Griffin GuitarConnect Pro, Line 6 Mobile In, RapcoHorizon i-JAM 3-n-1, Tascam iXZ, Traveler Guitar MI-10, Griffin StompBox, IK Multimedia iRig STOMP, Blue Mikey Digital, and Tascam iM2X
One of the benefits of using recording interfaces and apps for iPhone and iPad is that they allow you to quickly lay down an melody or riff at a moment's notice without having to fumble around with setting up an entire recording rig. For most musicians the best musical ideas often pop into your head without warning, and losing that inspiration after 10 minutes of amp tweaking and mic placement can be extremely frustrating. And the absence of those hassles makes iOS guitar accessories attractive and useful for players who spend a lot of time on the road and away from their home studios.
We've taken a look at some of the most exciting new devices on the marketāincluding interfaces (Griffin GuitarConnect Pro, Line 6 Mobile In, RapcoHorizon i-JAM 3-n-1, Tascam iXZ, Traveler MI-10), controllers (IK Multimedia iRig STOMP, Griffin StompBox) and microphones (Blue Mikey Digital, Tascam iM2X)āand tested their durability, sound quality, and whether they're really worth your hard-earned dollars.
Ratings
Pros:
Rugged build quality. Simple operation. Low latency, click-free recording.
Cons:
Pricey. Canāt charge the iPad and use the interface simultaneously.
Tones:
Ease of Use:
Build:
Value:
Street:
$79.99
Griffin Technology
griffintechnology.com
Griffin has been a player in the electronics accessories business for a long timeāeven when the iPhoneās ancestor Newton PDA was still kicking around. So they know a thing or two about designing rugged accessories for portable devices. The GuitarConnect Pro showcases their eye for detail with a slender, weighty and rubber-footed enclosure, single Ā¼" input jack, input gain knob and 30-pin connector for low-latency digital tracking (as of press time, Griffin has not announced a Lightning jack-compatible version). The connection to the dock gives the interface the ability to help track 24-bit sound at 48 kHz, and pull power from the connected Apple device. Sadly, thereās no USB through-put jack to charge the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch being used, so youāll need to keep an eye on the deviceās battery level while youāre recording.
As far as simple iOS interfaces go, the Guitar Connect Pro is one of the best on the market. It tracks the instrumentās signal perfectly, and its weighty build and thick rubber pad keep it from sliding across the table. I experienced no latency issues when tracking with GarageBand, and the appās built-in modeling seemed to have extra sparkle and clarity with the interface than with most of the others in this roundup. Unfortunately, my iPad 2ās battery started to die while I was in the middle of a recording session, and I had to disconnect the cable to charge the tablet. A USB-through jack for simultaneous charging on the Guitar Connect Pro would have prevented that inspiration-killing moment.
Ratings
Pros:
Low latency. Highly portable. Audio quality with Mobile POD app is a cut above the rest.
Cons:
No USB-through jack for charging while being used. Canāt record Mobile POD tones into other appsāor within Mobile POD itselfāto create new songs or jot down ideas.
Tones:
Ease of Use:
Build:
Value:
Street:
$79.99
Line 6
line6.com
At half the length of a credit card, the Mobile In is one of the more portable devices in this roundup. It has no physical controls, and serves only as a barebones interface for apps that use Line 6ās CoreAudio technology (such as Mobile POD) via an included 1/8" to Ā¼" cable. The unit generates 24-bit/48kHz audio with a wide 110dB dynamic range. Latency is always a big concern when working with digital conversion and processing, so Line 6 designed the Mobile In to plug directly into the 30-pin jack of an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. This unfortunately leaves the iPhone 5, iPad Mini and the newest generation of iPads out in the cold due to their newer Lightning cable connections, but thereās always the possibility that Line 6 will introduce a Lightning-compatible version in the near future. And hopefully theyāll address the its lack of a USB-through jack for charging while in use, because resource-intense apps such as Mobile In and GarageBand can speed up battery drain quite a bit.
The Mobile In interfaces smoothly with the Mobile POD, displaying super-low latency, great dynamics with amp models and rock-solid stability. The Mobile POD app has a whopping 64 models including some of the most hallowed amps, cabs, and effects in history, and theyāre as tweakable as those on bigger PODs. The sound quality and crispness of the amp models is exceptional, and theyāre often near-dead ringers for the same models in full-sized PODs and Gearbox counterparts. Unfortunately, thereās really no way to record your own ideas with it through GarageBand or any other iOS DAW app. You can record directly to GarageBand with the Mobile In interface, but you canāt output the appās tones to the GarageBand app, nor can you record them in Mobile POD and paste them elsewhere. Itās downright frustrating, and limits the potential of what could be an extremely useful recording tool. And for the price it commands, it should offer this kind of basic functionality.
