Back catalogue: All genres

Notes: As one of the most popular drum machines ever made, the Alesis SR-16 has been used by everyone from songwriters to live performers to remix engineers as their drum machine of choice. The reason is simple, it features a great selection of 233 realistic, natural drum sounds, offered both in dry form and sampled with our incomparable digital reverbs.

The Alesis's exclusive Dynamic Articulation features enables a drum sound to change its tonal content as it's played harder for truly realistic performances. The SR-16 features 50 preset patterns that were actually played in by top studio drummers, not just programmed and quantized. You'll find enough built-in rhythmic variations (with A, B and 2 x fill sections) for composing complete arrangements, and you can create and save your own customized patterns and songs.

Plus, the SR-16 also provides complete MIDI implementation, a footswitch input, flexible programming and editing features and velocity-sensitive pad buttons. Plus, it's so easy to use that you'll be up-and-running and composing new music in minutes. Whether you need a songwriting partner or an accompanist for live performance, turn to the all-time world standard in drum machines: the SR-16.

Notes: The Allen & Heath ZED-14 is a fantastic entry-level mixer for small bands, solo performers or AV applications. Its comprehensive feature set, compact size and fine lines combine to make it one of the best small mixers around. Provided with 6 mic or line inputs, 4 stereo inputs with EQ, there are an incredible 157 controls on the front panel of the ZED-14.

This is a mixer for anyone, from entry-level to professionals, who appreciates fantastic sound, rugged build quality and imaginative feature sets. It'll be equally happy running your gig on stage, recording live or mixing down in your studio at home.

USB AUDIO FLEXIBILITY
Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on ZED is super-flexible and super-easy! No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it! CD quality audio to and from your PC or Mac. Switches and connection through jack socket terminals provide different send/return configurations:-

SEND OPTIONS
1) Main Mix Left + Right (Post-fade)
2) Main Mix Left + Right (Pre-Fade)
3) Auxes 1-2
4) Auxes 3-4

RETURN OPTIONS
1) To Stereo 3 channel

ZED-10 features a responsive 3-band, swept mid frequency EQ design which utilises MusiQ- with optimised slope (or Q factor) for equalising individual instruments.

Based on the proven pre-amps from the hugely successful PA series, ZED-14 has DuoPre pre-amps, which use a two stage design, with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage. When amplifying the signal from the XLR input, the gain range is huge - 69dB of range to be exact - and is very evenly distributed around the gain control, meaning better control of signal level. Most of the gain comes from the first stage, so unwanted noise is kept to a minimum. Line level signals are simply plugged into the second stage of the pre-amp by using the line input jack socket, which has the great advantage of less noise when using the line input and also matching to a higher input impedance.

Notes: The Allen & Heath ZED-24 has an incredibly advanced feature. It has 23 independent sources to the mix, 10 independent outputs and 4 aux sends. Configurable USB audio input/output makes it easy to capture stereo recordings, playback and effects, a unique dual stereo input capability and some very advanced monitoring facilities. In fact, the ZED-24 mixer is so packed full of great features that you'd think it would cost much, much more.

Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on the ZED-24 is super-flexible and super-easy. No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED-24, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it.

Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on ZED is super-flexible and super-easy! No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it! CD quality audio to and from your PC or Mac. Switches and connection through jack socket terminals provide different send/return configurations:-

Send options:
1) Main Mix Left + Right (Post-fade)
2) Main Mix Left + Right (Pre-Fade)
3) Auxes 1-2
4) Auxes 3-4

Return options:
1) To Stereo 3 channel

ZED-24 features a responsive 3-band, swept mid frequency EQ design which utilises MusiQ - with optimised slope (or Q factor) for equalising individual instruments.

Based on the proven pre-amps from the hugely successful PA series, ZED-24 has DuoPre pre-amps, which use a two stage design, with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage. When amplifying the signal from the XLR input, the gain range is huge - 69dB of range to be exact - and is very evenly distributed around the gain control, meaning better control of signal level. Most of the gain comes from the first stage, so unwanted noise is kept to a minimum. Line level signals are simply plugged into the second stage of the pre-amp by using the line input jack socket, which has the great advantage of less noise when using the line input and also matching to a higher input impedance.

Notes: Big version of A&H's entry-level Zed series mixer. Originally intended for live applications but works very well as a studio mixer for hardware setups. A lot of mixer for your money.

Supplier's notes:
The Allen & Heath ZED-22FX mixer is ideal for groups who need to travel light. Featuring configurable USB audio input/output makes it easy to capture stereo recordings.

The ZED-22FX easily accommodates vocals, drums, guitar, bass and keys whilst also providing a dedicated FX bus and 16 internal time-delay effects, giving the whole mix extra ambience.

