BBE Sound Inc. is known for their popular "Sonic Maximizer", which improved the clarity and volume of many recordings. They have since branched into live sound reinforcement and have made their technology suitable for acoustic instruments, resulting in the BBE Acoustimax.

While it may not have as many extra features as other acoustic preamps, it works great where it matters, having extensive tone shaping controls and providing great sound courtesy of the built-in Sonic Maximizer.

Known for their pro quality acoustic instrument guitar pickups, it is only natural that LR Baggs know how to make your acoustic guitar signal sound great when going straight to PA. And so they showed their skill with this feature packed unit, combining preamp, tone shaping and DI box functionality all in one unit.

More than just a "stuffed up" unit, the preamp, EQ and DI Box functionalities work really well together or when used sparingly. Even virtuosos like Leo Kottke have been spotted putting this unit to good use.

Behringer's ability to manufacture feature-packed gear at ridiculously cheap prices has been giving premium brands a run for their money. And what makes them even more threatening is how the quality of their products continue to improve while still retaining their low price advantage.

The Pro48 is essentially a stripped-down, budget-friendly version of the J48, providing the same sound and build quality without the extra features.

It is also smaller and lighter, which can be handy, while still retaining Radial's brand of reliability.

Those who want a more affordable alternative to the J48 has been satisfied by the Pro48, and since it only costs around half, they were able to buy more units for other instruments - resulting in a more pronounced improvement in the overall sound of their band or venue.

The Boss ME-80 combines the versatility of digital sound processing with the intuitiveness of analog stompbox like controls. It is a more old-school version of their flagship multi-effect pedal, the GT-100, meant for guitarists who prefer familiar analog controls over complex buttons and menus.

Since real knobs occupy space, this multi-effects processor is quite bulky, a welcome compromise that makes it easier to setup and adjust on the fly.

The S25 from Native Instruments' Komplete Kontrol series is designed to integrate with NI Komplete instruments.

Its main feature includes the Light Guide - LEDs above each key that offers visual feedback on performance controls, such as chord / arpeggiator or scale mode. The triggered notes light up once a key is pressed in chord or arpeggiator mode, while the notes in a scale light up on the keyboard in scale mode.

This 180 Watt amp comes with a 15" woofer for producing strong bass tones but also has an output for a subwoofer if you want additional power on the bottom end.

A handy feature is the dual balanced XLR outputs which allows you to send the signal over long snake cables to a PA mixing console without the need for a stereo DI box.

It sports an output select switch and a shape switch for making quick tonal adjustments.

The CEntrance MicPort Pro is a top rated plug-and-play USB audio interface that's built to discretely connect to microphones.

It has a compact profile that can directly mount to a mic, and housing its mic preamp and A/D converter. It essentially transforms regular microphones into USB mics, which allows you to continue using your preferred mic in recording, and at the same time free up valuable space on your desk.

It is meant to be a space saving solution for those who record everything through microphone, be it musical instruments, podcasting, singing and others.

ProCo Sound is more popular for their guitar distortion pedal called "Rat", but they also make affordable musical equipment including microphone XLR cables. Their StageMaster is doing well in the market, thanks to its accessible price tag and good performance. Having a thinner 24 AWG wire, this cable is meant to be flexible and easy to roll for stage performance use.

The Audix VX-5 is a condenser mic that features a tighter supercardioid polar pattern, and smoother frequency response. This makes the mic viable for live vocal performances, studio recording and even broadcasting.

Being a condenser mic, it can also double as an all-around mic for acoustic drums, wind instruments, acoustic guitars and more.

Blue Microphones bill the enCORE 300 as their leading live vocal mic.

It has a floating capsule design which reduces handling noise and its cardiod pickup pattern is very good at rejecting sounds that aren't coming from directly in front of it.

The Monoprice 611705 gives us genuine tube tones in an affordable and practice friendly package. It packs an all-tube 5 watt amplifier with 12AX7 preamp tube and a 6V6GT power tube for authentic old school tones.

