CAD Professional Mics E100S Supercardioid Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a modest home studio, and my recordings have received kind comments from listeners and fellow engineers alike. Though I am on a budget like almost everyone else, I take my equipment seriously, and believe that one is better off saving for what will deliver widely-recognized quality, rather than trying to economize by buying the minimum you need to get a recording done. When you buy too cheap, you often end up spending 3x what you would have spent (for the good stuff) in money lost through trade-ups--because you just can't get happy.
My personal philosophy out of the way, I have respectable gear that can help me tell the difference between a decent mic and a wannabe.
I tested the e100s through a Metric HALO ULN-2 extended, Logic Pro-9, ADAM A-7 Monitors, and various reference quality headphones, including the AKG K-701 and Ultrasone PRO 750s.
I used the mic by itself, X/Y with a Peluso CEMC-6 SMC, and in an M/S configuration with a RODE K-2 Tube mic. I recorded both vocals and acoustic guitar (this last being my personal favorite for showing up crappy wannabe equipment. Transients, fundamentals, and harmonics from a quality guitar are a great test for mics, pre-amps and monitors, and I have two guitars I tried: a Martin D-35, and a Larrivée LV-05e).
The e100s didn't disappoint. It delivered nicely textured, transparent sound, and as a bonus (especially for those of us who want to make clean, quiet, acoustic recordings), it wasuncannily, blissfully, quiet. I mean quiet. Did I say quiet?
My ULN-2 has something like a 125dB S/N Ratio, and this mic made it worth the investment. Holy-moly. I've used Neumann, RODE, Peluso, MXL, etc., etc... this mike is the quietest of them all...even quieter than the TLM-103.
Great sound. Dead quiet. Buy it.

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Engineered and built in the USA, the new E100S large diaphragm supercardioid condenser has the lowest noise floor in its class (3.7 dBA) and the smooth vintage tone and robust low end CAD is known for. The bootstrapped, full differential Quadra-FET front end delivers high sensitivity and low distortion, plus CAD's proprietary circuitry ensures the highest performance. The nickel plated 1" capsule delivers accurate phasing on instruments, and a full rich vocal tone, accentuated by the extended low frequency response. Features include an 80Hz hi-pass filter and a 10dB pad. From vocals to percussion, acoustic instruments and everything in between, the CAD Equitek E100S will prove to be one of the most versatile tools in your microphone locker, in the studio or on stage. Vintage woodgrain cherry case and stealth shock mount included. 48V phantom power is required. ApplicationsStudio Vocals Choir Acoustic Instrument Guitar Cabinets Bass Cabinets Strings Piano Cymbals/OverheadsSpecificationsOperating Principle: Condenser Polar Pattern: Supercardioid Frequency Response:

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Galaxy Audio PA6S 170W Personal PA System/Monitor Review

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(More customer reviews)As a singing drummer, I absolutely LOVE this monitor!
You have personal volume control, plus a 3-way EQ, and since you can run two channels into it, you can blend the house monitor mix in with your own mic feed (via a microphone "thru" patch) to get the exact blend of the two that you desire.
After using this Galaxy PA6S at a recent gig, I will never go back to floor monitors again!
Galaxy Audio PA6S 170W Personal PA System/Monitor

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Pioneers of the small PA/personal monitor category when they introduced the HOT SPOT 30 years ago, Galaxy Audio has redesigned their innovative Galaxy Audio PA6S from the ground up while keeping the basics. The outer shell on this version of the PA6S PA system & vocal monitor has kept the distinctive shape of the original Hot Spot, but with a new, 21st century look. The cabinet now uses two specially designed speaker components—the 155-watt NEOLITE 6.5" woofer and Galaxy Audio's highly efficient 1.5" 60-watt tweeter.The Galaxy Audio PA6S PA system / monitor takes full advantage of recent improvements in speaker and amplifier technology, making it the lightest, most powerful, and best-sounding compact PA system Galaxy Audio has ever offered. Features such as the XLR pass-through on each channel allow independent control of mics without affecting the signal sent to the house PA system. The Galaxy Audio speaker's -20dB Pad switch on each XLR input ensures that even the hottest signals will be accepted without overdriving the inputs. An additional 1/8" Line input on Channel 2 will accept stereo or mono signals from sources such as tape or digital medial players as well as line-level instruments.The two-way PA speaker system gives the PA6S a much wider frequency response than earlier models. This means that full-range music, such as keyboards or backing tracks, will come through with solid bass and crisp highs. This enhanced frequency response makes the Galaxy Audio PA6S a great stand-alone PA system for small club gigs as well as lectures and A/V presentations. Plus a simple adjustment of the 3-band EQ can alter the response for singers who love the time-honored accentuated midrange of the classic Hot Spot vocal monitor. The Galaxy Audio PA6S gives you the best of both worlds.Amplifier/PreampThe Galaxy Audio PA6S has a built-in 170-watt amplifier designed to handle the most demanding audio situations. This high-tech Class D amplifier produces plenty of power to co

