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One lucky winner will receive a KERNOM RIDGE, the innovative analog morphing drive pedal that transforms how you shape your tone. The giveaway runs through June 24, 2025. Enter now for your chance to win.Hear it in action!Struggling to find the perfect overdrive? Whether you need a clean boost, a transparent overdrive, or high-gain distortion, RIDGE gives you a seamless spectrum of tones—all in one pedal.From Klon-like transparency to Tube Screamer warmth, from bluesy edge-of-breakup tones to modern high-gain saturation, RIDGE eliminates the need for multiple pedals. Dial in your perfect drive with the MOOD knob.
Kernom Ridge Overdride

RIDGE – Multi overdrive

Sadistic Force worship speed and Satan on their new offering.
The post Track Premiere: Sadistic Force – ‘Strike After Strike’ appeared first on Decibel Magazine.

KMA Machines GEMINUS is a compact pedal featuring True Double Tracker technology for adding width and fatness to your performances. With stereo or mono connections, flexible signal routing, and precise controls, GEMINUS is the perfect solution for doubling your riffs. Experience the best sounding doubler with ease of use.The first outing for KMA’s unique and custom AI driven True Double Tracker technology was in the ENDGAME, our powerhouse end-of-chain pedal. We designed our dead-simple-to-use, TDT Algorithm in ENDGAME to be as authentic to the doubling recording process as possible, but we realise that not everybody needs all the bells and whistles of such an all-encompassing device. However, the processing power requirements required for TDT meant a simpler device wasn’t yet possible. But as demand from the community grew, our team worked hard to squeeze it down and make it happen.So, meet GEMINUS – all of KMA’s True Double Tracker goodness in a compact pedal that’s suitable for any board. Whether playing live or recording with a single instrument, GEMINUS is the perfect solution for adding “fatness” and “width” to your performances – it really does feel like you are playing the same riff twice!KMA Machines GEMINUS – Stereo True Double Tracker – YouTubeMain FeaturesStereo True-Double-Tracker (Proprietary Doubler) pedalWidth Knob, provides control over the stereo fieldStereo or Mono connections on TRS jacksFlexible signal routing (selectable Stereo or Mono In/Out)Time, Pitch and Level controls, for precise TDT tailoring Compact enclosure with top-mounted jacks – will fit into any setupSwitchable True/Buffered Bypass*‘Silent’ relay-based soft switchingPremium analog electronics• 32 Bit internal processingPowered by (opt.) 9 V DC PSU (centre -, 2.1mm, ~ 100 mA current draw, not included)Enabled via the soft bypass footswitch, GEMINUS accurately replicates the minor differences that exist between two separate recordings. The TDT WIDTH control spreads your doubled tracks, anywhere from completely centred (0%) to 50% left and right (centre indent) and 100% left and right split.KMA has carried out extensive research on how to make double tracking sound exactly how we think it should perform. In the process, we’ve spent thousands of engineering hours working on our own proprietary technology, even developing our own custom neural network AI with onset detection in the process for our algorithms.The mode for the TRS input and output jacks is selected by the toggle switch. You can choose between stereo in and out, mono in and stereo out or mono in to mono out, so no matter your signal and tonal desires, GEMINUS will fit into your rig with ease.For the most accurate performance (and just like the real double tracking scenario in the studio), our custom True Double Tracker algorithm should ideally be fed with a mono signal. Obviously if you are trying to emulate what traditionally happens in the studio, you wouldn’t normally double up a stereo source. Having said that, our TDT algorithm has been optimised to still have a useful and very pleasing widening effect on stereo input signals, just take care that using too much doubling on some stereo sources may cause your carefully crafted reverb, delay or other modulation effects to turn to mush or even add phase issues.To help tailor the Doubling to your own taste, the TIME control changes the timing range of the doubled AI-driven onset detection. Essentially, it’s all about the tightness of the doubled signal to fit differing playing styles. Variable from an extra tight mode, that’s perfect for extra fast riffs, to a looser timing that can just the right amount of density to more open playing styles, this control is a powerful weapon to make your riffs fit your musical goals. The centre detent is GEMINUS’ default factory position, but turning the knob left will give a tighter feel. Crank the knob to the right and the doubled signal becomes much more relaxed.While the LEVEL control affects the balance of the doubled signal against the original source. Useful for those times where you might want maximum width, but a little less (or even more) of the sound to be doubled against the original. Centre detent of the knob is GEMINUS’ default factory position. There’s some clever panning stuff going on under the hood here too, so neither the doubled or original signal is louder on one side or the other, when in Stereo.Finally, the new PITCH selector switch can add some additional movement to your doubled signal, extending the usefulness of GEMINUS beyond standard doubling. When the switch is at the centre default position (-) there is no pitch adjustment, (~) adds some subtle modulation, while (≈) adds even more wobble. In this mode, it doesn’t mean that your second guitarist will sound like they are off on a quest for enlightenment all on their own (!), it is just super handy for those times when you want more chaos and instability in your ensemble.To top it all off, we’ve added a switchable real True/Buffered bypass and ‘silent’ relay-based soft switching. When we were testing our new pedal platform, we really loved the clarity and signal integrity of KMA’s Buffered Bypass, plus there are zero clicks and pops when switching in this mode, which is why it is the recommended and default mode on shipping. However, we know some players have some special devices like extra fussy vintage fuzz pedals and the like, so we added the ability to select True Bypass mode via an internal dip switch (*see the Quick Start Guide for more details).Phew, seems that there’s quite a lot going inside GEMINUS then. We believe our True Double-Tracker in this pedal is the best sounding, yet easiest to use doubler you’ll ever play – period.Go forth and multiply your riffs!MAP: $269For more information, please visit kmamachines.com.

The Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster® features DiMarzio® Pro Track™ pickups, while the Laura Lee Jazz Bass® Boasts Dimarzio Ultra Noiseless Jazz Bass Pickups and Vintage-style Chrome CoversToday, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is proud to announce the Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster® and Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass® from the iconic band, Khruangbin. For the first time in its nearly 80-year history, Fender is introducing a signature bass and signature guitar for the same band, released simultaneously.Known for their psychedelic melodies and a genre-blending sound that draws from funk, rock, and soul, Khruangbin has carved out a distinct musical identity. The breakthrough trio—bassist Laura Lee, guitarist Mark Speer, and drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson Jr.—is celebrating their 10th anniversary of the band’s debut album, The Universe Smiles Upon You; to mark the milestone, the band is teaming up with Fender for something truly special. Fender® guitars have been a core part of the band’s sound since its inception, shaping the tones that define their music. Designed to capture the essence of a decade’s worth of tone, style, and innovation, these guitars invite musicians to carve out sonic paths while channeling the sound that helped define a generation. Khruangbin | Fender Signature Sessions | Fender“Khruangbin is a band that has made a huge mark on modern music—they blend cultures, genres, and eras into something entirely their own,” said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product at Fender. “Mark and Laura had built their trademark sound with some unique specs and features on their primary instruments and with these signature models, we wanted to be able to share that with the universe of musicians and fans.”Drawing from a wide palette of worldly influences, Mark Speer’s innovative guitar playing with Khruangbin has established him as one of the most original and distinctive guitarists of his generation. The music is a stunning mix of psychedelia, soul, rock, and country with all of Mark’s smooth, reverb-drenched riffs and melodies played on a single guitar: the same original Fender® Stratocaster® he’s played since the band’s inception. The guitar looks as good as it sounds, with an Aged Natural finish over a custom contoured ash body, and distinctive all-white hardware. DiMarzio® Pro Track™ pickups in the neck and bridge deliver vintage humbucker tones, while the 70’s Fender® Stratocaster® middle pickup gives the guitar an even wider range of tonal options. The Custom “C”-shape neck with a 7.25” radius and 21 jumbo frets offers a comfortable feel, while the vintage-style synchronized tremolo provides classic Strat® vibrato action. Finally, Graph Tech® saddles and string trees increase harmonic content and improve tuning stability.“This guitar is the easiest way for me to get the musical idea from my head, out into the world,” said Mark Speer. “I know this thing inside and out, the sounds it can make, and the textures I can achieve. It’s like becoming really familiar with your paintbrush.”Laura Lee’s warm and inventive basslines have propelled Khruangbin albums into the Top 40 in the U.S. and even higher around the world. Armed with a Jazz Bass®, her unique playing style mixes classic-era basslines with funk, soul, country, and surf rock to create something completely distinctive and raw.Finished