The ZED-22FX has an essential selection of 16 time-delay effects, designed for small groups who don't want to carry around an effects unit with their gear but who still want great quality FX at their gigs and on their recordings. Our DSP engineers worked hard, crafting and refining beautiful reverb algorithms to enhance every performance. These effects are available nowhere else at this price point, this quality and integration is only available from the ZED-FX. ZED effects are easily controlled using 3 buttons with 9 display LEDs. For example, the ideal delay time can be quickly tapped-in, or the perfect amount of reverb on the lead vocal can be dialled-in. There is one-stop navigation and editing - in fact, it's just as easy as using effects pedals. To alter effects parameters, the TAP button is held down and the up/down buttons pressed to adjust the specific parameter for that effect, for example, the decay length on PLATE, or the depth on CHORUS.

Based on the proven pre-amps from the hugely successful PA series, ZED-22FX has DuoPre pre-amps, which use a two stage design, with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage. When amplifying the signal from the XLR input, the gain range is huge - 69dB of range to be exact - and is very evenly distributed around the gain control, meaning better control of signal level. Most of the gain comes from the first stage, so unwanted noise is kept to a minimum. Line level signals are simply plugged into the second stage of the pre-amp by using the line input jack socket, which has the great advantage of less noise when using the line input and also matching to a higher input impedance.

Notes: The Allen & Heath ZED-10 mixer is an amazing little desk for small band mixing. It is ultra portable for carrying to the gig, and can be used for recording live or in the studio. It comes with configurable USB audio input/output making it easy to capture stereo recordings.

Guitars can be plugged in directly to the mixer using the specially designed high-impedance inputs, while the mixer has two stereo inputs for MP3/CD players or keyboards.

Equipped with professional XLR stereo outputs and a flexible monitoring section with headphone and speaker feed outputs. The ZED-10 is bundled with IK Multimedia's AmpliTube X-GEAR software, giving access to superbly modelled amps and effects.

Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on ZED-10 is super-flexible and super-easy. No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED-10, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it. CD quality audio to and from your PC or Mac. Switches and connection through jack socket terminals provide different send/return configurations.

SEND OPTIONS
1) Main Mix Left + Right (Post master Level)
2) Aux + FX bus (Aux is a pre-fade send, FX is a post-fade send)
3) Record Bus Left + Right (Separate stereo bus to Main Mix)

RETURN OPTIONS
1) To Playback input (through jack socket break contacts)
2) To Stereo 2 channel (through jack socket break contacts)

ZED-10 features a responsive 3-band, swept mid frequency EQ design which utilises MusiQ - with optimised slope (or Q factor) for equalising individual instruments.

ZED-10's pre-amps are similar in design to our MixWizard range of mixers, but with a twist! Inputs 3 & 4 have a high impedance jack input capable of taking either a normal line level or a low level input from a guitar pickup. These newly designed inputs have been crafted with the aim of replicating the sound of a classic guitar or instrument tube pre-amp in a combo or head amp. An extremely high input impedance ensures loading on pick-ups is minimal and a Class A FET (field effect transistor) circuit powered from 48V is employed to give the valve-like gain stage. There is a gain "Boost" switch associated with the guitar inputs which boosts gain by 26dB to cater for instruments with very low level outputs and the overdrive characteristics of the guitar inputs are very similar to a valve (tube) circuit, being asymmetric and soft. All this makes for a wonderfully natural sound to be reproduced from the instrument, full of warmth and character

Notes: Ten-channel version of one of the most cost-effective mixers on the market. Great sound, good EQ and handy built-in effects. Check out the 12-channel version if you prefer faders for level control.

Supplier's notes:
The Allen & Heath ZED-10FX mixer is an amazing little desk for small band mixing. It is ultra portable for carrying to the gig, and can be used for recording live or in the studio. It comes with configurable USB audio in/out making it easy to capture stereo recordings.

Guitars can be plugged in directly to the mixer using the specially designed high-impedance inputs, while the mixer has two stereo inputs for MP3/CD players or keyboards. Equipped with professional XLR stereo outputs and a flexible monitoring section with headphone and speaker feed outputs. We've added a set of fabulous effects to give shimmering reverbs and enhance your sound.

USB AUDIO FLEXIBILITY
Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on ZED is super-flexible and super-easy! No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it! CD quality audio to and from your PC or Mac. Switches and connection through jack socket terminals provide different send/return configurations:-

SEND OPTIONS:
1) Main Mix Left + Right (Post master Level)

2) Aux + FX bus (Aux is a pre-fade send, FX is a post-fade send)

3) Record Bus Left + Right (Separate stereo bus to Main Mix)

RETURN OPTIONS:
1) To Playback input (through jack socket break contacts)

2) To Stereo 2 channel (through jack socket break contacts)

ZED-10FX features a responsive 3-band, swept mid frequency EQ design which utilises MusiQ - with optimised slope (or Q factor) for equalising individual instruments.