Ratings
Pros:
Well-built and incredibly simple to use.
Cons:
Battery is difficult to access. No option to connect directly to an Apple data port.
Tones:
Ease of Use:
Build:
Value:
Street:
$129.99
RapcoHorizon
rapcohorizon.com
The i-Jam not only serves as an interface for guitar and recording apps on iOS devices, it also functions as a standalone headphone amp and a jamming tool for playing over music stored on your Apple hardware. The aluminum casing is very sturdy, and it also features a belt clip for keeping it close if youāre moving around. It has a handy push button for telling Appleās internal music player to instantly skip to the next track. The i-Jam is a completely passive device unless youāre using its headphone amp function, which pulls power from an internal 9V battery. Replacing the battery requires the use of a Phillips head screwdriver to pull off the back panel, which could be frustrating for players who donāt always have a toolset within armās reach. The i-Jam also includes all of the cables needed to get you started, including a Ā¼" instrument cable and a long, 1/8" ā 1/8" cable to connect it to your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.
From a usability standpoint, the i-Jam is a wonderful option for players who need a quick and easy solution for on-the-go jamming. With a Stratocaster and an iPad pumping out some classic rock tunes, the i-Jam made it a breeze to play along silently without disturbing anyone who happened to be nearby. And if I grew tired of working on a particularly long tune (five minutes into King Crimsonās āFractureā made my fingers feel like they were about to fall off), a quick tap of the i-Jamās track skip button queued up the next song without any fuss.
The i-Jam also works well as a direct recording tool, provided that your iOS device isnāt running a ton of resource-heavy apps in the background. For the most part, I experienced no latency problems when tracking with GarageBand. But if I had a game and several apps running in the background, my tracks would often play back with digital glitiching and skips. This is probably partly attributable to the fact that i-Jam feeds its signal through the mic ring of the iOS deviceās headphone jack rather than Appleās data interface jack.
Ratings
Pros:
Inexpensive and simple to use. Compatible with tons of recording and music apps. Provides phantom power for condenser mics.
Cons:
Noisy at times. Connection cable is too short.
Tones:
Ease of Use:
Build:
Value:
Street:
$29.99
Tascam
tascam.com
Tascam iXZ Mic & Guitar Interface
The iXZ is designed to be more of an all-in-one recording device rather of a simple guitar interface. The main input jack accepts both 1/4" instrument and XLR microphone cables, and the mic pre provides switchable phantom power from two AA batteries for condenser mics that need the juice. If youāre just using the passive setting for guitar or bass you donāt draw any power from the batteries.
Once you fire up your favorite DAW app, plug in your instrument or microphone of choice and connect the iXZ's stereo cable to the Apple device's headphone jack, you just flip the front switch to either mic or instrument and let 'er rip. Since the iXZ transmits signal through the headphone jack's internal microphone ring (which is reserved for external hands-free mics), it's compatible with pretty much any recording and instrument app out there. Tascam recommends using their free PCM Recorder app, or their four-track Portastudio app for iPad users.
Using a Stratocaster with both PCM Recorder and GarageBand, the iXZ recorded without latency issues, though there was some background noise that required me to work with the app's noise gate. The mic pre handled close micāing of a Fender Twin Reverb with an SM57 without excessive clipping, and considering that the interface costs only $30, the clear recorded tones that it captured far exceeded my expectations. The pre is certainly no substitute for desktop models made by Focusrite or Presonus, but it runs circles around Apple's internal mics, which tend to distort and muddy up easily.
Ratings
Pros:
A simple and cheap alternative to more expensive interfaces. Ā¼" output gives the ability to use processed tones with conventional amp rigs.
Cons:
Delicate build. No physical pot to adjust input gain.
Tones:
Ease of Use:
Build:
Value:
Street:
$24.99
Traveler Guitar
travelerguitar.com
Travelerās MI-10 min interface is the most austere out of this bunch. It connects through an Apple deviceās headphone jack, and pumps your guitarās signal to the jackās microphone in ring, which is then processed by the app of your choosing. And at a little over half the size of a Snickers bar, you can pocket it easily for quick and on-the-go jamming. The build quality feels just a bit flimsy, so Iād recommend against tossing it in with your pedals and cables. It sports an 1/8" headphone jack, along with a Ā¼" output for routing the app-processed tone to an amplifier or mixing console.
Despite the lack of bells and whistles, the MI-10 does send a very clean signal from a guitar or bass. The signal from my Stratocaster tracked into GarageBand without loss, and the interfaceās Ā¼" output made routing effect processing apps such as Moogās killer Filtatron app to an amp simple.