The Holy Grail Max is part of Electro-Harmonix popular line of reverb pedals, with this one carrying a few more features for sonic versatility while still keeping the interface and control options within old school territory.

For a pedal with a wide palette of reverb sounds, this pedal features a simplistic set of controls that allow for reverb type switching, and adjustments for the time and blend parameters.

The EarthQuaker Devices Afterneath is not your cookie cutter reverb pedal, it works more like a delay pedal that utilizes multiple short delays to create unique ambience. This makes it distinct from conventional reverb pedals that let you pick between expected reverb modes via switching algorithms.

This difference in design allows for interesting new sonic textures and ambience that are simply not possible with regular reverb pedals, it also means that some of the familiar reverb modes will not be available.

The list of virtuosi that have been associated with the Hall of Fame (HOF) Reverb pedal is impressively long, and full of familiar names that include Steve Vai, Guthrie Govan, Larry Carlton, John Scofield, Andy Summers, Steve Morse and many more.

While one can argue that endorsement plays a big role, we also have to consider that these guitarists are at the level where they can use any pro reverb gear they want, and yet they choose the HOF pedal.

It's impressive how after over a decade, the DigiTech RP1000 still continues to be among the top rated multi-effects unit in the market. This longevity is mostly thanks to the RP1000's intuitive controls, pedal-friendly effects loop, and it's generous number of footswitches.

It lets you use up to 5 different effect types, of which there are 86 to choose from, more than enough to satisfy even the most experimental of players.

It also comes with 55 amp models and 26 cabinet models that you can mix and match to get your desired sound.

The midiplus X4 mini is a portable and compact MIDI controller that has a simple design with the essential features needed for sequencing MIDI.

It features transport and 4 assignable encoders, octave buttons, LED display, pitch bend, and modulation touchable strips.

The VX49 features a 4.3" full color high-resolution display screen that allows you to directly manage your DAW and virtual instruments plug-ins. It allows you to load up different synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines like a standalone workstation keyboard.

This MIDI controller also includes Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software that integrates with your computer and allows you to filter, select, and preview patches of any stored VST plug-ins.

The microKEY25 comes in a simple light-weight form that has the right amount of functional features.

It's technically Korg's smallest piano-style MIDI controller in terms of dimension, which makes it easy to carry around and saves space for other gear.

Compatible with Mac, iOS, and Windows operating systems, this USB-powered controller is easy to set-up with no driver installation needed.

Traveler Guitar teamed up with ESP LTD to develop the Traveler LTC EC-1 - a travel guitar version of ESP's LTD Eclipse.

It features the same single cutaway carved top body, albeit made smaller. It also sports the same neck specifications as its bigger sibling, with a 24.75" scale length and 1.625" nut width. This means that you get the same playing feel in a more portable instrument.

To give you authentic Eclipse tones, this guitar sports an ESP Designed ALH-200B Active Humbucker on the bridge position, which is powered by a single 9V battery.

The Cordoba Mini M is the travel guitar of choice for many nylon string players, with its miniature size and solid specs.

Speaking of solid, this portable nylon string guitar comes with a solid spruce top, which is quite special given its price tag.

And while the body size follows after traditional parlor shape, the neck offers classical playability courtesy of its 1.96" wide nut, but with a shorter scale length of 20.7".

Founded in 1945, Sennheiser have developed and produced microphones and headphones for many decades now, they have also successfully branched into the wireless market, producing top rated products like the EW 300, which had the highest Gearank score on our recommended wireless in ear montior list when it was still widely available.

Korg's microKEY2 is the second generation controller based on the original microKEY.

Similar features retained from the first generation are its compact size, simple design, and basic controls, while new features added to this version include iOS support via Apple Camera Connection kit (sold separately) and an assignable damper pedal jack.

TC-Helicon continues to be the go-to effect pedal brand for vocalists, with artists like Depeche Mode, Mr. Big, the late George Michael and many more endorsing their products. As proof of this, VoiceLive 3 is still the among the most sought after vocal effects pedal, even with the arrival of newer units from TC-Helicon and other manufacturers.

The Yamaha DTX400K is a worthy entry level electronic drum kit which comes with many features to help you learn and improve your drumming.