ZED-10FX has an essential selection of 16 time-delay effects, designed for small groups who don't want to carry around an effects unit with their gear but who still want great quality FX at their gigs and on their recordings. Our DSP engineers worked hard, crafting and refining beautiful reverb algorithms to enhance every performance. These effects are available nowhere else at this price point - this quality and integration is only available from the ZED-FX. ZED effects are easily controlled using 3 buttons with 9 display LEDs. For example, the ideal delay time can be quickly tapped-in, or the perfect amount of reverb on the lead vocal can be dialled-in. There is one-stop navigation and editing - in fact, it's just as easy as using effects pedals. To alter effects parameters, the TAP button is held down and the up/down buttons pressed to adjust the specific parameter for that effect, for example, the decay length on PLATE, or the depth on CHORUS.

ZED-10FX's pre-amps are similar in design to our MixWizard range of mixers, but with a twist! Inputs 3 & 4 have a high impedance jack input capable of taking either a normal line level or a low level input from a guitar pickup. These newly designed inputs have been crafted with the aim of replicating the sound of a classic guitar or instrument tube pre-amp in a combo or head amp. An extremely high input impedance ensures loading on pick-ups is minimal and a Class A FET (field effect transistor) circuit powered from 48V is employed to give the valve-like gain stage. There is a gain "Boost" switch associated with the guitar inputs which boosts gain by 26dB to cater for instruments with very low level outputs and the overdrive characteristics of the guitar inputs are very similar to a valve (tube) circuit, being asymmetric and soft. All this makes for a wonderfully natural sound to be reproduced from the instrument, full of warmth and character.

The ZED-10FX is bundled with IK Multimedia's AmpliTube X-GEAR software, giving access to superbly modelled amps and effects.

Notes: The ZED-12FX is ideal for groups who need to travel light. Even with its small footprint, the 12FX squeezes in 4 auxiliary channels and swept semi-parametric EQ on top of the already impressive feature set including configurable USB audio in/out makes it easy to capture stereo recordings.

Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on ZED-12FX is super-flexible and super-easy. No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it.

USB AUDIO FLEXIBILITY
Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on ZED is super-flexible and super-easy! No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it! CD quality audio to and from your PC or Mac. Switches and connection through jack socket terminals provide different send/return configurations:-

SEND OPTIONS
1) Main Mix Left + Right (Post-fade)
2) Main Mix Left + Right (Pre-Fade)
3) Auxes 1-2
4) Auxes 3-4

RETURN OPTIONS
1) To Stereo 3 channel

MUSIQ
ZED-12FX features a responsive 3-band, swept mid frequency EQ design which utilises MusiQ - with optimised slope (or Q factor) for equalising individual instruments.

ZED-12FX has an essential selection of 16 time-delay effects, designed for small groups who don't want to carry around an effects unit with their gear but who still want great quality FX at their gigs and on their recordings. Our DSP engineers worked hard, crafting and refining beautiful reverb algorithms to enhance every performance. These effects are available nowhere else at this price point - this quality and integration is only available from the ZED-FX. ZED effects are easily controlled using 3 buttons with 9 display LEDs. For example, the ideal delay time can be quickly tapped-in, or the perfect amount of reverb on the lead vocal can be dialled-in. There is one-stop navigation and editing - in fact, it's just as easy as using effects pedals. To alter effects parameters, the TAP button is held down and the up/down buttons pressed to adjust the specific parameter for that effect, for example, the decay length on PLATE, or the depth on CHORUS.

Based on the proven pre-amps from the hugely successful PA series, ZED-12FX has DuoPre pre-amps, which use a two stage design, with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage. When amplifying the signal from the XLR input, the gain range is huge - 69dB of range to be exact - and is very evenly distributed around the gain control, meaning better control of signal level. Most of the gain comes from the first stage, so unwanted noise is kept to a minimum. Line level signals are simply plugged into the second stage of the pre-amp by using the line input jack socket, which has the great advantage of less noise when using the line input and also matching to a
higher input impedance.

Notes: Compact phono stage to boost turntable output to line level. Add turntable inputs or upgrade the sound of your DJ mixer. Adjustable capacitance and gain to suit a range of cartridges.

Supplier's notes:
The DJ PRE II acts as an interface between your turntable and your audio recording/playback system. The analog input capacitance can be switched between 100pF and 200pF to optimize your phono cartridge response. A switchable low cut filter removes turntable rumble while leaving the audio pristine. The front gain trim control and signal/clip LED allow you to optimize the preamp's gain for a wide range of input sources. The built-in low noise phono preamp circuitry is highly accurate and precisely conforms to the RIAA standard. The line output jacks are low impedance and can be used with any sound card. Housed in an all aluminum black anodized case, the DJ PRE II can be powered by a wide variety of external supplies. If you need to amplify and EQ your vinyl records to interface with your audio workstation, sound card, home stereo system or main monitor system, the DJ PRE II gives you flawless audio reproduction in a rugged and reliable package.

