We all have moments when we want to throw our smart phone or tablet out the window. But when you’re in a more tech-appreciating mood, it’s fascinating to consider all the things these devices can do to make our lives easier. One such thing that continues to evolve is convenient and mobile recording for guitarists.
IK Multimedia’s new iRig Acoustic is a patent-pending, MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) mic pickup that easily clips to the lower rim of a soundhole. The iRig plugs into a device’s headphone/input jack, and there’s a female output jack on the in-line cable for headphones or routing to another monitor. Download IK Multimedia’s free AmpliTube Acoustic app and, voilà, you’re in business with a mobile acoustic-recording rig for under $50.
With a Larrivée parlor in hand and an iPad Air as my mobile device of choice, I tuned up through AmpliTube Acoustic’s tuner function and went through the app’s calibration check. In no time at all, I was dialing in the EQ and flavoring my tone with a bit of reverb. The sound I produced through the iRig Acoustic and its partner app was impressive for such a small and simple setup. No, this little rig isn’t going to replace a traditional mic setup for recording, but to get warm and surprisingly natural tone from a pick-shaped, clip-on device and my iPad? That’s pretty cool. Take note: Given the positioning and sensitivity of the iRig Acoustic, it picks up everything happening on the soundboard, so care should be taken if you shift around a lot while playing.
Test gear: Larrivée P-01, iPad Air
Ratings
Pros:
Super simple to use. Ultra-portable. Affordable.
Cons:
Sensitive mic can pick up unwanted soundboard noise. Cable a little flimsy.
Street:
$49
IK Multimedia iRig Acoustic
ikmultimedia.com
Tones:
Ease of Use:
Build/Design:
Value:
British metal icon and Bring Me The Horizon guitarist Lee Malia has partnered with Jackson to create his signature LM-87, a shred-ready axe built for heavy riffing and alternative modern metal. As a founding member and lead guitarist of the Grammy-nominated band, Malia is renowned for his aggressive playing style and intricate solos. This high-performance guitar matches his demanding musicality.
With its offset Surfcaster™ body shape and vintage appeal, the LM-87 melds classic design with modern appointments. The thin open pore finish on the bound Okoume body and neck exudes organic style, while the unique 3-ply pickguard and chrome hardware add striking accents. The fast D-profile 3- piece okoume neck allows smooth riffing across the bound amaranth fingerboard.
Custom Jackson signature pickups, including a bridge humbucker with push-pull coil-split, equip the LM-87 with versatile tone-shaping options to fulfill Malia's sonic vision. The TOM-style bridge with anchored tailpiece and fine tuners provides rock-solid stability for low tunings and heavy picking.
Designed in close collaboration with the legendary guitarist, the Jackson Lee Malia LM-87 is built for shredding. Its blend of vintage vibe and high-performance features make this signature model a must-have for players who value commanding metal tone and smooth playability.
The Tune-o-matic bridge with an anchored tailpiece and fine tuners offers enhanced tuning stability and precise, incremental adjustments. This setup ensures consistent pitch control, improved sustain, and easier fine-tuning without affecting overall string tension.
The guitar’s three-piece set-neck guitar with graphite reinforcement offers exceptional strength, stability, and resistance to warping. The multi-piece construction enhances sustain and tonal clarity, while the graphite reinforcement adds extra durability and prevents neck shifting due to humidity or temperature changes. This design ensures a solid, reliable performance with improved resonance and longevity.
Features Include:
- Okoume body
- Three-piece okoume set neck construction with graphite reinforcement
- 12"-16" compound radius amaranth fingerboard
- 3-ply pickguard
- Chrome hardware
- Custom wound Jackson LM-87 pickups
- Volume with push-pull coil-split and tone control
- TOM-style bridge with anchored tailpiece and fine tuners
- Gig bag included
The Jackson LM-87 carries a street price of $899.99.
For more information, please visit jacksonguitars.com.
Unleashing the Pro Series Signature Lee Malia LM-87 | Jackson Guitars - YouTube
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