Gear Review Archives - Metro Sound & Music Ltd.

Posted on July 25, 2021April 8, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

5 Best Shure Microphone For Great Recordings

Shure is one of the most trusted sources for audio products worldwide. Founded in 1925, you can find this company’s microphones at the US president’s podium, live concerts, and recordings. If you’re looking to buy affordable equipment trusted by professionals worldwide, consider adding a Shure microphone or two to your mic locker. Let’s look into some of the best models offered by this reputable company.

1. Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone

Application: Vocals, instruments

The Shure SM58 is a legendary cardioid vocal microphone beloved for live performances. In fact, watch any live show, and there is a significant chance you will see this microphone. An effective, built-in spherical filter minimises wind and breath pop noises. And the cardioid pickup pattern isolates the primary sound source while minimising unwanted background noises (like your audience cheering!). Moreover, its rugged construction means that it will perform consistently for years to come, whether indoors or outdoors.

2. Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone

Application: Vocals, instruments

The Shure SM57 unidirectional dynamic microphone is one of the most famous microphones to have ever been manufactured. This microphone is a consistent choice for recording vocals and instruments even decades after its release. Its outstanding performance, legendary reliability, and application diversity make this workhorse the choice of performers, producers, and sound engineers worldwide. For a highly affordable and versatile microphone, pick up the Shure SM57.

3. Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone

Application: Vocals

Whether you’re broadcasting, podcasting, or recording, you can depend on the Shure SM7B cardioid dynamic microphone to capture smooth vocals. Its flat, wide-range frequency response captures your sound with minimal colouration. The highly effective pop filter eliminates explosive breath sounds even for close-up vocals. Although this is a more expensive option, the SM7B is a standard amongst vocal microphones. If you have the budget and need your session to be perfect, we strongly recommend getting the Shure SM7B.

4. Shure Beta 52A Instrument Microphone

Application: Kick drums, low-frequency instruments

For recording kick drums and other low-frequency instruments, turn to the Shure Beta 52A. This microphone delivers studio-quality sound even at high sound pressure levels and effectively rejects unwanted sounds. Another great feature is the built-in dynamic-locking stand adapter with an integral XLR connector that holds the microphone’s position even if subjected to heavy blows within the kick drum. If you need to record kick drums or bass instruments, the Shure Beta 52A is one of the best of its class.

5. Shure KSM32 Studio Condenser Microphone

Application: Vocals, acoustic instruments

For those wanting a high-end microphone for capturing clear vocals, the Shure KSM32 has you covered. A part of Shure’s most prestigious KSM line, this microphone is best suited for demanding professionals. This microphone has a condenser diaphragm with an extended low-frequency range, delivering an open, natural-sounding reproduction of the source. Its pop filter also effectively eliminates unwanted noises and makes the recordings sound crisp. Although this microphone is best suited for vocals, you could also record acoustic instruments effectively with it. So, if you’re looking for a professional microphone, consider the Shure KSM32 in either charcoal or champagne.

Posted on July 11, 2021April 8, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

5 Best Alvarez Acoustic Guitars

When you’re in the market for an acoustic guitar, you want to buy it from a reputable brand. One renowned and credible brand is Alvarez Guitars, which has been producing guitars since 1965.

There are several factors to consider when purchasing, including your skill level, budget, and what you want to get out of your guitar. Fortunately, Alvarez offers a wide range of guitars, so you will find a suitable instrument for you no matter your needs.

To help you narrow down the choices, we’ve compiled a list of the best guitars from Alvarez. Take a look and see if any of our picks are right for you.

Alvarez AD60 Artist Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

The Alvarez AD60 is an affordable, high-quality dreadnought guitar for newer players. As a mid-priced instrument, the AD60 delivers an exceptional playing experience. This guitar is made out of hand-selected Sitka spruce and other natural materials, so it not only looks great but plays great, too. For a guitar that you can’t help but be impressed with, pick up the Alvarez AD60 acoustic guitar.

Alvarez AJ80CE Artist Series Jumbo Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Another addition to the Artist Series is the Alvarez AJ80CE acoustic-electric guitar. Also constructed with Sitka Spruce and other natural materials, you can feel the build’s quality as soon as you pick it up. Not only does it look and feel sophisticated, but it also delivers a rich and warm tone. With robust construction, you can depend on this instrument for years to come. However, since it is jumbo-sized, this instrument may be better suited for those with some experience playing the guitar. If you are comfortable playing larger guitars and want an elegant and durable device, consider the Alvarez AJ80CE acoustic-electric guitar.