Notes: The Pro Tools is back and this time Avid did something Ask Video never thought would happen. You can now use nearly any audio interface you like to work in Pro Tools. This opens up the program to many new users and we want to make sure you're up to speed.

In Level 1 of this 3 part series Ask Video are going to take you through everything you need to know to get started. Ask Video are going to start right at the beginning by getting your audio card setup and taking a tour of the Edit and Mix windows. After that Ask Video will move into recording and editing, and finish up with a few chapters on some of the instruments in Pro Tools.

If you're new to Pro Tools than this tutorial is perfect. It's also great for those of you coming back to the program now that you can use any interface you like. Watching Level 1 is a great way to refresh yourself.

QuickTime 7.x Mac/PC is required for video playback. DVD-Rom drive required for Mac/PC DVD-ROM.

Notes: The Pro Tools is back and this time Avid did something Ask Video never thought would happen. You can now use nearly any audio interface you like to work in Pro Tools. This opens up the program to many new users and we want to make sure you're up to speed.

In Level 2 of this 3 part series Ask Video are going to build on the principles and techniques learned in Level 1 and start looking at some of Pro Tools' advanced features. Ask Video are going to introduce you to the advanced recording techniques, delve deeper into audio editing and mixing, and finish up by taking a look at Structure and Vacuum.

This tutorial is great for Pro Tools users that feel like they've got the basics down and are ready to learn something new.

QuickTime 7.x Mac/PC is required for video playback. DVD-Rom drive is required for Mac/PC DVD-ROM.

Notes: The 3.5mm mini jack stereo headphone splitter cable allows two pairs of headphones to listen to one iPod/iPhone/iPad.

Notes: The Glorious 12" record box 230 is a plain and solid storage system which holds 230 12" records. It is made of quality MDF wood with black shrink-wrap finish.

Notes: The Glorious 12" record box 55 is a plain and solid storage system for 12" records which holds 55 12" records. It is made of quality MDF wood with black shrink-wrap finish.

Notes: The Glorious 12" record box 55 is a plain and solid storage system for 12" records which holds 55 12" records. It is made of quality MDF wood with white shrink-wrap finish.

Notes: The EarPortz eartips with their uniquely pre-formed ear canal shape will enhance your ability to hear much more clearly. They work simply by directing the sound from your earphones deeper into your ear, aimed directly at the ear drum. The sound becomes much more focused and every note clearly defined.

The EarPortz's soft and durable design will keep your earphones securely in place allowing you to move freely without the worry of them slipping out. The EarPortz eartips are manufactured in a soft silicone-rubber material together with their unique ear canal shape will make your earphones comfortable even after wearing for long periods of time.

The EarPortz eartips will give you the ability to hear at a lower volume setting due to their superb sound isolation, blocking annoying sounds from entering your ears and also leaking out. They allow you to hear what you want to hear without turning the volume to damagingly high levels.

The EarPortz Eartips will fit the following earphones:
Shure E3c, E4c, E5c, E3g, E4g, E500, i3c, i4c, SCL3, SCL4, SCL5, SE 110, SE 115, SE 210, SE 215, SE 310, SE 315, SE 420, SE 425, SE 530, SE 535;
Westone UM-1, UM-2, UM-3X, Westone 1, 2, 3, 4;
Future Sonics Atrio Series (all);
Ultimate Ears Super Fi 3 Studio, Super.Fi 5 Pro, Super.Fi 5 EB;
Ultimate Ears Triple Fi 10 Pro;
Comply NR-1 CM mobile phone earset, NR-1 CS mobile phone earset, NR-1 earphones and NR-10 earphones.
Etymotic Research ER-4B, ER-4P, ER-4S, Ety-8; and
Bluetooth Earphones: HF-2, HF-3, HF-5, MC-3, MC-5.

The EarPortz eartips are also available in sizes: extra small (suitable for children or those with small ear canals), small fit, medium fit (suitable for most people) and large fit.

Notes: 3.5mm stereo mini jack plug to 6.3mm jack socket.

Notes: A simple adapter that allows easy connection of any 6.3mm (1/4") jack connector to a 3.5mm phono/RCA socket.

Notes: Double adapter splitter plug, pair of female stereo 3.5mm mini-jack to male stereo 3.5mm mini-jack plug.

Notes: The socket with durable metal construction with polished nickel finish, is recommended for demanding professional, studio, recording and live performance applications.

The stereo channels on the stereo female mini jack are combined to a single mono signal on the full-sized male mono jack. It is ideal for plugging mini jack cables from a stereo source (iPod, MP3, portable CD, laptop/notebook/desktop PC, Apple Mac etc) into equipment expecting a mono input (amps, mixing desk, in-ear monitors/earphones etc).

