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Review: Producer and guitarist Yutaka Hirasaka enjoyed a peaceful career pitstop with Breath, one of many to top up the beatsmith and cassette artist's now towering discography, and which now comes released on vinyl for the first time. Hirasaka's approach to music covers ambient, beat-driven landscapes, a format which has led him both to immersive live performance work and commercial ends. The homely aesthetic of Hirasaka's sound is heard once more on the wordless, texturally unperturbed Breath, which clears our airways far better than any shop-bought nostrum ever could, be it via the deconstructed guitar pan-plays of 'Orion' or the marzipan piano maunders of 'Amaretto'.

Notes: ADSR (Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release) is a module designed to generate a voltage, which acts as the envelope with the adjustable stages. This envelope, generated in response to the incoming gate signal or manually pushed button, can then be used to shape the sound amplitude via VCA, modulate filter's cutoff frequency or any other parameters expecting CV control.
It features exponential Attack, Decay and Release stages, switch to select fast/slow operation mode, push button with led indicator to manually activate the envelope.

Notes: ADSR (Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release) is a module designed to generate a voltage, which acts as the envelope with the adjustable stages. This envelope, generated in response to the incoming gate signal or manually pushed button, can then be used to shape the sound amplitude via VCA, modulate filter's cutoff frequency or any other parameters expecting CV control.
It features exponential Attack, Decay and Release stages, switch to select fast/slow operation mode, push button with led indicator to manually activate the envelope.

Review: Originally formed in 1980 in Reno, Nevada, 7 Seconds are often credited as one of the most vital and criminally overlooked pioneering hardcore punk acts. Following on from their much-adored 1985 EP-cum-LP Walk Together, Rock Together, their 1986 follow up New Wind featured slower tempos and a notable imbuing of melody, with the project going on to be credited as an integral blueprint for the hardcore scene's eventual embracing and transition into pop-punk and indie rock. This long overdue reissue from Trust Records arrives complete with the complimentary Change In My Head, which is a totally new take on the classic album featuring tracks remixed in their entirety by Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi) alongside Inner Ear Studios' Don Zientara. Restoring and reimagining unreleased cuts from the original LP such as 'Change In My Head' and 'Compro', these bonus tracks offer a fresh snapshot of 7 Seconds in transition, but still very much firmly rooted in their hardcore ethos (before literal U2 comparisons would arise with later output). This limited double LP also comes with a 24-page oral history featuring unseen photographs, flyers, and memorabilia.

Review: When she started her career just over a decade ago, Cleopatra Nikolic AKA Cleo Sol was considered a singer-for-hire within the international deep house community. Now, with the assistance of beat-maker Inflo, she's decided to strike out on her own via a quietly impressive solo debut that re-casts her as a genuinely fresh and exciting soul talent. Beginning with the layered acapella vocals and deep, jazzy grooves of stunning opener "One Love", the album sees her brilliantly deliver heartfelt and thoughtful lyrics over hazy backing tracks that brilliantly join the dots between jazz, neo-soul and R&B. While she's undoubtedly the star of the show, Inflo's stripped-back, partially acoustic and largely soft-focus production is also worthy of high praise.

Notes: Euphoria is a full analogue 8-stage phaser, delivering rich, vintage phase shifting with deep modulation capabilities.

A versatile phaser perfect for lush movement and evolving soundscapes in Eurorack setups.

Specifications & connections

8-Stage Phase Shifter
OTA-Based
1 Input for eurorack level (10pp IN)
1 Input for instrument level (500mVpp)
Built-in LFO
Current Draw: 58mA (+12V), 52mA (-12V)

Included in the box:

Euphoria Eurorack module
1x Ribbon cable
4x 3mm Screws

Requirements:

Eurorack case and power supply
Monitor or Amp.

Review: The Expanded Edition of Alan Howarth's They Live brings new life to the cult classic 1988 film's soundtrack. Howarth is well respected, not least for his collaborations with John Carpenter, and here captures the film's eerie tension and anti-consumerist themes with moody synths, bluesy motifs and minimalist sound design that is always hugely evocative. This expanded edition offers remastered audio and additional cues that heighten the mood and deepen the atmosphere. The music's hypnotic, slow-burning energy perfectly mirrors the paranoia and grit of the movie, so it's a landmark score in sci-fi and horror soundtracks.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, product in perfect working order***


The UDG Ultimate Record Cases are designed to keep your vinyl protected from accidental damage when you transport it to and from gigs. They're compact and lightweight yet tough enough to keep your valuable records safe.

UDG have further fined-tuned already a great design concept of our flight case into one specially for the most discerning DJ/ producer. Constructed from aluminum thus providing an extremely stable structure with lighter weight compared to traditional flight cases.

The UDG Ultimate Record Cases are designed to keep your vinyl protected from accidental damage when you transport it to and from gigs. They're compact and lightweight yet tough enough to keep your valuable records safe.

Specifications

Colour: Silver
Weight: 2,50 kg / 5.5 lbs
Outer Dimensions (W x H x D) 35.0 x 36.0 x 29.5 cm | 13.8 x 14.2 x 11.6 inch
Inner Dimensions (W x H x D) 33.0 x 34.0 x 27.5 cm | 12.9 x 13.4 x 10.8 inch
Material: Aluminium

Extras

Lighter weight than traditional flight cases
Black Diamond finishing surface
Ergonomic & sturdy carry handle
Fits: Approximately up to 80 12"/LP vinyl records. Capacity will depend on the thickness of the records & their packaging.

