Blog - Page 9 of 9 - Metro Sound & Music Ltd.

Posted on November 27, 2020December 4, 2020 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

5 Great MIDI Controllers for Your Home Studio

If you have a home studio, you’re definitely going to want to add a MIDI controller to your arsenal. But with so many options out there, where do you start? Well, you’re in luck: we’re going to cover five of the best MIDI controllers on the market for your home studio.

1. Akai MPK Mini MK3

For beginners on a budget, the Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a great entry-point into the world of pro music production. Highly portable and feature-loaded, this is everything a beginner needs in a MIDI controller. This MIDI controller has topped the sales charts for years, for good reasons.

Some of its notable features 8 knobs to tweak software parameters, a four-way joystick for pitch and modulation control, the built-in arpeggiator, and eight MPC performance pads.

A drawback of this keyboard is that it only comes with 25-keys, but it will be suitable and cost-efficient for the beginner.

2. Novation Launchkey Mini MK3

For Ableton Live users, there is no better option at this price point than the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3. This small powerhouse boasts many features, including Fixed Chord mode, a controllable arpeggiator, 16 velocity-sensitive RGB, 8 rotary controls, pitch and mod touch strips, and sustain input. Other size variants are available should you want something with more keys, including 25-, 37-, 49-, and 61-key options. This controller was specifically made for Ableton Live users, so you probably wouldn’t want to go with this option if you use a different DAW software.

3. M-Audio Keystation 49/61 MK3

M-Audio has been producing MIDI controllers for decades, producing some of the best-selling keyboards worldwide. The Keystation 49 is one of these bestsellers. Although the keyboard looks simplistic, it is loaded with features perfect for a home studio. Namely, these features include 49 full-size keys, pitch, modulation, and octave controls.

It also comes with a comprehensive software bundle, including Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First (M-Audio Edition). Also included are three AIR virtual instruments, including AIR Music Mini Grand, AIR Music Velvet, and AIR Music Xpand!2. The Keystation MK3 also comes in a 61-key variant for those who want the extra keys.

4. Alesis V25

The Alesis V25 is an easy-to-use, compact controller. Its features include 25 full-sized, square-front keys, eight LED backlit touchpads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons, pitch and mod wheels with expressive control and seamless visual feedback from the illuminated buttons and knobs. Like the Akai MPK Mini MK3, a downside is that there are only 25 keys, but it has all of the features you need without the space required for larger keyboards. Also included are software bundles with Ableton Live Lite (Alesis Edition) and MIDI editor programs.

5. Arturia MiniLab Mk II

The Arturia MiniLab Mk II is a compact keyboard with impressive features, specifically designed for electronic musicians. Its arsenal includes 25 velocity-sensitive keys, 2 banks of 8 high-quality velocity & pressure-sensitive pads with RGB backlighting, 16 rotary encoders, and 2 capacitive touch sensors for pitch and modulation control. It also comes with a software bundle that includes Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Lite, and UVI Grand. This keyboard may only have 25-keys, but it has many versatile features, making it perfect for the electronic musician who wants a compact controller.

If you’re looking for a MIDI controller for your home studio, any of these listed are a great option. Still undecided? Take a look at controllers.cc. You can specify your MIDI controller needs and it will narrow down a list of appropriate choices for you. Then, take a look at our wide selection of MIDI controllers and find the best one for you.

Posted on November 26, 2020December 4, 2020 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

Best Christmas Gifts for the Electric Guitarist In Your Life

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. If you’re searching for gifts for the guitarist in your life, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of great gift suggestions that they will love to open on Christmas Day.

Ibanez TS9

The Ibanez TS9 is a classic overdrive pedal, and for good reasons. For the electric guitar player, there is no distortion pedal so well-known and widely-loved. Guitar Hero called it the best there is. So, if you’re shopping for an electric guitar player who doesn’t already have the Tube Screamer on their pedalboard, this is a must-get.

Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

The closed-back Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT is one of the most popular studio headphones on the market. They’re comfortable to wear and offer noise-isolation features. With Bluetooth connectivity, it’s easy to take them on the go (although they come with an audio cable for wired connection, too!). These headphones are the best on the market for guitar amps, delivering crystal-clear audio and rich bass.

TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Mini Guitar Pedal

The PolyTune line from TC Electronics provides the best polyphonic guitar tuners. The 2 Mini provides ultra-accurate tuning (/- 0.1 cent) to ensure electric guitarists always sound their best. TC Electronics is continuously making these models more convenient for guitarists. This pedal leaves an ultra-small footprint, ensuring that it can fit on the guitarist’s pedalboards. So, if you want to give the gift of a great tuner, consider the 2 Mini from TC Electronics.

TC Electronic Ditto Looper Guitar Effects Pedal

The TC Electronic Ditto Looper is easily the most popular looper and boasts high ratings. With a straight-forward and simple design, with a single footswitch and knob, the Ditto Looper is a humble but powerful pedal. All of the essentials are there and can be controlled from the footswitch, including record, undo/redo, stop, and erase. The sound quality is a significant feature that makes this pedal popular, producing loops in 24-bit uncompressed high-quality audio. If your electric guitarist doesn’t already have a looper, this one is a no-brainer.