The socket is used to connect cables and plug headphones, microphones, speakers fitted with cables terminated in 3.5mm mini jack plugs into equipment with full size 6.3mm (1/4") jack sockets.

Notes: Based on the standard jewel case, this jewel case is only 6mm thick. It is ideal for CD audio singles and with the absence of a rear inlay card savings can be made.

Naturally using CD 6mm jewel cases, the packaging bulk will be reduced and makes shipping and storage much easier.

Notes: Incorporating a new hidden trolley system, smooth rolling in-line wheels, electroplated zippers and integrated combination lock, the world's best selling 12" trolley bag has been reinforced and strengthened to provide you with even greater protection and durability. The Slingbag will hold approximately 65 records.

Notes: One of the hardest in the game. Dedicated kick drum synth from analogue experts Vermona. Shape your own sounds from scratch. Killer.

Supplier's notes:
The Kick Lancet generator is a handy analogue percussion synthesizer with priority to kick-drum sounds.

The heart of the Kick Lancet's sound structure is an analogue oscillator that produces sine and square waves, which can blend seamlessly from one to the other. 2 independent envelope generators with a decay/release phase can modulate the oscillator's frequency and the VCA. Additionally the VCO pitch can be modulated by the fast LFO (3Hz to 3 kHz, triangle). Noise and a pulse signal can be added in the mixer section. Vermona have a balls-controller for making it really big.

The Kick Lancet can be triggered by MIDI but beside that there are 3 different trigger inputs. A gate trigger, which impulse can trigger the Kick Lancet in normal way with additional accent or completely dynamical depending on the incoming voltage, a simply short current trigger (i.e. momentary foot switch) and an audio input, which offers the possibility to trigger the Kick Lancet by an audio signal statically or dynamically. Drum pads can also be connected here.

Notes: Offspring from a noble house, the little synthesizer machine with the big and evil sound.

Waldorf is back in the game. With the Blofeld.

This synthesizer offers all the unique qualities that made Waldorf a truly legendary brand.

The engine inside the heavy duty, full metal chassis of the Blofeld delivers the same fat and rich sound that so many Waldorf users worldwide love when they play their pulse, Q, Q+, micro Q, microwave, microwave II/XT, or even the flagship wave.

Notes: The Zomo VS-Box 200 is a practical way to store your vinyl in a stylish and efficient way.

The VS-Box 200 is made of solid wood and laminated with tough water-repellent decor. This model is easy to install, multi-stackable and can be combined with other VS-Boxes. The Box is also compatible to vinyls in protection covers. The capacity can be various by the thickness of your vinyl.

Notes: The Zomo VS-Box 100 is a practical way to store your vinyl in a stylish and efficient way.

The Zomo VS-Box 100 is made of solid wood and laminated with tough water-repellent dekor. This model is easy to install, multi-stackable and can be combined with other VS-Boxes. The Box is also compatible to vinyls in protection covers. The capacity can be various by the thickness of your vinyl.

Notes: The Zomo VS-Box 50 is a practical way to store your vinyl in a stylish and efficient way.

The Zomo VS-Box 50 is made of solid wood and laminated with tough water-repellent dekor. This model is easy to install, multi-stackable and can be combined with other VS-Boxes. The Box is also compatible to vinyls in protection covers. The capacity can be various by the thickness of your vinyl.

Review: Odopt have been responsible for some serious, sinewy heaters on labels like Born Free, 777 and Discos Capablanca. That should give you some idea of the kind of sonic sphere they operate in - rugged hardware house with a wavey bite and a playful instinct. It makes total sense then to see them sidle up to [Emotional] Especial with this four-tracker of surefooted deviant dance. 'A14' opens up proceedings on an ominous bassline and plenty of mechanical grind, while 'Keylat' jacks things up a smidge while resolutely wallowing in the muck of Odopt's studio practices. 'Sample Commerce Shot' is the catchiest cut on the record, riding a slinky beat and featuring a powerful lead hook that sounds beamed in from somewhere in a distant galaxy. 'Holy Motor$' finishes the record off on another brooding, death disco groover, bringing things full circle with the nocturnal offerings of 'A14'.

Review: Kris Baha had a big year in 2019 with the release of his debut album on CockTail d'Amore and an EP on Pinkman, and now the Australian body music man in Berlin is back with a high-pressure heater for [Emotional] Especial. "Barely Alive" is the kind of sinewy proto-industrial cut that will appeal to fans of Ministry's earlier work, when the synths reigned supreme and there was pop to match the noir. Especial then call on a cast of remixers to interpret the track in different ways, from Timothy J Fairplay amping up the dystopian disco tropes to Das Ding creating a sleek electro-funk twist with the original's gothic undertones intact.