It's the cheapest of Yamaha's DTX entry-level range and some of the savings have come about by only including single zone drums - the next step up, the DTX450K, improves upon that with a 3 zone snare.

This 12" subwoofer from Yamaha uses their built in D-XSUB low frequency processing technology, which they say produces a stronger bottom end than you would expect from a 12" driver.

With its relatively smaller woofer and 600W RMS power rating, this subwoofer reproduces more sonic detail at the cost of losing some ultra low thump.

The Sennheiser XSW 72 is a wireless system designed for use in small to medium size venues, which cover most of the venues that guitarists play in, including bars, coffee shops, churches and more.

The transmitter comes in the form of a body pack with Sennheiser's locking cable that secures the connection of your guitar and body pack and it runs on two AA batteries which give you up to 10 hours of operation.

The Fender Rumble 40 V3 is a significantly different amp compared to its smaller sibling, the Rumble 25. While the circuit itself is the same, there are extra controls to change the amp’s voicing. The key to the versatility this amp possesses are the EQ switches. The amp has a contour switch (changes the mid-range profile), vintage (gives the amp a warmer tone), and bright (enhances the high-end). When one of these switches are engaged you can use the EQ knobs to further change the amp’s tone.

The ATH-M20x monitor headphones are an upgrade to the ATH-M20, and were launched along with upgrades to the entire ATH series. These headphones feature a modern design built with pro-grade materials without neglecting comfort. Its neodymium drivers with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils reproduce detailed low-frequency responses.

The Electro-Harmonix Black Finger Tube Compressor is an interesting piece of gear. The pedal utilizes optical compression, and allows you to switch between two different light sources. When used in LED mode, you get a reduction in compression and a faster attack and release.. The inverse happens when the pedal is in lamp mode, so you get more compression but a slower attack and release.

The Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone is geared towards musicians willing to pay a premium for a superior tone and a more flexible pedal. It’s not a good fit for someone just looking for basic compression, but if you’re looking to gig consistently the Philosopher’s Tone is worth serious consideration.

Since pedals come in different shapes and sizes, you will sometimes need patch cables of different lengths.

This is where the D'Addario DIY Solderless Pedalboard Patch Cable Kit comes in, as it allows you to custom cut a 10' foot cable to the exact sizes that you want. And as the name implies, you can easily attach the cables to the right angle plugs without the need for soldering tools or experience.

The Planet Waves Classic Series patch cable is easily one of the most popular in the market today, thanks to its simplicity and affordability.

There's nothing out of the ordinary with its specs, and even its appearance is straightforward.

But what it lacks in extras, it makes up for with its build quality, which translates into durability and reliability. This is all thanks to its molded strain relief and nickel-plated plugs, which give it the ability to handle the rigors of traveling and performances.

The following meta review is about the AKG C214's qualities as an acoustic guitar mic, for information about it's performance as a vocal mic see this AKG C214 vocal mic meta review.

The EQ sensitivity and relatively flat frequency response (for headphones this cheap) of the TASCAM TH-02 provides a somewhat clear and balanced sound.

The natural highs, clear mid-range, and rich lows are what make them comparable to some of the more expensive alternatives.

Both left and right ear-cups have a full 90-degree rotation and their folding design allows for compact and easy transport. They are suitable for either studio use or casual listening to music.

Even with the release of the second generation 308P, the original LSR308 is still making waves in the market, thanks to its reputation for sound quality and volume.

The Coda Pro helps Alesis maintain its position as a serious contender in this market, thanks to its extra features which include five different chorus effects, five reverbs and there's even a built-in EQ setting for shaping your sound.

But what makes it a crowd favorite are the many student and teacher friendly features that include having two headphone outputs, a built-in lesson mode, and metronome.

Being a true digital piano, all of its 88 keys are fully weighted for acoustic piano like playing feel.

The YPG-235 portable keyboard exemplifies Yamaha's student friendly design, combining good playability and practice enhancing features while keeping the price accessible.