The biggest gripe that I have with the MI-10 is that thereās no way to adjust the input gain coming from the guitar, unless the app that youāre using has its own input gain level control. Luckily, I was able to set the levels in GarageBand, and FourTrack to keep signal clipping in check. Still, a simple thumbwheel or small pot for gain adjustment would have felt more natural to use than correcting levels from the apps themselves. But when you take into consideration its price, the MI-10 really is a solid choice for players who just want a simple and inexpensive way to record their guitars to their iOS devices.
Ratings
Pros:
Rock-solid construction. Instant response from iShred app. Low price and also includes free Guitar Connect interface cable.
Cons:
Only compatible with a small handful of apps.
Ease of Use:
Build:
Value:
Street:
$99.99
Griffin Technology
griffintechnology.com
Griffinās StompBox foot controller is an ambitious concept thatās aimed at making your iOS device a gig-able rig on its own. The sturdy and rugged pedal sports four footswitches that can be programmed for bypassing or engaging effects and amps in Frontier Design Groupās iShred app. On top of that, thereās a Ā¼" jack on its backside for plugging in an expression pedal to control effects like wahs in real-time. It uses a 30-pin connector attached to a thick, three-foot long cable to connect directly to the Apple deviceās docking port, and receives your guitarās signal via an included Guitar Connect cable that plugs into the headphone jack. The StompBox does, however, suffer from a frustrating lack of a USB-through jack to charge the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad that itās connected to.
With a Les Paul running into my iPad 2 with Griffinās Guitar Connect cable, I fired up the iShred app and began building a rig. Using the StompBox to bypass and engage individual effects was extremely easy and the low-latency connection provided by the 30-pin connection meant the effects kicked on just as instantaneously as they would with regular outboard stompboxes.
I absolutely love the concept of the StompBoxāespecially now that amp and effect modeling on Apple devices is really starting to develop and sound impressive. And while Griffinās iShred app is capable of generating some cool tones, itās unfortunately the only guitar app out there (along with Positive Gridās JamUp XT app) that the StompBox will work with. And itās a shame too, because almost everything about the StompBoxāright down to itās tank-like construction, low-latency connection and budget-friendly priceāare things that could make it a serious contender for iPhone, iPod and iPad-clutching musicians everywhere. Its incompatibility with other apps, however, really stifles its potentialāat least for now.
Ratings
Pros:
Click-free bypassing. Dual outputs are useful for direct to P.A. connections. Great to use with Amplitube as an effects-only programmable stompbox.
Cons:
Highs show a digital harshness when the output is set too low. Unable to control output level from the pedal.
Tones:
Ease of Use:
Build:
Value:
Street:
$59.99
IK Multimedia
ikmultimedia.com
The iRig stompbox is a devilishly simple tool for controlling IK Multimediaās popular Amplitube iOS software (as well as GarageBand and a slew of other apps, the company notes). You just connect the pedal to a 9V battery or Boss-style adapter, plug your guitar into the input jack and your amp or P.A. mixing console into the output (or a pair of headphones into the headphone jack), and set the signal level of the guitar via the large knob. The pedal connects to an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad with a specialized 1/8" cable that sends the guitarās signal to the Apple device, through the Amplitube app for processing, and back to the pedal where the processed tone is sent to dual output jacks. This quick and painless setup allows Amplitube to mesh with your live guitar rig. And since you can program Amplitube patches to bypass amp modeling entirely, you can use the iRig Stomp to add any of the softwareās effects into your pedal chainātransforming your Apple device a potent and useful effects processor.
The iRig Stomp put latency concerns to restādemonstrating excellent response from a rig made up of a Stratocaster, iPhone 5 and a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier. Older devices like the iPad 2 and iPhone 4 performed just as well as the newer iPhone 5 did, too. The output was completely free of the annoying pops and clicks that result from poor analog-to-digital conversion. However, there was a noticeable drop in low end when using the amp models, as well as grainer digital artifacts in the high-end output in the appās higher gain settings. Unfortunately, I could only correct these issues this from the appās settings panel, instead of from a knob on the pedalāwhich would greatly improve its usability for players who donāt want to navigate menus to do something as simple as setting volume.
Despite those problems, the iRig Stompās ability to instantly turn your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch into a great-sounding effects processor is worth its price alone. I was able to easily bring in individual patches from Amplitubeās huge effects library, and use them with my own real-life ampāas well as use them in different combinations with my actual pedals in a signal chain. Bypassing the effects was completely click- and pop-free too, and I wasnāt able to detect any signal degradation in the pedalās bypassed mode.