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Behringer EurOlive F1220A High-Performance, Active 125-Watt Monitor Speaker System with 12 Woofer, 1 Compression Driver And Feedback Filter Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been a fan of Behringer products since 2004. My first experience with them was when I'd ordered a UB2222FXPro mixer in April of 2004 despite a dire warning from one of my well-intentioned, musician friends: "You know Behringer stuff is cheap. It's flimsy and won't last long." When pressed as to how he acquired his valuable insight, he paused a moment and said, "Well, that's what I read online." And yes, I've seen similar comments in online reviews of Behringer products; but I suspect that many of these bad reviews might actually be propaganda posted by competitors.
My band plays on the average of 4 to 5 nights a week; and my Behringer mixer has continued to work flawlessly for six years now. In fact in 2008, I purchased a 2nd Behringer mixer (Xenyx 2222FX) for backup. Besides these two mixers, I've acquired a plethora of other Behringer products: Pro-XL MDX 2600 (compressor/gate/expander/peak limiter,) 212A powered PA speaker; U-Control UCA202 USB-audio interface; Minimon Mon800 Stereo Monitor Matrix Mixer; CX2310 Super-X Pro Crossover; DR100 reverb pedal; Powerplay Pro-XL HA4700 (headphone amp;) Truth B2030A Active Studio Monitors; Tube Ultragain MIC200 (mic preamp); Vintager GM110 Combo Amp; DEQ2496 Ultracurve (speaker management/digital EQ) and a ECM8000 reference mic.
All the above units have done exactly what they're supposed to do - always surpassing my expectations and always priced way below their competitors' counterparts. Out of all these items I've only had two problems:
1) I had a "dead" channel on my 2nd mixer (Xenyx 2222FX), and that was quickly resolved by a replacement unit being sent out immediately by Musician's Friend.
2) My first DEQ2496 (digital EQ) suddenly failed after nearly 4 years of almost daily use. (It turned out that it was actually cheaper to simply buy another unit as opposed to repairing the original.)
I've prefaced this review of the Behringer F1220A Active Monitor Speaker with all the above background information to let the readers know of my prior experience with Behringer products - especially in regard to product reliability.
The F1220A is a sleek-looking unit, covered with tough, durable covering. The boxes are constructed to lie on their sides on the stage floor, angled up towards the performer. These enclosures can also be stand-mounted via an integrated 35 mm pole socket. On the front panel there are controls for: level; bass, mid-range and treble EQ; sweepable feedback filter with in/out switch; mic/line input (both XLR and 1/4") and a "link output" (both XLR and 1/4") for cascading additional powered units. This monitor features a 12" driver and a 1" high-frequency driver powered by 125 watts.
So, how does it sound? Incredible! Plenty of volume and quality. We had been using Mackie SRM350s for stage monitors; and now I have noted a fuller, warmer bottom end - much easier on the ears. (And I must admit my band members and I had been very satisfied with the Mackies; but I just had to try these Behringers. And now everybody's even happier!)
Besides the band, I do a solo gig every Wednesday. So out of curiosity, I tried the F1220A as a main. I pole-mounted it (a bit tricky for one person due to the location of the socket,) and it sounded great as a PA speaker! It handled the bass of the split keyboard and the drum unit as well as the vocal and backing tracks with plenty of power and quality. As far volume, this speaker is capable of much more than I would ever use for this mid-sized venue (approx 100 people) for my Wed night gig.
Back to the band, all the guys I work with have been very impressed with these monitors. They especially like being able to adjust the volume to their liking along with tailoring the EQ to their taste. And at least two of them, without prompting, have commented on the full, low end that these monitors provide.
This monitor has a sturdy, strap handle of the top. The unit can be a bit unwieldy when carried by the handle depending which "face" of the speaker is towards your leg. If you find the unit banging against your knee, just rotate it 180 degrees, and you'll be fine.
You'll want to keep your monitor safe while transporting it. Even though it does have a tough exterior, you might consider purchasing the Gator GPA-SCVR450-515 Speaker Covers. They run about $50 and fit these monitors pretty well. They even have a cutout for the monitor's strap handle. Or you can use the bag's own handles. They are a good investment to keep your F1220A in good shape.
My verdict? Another outstanding value from Behringer!