Alvarez AC65 Artist Series Classical Acoustic Guitar

The Alvarez AC65 is a beautiful and high-quality classical acoustic guitar. Optimized for warm and open sound, you’ll love strumming this instrument. The combination of the solid red cedar top and mahogany body and neck produces a lively tone. Also, since it is a classical guitar, it uses nylon strings and has a smaller body than its steel-string counterparts. For one of the finest classical acoustic guitars in the price range, order the Alvarez AC65 classical acoustic guitar today.

Alvarez AC65HCE Classical Hybrid Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new guitarist, you will enjoy the Alvarez AC65HCE classical acoustic-electric guitar. With thoughtful construction, this guitar sounds great and will last you for years. The sound it produces is warm, open, and powerful, and both the treble and bass registers are balanced. The solid cedar tops are stiff and strong to create tons of vibrations, and the nylon strings are comfortable to play on. For a stunning classical acoustic-electric guitar, get your hands on the Alvarez AC65HCE today.

Alvarez MGA70WCEARSHB Masterworks Grand Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar

For a truly stunning instrument that will make your jaw drop, take a look at the Alvarez MGA70WCEARSHB acoustic-electric guitar. This guitar sounds as good as it looks with its shadow burst finish. This instrument is sculpted from premium, hand-selected all-solid woods to create the best sound possible. As a remarkable grand auditorium, the MGA70WCEARSHB has an open, powerful projection and excellent balance between the bass and treble frequencies. If you crave a luxurious guitar that will please your eyes and ears, choose the Alvarez MGA70WCEARSHB acoustic-electric guitar.

Choosing an acoustic guitar is an exciting, albeit overwhelming, task. Whichever instrument you choose, be sure to buy from a reputable brand for quality assurance. Want to do more browsing? Take a look at our extensive range of acoustic guitars.

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Posted on June 22, 2021March 25, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

Active vs. Passive PA Speakers: What’s The Difference?

If you’re looking to set up your own speaker system, you may find yourself asking – what’s the difference between active and passive PA speakers? Luckily, we’re here to clear any confusion between the two and even give you our picks of the best active and passive loudspeakers! Read on to learn more.

The Difference Between Active And Passive Speakers

The biggest difference: Active speakers have a built-in power amplifier and just need a power source to operate, while passive speakers require an external power amplifier to function.

Active speakers are ideal for those who want an all-in-one system that’s easy to set up. They also tend to be battery-powered, meaning they are highly portable. However, since active speakers have a built-in amplifier, they typically have smaller drivers. So, if you need big and clear sound, active speakers may not be what you’re after. Also, active speakers limit upgrading possibilities. Since they’re an all-in-one system, you can’t just upgrade the amp, for instance. Everything has to go.

On the other hand, passive speakers allow for greater customization. With this setup, you can choose the exact speakers and amplifier you want, and upscaling and updating are easy. However, you must ensure all components are compatible, or you risk blowing up the system or getting poor sound quality.

So, Which Is Better?

Indeed, you can guess that this question is subjective. However, we can generalize which speakers may be better for specific scenarios.

For small venues, public speakers, buskers, or small places of worship, an active speaker system is ideal. They’re easy to set up, often highly portable, and the amp is usually tuned to the speakers right away, meaning you’ll get the best sound straight out of the box.

However, if you’re hosting a larger venue, DJing, or want more control over your sound, you may want to consider a passive speaker system. This setup will allow for greater customization and easier repairs and upgrades. But do note that you will need to ensure that you get the right amp for your speakers in terms of power ratings and impedance and that there is a greater chance of signal loss if you have a large setup.

Now that we’ve discussed the differences between active and passive PA systems, let’s go over our picks for each type.

Best Active PA Speakers

Mackie Thump15A 15″ 1000W Powered Speaker

The Mackie Thump15A is a 15″ powered loudspeaker that excels in its price range. With 1000 watts of power, you get the high output you need in a durable and portable package. Its high-output design features a 1000-watt Class-D amplifier for the 15″ woofer and a 300-watt Class AB for the 1.4″ titanium dome compression driver. However, what makes the Thump15A truly exceptional is its bass response, delivering chest-thumping low-end sounds. For those wanting an affordable loudspeaker with enhanced bass, look no further than the Mackie Thump15A.