Ratings
Pros:
Crisp and clear recording. Amazing sound quality for its size. USB-through for charging while recording.
Cons:
Recordings can sound brittle when recording louder sources up close.
Tones:
Ease of Use:
Build:
Value:
Street:
$99.99
Blue Microphones
bluemic.com
The Mikey Digital is Blueās attempt at packing their microphone design expertise into an iOS device-friendly package. And boy, did they succeed. This excellent microphone uses stereo condenser capsules, which are housed in a shockmount and protected by a tough metal grille. A three-way slider switch on the back sets the micās sensitivity range, which can be set for loud performances in the 100-130db range to super-quiet whispering at 45-65db, or an auto adjust mode. The micās hinge enables seven different locking positions, which is great for propping the mic at an angle on a table, or positioning it to capture the clearest signal possible. Direct recording is possible via a stereo input, and it even comes with a Ā¼" adapter for guitarists and keyboardists. Best of all, it sports a USB-through jack for charging the Apple device while the mic is plugged into the 30-pin socket. As of press time, Blue only offers a 30-pin compatible Mikey, and hasnāt announced an upcoming version thatās compatible with Appleās newer Lightning interface.
Recording a fullāand loudārock band with the Mikey and an iPad 2 running GarageBand sounded remarkably clear and balanced. The micās auto mode did a good job of keeping the clipping to a minimum, and quickly adjusted when a section suddenly jumped in volume. I wanted to find out how well the Mikey could discern frequencies at different spots in the room, so I propped the iPad about five feet behind my drummer and asked him to go a little heavy on the cymbals for his parts. After playing it back, I was pleased with just how well the micā not only picked up the wash and crispness of his cymbals, but how much of my guitar tone was captured through the clamor of his drums. The recording did have some congested sections, but in general, it sounded amazingly clear considering that I placed it in a pretty awful position for general recording.
Close-mic'ing a loud amplifier with the Mikey wasnāt as successful, even with the sensitivity switch set to its lowest range. The raging overdrive of a Dual Rectifier proved too much for the mic to handle, though turning down the volume a bit and micāing from further back helped clear the congestion. Close-micād clean tones exhibited a similar brittleness, but as soon as I moved the mic back to add a bit of the roomās sound, the clarity of the recording opened up dramatically. The Mikey wonāt replace your trusty SM57 or your prized Royer 121āand it wasnāt designed toābut itās an absolutely wonderful-sounding microphone for full band practices and jamming ideas.
Ratings
Pros:
Clear and precise recording. Easy to use and very portable. Apple device can be charged while mic is plugged in.
Cons:
Pricey. Accompanying app is very buggy.
Tones:
Ease of Use:
Build:
Value:
Street:
$79
Tascam
tascam.com
The iM2X is an advanced X-Y stereo condenser mic for iOS devices that uses the same mics found in Tascamās DR-07 MKII and DR-40 models. Itās small enough to fit in a jacket pocket or the accessory compartment in your guitar case. Its analog-to-digital converters deliver 16-bit CD-level sound quality, and itās capable of handling up to 125dB without distorting. There's also an LED clipping meter on the front, and an analog limiter that can be switched on from the side. Due to its X-Y orientation, itās really designed to mic up acoustic instruments such as pianos, drums and acoustic guitars, as well as vocals. While the little condenser pulls its power from the 30-pin jack of an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad, it also features a USB-through port for charging the iOS device when the mic is being used.
Tascam recommends using their free PCM Recorder app with the iM2X, which is a pretty decent two-track recorder when it works. The app crashed three times while I was using it with an iPhone 4s. Luckily, the mic worked with GarageBand without any fuss.
The clarity I achieved recording a Martin dreadnought was often astonishing. The highs were crisp and present, and the guitar's lows were warm and accurate. Itās very forgiving and I didn't even need to reposition the mic from its resting place on a table about three feet away to get a focused sound.
Stretching the boundaries of reverbās realm through dynamic and pitch control.
Nice core reverb sounds. Invites cool compositional and arrangement directions. High quality.
If you lack patience, it will be hard to unlock its coolest secrets.
$329
Gamechanger Audio Auto Reverb
gamechangeraudio.com
When the first Moog synthesizer appeared, it freaked out a lot of musiciansānot least for the way it blurred the divisions between instruments and their roles. Was it percussion? A keyboard? A reed instrument? Many effects makers build from this philosophical foundation. The Latvian company Gamechanger often seems to revel in itāan attitude thatās manifest in the companyās Auto Series pedals, which includes the Auto Reverb.
