version I had to have it and as it turned out, the software was ON SALE so that made the purchase even easier. Is it one of the most fun and best software synths ever?

HOW TO RACK MOUNT GEAR: Without a rack

Do you have rack-mounted gear you move in and out of your recording, control room area? I’m constantly working with literally, piles of gear. I have a lot of little wood blocks which I use to provide air space for cooling between stacks of gadgets. I have a lot of equipment racks in a variety of sizes but the problem with racks is all the space they take up. What if there was a way to have many of the benefits of a rack, without the rack?

REVIEW 76-KT COMPRESSOR LIMITER: Another look, Is It Good?

Previously I did a review/comparison of the 76-KT compressor limiter, I directly compared it to the UA 1176LN hardware in our studio, that UA is still one of my favorite studio processors (here is a link to that review). Recently the 76-KT was on sale for $150 with free shipping, should you grab one? Sorry, the sale is over….but at $219 (current price) is it still a deal compared to the UA1176LN at $2999? Is it good?

RIP OZZY OSBORNE, Passing of a legend, age 76

OZZIE in 2010

It is shocking to report that Ozzy has left us. Today he departed the living.

July 5th 2025 was the final Black Sabbath concert, thankfully he was alive to play it. 

We last saw him perform back in 2013 in LA. His voice blew out after about five songs but he soldiered on and completed the show. It was an amazing concert. He was an incredible performer. 

Good bye Iron Man.

FROM SEM TO CEM: The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of Oberheim

Curtis CEM3340 Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) chip, 

designed by Curtis Electromusic Specialties, a 16-pin (DIP) integrated circuit (IC)

VCO: Discrete or chip-based, which is better? Does it matter? When I bought my Sequential Prophet-6 it was touted as great because it had VCO’s constructed from discrete components (like the original Prophet-5 synthesizer keyboards). Oberheim’s first synthesizer, the Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM) also was famously made from discrete components. Oberheim managed to take the original discrete SEM and make it into a polyphonic synthesizer, albeit a very expensive instrument (original four and eight voice synthesizers used multiple SEM modules). 

In a parallel universe Dave Smith was innovating with the original Sequential Prophet-5 (five voice). Both of these great synth designers started by using discrete component designs and both migrated to using chips by Doug Curtis, creator of the famed 3340 VCO, on a chip, known simply as CEM. These chip based synths were the ones that were most popular by sales volume, playability and tuning-stability. The debate continues on today about which of these build schemes produces better sound. I think the most important thing is the music you make with any of these instruments but I still find their stories to be almost as fascinating as the instruments themselves. 

REVIEW: EMF Meter Model RD630, because health matters!

Are you cooking yourself with radiation?

Well don't buy this one

(but think about EMF)

IMPORTANT UPDATE AT END: My favorite human and I spend A LOT of time in the kitchen. We cook and eat, we do art, we watch birds and surf the internet, all from our kitchen, so it seemed like a place that should be safe. Since our kitchen is one of the nerve centers of our home, testing for radiation seemed like a smart idea. There is a big cell tower about 1/4 mile away behind our house and my partner was wondering if we were being irradiated. 

RIP Rick Derringer: Mr Rock And Roll Hoochi Koo

Rick Derringer quietly left us on May 26, 2025. I saw him performing at the King Center a few years ago, he was still tearing up the guitar finger board. During that show he played the Edgar Winter classic "Frankenstein" completely on the guitar, including ALL the synthesizer parts. Music stardom has taken so many at young ages, he was only 77 years old. You rock on forever Rick!

REVIEW BEHRINGER 2-XM SYNTHESIZER: Compact Powerhouse with Vintage Soul

Behringer’s 2-XM has finally landed, and it’s a fascinating addition to their growing lineup of affordable, vintage-inspired synthesizers. As a tribute to the iconic Oberheim Two-Voice from 1975, the 2-XM packs a surprising amount of analog grit and flexibility into a compact, Eurorack-compatible desktop module. After spending some quality time with this synth, I’m excited to share my thoughts on what makes it stand out, from its rich sound to its thoughtful design quirks.

MANLEY LABS ACQUIRED

Manley Labs, makers of iconic tube gear like the Massive Passive and one of the most expensive Variable Mu tube compressors, has been acquired in what is described as an all-cash transaction, by entrepreneur and industry veteran Dirk Ulrich, who is best known for iZotope.

REVIEW SONICAKE JUNCTION BOX: Balanced Patchbay in a guitar pedal, many apps

Junction Box, by Sonicake

While preparing the review of the Sonicake “Levitate” delay/reverb I came across this little jewel, appropriately named “Junction Box”. This is very similar to a box I’ve been building for years in my workshop and which I use regularly in my studio. It’s nice to find it already built but it's not exactly dirt cheap for a dumb metal box of jacks, is it good?

REVIEW BEHRINGER MODEL D SYNTHESIZER: Do you remember?

Behringer announced their Model D synthesizer, a clone of the Moog Minimoog Model D, in 2016, with shipping commencing in early 2018. Do you remember what you were doing when you first read or heard the news they were making a replica of the Moog Model D? What was your first reaction when you heard about it? I remember mine (and it wasn’t good).

REVIEW SEQUENTIAL PROPHET-6 SYNTHESIZER: A Modern Analog Classic

Released in 2015, the Sequential Prophet-6 is Dave Smith’s homage to the iconic Prophet-5, blending vintage analog soul with modern reliability. As a 6-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer, it’s a standout in the contemporary synth market, celebrated for its rich, organic sound and intuitive design. Let’s deep-dive into its key features and design choices to see if it is good.  

A TRIBUTE TO DAVID BLACKMER: Visionary behind DBX, Earthworks and Audio Innovations

In the world of professional audio, few names resonate with the same reverence as David Blackmer (he's the DB in DBX). An engineer, inventor, and relentless pursuer of sonic excellence, Blackmer’s contributions have left an indelible mark on music production and recording. From founding DBX to pioneering groundbreaking technologies like the Blackmer Gain Cell, DBX noise reduction, and iconic compressor/limiter hardware, his legacy continues to shape the sound of modern music. This tribute celebrates Blackmer’s remarkable career, his innovative creations, and the enduring impact of his work.

TRIBUTE TO DAVE SMITH: Synth Pioneer Who Shaped Modern Music

Dave Smith

The world of music lost a titan in 2022 when Dave Smith, the visionary behind Sequential Circuits and a key architect of MIDI, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 72. Known as the "Father of MIDI" and the creator of some of the most iconic synthesizers in history, Smith’s contributions transformed the soundscape of pop, rock, electronic, and film music. His legacy lives on in the lush pads, biting leads, and pulsating basses that continue to inspire musicians worldwide. Beyond his technical brilliance, Smith was a warm, approachable figure who loved connecting with fans and musicians, often seen at NAMM shows enthusiastically demoing his latest creations. This tribute celebrates his groundbreaking innovations, his resilience in reviving Sequential, and the human touch that made him a beloved figure in the music community.