Review: DJ/producer Philip Lauer from Frankfurt has teamed up with Berlin vocalist Dena to create a modern take on Julie Stapleton's soulful house classic, containing multiple versions. Lauer's Hotel Lauer EP on Especial in 2016 cemented his position in the scene, with albums for Permanent Vacation and Running Back. Dena, born in Bulgaria and raised in Berlin, has released electronic dance-pop stylings on Kitsune Music and K7. The EP features a Club Mix, a Demo Mix, a deep tech remix by DJ Slyngshot, and a drifting Balearic version for late summer nights and dawn.

Review: The always adventurous Especial label is back on its world travels once more for another cultured EP, this time from Jonne Lyden aka 53X. This is a widescreen bass exploration with trance-tinged steppas looking firmly to the future from the Finnish-born artist. He has a background in punk bands but a trip to Berlin turned his ear and now he makes experimental fusions that draw on everything from industrial to Berghain to Detroit for inspiration. His tunes are mostly started out as live jams and then edited into what we have here - club-ready sounds, rich atmospherics, acid, breaks and hypnotic rhythms.

Review: (Emotional) Especial and Giraffi Dog join forces once more to offer up the second installment of their concept EP series. It is focussed on live and studio collaborations and this one comes in two halves: the first half kicks off with '6th Chakra' (feat DJ Deflektorschild) - a fully live deep house and hi-tek soul exploration with mind-expanding synths and Detroit drum sounds. 'King OTN' is a jack dup acid cut ripped with cosmic synth details and 'DX Metero' has sheet metal synths lashing about next to ethereal synths and busted drum breaks. 'Starfather' is a star-facing closer with elegant piano notes dancing over serene grooves. A vital showcase of this essential live artist.

Review: In 1735, Swedish scientist Carl Linneaus theorised the hierarchical classes of the natural world, paving the way for modern taxonomy as we know it. In tributary fashion, 012 Records, hailing from Berlin, present the second edition of 'Systema Naturae II', an EP series dedicated to Linnaeus and nature. Dub techno tropes, bioorganic ambient tones and knocks and delays abound.

Review: Here is the third and final chapter of the 'Systema Naturae' series on Berlin-based 012, with fresh deep techno visions from newcomers such as Daniel(i) from Belgium (Whispering Signals) who ventures into foreboding and murky territory on the off-kilter journey of 'Carabus', and there's the return of Greek producer Alex Tomb who gets into some hypnotic minimal techno on 'Paradisaea'. Elsewhere, Leipzig-based Kontinum pushes into full mental overdrive on the strobing cut 'Octandria' and finally you have the collaboration between Mary Yuzovskaya and label head Claudio PRC titled 'Marmor' which perfectly nails that ethereal Sound Of Rome vibe.

Review: Eight-piece soul unit Stone Foundation have been turning out their own distinctive brand of soul for a full quarter of a century now. They have dropped plenty of albums in that time and have a new one to mark the occasion on the way - Standing In The Light: 25 Years Of Stone Foundation, which features all of their greatest tunes, including some originals such as this one, which is also getting its own limited purple vinyl 7" release. As always this is all new but with an authentic vintage aesthetic that makes it impossible to date. The noodling guitar work and funky bass is irresistible with fat synths up top and the playful vocals add further layers of funk.

Review: Pinhead Gunpowder are most famous for featuring Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day in a more furious mood than his day job requires, but the band was originally formed by Aaron Cometbus who remained the main songwriter. In 2000 they released a split EP with Dillinger Four, and the three Pinhead Gunpowder tracks from that release now make their mark on this release. Included is the searing 'At Your Funeral', which sounds like classic Armstrong finding artful ways of expressing his hatred for someone in snotty punk style. The B side is made up of live cuts from radio shows, making this a must grab for fans of the band and West Coast punk in general.

Review: RBCHMBRS pushes his MPC - if that is the tool he used for this - to the max with a heavy mix of ramshackle loops, samples, busted drums and wonky rhythms on this great new EP for 1432 R US. It is steeped in hip-hop style for the way the grooves are so loosely assembled, but with a more rooted four-four house vibe. 'OD' is a deep and dusty opener for the back room, 'Eloise' brings hi tek funk and intense soul with Motor City overtones and 'Toe The Line' is a humid deep house cut that Theo Parrish or Moodymann might admire. 'Take Me' rounds out with twanging bass riffs and smeared chords that ooze heartfelt warmth.

Review: 1432 R US could as well be called Tech R US in a nod to the great toy shop as it is known as one of the key labels in the sub-genre. Sami is the artist behind this latest slab having previously appeared on the likes of Random Mind State and World Building. He gets mad busy on the opener, with wires synths, bleeping machines, smeared dub chords and jostling drums all layered up to competing rhythmic effect. 'Way Up' has a darker vibe with heavier drums and more edgy synths. 'Twin' is a percussive jumble that is loose but will lock you in with its freaky vocals and 'Deep Blue' is a stripped-back and more serene deep tech trip that encourages daydreaming.