Thereās no reason you canāt use the Auto Reverb in a very straightforward fashion. The plate, spring, and hall settings are all very nice digital representations of their analog inspirationsāand Iād be perfectly happy playing an instrumental surf set with the spring mode, for instance. But because you can control the parameters like the reverbās level, decay, tone, and the filter with changes in pitch and dynamics, the Auto Reverb can function in highly orchestral ways, transforming itself from subtle to outlandish as a musical piece shifts in intensity or rises from low to high keys toward a blurred, hyper-spacious climax. While these attributes make the Auto Reverb a great fit for prepared guitar and conceptual piecesāand invites many themes and compositional ideas within those formsāit can just as easily be configured to create an especially dynamic and dramatic pop song arrangement on stage or in the studio that might otherwise be relegated to automations within a DAW. Itās fun to use, if not always intuitive. But knowing its ways can expand your musical options significantly.
Kepma Guitars introduces the new Fenix Series of Grand Auditorium acoustic guitars, offering premium features at an entry-level price, plus their new travel-sized FC Mini Series.
Designed for both aspiring players and seasoned musicians, the Fenix Series offers premium features typically found in higher-priced instruments, all starting at just $249.99.
āThe new Fenix models represent our commitment to making premium-quality guitars accessible to players at every level, without compromising on sound, playability, or innovation,ā said Kepma USA president Tony Moscal. āWith their torrefied solid tops, thinner neck profiles, and unparalleled playability, these guitars deliver exceptional sound and feel typically reserved for professional instrumentsāall at an entry-level price.ā
The Kepma Fenix Series features a Grand Auditorium body style with a solid torrefied Sitka spruce top, delivering exceptional tonal resonance and stability. The proprietary Kepma Torrefication Process uses a precise combination of heat and humidity to remove moisture, oils, and sap from the wood, resulting in a stronger, more stable top that enhances string vibration and ensures consistent performance in any environment.
Back and sides are crafted from layered African mahogany, providing a warm, balanced sound. The neck, made of durable nato wood, is reinforced with a two-way adjustable truss rod and finished with a smooth satin coating for effortless playability.
The Fenix Series is packed with cutting-edge features to elevate the playing experience:
- New 4-Point Bolt-On Neck Joint: Ensures unparalleled stability that allows for easy adjustments and maintenance - a first at this price point.
- Ultra-Thin Water-Based Finish: Environmentally friendly and just 0.042mm thick, this finish protects the guitar while maximizing tonal projection and preserving the natural beauty of the wood.
- Beveled Binding for Comfort: High-quality ABS beveled binding enhances durability, prevents edge damage, and ensures a comfortable playing experience.
- C-Shaped Fast Neck: A player-friendly design that reduces hand fatigue, enhances playing fluidity, and supports all playing styles.
For players seeking even more versatility, the optional AcoustiFex K-10 Pro Pickup, Preamp & FX System transforms the Fenix into an all-in-one performance and practice powerhouse. This system includes built-in reverb, delay, and chorus effects, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a companion app for rhythm looping, metronome functions, and more. Whether youāre performing on stage or practicing at home, plugged into an amp or mixer, or simply playing unplugged, the AcoustiFex system delivers unmatched sound and convenience.
The Kepma Fenixā¢ Series offers four configurations to suit every playerās preferences:
- FGA1-130 (Natural Finish): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides. MAP: $249.99
- FGA1-130A (Natural Finish with AcoustiFex): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides, AcoustiFex K-10 Pro Pickup System. MAP: $299.99
- FGA1-130SB (Sunburst Finish): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides, sunburst finish. MAP: $249.99
- FGA1-130ASB (Sunburst Finish with AcoustiFex): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides, sunburst finish, AcoustiFex K-10 Pro Pickup System. MAP: $299.99
The new Fenix models are designed to inspire beginners and seasoned musicians alike, setting a new benchmark for performance and value in the industry.
Kepma Guitars is thrilled to announce the introduction of its versatile FC Mini Series, packed with cutting-edge technology that redefines expectations for travel-sized guitars.
The new FC Mini models include a variety of configurations to suit every playerās needs. The Spruce/Rosewood and Spruce/Mahogany options feature solid torrefied spruce tops paired with layered rosewood or mahogany back and sides, available in natural and sunburst finishes. The Mahogany/Mahogany model features a solid torrefied mahogany top with layered mahogany back and sides in a natural finish. Each guitar is offered in three versions: no pickup, with the AcoustiFexĀ® K-10 Pro system, or equipped with the Elfin Sound System, and all come with a deluxe gig bag. Prices range from $399.99 to $549.99 MAP.
Big Sound in a Compact Package Traditionally, smaller guitars have been associated with compromised sound and tone. Kepmaās FC Mini Series shatters this notion by integrating advanced innovations and meticulous design to create a guitar that offers the full resonance and projection of a standard acoustic.