Orange Micro Dark Guitar Amp

The Orange Terror series provides a high-gain tube tone in a small size. This amp is deceptively loud, and you will be hard-pressed to find something better for the price. If the guitarist in your life needs a high-gain head amplifier that’s portable and convenient, look no further than the Orange Micro Dark.

Marshall MS2 Micro Amp

A tiny amp with Marshall style and quality, the Marshall Ms2 Micro Amp packs a punch. Battery-operated and one watt, this mighty amp has switchable Clean and Overdrive channels. This amp is ultra fun and portable for any guitarist. It also comes in black, red, or classic for stylish options.

Ibanez IJRX20Z Jumpstart Package with Guitar, Amplifier, Gig Bag & Accessories

Have an aspiring electric guitarist in your life? This Jumpstart Package from Ibanez includes everything they will need to start their musical journey, including an Ibanez IJRX20Z solid-body electric guitar, 10-watt amp, gig bag, clip-on tuner, guitar strap, instrument cable, picks, and an accessories pouch. This package gives you some serious bang for your buck and ensures that your guitarist will have everything they need. The Jumpstart Package comes with either a black or blue guitar to suit your guitarist’s preferences.

Hopefully, this list will give you some ideas about the best gifts for the electric guitar player you know. No matter what you go with, getting them a gift that shows thoughtfulness for their craft will put a smile on their face on Christmas Day.

Posted on October 4, 2020December 4, 2020 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid With Your First Guitar

Choosing your first guitar is a significant decision. With so many different options, it’s easy to make a mistake with your purchase. Here are nine common mistakes to avoid with your first guitar.

1) Buying The Wrong Type Of Guitar

Guitars come in three main varieties – acoustic, classical, and electric. Each one of these guitars produces different sounds, so it is essential to get the type that matches the genres you like. If you want to create sounds from bands such as Metallica and The Foo Fighters, you’ll likely want an electric guitar. Otherwise, if you prefer artists such as Kelly Clarkson and Luke Bryan, an acoustic guitar is better suited for you. Classical guitars are best suited for classical and flamenco music. With this considered, you shouldn’t be buying a guitar off of looks alone, or you’ll likely be producing the wrong sounds. So, it is important to know what sort of music you want to make.

2) Choosing The Wrong Size Guitar

Guitars aren’t all the same size. We recommend starting with a full-sized guitar, although if you are a small-statured individual or if the guitar is for a child, a regular guitar may not be comfortable. So, there are 3/4 and 1/2 size guitars available for those who may want a smaller instrument. Although it is important to keep in mind that there is a learning curve when upsizing your guitar, so we recommend starting with a full-size guitar if possible.

Also, electric guitars tend to be smaller but weigh more because of the electronics inside. On the contrary, acoustic guitars are generally bulky, making them a bit difficult for some people to play. Therefore, consider the weight you can hold while playing and your arm span when choosing your guitar.

3) Getting A Guitar With Too Many Features

If you’re a novice guitarist, you’ll want to focus on learning the guitar basics. Buying a guitar with extra features, such as built-in tuners or whammy bars, not only costs more but may complicate the learning process. So, keep it simple and buy a basic guitar until you’ve mastered the basics – then you can look into getting a higher-end guitar with more features.

4) Buying A Guitar With Bad Machine Heads

Machine heads are the pegs at the head of the guitar for tuning strings. One type is the basic covered machine head, which is made out of pressed metal. This gives your guitar more of a vintage look; however, it doesn’t hold string tension well and can cause your guitar to lose its tuning. So, make sure your guitar has die-cast machine heads that can maintain their tuning for longer. Regardless, you should tune your guitar every time you play.

5) Shopping at Online Marketplaces

Although they offer bargain deals, shopping at eBay and Craigslist for your first guitar is not recommended. Since you are buying from a likely unverified seller, you may not be able to see the condition of your guitar until you pay for it. The last thing you want is to end up paying for a damaged guitar that is unplayable. So, it is recommended that you buy from a verified, trustworthy website or dealer.

6) Not Getting the Essential Accessories

As a beginner, you may think you need the guitar, and then you’re good to go. However, to play, you need a few accessories with your first purchase, especially if you opt for an electric guitar. So, what do you need? The top accessories every guitarist needs are picks, an amp (for electric guitars), extra strings, a tuner, a guitar stand, and a guitar bag. Having these accessories on hand will make playing a lot easier.

7) Not Tuning Your Guitar Regularly

You (should have) bought a tuner, so make sure you’re putting it to use! You should be checking the tuning every time you play to make sure you’re playing notes and chords correctly. So, get an excellent electronic tuner to sound your best whenever you play.

8) Not Changing Your Strings

Although changing your strings can seem like a daunting task, it’s a necessary skill for every guitarist to learn. You should be changing your strings at least once every six months, or more often depending on your climate and how often you play. Not only are old strings more likely to break, but they also wear down your guitar’s frets and fretboard and diminish your playing quality. So, you should be wiping your strings after every playing session to prolong their lifetime and changing them regularly.

