Michael Stern

Following the 2022 release of the highly innovative and unique Freqport Freqtube FT1 USB Hardware Tube Preamp, Freqport has unveiled an emulation plugin of their FT1 analog hardware. The original Freqport Freqtube FT1 features four analog tubes, (2) E83CC and (2) 12AT7, that operate as 4 mono or 2 stereo tube preamp channels. The FT1 connects to your DAW via USB and is controllable with full recall from their plugin software. Two of these units per DAW can be used to provide a maximum of eight real tube channels.

Oysters are ensign of Augusta’s fanciest restaurant

Bliss still located between its bacon and gravy

Patrons using restaurant’s haute cutlery can’t say same

Sennheiser has long been at the forefront of professional audio products of the highest quality. In April, Sennheiser launched its top-of-the-range closed-back headphones for studio and live environments. Sennheiser cites that the top design goals were to deliver tight, accurate bass reproduction and ensuring ultimate comfort for audio professionals tasked with recording, tracking, or monitoring in the studio, and in live audio environments. With closed-back headphones, accurate reproduction of the low-end is more challenging than open back headphones. “This is where the HD 480 PRO excel. Compared to other closed-back headphones, they are a lot tighter on the bass, their low-end is super-accurate and realistic,” notes Jimmy R. Landry, Category Market Manager, Music Industry at Sennheiser. “Comfort is of paramount importance when headphones are a work tool,” adds Gunnar Dirks, Senior Product Manager for professional headphones. “Engineers often spend hours on end in their sessions. They need a lightweight, ergonomically designed pair of headphones to keep focus and concentration up. The HD 480 PRO eliminate any pressure points and fit every head precisely and comfortably—even if you’re wearing glasses.”

DPA Microphones is a Danish manufacturer of professional condenser microphones. The company was founded in 1992 as Danish Pro Audio by two former employees from Brüel & Kjær. Brüel & Kjær had decided to close its pro audio division, and these employees made a contract with B&K to take over sales, service, and development. DPA Microphones now focuses on manufacturing high-end, precision condenser microphones focused on a clear, natural, and transparent sound. Their primary goal is to capture audio exactly as it truly sounds, while engineering durable, problem-solving solutions for demanding professional audio applications. They are particularly favored for classical music and acoustic recordings that demand pristine, linear frequency responses.

Soothe3, the most refined version of Oeksound’s flagship automated resonance suppression plugin, was released in May 2026. Soothe3 is a “cut-only” dynamic processor that analyzes incoming audio in real-time, applying a virtually unlimited amount of dynamic notch filters to suppress and eliminate spikes and resonances that can make your sound harsh and hard. Soothe3 employs a spectral DSP engine that calculates hundreds of microscopic dynamic notches simultaneously across the entire frequency spectrum. These notches constantly shift, grow, and disappear in real-time based on the incoming audio signal.

The focus of the PreSonus Air XD loudspeaker line is to deliver professional-grade, high-definition sound in a portable, user-friendly, affordable, and lightweight package. They are designed specifically for live bands, club venues, corporate events, gigging musicians, and mobile DJs. An update from the original Air series, the newer Air XD series steps up with powerful Class-D bi-amplification, up to 1,500 Watts, to provide plenty of sound and clarity up to 134dB SPL.

On June 23, 2026, Guitar Center Hollywood hosted the induction of famed rock singer and multiplatinum artist Billy Idol, along with his longtime guitarist and writing partner, Steve Stevens into the Hollywood RockWalk. The standing room only ceremony was hosted by Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto and writer, actor, producer, former K-Rock DJ and current host of Sirius XM's first wave classic alternative and a recipient of his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Richard Clay.

La Scuderia shaves truffles where Church’s fried chicken