May 21, 2025- Time goes whooshing past (NO that is not the sound of pink noise flowing through a modulated band pass filter), the BIG story about fake SM7B microphones is finally out and nothing has changed, Amazon and eBay continue to sell fake microphones branded as SM7B. As I experiment and listen more to to the FAKE mic I got off eBay, it becomes even more clear just how bad it sounds (think one step up from two paper cups connected with a string).
In newer news, we're preparing two reviews of very low cost 500 series modules from Fredenstein. These are from their Artistic Series and they are very surprising, especially for their prices of $99 (mic preamp) and $149 (FET compressor). IMPRESSIVE or DEPRESSIVE, stay tuned for the full story. Both will be here in 01 REVIEWS as soon as they're finished in our sound lab.
In the oven cooking for a future review and shootout with API, it's the bargain priced, Behringer 10-slot, 500-series rack. Do modules fit right? Does the power supply induce noise into transformer based modules? You'll read about it here, very soon, after full, sonic torture has been excessively applied (no people will be hurt ;-)
Good Music To You!
May 14, 2025- There are a lot of new gadgets in the HoT lab and we're busy ramping up testing. Meanwhile, IS YOUR MICROPHONE A FAKE? Fake copies of Shure and Neumann microphones are pouring into the US through the mail and eBay. We'll have the details here on High on Technology with analysis and review of actual product. How good is a fake? Is it as good as the real thing? We've got answers you need to know, coming soon.
May 5, 2025- We are rearranging the TABLE OF CONTENTS search categories, it's an ongoing process but the articles will be much easier to access and make a lot more sense when this work is completed. Everything should continue to work correctly but things on the ABOUT page and the INDEX (formerly FREE INFO) page may be out of sync until all the changes take effect, thank you for your patience.
May 2, 2025- ON THE WAY TO OUR LAB NOW! the Behringer 73, a new 500 series preamp based on the classic Neve 1073. Behringer consulted with a former Neve engineer to assist in making this module as authentic as possible. Behringer reverse engineered the classic Input and Output transformers and packed it all into the compact 500-style, plugin module. If it sounds as good as the 1273 then Behringer has a hit on their hands. You'll read about it here on High on Technology as soon as it lands. Have a wonderful weekend!
April 29, 2025- Did you create anything new this week? When I was young and working a lot of overtime at my straight job I could not get enough time in my little recording studio. Here is an article to help you get over "writers block" and create your best work ever. In other news we're going to be wrapping up the big burst of microphone reviews very shortly and changing focus back to synthesizers, drum machines and Eurorack. Have a wonderful week!
April 27, 2025- Time is flying by, I've been in the lab with all sorts of microphone testing, rebuilding old mics, testing unbelievable microphone clones from China, story coming very soon, all our staff is working on this... You think your Podcast mic is a Shure SM-7B, but is it really?
April 21, 2025- A new week, new studio adventures. A new Model D is in the house, review coming soon.
April 18, 2025- Have a glorious Easter Weekend. More music, recording and sound next week!
April 18, 2025- Still working on microphone reviews, getting them ready to publish, last minute additions. After the mic reviews are published we'll be moving to synths and drum machines. Currently in the lab, three drum machines getting ready for a beat-smackdown. It was almost ready to roll but MPC 3.0 came along and it's a major upgrade so we're doing more testing. Not enough hours in the day...lol
April 14, 2025- We've been very busy here at H.o.T. HQ gathering historical information to create a burst of stories about microphones that shaped our recording journey. Mic's are the ears of recording and sound engineers, the right one can elevate a voice to the next level. Here is a shortcut link to view the newly revised section 11 of Table of Contents, enjoy! 11 Microphones.
April 14, 2025 - We've added the NEWS page (you're soaking in it), a new selection and section where we can post information about forthcoming gadgets and musical things.
Today's Big Story - I actually spotted this news a couple of weeks ago, I've listened to the demos and here is what I've dug up so far on this exciting new synthesizer product.
Can’t wait for this retro-inspired beast to drop? Neither can we!
Behringer is turning up the heat in the synth world with the upcoming 2-XM, a semi-modular analog synthesizer that channels the soul of the Oberheim Two-Voice into a compact, Eurorack-ready package. Priced at an irresistible ~$399 USD, this duophonic dream machine is set to drop jaws—and killer sounds—in studios and live setups alike. Get ready, because the 2-XM is about to make vintage vibes accessible to every synth nerd out there!
Crafted with a pure analog signal path, the 2-XM packs two independent voices, each loaded with dual VCOs (sawtooth and pulse waves with sync), a multimode VCF (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch), and a punchy VCA. With four envelope generators, dual LFOs, and a noise generator, it’s a playground for crafting everything from thunderous basses to cosmic pads. The 32-point patchbay—16 CV ins, 16 outs—begs for wild modulation experiments, making it a natural fit for Eurorack enthusiasts itching to push boundaries.
What’s got us buzzing? The 2-XM’s versatility. Play it duophonically, split voices across MIDI channels, or stack all four oscillators for massive unison leads that’ll shake the room. A stereo mixer with panning and portamento sliders adds lush depth, while MIDI, USB, and polychain support (link up to 32 voices!) ensure it vibes with modern workflows. Housed in a sleek desktop skiff that slides into any Eurorack case, its 64 knobs and switches scream hands-on control.
“Behringer’s 2-XM is our love letter to the Oberheim legacy,” says a company spokesperson. “We’ve distilled that iconic ‘70s SEM sound into a synth that’s affordable, modular-friendly, and bursting with creative potential. Whether you’re a bedroom producer or a live performer, this is the analog spark you’ve been waiting for.”
We’re counting down the days until the 2-XM hits shelves. Why? Because this isn’t just a synth—it’s a portal to retro-futuristic soundscapes at a price that won’t break the bank. From gritty leads to evolving textures, the 2-XM is poised to be the heart of countless rigs.
