Audio Files: True Wireless Earphones
Drummer Jo Jones famously reacted to 16-year-old Charlie Parker’s playing by throwing a cymbal at his feet. Audio critics were almost as harsh in their … Read More “Audio Files: True Wireless Earphones”
Products & Gear
Get hip to the latest equipment for players and listeners alike in our Gearhead and Audio Files columns.
Gearhead: Ralph Towner’s Acoustic Arsenal
In 1940, the jazz establishment was just coming to recognize the potential of the electric guitar as a lead instrument. After joining Benny Goodman’s orchestra … Read More “Gearhead: Ralph Towner’s Acoustic Arsenal”
Audio Files: Class D Amps
Traditional stereo systems sound better than wireless all-in-one speakers like Sonos, but they’ve largely fallen out of favor—no surprise when you can get a good … Read More “Audio Files: Class D Amps”
How Rahsaan Roland Kirk Modified Jazz
“Manzello & Stritch” sounds like the title of a ’70s cop show, but in the hands of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, these unusual variations on the … Read More “How Rahsaan Roland Kirk Modified Jazz”
Audio Files: Headphones and the Harman Curve
Jazz and headphones are both around 100 years old. But while jazz is codified to the point that four players who’ve never met can play … Read More “Audio Files: Headphones and the Harman Curve”
Immersive Technologies Help Music Hit the High Notes
Stereo and conventional surround sound capture the width and depth of a recording venue, but as anyone who’s ever heard live music knows, reflections from … Read More “Immersive Technologies Help Music Hit the High Notes”
Downsizing Is Good at Winter NAMM 2020
If there’s one kind of technological development that every gigging musician likes, it’s the kind that makes one’s gear easier to deal with: smaller, lighter, less … Read More “Downsizing Is Good at Winter NAMM 2020”
Audio Files: Adapting Your Old Stereo to the Streaming Universe
Like piano trios, old stereos may not use all the latest technologies, but when it comes to their basic function of playing music, they do … Read More “Audio Files: Adapting Your Old Stereo to the Streaming Universe”
Audio Files: Powered Speakers
Since stereo came out—roughly around the same time as Kind of Blue—audio systems have typically included a couple of speakers and some sort of separate … Read More “Audio Files: Powered Speakers”
Gearhead: John McLaughlin Makes MiGiC
Over his 50-plus years on the world stage, John McLaughlin has never been afraid to explore uncharted territory. Yet, as the 78-year-old guitarist jovially admitted … Read More “Gearhead: John McLaughlin Makes MiGiC”