Premium Materials and Construction The torrefaction process removes moisture, oils, and sap from the wood, enhancing stability and delivering superior tonal richness. Back and sides crafted from high-quality mahogany or rosewood ensure durability and warmth in every note.
Technological Innovations
- Proprietary Bolt-On Neck Design: Kepmaās neck contour bolt-on neck joint ensures a perfect and stable connection between neck and body, offering ultimate playability and infinite adjustability.
- Rosewood Bracing: Solid rosewood bracing enhances top stability and reduces energy loss, resulting in superior articulation and sustain.
- Arched Back Design: A unique arched back improves resonance and eliminates the need for back bracing, allowing for harmonious vibrations and a fuller sound.
Enhanced Playability The FC Mini Series is engineered with the player in mind. The slightly thicker neck provides added stability, while the ergonomic C-shape design reduces fatigue during extended playing sessions. The sleek cutaway provides access to the higher notes on the fretboard for better playability. Lower string action, beveled binding, and redesigned precision sealed tuners further enhance comfort and ease of use.
Attention to Detail Kepmaās commitment to excellence is evident in every detail of the FC Mini Series:
- D'Addario XS Strings: Coated strings extend playing life and offer superior projection.
- Elegant Aesthetics: Features include a magnolia inlay on the fretboard, upgraded rosette, and a refined rosewood veneer headstock.
- Eco-Friendly Finish: A thin, water-based matte finish minimizes vibration damping for a clear, transparent sound.
Advanced Electronics for Modern Musicians
AcoustiFex K-10 Pro System Each new FC Mini Series model is available with the AcoustiFex K-10 Pro System, offering:
- Built-in reverb, delay, and chorus effects
- Bluetooth audio streaming for playing along with backing tracks
- An on-the-go USB interface for app connectivity, enabling looping, rhythm tracks, and practice tools like a metronome and tuner
- Whether youāre performing on stage or practicing at home, plugged into an amp or mixer, or simply playing unplugged, the AcoustiFex system delivers unmatched sound and convenience.
Elfin Sound System The FC Mini Series are also available with the new Elfin K-13 Sound System, developed collaboratively by Kepma and Double Acoustics. The system offers high sensitivity, accurate sound reproduction, strong output power, and low noise. The under-saddle piezo pickup delivers sweet treble and punchy bass, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing. Additionally, the preamp features a rechargeable battery system that can be conveniently charged using a standard USB-C phone charger cable. The Elfin K-13 Sound System was developed and voiced specifically for the Kepma Ā¾ size FC Mini Series guitars.
Complete Package Each FC Mini guitar comes with a padded deluxe gig bag and an accessory kit that includes a custom truss rod wrench, microfiber polishing cloth, bridge pins, picks, extra saddle, and string height gauge.
Purchase Options
Spruce/Rosewood, Natural Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top/Layered Rosewood Back & Sides
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SR, MAP: $449.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SRA, MAP: $549.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SRE, MAP: $549.99
Spruce/Rosewood, Sunburst Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top/Layered Rosewood Back & Sides, Sunburst Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SR-SB, MAP: $449.99
- AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SRA-SB, MAP: $549.99
- Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SRE-SB, MAP: $549.99
Spruce/Mahogany, Natural Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top / Layered Mahogany Back & Sides, Natural Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SM, MAP: $399.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SMA, MAP: $499.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SME, MAP: $499.99
Spruce/Mahogany, Sunburst Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top / Layered Mahogany Back & Sides, Sunburst Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SM-SB, MAP: $399.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SMA-SB, MAP: $499.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SME-SB, MAP: $499.99
Mahogany/Mahogany, Natural Finish
- Solid Torrefied Mahogany Top / Layered Mahogany Back & Sides, Natural Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-MM, MAP: $399.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-MMA, MAP: $499.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-MME, MAP: $499.99
The new Kepma FC Mini Series combines portability, premium materials, and advanced technology to offer an unparalleled sound and playing experience. Whether youāre a traveling musician or a beginner seeking comfort and quality, the FC Mini Series is your perfect companion.
For more information, please visit kepmausa.com.
Shure introduces the Nexadyne line of dynamic instrument microphones.
Each Nexadyne super cardioid microphone boasts Shureās patented Revonic Dual-Engine Transducer Technology. While typical instrument microphones use a single transducer, Nexadyne microphones feature two precisely calibrated transducers working together to achieve optimal performance that delivers natural, authentic clarity while minimizing unwanted noise.