QSC K10.2 10″ 2000W Powered Speaker

The QSC K10.2 powered speaker is an industry-standard thanks to its superior audio performance and durability. With 2000 watts of sheer power and a 10″ speaker, this loudspeaker delivers incredible sound. You also have control over the loudspeaker functions, including crossover, EQ, delay, and frequency contours. And with a 6-year warranty with product registration, you can depend on the QSC K10.2 powered speaker to last you throughout the years.

QSC KW152 15″ 2000W Powered Speaker

For those looking for more power, the QSC KW152 powered loudspeaker delivers superior audio quality. With a 15″ woofer, the projected sound is loud and clear so your audience can relish in the entirety of your performance. A built-in DSP enhances your sound performance, and the DMT ensures uniform coverage across the entire sound field. And with 1000 watts of power, this loudspeaker is ready for your larger venues and outdoor use.

Best Passive PA Speakers

Behringer Eurolive B212XL 800W 12″ Passive Speaker

The Behringer Eurolive B121XL is a lightweight and powerful passive speaker. It sports a 12″ LF driver and a 1.75″ driver for low bass and clean highs. Rated at 200 watts continuous and 800 watts peak, this speaker packs big sound in a small package. And thanks to its slanted design, it can easily be used as a stage monitor. For a highly affordable and portable passive speaker, pick up the Behringer Eurolive B212XL today!

QSC E112 1600W 12″ Passive Speaker

The QSC E112 is a passive speaker with a 12″ woofer with a 1″ compression driver that delivers a frequency response of 64 Hz to 20 kHz. It offers exceptional power handling, rated at 400 watts continuous and can go up to 1600 watts peak. However, this passive speaker truly excels due to the high-out, professional-quality sound it produces. Other features include an 85-degree wide DMT coverage and availability to be mounted on a pole or angled downward. If you need a premium passive speaker, the QSC E112 will exceed your expectations.

This concludes our overview of active and passive speakers. Active speakers are an all-in-one system that’s easy to set up, while passive speakers offer customizability and ease of upgrading. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the PA setup you wish to achieve and can use this as a starting point to creating your own speaker system. Want to see more options? Browse our collections of active and passive speakers!

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Posted on June 9, 2021March 24, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

5 Best Guitar Amps To Find Your Tone

Buying a guitar amp is one of the most significant purchases a guitarist will make aside from the guitar itself. An amp provides the overall tone to your guitar and expresses your playing style. So, it’s crucial to equip yourself with a proper amp that suits your needs.

However, there’s an astonishing amount of guitar amps on the market, and sifting through your options is a grueling task. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best options to give you direction on where to start (or end!) your buying process.

1. Orange Micro Terror Amp Head

The Orange Micro Terror is a bite-sized head amp head that packs a punch. With a tube preamp and solid-state power amp, it’s deceptively loud while delivering 20 watts of output. If you’re after classic British tones, the Orange Micro Terror has them covered. With clean, crunch, and overdrive sounds, you’ll love the versatility of this tiny terror. For a big Orange tone in a small package, plug into the Orange Micro Terror today!

2. Marshall DSL40CR Tube Combo Amp

The Marshall DSL40CR offers burly Marshall tone in a tube combo amp. With a built-in 12″ G-12 V-type speaker for exceptional tone and flexibility, this amp channels your personality through sound. With per-channel Gain and Volume controls, a highly-effective Resonance control, digital reverb, and an effects loop, the Marshall DSL40CR combo amp is ready when you are.

3. Vox AC15C2 Tube Combo Amp

Loaded with a pair of 12″ Celestion Greenbacks, the Vox AC15C2 combo amp delivers a powerful British tone. You get two channels to play with: Normal and Top Boost. Each comes with its own Volume control, and the Top Boost channel offers Treble and Bass tone controls. For even more versatility, this beast comes equipped with tremolo and reverb effects. If you want a strong workhorse with an abundance of tone-crafting power, the Vox AC15c2 is your steed.

4. Orange Rocker 32 Combo Amp

Don’t be fooled by the Orange Rocker 32’s simple design. Designed to be a pedal platform, the Rocker 32 is equipped with stereo capabilities thanks to its dual output stages and a valve buffered effects loop. This amp comes with two channels: Natural and Dirty. The Natural channel lets you hear your guitar and pedals as they sound and comes with volume control. Meanwhile, the Dirty channel features Gain, Master Volume, and a three-band EQ. Whether you want classic Brit rock, blues, or modern metal sounds, the Orange Rocker 32 has you covered.

