We at GPU Audio keep our finger on the pulse of the happening players within the audio industry. From established companies to emerging startups, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites that we think should be on your radar to help you get the most out of your recording projects with more affordable tools, unique sound options, and the tools you need to get the job done.
Third Man is currently showcasing their pedal fleet and a couple of instruments. The Motion Sensor Tower, for instance, connects to the pedal board with all of Third Man’s pedals that we're showcasing. They have different partnerships with different American companies that have helped produce these pedals. The sounds aren't going to be replaced by the buttons but they have MIDI control, which connects to the center box and the pedal board is all connected to the center box. The pedals are a great option for people looking to get into pedals as they have an intuitive and simplified design.
Singular sound showcased a wide product lineup including everything from one of the world's best Looper pedals to a guitar cable organizer that makes wrapping up your guitar simple.
For example, the MIDI Maestro, a MIDI foot controller with 10 different patches, three custom modes, and displays that change the dynamic. Solidly built and stage ready, this pedal allows for on-the-fly hands-free song control.
Local has been building custom isolation rooms for the last 25 years. The company builds out custom rooms – everything from a small four-foot by four-foot room to 32-foot rooms – that cost millions of dollars. Not everyone wants a $50,000 booth. The company had many people calling up for something under $5000.
This year, the company launched a DIY isolation kit that helps people who want to put up a smaller isolation booth in their existing studio or home. The booth has a simple assembly with no tools required. Simply pop it out and fasten the velcro and you are good to go. You can put it back in the closet when you aren’t using it, so it doesn’t take up much space.
The booth is ideal for home studios, audiobook recording, video game audio, podcast production, voiceovers or even conference calls.
Screwed Circuitz’s effects pedals have a really good analog feel. Their Irvine’s Fuzz Pedal with a resonant filter has a dirty oscillator when you flip the switch. They also have a Programmable Tremolo that switches on so you can mix and reverse with channels coming in and out. The company also has a new 36” spring reverb with an attack sustain release and a mono/stereo out. These two tools will give you unique sounds in an optimized way by allowing players to easily adjust levels and improve your atmospheric sound.
Focusrite has a new line of vocasters, a new podcasting interface built from the ground up, meant specifically for podcasters.
The vocaster is simple - it has one mic input and one headphone output. The broadcaster version has two mic inputs and two headphone outputs with individual volume controls so each podcaster can control their volume. The devices have four presets - clean, warm, bright and radio. There is also an advanced button that will optimize the compression and EQ.
If you're interviewing someone over your phone, you can connect to Bluetooth and record the audio from your phone through the VO caster, as well as send your audio from the mic to your cell phone. There's also a camera mic output in case you have a visual aspect to your podcast.
These devices are designed so that even if you have no prior knowledge of podcasting or how to use audio equipment, you can create great recordings.
The company also makes an audio interface for FL Studio to help ensure that when you record to your computer, the instruments can be heard. These are MIDI controllers made specifically for FL Studio that give you hands-on control of FL Studio.
Solid State Logic, which produced their very solid original analog 32-channel console, is currently debuting a modern incarnation: the 4000E. The new tech takes inspiration from the iconic studio consoles with a very similar workflow. It uses the classic 242 Black EQ configuration taken directly from the vintage series and includes shattering bass, crystal highs, and that pop SSL sound. It's got the SSL quality sound and key bits of processing and workflow from the iconic consoles combined with the latest in hybrid workflow.
The 4000E is updated for modern workflows with zero dB bypass on the faders and a fully modular center section. It also features SSL quality sound and key bits of processing and workflow from the iconic consoles combined with the latest in hybrid workflow. The small- to mid-sized console fits in smaller production areas.
Historically, these large format consoles have been limited to large studios, due to their hefty price tag. The new version is open to anyone and a lot of up-and-coming producers and private studios are installing it. This edition costs around $50- 60,000 – a huge price break compared to the millions of dollars it would cost back in the day. While it’s not cheap, you don’t need to have a Grammy-winning record to access one of these anymore.