Nexadyneās combination of acoustic signal processing and exceptional polar pattern linearity, enables the microphoneline to deliver a stronger and clearer output. This output is more authentic to the performer and reduces audio engineersā need to apply typical EQ corrections.
Featuring compact industrial designs and a discreet, black finish for low-profile visibility, Nexadyne Instrument Microphones provide exceptional sound quality, industry-leading durability, and stage-friendly functionality. Each Nexadyne microphone surpasses real-world reliability requirements show after show and stands as the road-ready choice for modern touring.
Nexadyne 5 Dynamic Guitar Amp Microphone
Capture the full detail and power of your signature amplified guitar tone. The Nexadyne 5 ensures the full range of your guitar tone is captured and ready for the mix every time. The incredibly small dynamic cartridge design enables a side-address form factor for improved placement. It can be positioned by hanging off any amp or used with a standard mic clip and stand.
Nexadyne 2 Dynamic Bass Amp / Kick Drum Microphone
Kick drums will just sound bigger. The Nexadyne 2 delivers true, low-end clarity and fullness on every stage, with contoured EQ, protection from stage rumble, and improved high-frequency extension and attack definition. The microphone is designed with its swivel joint separated from the XLR output source for secure placement without strain on output cables.
Nexadyne Instrument Microphones carry these street prices: The Nexadyne 5 is available for $219. The Nexadyne 2 is available for $249.
Each microphone includes a zippered bag and brass adapter. The Nexadyne 5 includes the A25E mic clip.
For more information please visit shure.com.
The moe. frontline from left: Chuck Garvey (guitar), Rob Derhak (bass), Al Schnier (guitar), and Nate Wilson (keyboards). In the mist behind them is Jim Loughlin (percussion) and Vinnie Amico (drums).
The two guitarists are known for their sympathetic 6-string interplay. They remain as tight as ever, despite setbacks, as they deliver the buoyant, vibrant Circle of Giants, the long-running jam bandās 14th studio record.
Thirty-five years ago, a group of University of Buffalo students gathered in a basement, drank a lot of beer, and played some tunes. They had no goal other than to have fun and party. But it wasnāt long before they headed into a studio housed in an apartment above local guitar shop Top Shelf Music to record the debut moe. album, Fatboy. Slowly, the band built a devoted fan base, crisscrossing the country in a van. As they persevered, the band and their audience grew up together, and now itās the fansā children who are discovering the group.
The story of moe. is one of friendship, survival, resilience, and joy. Now poised to release their latest, Circle of Giantsāchock full of rock ānā roll grooves both lilting and bone-shaking, and anthemic chord progressionsāthe group is as strong as ever. Chuck Garvey and Al Schnierās vibrant, bright guitars chime, crush, strum, and wail, and thereās a buoyant spirit and evocative lyrics. The lead single, āUps and Downs,ā is a song bassist Rob Derhak wrote after a casual conversation with a mailman about the peaks and valleys of a long marriage. One of the albumās most moving tunes, the lyrics go:
She looks at him
He coughs into his overcoat
It smells like gin
From a different moment
Sail along, just another wounded soldier
Now carry on, carry on but older
The last bittersweet couplet might well apply to the band. They faced extraordinary challenges over the past six years that all but stopped them in their tracks.
Thirty-five years after forming at University of Buffalo, on Circle of Giants, moe. maintain their close-knit family vibe.
The first blow was Derhakās battle with oropharyngeal cancer in 2017. With the group rallying around him and fundraising initiated by fans, he went through harrowing treatment, beat the odds, and the cancer went into remission.
Not long thereafter, Garvey had a stroke. He lost partial movement in his left side as well as the ability to speak. āMy syllables didnāt know how to find each other,ā he recalls. The guitarist had to relearn movement and speech. The band gathered, made music, and helped him heal. All marveled that, even with diminished facility, he still sounded like Chuckwhen he picked up his instrument.āI grew up listening to the Grateful Dead. They were kind of a model, but there were so many other things that I loved as well. Punk, prog, bluegrassā¦. There was never any question that we could put all of this into the band.ā āAl Schnier
There were also personal losses, and then the pandemic came. Suddenly everyone was writing music in isolation, deprived of the companionship they had come to know so well. After regrouping post-pandemic, there was a tragedy at a New Yearās Eve concert in 2023, where several audience members were struck and killed by a vehicle outside the concert hall. Devastated, moe. responded by saying, āWe believe in the power of music to heal and unite.ā
Al Schnier's Gear
Al Schnier jams out on a Paul Languedoc G4.