Review: Produced by Henry 'Junjo' Lawes and mixed by Scientist, 'Ice Cream Love' first slipped out it in its native Jamaica way back in 1980. The typically languid, weighty and dub flecked cut is built around a tweaked, replayed version of Coxsone Dodd's legendary 'He Prayed' riddim (a groove that has been used on countless reggae records before and since). Osbourne's lead vocal is typically relaxed and quietly soulful, while the involvement of Scientist on mixing desk duties guarantees more bass-weight and subtle dub inflections than your average roots number. Turn to the flip for a more spaced-out instrumental dub version based around the same riddim recording, with more effects-laden magic from Scientist.

Review: 18437 is only four releases deep but is already a revered outlet renowned for its quality output thanks to, in part, a couple of great EPs by the late great Soulphiction. This time out it is Nico Lahs using his NLXLB moniker who takes control with deep, dubby techno for the backroom or late-night hours. The blissful 'Dazed Dreams' is a pad-laced early evening warm-up. 'Dirty Vision' is a little more textured with background drums trying to hurry as lush freeform chords do a slow dance in the foreground. 'Synthetic Wars' gets all squelchy, with hefty, splintered, and wooden drums and hits tumbling in off-grid patterns.

Review: .There's plenty to talk about with The Who's historic show at Fete De L'Humanite, a huge open-air event hosted by L'Humanite, the main newspaper of the French Communist Party. For starters, on the day - Saturday 9th September, 1972 - an estimated 400,000 people were in attendance, a crowd size that dwarves pretty much anything we can think of today, and remains the band's largest ever gig. Taking to the stage as evening set in, they set to with a typically ferocious set, and four of the most standout pieces for the show are immortalised here on record. Unsurprisingly, that timeless anthem of misspent youth, love, rebellion, and hope for change, 'Baba O'Riley', is a dominant factor, although epic finale 'Relay' is perhaps where the might of their rock 'n' roll juggernaut is most felt here.

Review: The Beatles' EP From Us To You #3 captures a 1964 BBC session that encapsulates the band's early charm and infectious energy. Featuring a whopping ten tracks, it was recorded in the BBC's Paris Studios in Regent Street, London and fact fans will note that 'Honey Don't which was later included on the album Beatles For Sale and sung by Ringo, here features John on the vocals. Elsewhere the EP captures the band's irresistible melodies and tight harmonies with three of the tunes originally penned by the band's favourite rockabilly star Carl Perkins. Each song is a testament to The Beatles' enduring influence on popular music and overall serves as a timeless reminder of the band's unmatched creativity which continues to this day with new AI-produced singles that the much talked about one earlier in the year.

Review: 20/20 Vision has always been a label that sets the bar high when it comes to dancefloor releases - one of Yorkshire's most treasured institutions, to say the least. And while historically the imprint has often been on a tech-y house tip, lest we forget the is the crew that were letting a then-emergent Paul Woolford explore the outer reaches of electro house and breaks way back when, and that attitude hasn't really changed since.

Here the team hand the spotlight to another Leeds name, Alfred, who responds with three original tracks that are punchy, funky, engaging and hugely impactful. Broken beats, subtle rave hoover lines, mind-melting synth arpeggiations and a thoroughly futuristic feeling throughout. Definitely a powerful addition to any DJ's arsenal - the sort of tunes that can marry up well with so many styles and always grab maximum attention.

Review: Ralph Lawson's Leeds based 20/20 Vision label has made a distinctive shift into electro territory over the last couple years. It is a sound the boss has said has long been in his heart despite him being best known as a house head and longtime resident at Back to Basics, and the quality of the tunes he unearths to put out more than backs that up. The Exaltics & Paris The Black Fu kick off with a shiny, bright, visceral metallic electro workout then three further cuts take in dark wave drum machine rhythms and acid-laced bangers.

Review: Lloyd Stellar was not really a man gifted an extraordinary name when he was born. Rather, it is the chosen alias for Dutch dude Erik Griffoen, but he's surely made the name his own with a rapid rise in the number of releases of his music so far this year. Now Stellar gets has mitts on 20/20 Vision alongside The Droid, aka Ben Evans. In line with the label's exploration of electro over the past few years, this is hi-tech machine funk through and through, with twitchy synth lines and brittle, crisp drum machine patterns programmed within an inch of their lives. Maintaining a steely, dystopian mood throughout, this is serious electro for the heads, executed with precision and flair.

Review: 20/20 Vision present the debut release from Manchester based artists Armec. Following releases for Cultivated Electronics and Furthur Electronix, the Caged EP hits the ground running - with a record that spans heavy club-ready electro and futuristic soundscapes. Complete with a hefty remix from German acid connoisseurs Hardfloor.