It features 76 graded hammer piano style keys that better resembles the playing feel of an acoustic piano, and give you more notes to play with compared to the usual 61-key configuration keyboards in this price range.

It also lets you utilize various sounds to play a variety of musical styles, keeping practice fun and interesting.

The Casio CTK-4400 is a versatile and affordable portable keyboard with switchable touch sensitivity levels, wide sound library and other extra features.

The ability to choose between two sensitivity levels is impressive given its price tag, allowing you to tweak the feel of the keybed to match your playing style.

On top of that, the CTK-4400 gives you a staggering number of sounds to play with, totaling 600, which is more than enough for most styles of music.

The DTP Beat Kit Pro 7 from Lewitt is a high-end set of drum mics recommended by audio engineers for professional use.

It contains a dual-element cardioid DTP 640 REX, three DTP 340 TT dynamic mics, two LCT 340 condenser mics and one MTP 440 DM cardioid dynamic microphone.

The DTP 640 REX kick mic has a dual design with both a dynamic and a condenser microphone capsule. It has switchable frequency response settings for a rich or flat sounding kick drum.

The Roland 2-channel DUO-Capture EX UA-22 is highly rated for its portability. It can run on 3 x AA batteries, which allows it to work with mobile devices even in locations where a power outlet is unavailable. The use of batteries is especially useful when pairing the DUO-Capture with laptops, tablets and other mobile computing devices. Traditional power options like USB bus power and AC Adapter (sold separately) are also available so you only use batteries when its actually needed.

Thanks to ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) technology, Blackstar is able to expand the possible tones that you can get from an amp, and do so without stripping it of genuine tube elements.

The HT Club 40 is a great example of what this technology can do, this gig-ready tube amplifier has all the traditional features, while having comparable versatility to a digital amp modeler.

With 40 watts of power, two ECC83 and two EL34 tubes, and a 12" Celestion speaker, this amp has juice for professional gigging.

The Nektar Impact LX61+ is an affordable USB MIDI keyboard with extra control features, meant to give you more control over your favorite DAW software and virtual instruments.

The Dunlop DVP1 Volume XL is a pretty standard volume pedal all things considered, with its two defining features being its large footprint and its torque screw. When we say “large footprint”, what we mean is that when compared to other pedals of this design the DVP1 is on the larger side. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your pedal board and preferences.

Established back in 1883, Gretsch have helped shape music as we know it today, used by a long list of iconic guitarists that include Chet Atkins, John Lennon and George Harrison of The Beatles, Elvis Presley and many more.

The company maintains its distinct old school appeal up to this day, their designs have been made more affordable via the Electromatic line.

ESP is a Japanese guitar maker that has successfully moved into the international scene, thanks to the quality of their shred-friendly guitars, as well as their big name endorsers that include metal bands like Slayer, Megadeath, Metallica and more.

Up to this day, they continue to produce quality guitars aimed at rock and metal guitarists, including the lightweight LTD MH-50, which does not stray too far from the familiar shred guitar formula while keeping the price accessible.

With Steinberg's expertise in DAW software development, it is not surprising to find that their audio interfaces are highly regarded. The UR22 MK2 is a 2-channel audio interface with hardware and DAW compatibility being its strong point.

The iRig MIDI 2 from IK Multimedia is a mobile MIDI interface that works with Mac, Windows and different generations of iOS devices. It's compatible with both USB and Apple's Lightning cable, which are both included and are detachable.

It features 3 MIDI ports: In, Out and Thru and these have light indicators as well. It can connect to Android devices with the use of a separate OTG to Mini-DIN cable.

The M-Audio MIDISPORT 4x4 Anniversary Edition is the revamped version of the original MIDISPORT 4x4 released in celebration of M-Audio’s 20th anniversary.

It's 4 MIDI In/Out ports allows you to connect 4 MIDI input devices simultaneously and reduces the need for daisy chaining MIDI sound modules on the output side.

The convenience of having dedicated ports for multiple midi devices shouldn't be underestimated so it's worth considering if you have a few MIDI devices. It has a MIDI indicator for each port and is compact and lightweight for desktop and mobile use.