in classic Vintage White, with stunning chrome appointments, this bass is an eye-catching instrument tailored to meet Laura Lee’s aesthetic and tonal design choices. DiMarzio® Ultra Jazz™ pickups provide deep lows, percussive highs, and rich harmonic overtones that help define Laura Lee’s sound. Vintage-style concentric volume/tone knobs for each pickup allow complete control over your sound. The Custom “U”-shape neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5” radius and 21 jumbo frets, providing a comfortable, unique feel just like Laura’s original bass.“A lot of the features on my bass look vintage, but they function in a modern way. We’ve been trying to cultivate our music to feel classic and timeless, really. To me, the look and feel of this instrument is the same — it just sounds better the more you play it,” said Laura Lee.The Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster® and Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass® each carry a $1,499.99 street price. For mor information visit fender.com.Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster®($1,499.99 USD, €1,599 EUR, £1,349 GBP, $2,499.00 AUD,¥220,000 JPY) Drawing from a wide palette of worldly influences, Mark Speer’s innovative guitar playing with Khruangbin has established him as one of the most original and distinctive guitarists of his generation. The music is a stunning mix of psychedelia, soul, rock, and country with all of Mark’s smooth, reverb-drenched riffs and melodies played on a single guitar: his original Fender Stratocaster®.Finished in a beautiful natural ash and furnished with upscale features, this guitar looks as good as it sounds. DiMarzio® Pro Track™ pickups in the neck and bridge deliver vintage humbucker tones, while the 70’s Fender® Stratocaster® middle pickup gives the guitar an even wider range of tonal options. The Custom “C”-shape neck with a 7.25” radius and 21 jumbo frets offers a comfortable feel, while the vintage-style synchronized tremolo provides classic Strat® vibrato action. Finally, Graph Tech® saddles and string trees increase harmonic content and improve tuning stability. Whether you’re aiming to capture Mark Speer’s signature sound or seeking a Stratocaster® with custom upgrades, the Mark Speer Stratocaster® is sure to thrill any guitar enthusiast.Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass®($1,499.99 USD, €1.699,00 EUR, £1,399 GBP, $2,499.00 AUD, ¥253,000 JPY) Laura Lee’s warm, pulsing, and inventive basslines have propelled Khruangbin albums into the Top 40 in the U.S. and even higher around the world. Armed with a Jazz Bass®, her unique playing style mixes classic-era basslines with funk, soul, country, and surf rock to create something completely distinctive and raw.Finished in a classic vintage white with stunning chrome appointments, this bass is an eye-catching instrument tailored to meet Laura Lee’s aesthetic design choices. Loaded with DiMarzio® Ultra Jazz™ pickups, this bass has deep lows, percussive highs, and rich harmonic overtones that help define Laura Lee’s sound. Vintage-style concentric volume/tone knobs for each pickup allow complete control over your sound. The Custom “U”-shape neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5” radius and 21 jumbo frets, providing a comfortable, unique feel just like Laura’s bass. With its classic Jazz Bass® controls, chrome hardware, and upgraded DiMarzio pickups, this bass will help you stand out on any stage.