9) Not Cleaning The Guitar Properly (Or At All)

Never use household products on your guitar, or you will damage the finish. So, only use cleaning products specifically for guitars to ensure you do not damage your instrument. Also, note that unlike strings, you don’t have to clean your guitar that often, unless you’re sweating all over it. If you’re only playing casually from the comfort of your home, a few cleanings a year will suffice.

So, although buying your first guitar is an exciting process, be sure to avoid these mistakes that countless guitarists before you have made. When you’re ready to get your instrument, take a look at our extensive collection of guitars!

Shop Acoustic Guitars Shop Electric Guitars Shop Classical Guitars

Posted on September 20, 2020December 2, 2020 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

Electric Or Acoustic Guitar For Beginners?

So you want to learn the guitar. That’s a fantastic decision to make! The guitar is an extremely fun, expressive, and versatile instrument that you will love playing. Now you must be wondering – should I learn acoustic or electric guitar? While either choice is a good one, we will discuss the benefits and disadvantages between them to help you make your choice.

Acoustic Guitars

Benefits Of Acoustic Guitar

Starting with an acoustic guitar has many benefits, including:

Cost-effectiveness: Acoustic guitars tend to be more budget-friendly than their electric counterparts. With an acoustic guitar, all you need is your guitar and a few other accessories; however, you need an amplifier and other accessories that add up quickly with an electric guitar.
Focus on the basics: With an acoustic guitar, you do not have volume knobs, pedals, and distortion. This helps you stay focused on learning the guitar basics and lets you easily hear your mistakes.
Mobility: With no cords required, you can easily take your acoustic guitar with you anywhere. Just throw your guitar in its case, and you’re good to go! The same can’t be said for an electric guitar, which needs an amp and a power source.

Overall, starting with an acoustic guitar provides numerous benefits, including lower costs, helping you focus on learning the basics, and providing better mobility.

Disadvantages Of Acoustic Guitars

There are only a few disadvantages of starting with an acoustic guitar, namely:

Heavy strings: As a novice player, your fingers will not have the dexterity required to perform with the heavy strings that acoustic guitars have comfortably. As such, the strings will hurt your fingers until you play enough to get used to them. However, your fingers will gain strength over time.
Harder to fret: Since they have heavier strings, it is harder to fret notes with an acoustic guitar. Unlike you establish a firm fingering style, you may find it difficult and frustrating to navigate the fretboard. However, this is another skill you will develop as you practice.

While starting with an acoustic guitar has a few drawbacks, you will overcome these with time. These guitars are overall great for beginners.

Acoustic Guitar Genres

You’ll likely be interested in an acoustic guitar if you enjoy the following genres:

Acoustic music
Bluegrass
Country
Folk
Singer-songwriter

So, think an acoustic guitar is the right choice for you? Shop our wide selection of acoustic guitars!

View Acoustic Guitars

Electric Guitars

Benefits of Electric Guitar

Although acoustic guitars are a great option, there are benefits to going with electric guitars, including:

Ease of playing: Electric guitars tend to have lighter strings, narrower necks, and lightweight bodies. This means that your hand can make more chord and scale shapes with ease. So, a beginner would play an electric guitar for hours versus an acoustic guitar, which would tire their fingers.
Volume adjustment: Unlike acoustic guitars, which have a set volume, electric guitars can have their volume adjusted. So, whether you want to turn the volume up, down, or plug in your headphones, you have options you don’t have with acoustics.
Guitar effects: Electric guitars have a wide variety of sounds available to them through guitar effects. So, they are more versatile than acoustic, and that may be appealing to you.

Therefore, electric guitars provide ease of playing, allow for volume control, and produce an assortment of sounds through guitar effects.

Disadvantages of Electric Guitar

Electric guitars are fun and expressive instruments, but they come with certain disadvantages, namely:

Price: Electric guitars are more expensive than their acoustic counterparts, and then factoring other necessities such as amps makes them even more pricy. So, electric guitars may not be the choice for you if the price is a big factor. To minimize costs, you may be interested in picking up a beginner-friendly Jumpstart Package that comes with the guitar and any accessories you need!
Covers your mistakes: While having a guitar that covers up your mistakes may seem like a benefit, if you genuinely want to learn to play the instruments, you should properly learn the basics. As the sound you produce is augmented with electricity, your mistakes become less obvious, meaning you may not correct them like you would on an acoustic.

So, while electric guitars are fun and beginner-friendly, these drawbacks may turn you away from starting with the electric guitar.

Electric Guitar Genres

You’ll probably want an electric guitar if you picture yourself jamming out to the following genres:

Blues
Jazz
Metal
Punk
Rock music

Decided an electric guitar is what you want to try? Check out our selection!

View Electric Guitars

Which Guitar Should I Choose?

Overall, choosing your guitar comes down to your preferences. If you’re more interested in rock-‘n’-roll, you’ll likely be inclined towards the electric guitar. Likewise, if you are more of a country person, you will probably want to pick up an acoustic guitar. However, just because you decide to go with an acoustic guitar doesn’t mean you can’t pick up an electric guitar in the future, and vice versa. So, pick a guitar that inspires you and makes you want to play and practice. In time, you will master the basics and develop an original style like those of your idols.