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High-Performance, Active 125-Watt Monitor Speaker System with 12" Woofer, 1" Compression Driver and Feedback Filter

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Shure P2R Hybrid Bodypack Receiver, H2 Review

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(More customer reviews)While I think this little unit is expensive (mine was about $300 and didn't include the headphones - -1 star for price) it does work great. The singer already owned the transmitter unit so I only had to buy the receiver. This is saving my ears. I bought some Sennheiser CX200 Twist-To-Fit Earbuds that sound great to use with this. They are the in ear type that you put in very securely and they block outside noise. (One hint bring the headphone wire up over your ear from back to front and then put them in your ear, your lobe provides stress releif for the ear piece and they never come out). I'm a drummer in a 7 piece band and they knock my drums way down so that they are in the back of the mix (they are just picked up by other room mics not mic'd in the rehearsal space). I can now hear everything that everyone in the band is playing and I don't care how loud they make their amps (within reason). This is one of the best things I've ever purchased for playing in a band. I don't go home with volume induced headaches anymore. When everyone in the band gets one, the floor monitors (and attendant feedback problems) will no longer be needed and playing live should go just as smoothly as rehearsal.
One small problem with the unit is the lack of any good indicator for low battery problems. One time I couldn't get sound, checked the channel, checked the power light all good. The singer suggested I replace the battery and as soon as I did, problem solved. Keep a supply of 9Vs on hand for practice and the show.

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The P2R Hybrid Bodypack Receiver is the world's first bodypack receiver to function as a wired receiver, a wireless receiver, or both at the same time. This and other unique features, along with excellent sound quality, make the P2R an exceptional value

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Mackie Big Knob Desktop Studio Monitor System Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a home studio and have used the Big Knob for about 2 years now. This is exactly what I was missing in my chain. Very well made, this thing is constructed like a tank and built to last. I can easily switch between my monitors and headphones with the push of one button and you always know where the volume knobs is. The Big Knob can also make things easier if you are using multiple inputs. My computer is hooked up to one input, my guitar to another and electric keyboard to another....and all with a push of a button or two I can easily select which combination I want to hear. Each input has a gain level knob associated with it. Two headphone jacks are included with individual volumes for each. I have not seen anything on the market that quite compares. Presonus has a similar unit, but it does not appear to be made nearly as well or useful despite it's glowing buttons. You can't go wrong with this at all. I bought mine off an auction site, so shop around for a good deal.

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Mackie?s Big Knob lets you easily switch between studio monitors, stereo sources, and even send musicians their own custom headphone mixes, all from your desktop.

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Acoustic AG60 60W 2x8 Acoustic Guitar Combo Amp, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)Before I bought my Acoustic AG60, I auditioned a lot of acoustic guitar amps at my local guitar center. For my ears, most of those amps were simply too tinny - they lacked bass projection and 'warmth'. The Acoustic, and in some cases the Fender line of acoustic amps were the warmest and most natural sounding to my ears. I ultimately selected the Acoustic because in my opinion, it won the sound contest. The effects were usable and natural sounding, the 2x8" monitor speakers have punch and projection, and the front panel has 4 inputs (with 'combination connectors' that can take XLR or unbalanced 1/4" phono plugs).
Many times an amp sounds good in the store, but when you get it home, it disappoints. Not so with the Acoustic. It sounds every bit as good at home as it did in the store and I can run vocals and guitars through it at the same time and it really works well as a practice amp.
I have but one complaint with this amp; the inputs clip at too low of a volume. You never do get that 60 watts they promise you. To my ears, comparing the output of my guitar amps, the AG60 never puts out more than 30 watts. As you turn up the inputs past about 9 o'clock, you get the familiar 'digital crackle' of transistor clipping. If I could push it to max power without distortion I'd be more happy with it.
However, I think this amp does everything else perfectly, and I recommend it highly due to it's superior sonic qualities. Just be sure to pick up the version of this amp that allows you to get the volume you want out of it before clipping (they make them in 15w, 60w, and 100w). This amp is highly musical for acoustic guitars, voice, and electric guitars. I have found that it sounds fantastic with my electrics clean, and it sounds really good with some Boss stomp overdrives I have. Other than the clipping issue, I really like this amp and would highly recommend it! Two of these will make a nice small club stereo PA or due to the wedge cabinet design, it makes a nice little self contained stage monitor setup.
And, because the amp has a preamp send, when using it as a stage monitor, you can simultaneously send it's output to a larger house PA. Another possible important application for this amp is as a reproduction system for today's 'modeling preamps'. For example, you could hook up a Vox Tonelab or POD XT Pro to a pair of these and have a really nice stereo small club setup. With those 2x8" speakers, the amp acts very much like a 'studio monitor' so it will faithfully reproduce what ever you pump into it - with some minor but pleasant, and musicaly useful coloration.
Final word is that the amp is well worth the money spent, for electric or acoustic applications, and/or vocals, and highly recommended.

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The AG60 acoustic guitar amp is simple to operate, simple to maintain, and its Fast-Tone technology allows you to dial up great sound in an instant.The AG60 amplifier features 2 8" studio monitor style speakers with polypropylene cone speakers and rubber surrounds. This produces a very soft, warm, low frequency response. Additionally, the coaxial tweeter provides a chime-like clarity to your high frequencies.

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