Sink your teeth into a cinematic new video from fantasy-doom champions Castle Rat.
The post Video Premiere: Castle Rat – ‘Wizard’ appeared first on Decibel Magazine.

For years, the studio monitor has been the holy grail of mixing setups—treated rooms, perfectly placed monitors, and that elusive sweet spot. But what happens when you’re on the move, working from home, or simply don’t have access to a tuned room? This is where high-quality headphones not only come in handy—they can be powerful mainstays in your workflow. Fortunately, we’re living in a golden age of headphone technology, where top-tier listening experiences are no longer tied to physical speaker systems or acoustically perfect environments.There are several core benefits to working with headphones—especially when it comes to critical listening, portability, and budget efficiency.Forensic DetailOne of the first things you’ll notice when you start mixing on high-quality headphones is how much easier it is to hear subtle problems in your mix. Low-end muddiness, harsh sibilance, resonant frequencies, and overly wet reverbs—these details can get masked or skewed by reflections in an untreated room. With headphones, you’re hearing a direct feed of your mix, free from the room’s influence.This level of forensic detail is especially useful when performing tasks like EQ cleanup, editing, or automation. You’ll be able to focus on problematic areas with more confidence, especially in the early stages of mixing when clarity is crucial.Always in the Sweet SpotUnlike speakers, which rely on proper room placement and listener positioning, headphones keep you permanently in the sweet spot. Whether you’re leaning back in a chair, lying on a hotel bed, or sitting in a quiet café with a laptop, you’re still getting a centered, consistent stereo image and frequency response—a massive advantage for many mixers who don’t have access to ideal monitoring conditions. Freedom From the RoomIf your mix decisions are being influenced by poor room acoustics, you’re already starting from behind. Treating a room properly can be expensive, time-consuming, or impossible if you rent or are constantly moving. Headphones eliminate this variable almost entirely. When you mix on headphones, you’re not at the mercy of reflections, standing waves, or bass traps.Especially for beginners, headphones offer a more reliable environment to learn in. You’ll be training your ears to hear the actual mix, rather than the room’s response to it.Mixing on the MoveI learned this lesson the hard way—by necessity. While traveling frequently, I couldn’t count on consistent studio access. So, I started bringing two pairs of headphones with me everywhere: the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ($149 street) for closed-back isolation and punchy midrange, and the Sennheiser HD650 ($499 street) for open-back transparency and spaciousness.These two became my mobile studio, whether I was mixing on a tour bus, in a hotel, or grabbing a few hours between flights at an empty gate. The proof came when I got back home: I’d pull the mixes up on my main monitors, and they would hold up—often needing only minor tweaks (still critical). It was an empowering realization that I didn’t always need to be tethered to a room to do meaningful, professional work.Reference Still MattersEven with great headphones, referencing is still a key part of the process. Once I’ve done the bulk of a mix on headphones, I always check it on loudspeakers to make sure the low end translates, the stereo image isn’t overly wide, and there’s no listener fatigue.You should also reference your mix against other commercial tracks—ideally in the same genre—on your headphones to calibrate your expectations and better understand how your mix sits in context.The Budget AdvantageLet’s talk about money. If you’ve got less than $500 to spend and you’re deciding between entry-level monitors or professional headphones, go for the headphones. A great pair of cans will serve you far better than cheap monitors in an untreated room.And if you’re curious about expanding your collection or exploring other options, keep an eye on other reputable brands like Neumann, Beyerdynamic, and Sony.Each of these brands has a range of models catering to different budgets and tonal preferences, from analytical studio response to more musical listening curves. That said, it’s best not to get lost in specs—pick something with proven reliability and learn its sound inside and out.As long as you’re mindful of your mix decisions, check your references, and develop an intimate familiarity with your headphones, you can make world-class mixes from virtually anywhere.So, next time you’re packing your gear bag, don’t underestimate what a great pair of headphones can do for your mix. They might just be the most important investment you make.

Sharing with you David Byrne’s new (yet to be announced) album coming this September 5th- his first in 7 years! Who Is The Sky? is produced by Kid Harpoon, and in addition to being incredible, it’s the exact antidote for the times. It’ll be out Sept 5th on his new label Matador Records and will be announced on June 10th along with a world tour.The album builds upon the themes laid out by American Utopia, the album and tour but more specifically spelled out by the Broadway show and subsequent film. With this offering, David continues his exploration of human connection, optimism, and the potential for societal unity against the chaotic backdrop of the world. Who Is The Sky? is particularly cinematic, humorous and joyful but often with a lesson baked in. But most importantly, the songs are so David Byrne – they ride the razor’s edge of avant-garde and accessible pop. Since releasing his last solo album American Utopia over 7 years ago, David’s already iconic profile has risen even more. American Utopia went on to be a Broadway show and Spike Lee-directed film for HBO. He received his second Oscar nomination (he won for his work on “The Last Emporer”) for his song for “Everything Everywhere All At Once” with Mitski and performed at the ceremony. Talking Heads’ “Stop Making Sense” was re-released by A24, bringing a whole new generation of fans to what many call the best concert film of all time. David and Fatboy Slim’s musical Here Lies Love, also made it to Broadway. And hopefully you saw David’s recent performance with Robyn at SNL 50 – was such an incredible time!