Photo by Paul Citone
Guitars
Amps
- Two 1973 Mesa/Boogie Mark I amps loaded with Celestion Cream speakers
Effects
- Zvex Wah Probe
- Analog Man Envelope Filter
- Zvex Fuzz Factory
- Analog Man CompROSSor
- ARC Effects Klone
- Providence Chrono Delay
- Analog Man Bi-Chorus
- Kaden Effects FlutterTone tremolo
- Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 Plus
Strings and Picks
- DāAddario XL140 (.010ā.052)
- Dunlop Primetone Semi Round 1.5mm
I asked Schnier how it felt to be making music with his partners after all theyāve been through. āThe band brings me a sense of place,ā he says, āa sense of identity and affirmation. The bonds between us are so deep. When weāre on the road, and we have a day off, we often all end up back in the bus around 8 oāclock just hanging out together. I donāt know if itās that weāre creatures of comfort or that we just like each otherās company. It truly is a family.ā
āThe bonds between us are so deep.ā āAl Schnier
The classic two-guitar frontline has defined the bandās sound from the beginning. Currently, Garvey plays a 1973 Telecaster Thinline that he outfitted with Lollar Wide Range humbuckers. His amp of choice is a Tony Bruno Underground 30. Schnierās number one is a Custom Shop korina Gibson SG, which he plugs into two of the first Mesa/Boogies ever made (numbers 73 and 75).
The bandās guitar parts stem from the interplay between both players. Garvey and Schnier craft their lines by jamming, one riffing off the otherāthe sense of brotherhood extending to their composing habits. Someone will bring in a sketch and present it at rehearsal. The other members will help to shape the final product. No matter how finished a song might feel coming in, someone will always have an idea to make it better.
Chuck Garvey's Gear
Chuck Garveyās 1973 Tele Thinline is loaded with Lollar Wide Range pickups.
Photo by Paul Citone
Guitars
- Jerry Jones 6-string Doublecut Dual Lipstick
- 1973 Fender Telecaster Thinline with Lollar Regal Wide Range pickups
- 1994 Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster with Seymour Duncan single-coils
- 1978 Ibanez PF200
Amps
- Tony Bruno Underground 30 head with 3x10" cab
- Magnatone M10
- Tony Bruno Tweedy Pie 18
Effects
- Analog Man Sun Face āBARTā
- Analog Man Buffer
- Analog Man Bi-CompROSSor
- Analog Man King Of Tone
- Foxrox Octron
- Benson Germanium Boost
- Benson Germanium Preamp
- Klon Centaur
- Italian-made Thomas Organ Company Cry Baby
- Paul Cochrane Timmy V1
- Chase Bliss Warped Vinyl MkII
- Source Audio Nemesis Delay
- TC Electronic Tuner
- Fulltone DejaāVibe 2
- Lee Jackson Mr. Springgy
- Chelli Amplification Spring Reverb and Harmonic Tremolo
- Vemuram Shanks ODS-1
- Lehle 1at3 Switcher
- Voodoo Labs Pedal Power
- True Tone 1 Spot Pro CS11
Strings and Picks
- Dunlop Primetone Semi Round Smooth Pick 1.4 mm
- Wegen Triangular TF140 White 1.4 mm
- DāAddario NYXL (.010ā.046)
The sound of moe. is often described as āgenre defying.ā I ask what this rather generic phrase means to them. āI grew up listening to the Grateful Dead,ā Schnier says. āThey were kind of a model, but there were so many other things that I loved as well. Punk, prog, bluegrassā¦. There was never any question that we could put all of this into the band."
āYou never know when youāre going through a crisis whether itās going to turn out okay.ā āChuck Garvey
Garvey chimes in and talks about his admiration for Frank Zappa. āWhen we started out at Wetlands in New York City around 1990, it was a very open environment. One day they would program ska, the next some African band, the next a punk band. We were into it all.ā
Over the many years, moe. has had many āupsā: innumerable headline tours, international festivals from Bonnaroo to Japanās famed Fuji Rock, and sold-out shows alongside such like-minded acts as the Allman Brothers Band, Robert Plant, members of the Grateful Dead, the Who, and Govāt Mule. Next, 2025 brings a long tour. In some ways theyāre making up for lost time.
As for the ādownsā? Says Garvey: āYou never know when youāre going through a crisis whether itās going to turn out okay. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that our whole family coming together has been helpful for everyone. Itās part of that smaller communityābut also that huge community of fans who are right there with us when we go through these things.ā
Schnier, with a noticeable degree of emotion in his voice, adds, āItās all made us closer, stronger. Itās all because we have each other. I couldnāt do it without these guys. Iām so grateful for that.ā
YouTube It
Hear how guitarists Schnier and Garvey intertwine their parts and their sounds, creating a distinct guitar vocabulary as moe. tackles the lead single from Circle of Giantslast August in Denver.