'Caged' sucks us down the rabbit hole with dense textures fortified by an infectious groove, vast pads, and bubbling synth lines. The Hardfloor remix of 'Caged' submerges us into an acidic electro trip - fuelled by quirky melodic licks, a menacing low-end and body shaking drums.

On the flip side 'Curvature' is an out-and-out understated bomb. Propelled by a squelching, supercharged bassline which soars over Armec's signature textural landscape, it's reinforced by razor sharp hats and a heavy kick-drum. 'Replicants' is a side-winding, emotionally charged cut that feels truly fresh and forward-thinking. Deep, luscious pads are underpinned by a superbly engineered break-beat driven groove.

Review: Luther Vine's Fragments Of Reality and its various artists series have been a real doozy for 20/20 but now the sub-label offers up a first solo EP. It is Snad who gets the gig and he is a house producer from Berlin making big waves right now. This one follows outings on Chicago's Kimochi Records, Chez Damier's Courtesy of Balance and the Dungeon Meat label and is another raw, stripped-back offering of tough house. 'Bootlickerz' is a bristling cut ready for the peak time, 'Goobernatorial Candidacy' has a more stripped-back but just as compelling groove and 'Per Savour' goes deep into late-night goodness before closer 'Butt Heads' picks up the pace once more.

Review: Carl Finlow has been a prominent name in UK electro since the mid-90s, releasing music at an astonishing rate under a variety of monikers. Silicon Scally defines his most strictly electro-oriented project, reflective of the Kraftwerk era and the emerging electro-scene, with releases on respected labels such as Cultivated Electronics, CPU and of course 20/20 Vision, with music from a variety of Carl's monikers being amongst the labels earliest releases.

'Crushed' is a sought after album project originally self-released on Finlow's Bandcamp during the 2020 lockdown. We felt the release was to important to be overlooked without a much deserved run of vinyl, so have pressed a limited run of records featuring futuristic electro highlights and the best unreleased cuts.

'Proton Mass' kicks things off with perfectly crafted robotic funk, solid mechanical breaks and mind bending glitches, setting the landscape for a journey into the abyss with Silicon Scally unshakeably at the helm. 'Centronix' follows up with razor-sharp rocking beats, squelchy bass and jarring grooves as if designed for high pace no nonsense club sets from the likes of DJ Stingray or Helena Hauff.

On the flip side 'Axiom' takes us deeper into the void with dark basslines, complex drums and unapologetically disorientating frequencies. A track that makes us question if Finlow has transcend to a future state where he is more machine than man, sending psychoactive messages in the form of killer electro cuts.

'Cascade Lasers' wraps up this epic dose of electro with interstellar energy, driving things home with deep bass wobbles, high octane breaks, wrapped grooves and tormenting yet playful synth licks. Yet another release that has us convinced the late great Andrew Weatherall was indeed correct!

"For quite a number of years now I have been convinced that Mr Finlow is a conduit for musical transmissions beamed from a parallel universe, sometime in the future" - Andrew Weatherall.

Review: 20/20 Vision are exiting planet Earth once again with the latest in their perfectly formed series of electro explorations, as Extrawelt leads the charge with an illustrious slice of braindance-tinted funk titled 'Hail The Whale (Coexisting Mix)'. Djedjotronic follows that up with a bold blast of mammoth synth work which hits pretty damn hard without being pointlessly brutal. Ste Roberts takes a break from his self-titled label run to offer up a freaky foray into acid-speckled territory, and Ivna Ji gets expressive with a rich palette of synths moving in harmony around a sharp and snappy beat.

Review: To date, Kim Cosmk has generally done her own thing - self-releasing a string of digital-only singles and albums which variously mix and mangle elements of electro, IDM, techno and dubstep. Here she pops up on an established label - Ralph Lawson's 2020 Vision to be exact - for the very first time. First, she whips up a frenzy courtesy of the fuzzy and aggressive riffs of techno roller 'Night Flight', complete with creepy chords and foreboding motifs. She then delivers raw, heavy, industrial-fired electro on 'Ore', whilst warped dubstep and electro are brilliantly mixed on 'Nocturnal'. To round things up nicely, 'Drifting' is a partial vocal number built around a wobbling dubstep bass with punchy electro drums and twinkling pianos.

Review: It would seem we're back on the Christmas card list... 2000 Black supergroup comprising the likes of Dego, Mensah and original Bugz members Lord and Tatham have been slowly ramping up their releases again and this year has seen their largest output yet. Following "Two Way Here One Way Go", "Simmering" proffers three more sublime and silky instrumentals from deeply decorated foursome. "Simmering" is a tight jazz funk jam with a sprung guitar groove spine and a blissful switch into soothing flutes midway, "Private Life" flips for a sunnyside digidub, all spacious and rippling with its breezy keys while "Climb The Sun" brings us back to the funk root note but with rising synth insistency that's bruk to the bone. Simmering now, boiling tomorrow...