5. Marshall DSL1CR Tube Combo Amp

The Marshall DSL1CR combo amp is everything you want in a portable amp. This 1-watt little beast packs burly Marshall tone into its compact package. With two channels, reverb, and an effects loop, you can produce killer tones no matter where you go. And thanks to its high and low power modes, it’s perfect for bedroom rockers. Need a little monster that doesn’t sacrifice tone-shaping capabilities? You need the Marshall DSL1CR.

Of course, like all things music, the “best” choice boils down to your preferences and what tone you want to achieve. However, if you pick up any amp on this list, you will be sure to plug into a great, tone-shaping device. Want to browse more options? Check out our entire line of guitar amps.

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Posted on May 26, 2021May 6, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

4 Best Studio Headphones For Mixing And Mastering

If you’re mixing music in the studio, you know that a great pair of headphones is a must. Not sure which pair will do the best job? Like most things in music, the answer depends largely on your preferences. However, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best headphones for mixing and mastering that you can rely on in the studio. Let’s go over our picks.

1. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Open-Back Studio Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x feature an open-back design perfect for long mix sessions. Featuring specially designed drivers and acoustically transparent housings fashioned from aluminium honeycomb mesh, these headphones provide an accurate and natural sound. Hear exactly what you’re mixing with the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x.

2. Sennheiser HD 650 Open-Back Studio Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 650 are another fantastic open-back option for audiophiles. Built with comfort and convenience in mind, these cans deliver rich, natural sound. These also have a wide frequency range of 10 Hz – 39.5 kHz and reduce the THD to 0.05 percent, letting you absorb every detail of your music. For superb sound quality, look no further than the Sennheiser HD 650.

3. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Closed-Back Headphones

Versatile and dependable, the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO headphones excel in any monitoring application. With 32 dB attenuation of external noises, these cans are especially useful in high-noise environments. They also reproduce warm, natural sounds with an extended range so you can hear exactly what you’re mixing. No matter your application, you can’t go wrong with the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO headphones.

4. Shure SRH1540 Closed-Back Headphones

The Shure SRH1540 deliver high-class sound and comfort any audiophile will appreciate. The 40mm neodymium drivers deliver unparalleled acoustic performance. These headphones are also ultra-durable and comfortable, so you can rely on them no matter your mixing needs. If you demand excellence, pick up the Shure SRH1540 closed-back headphones today.

Ultimately, your choice of headphones depends on your personal preferences. However, you can be sure you’ll have a reliable pair if you choose any off of this list. If you want to do more browsing, check out our entire stock of studio headphones.

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Posted on May 12, 2021March 24, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

4 Best DJ Headphones For Your Venues

An inadequate pair of DJ headphones can make performing a nightmare. That’s why it’s important to equip yourself with excellent DJ headphones you can rely on. However, sorting through your options can be difficult with so many models on the market. So, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best DJ headphones you can buy, no matter what features you need. Let’s jump into our picks.

1. Pioneer HDJ X10

The Pioneer HDJ x10 are superb headphones that deliver excellent features. For one, they produce high-resolution sound ranging from 5 Hz to 40 kHz, letting you hear a wide range of frequencies. They are also comfortable to wear for long periods thanks to their swivel mechanism, and they are highly durable and resistant to bumps and knocks. These stylish headphones are available in either black or silver.

2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X

The Japanese company Audio-Technica is renowned for its professional-quality audio equipment. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are no exception, sporting excellent sound quality and clarity. Their light-weight design and velvet ear pads provide a lot of comfort for extended periods of use. If you prefer wireless, there is also a Bluetooth version of these headphones available.

3. Korg NC-Q1

Sporting style and features, the Korg NC-Q1 are phenomenal Bluetooth DJ headphones. With advanced noise-cancelling technology, you get a powerful sound experience that lets you zone in on your performance. The Smart Monitoring and Sound Enhancing functions permit remarkable customization, letting you adjust volume balance, EQ presets, and choose the ear from which to monitor. With 36 hours of battery life, you can count on the Korg NC-Q1 to last you throughout your venues. Pick your cans in black or white.

4. Behringer HPX6000

The Behringer HPX6000 are exceptional headphones for their low price point. If you want a pair of headphones that checks all of the boxes at a low cost, these should be your go-to. Most notably, the HPX6000 offers adequate isolation and 50mm drivers with an emphasis on bass. Although their build quality is inferior to that of the other headphones on this list, you’ll be pressed to find a better pair of cans at this price point.

Equipping yourself with a great pair of headphones is a must for any DJer. You can’t go wrong with any of the choices on this list. Want to do more browsing of other options? Shop our line of DJ headphones and get a pair for yourself today!

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