Review: Clifford Jordan's dynamic live set At Condon's was originally recorded in 1990 and is now reissued on vinyl for the first time. The tenor saxophonist's deep, bluesy tone shines through in this 16-piece big band setting and it has been captured by Maple Shade Records' audiophile-grade production. The session features standout performances from jazz luminaries like Dizzy Reece, Benny Powell and Junior Cook with classics like Ellington's 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore,' Gillespie's 'I Waited for You' and Jordan's 'Third Avenue' all adding up to an album that is a thrilling document of late-era brilliance. Jordan was truly spiritual jazz innovator and one of the most expressive saxophonists of his time.

Review: Secret Garden is the Norwegian-Irish duo of Rolf Lovland and violinist Fionnuala Sherry and here they celebrate the 30th anniversary of their iconic debut, Songs from a Secret Garden. First released in 1995, the album won over global audiences with its blend of classical and folk, laced with Celtic and Norwegian emotion and some subtle new age undertones. It features the Eurovision-winning track 'Nocturne', which helped launch the duo into international acclaim. Elsewhere, there are whimsical melodies, ancient flutes, Lord of the Rings style Middle Age soundscapes, heartfelt emotions and plenty of clean, serene and timeless sounds that still offer great catharsis three decades on.

Review: Last year, the Hartnoll brothers gave their debut album, 1991's 'Green Album' (officially simply titled Orbital) the deluxe reissue treatment, offering an expanded quadruple CD edition backed with a detail-packed hardback book. They've now moved on to its similarly superb sequel (the 'Brown Album') from 1993. It gets a similar treatment, with a freshly remastered version of the original album (CD1) being joined by two discs of single versions, B-sides, remixes and 'Peel Session' cuts (including legendary Underworld and Psychik Warriors Ov Gaia takes on 'Lush 3', and the duo's own originally US-only extension of 'Impact'), and a fourth CD containing a previously unreleased live recording from the Limelight in New York in 1992. Oh, and a fine hardback book telling the story of the album. An early Christmas present for Orbital fans!

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Lefto is described by Fact! Mag as "your favourite DJ's favourite DJ", voted "Best DJ" at the Red Bull Elektropedia Awards Top 100 Category; and is one of Europe's most important tastemakers. "My Friends Make Music Too" is Lefto's picks for DJ's who don't play the obvious bangers:

Tracklisting:

CID RIM - Convoi
HENRY WU - Uzbekki Driver (Uber tales)
ALLOY - Rumpin
MONO/POLY - Syrius B
LEFTO - Blaze
LTGL - Frost

And of course 2 sides of Serato Control Tone.

Pressed using a unique process involving picture and colour vinyl - the record is as unique as the music.

Cover by Oli-B.

Review: Techno is a misunderstood thing. Big stages and even bigger drums pounding out relentless and often unthoughtful loops really isn't where the genre is as a whole. One of the most varied sounds in the dance spectrum, defining the canon has always been pretty hard and zeitgeist counts for more than strict rules of arrangement, tempo and composition. Sixty is just the reassurance heads will need then. While some might argue we're closer to electro than anything, for the most part anyway, perhaps no more so than in the detailed and glitchy warmth of 'Micfrk' by Gherat, let's not get pedantic. Largely broken and off-centre beats of the deep, emotive and patient kind from innovators like Patricia and Fasme, frenetic and intense staccato snares via Oh Mr Jones, rave-y, hardcore infused emotive bombs via Novel 23 and James Shinra.

Review: Originally released in 1972, Dr John's fifth album is an upfront tribute to his inimitable hometown of New Orleans. A collection of covers, tracks chosen from the almost-endless archives of classic blues, jazz and creole tracks that have come out of the Big Easy over the preceding century or so. It also marked something of a character and stylistic sidestep for the legendary Louisiana player. Building a cult following and rather unique reputation for his eccentric stage performances and often pretty left-of-the-middle songwriting and arrangements, by comparison Dr John's Gumbo plays it much straighter, making this an authentic and respectful tribute to rhythm and blues as it has long been played. That's no criticism - the same masterful musicianship remains very much intact, while the personality still shines through. Simply put, the songs have been done again and again, but this album could only be Dr John.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


The 70s were a superb time for Krautrock and Walter Wegmuller's Tarot from 1973 is one of the classics. Now for the first time, it has been remastered from the original tapes and comes in a no doubt highly sought after deluxe box set. Bern born Wegmuller was the son of Roman travelers and himself spent much time roaming around Europe and India making jewelry as well as painting. Helping him to record this album when he settled back in Bern were legends of the scene like Klaus Schulze, Ash Ra Tempel members Manuel Gottsching and Hartmut Enke, and other musicians known as The Cosmic Jokers.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box damaged, but product is in excellent condition and in perfect working order***


Lavalier GO is a professional-grade wearable microphone designed for use in a wide range of applications. The 3.5mm TRS connector is designed to pair perfectly with the RODE Wireless GO and most recording devices with a 3.5mm TRS microphone input.

Lavalier GO is designed to perform excellently in any broadcast application. Featuring a discreet 4.5mm omnidirectional microphone, it delivers crystal clear audio in all environments and is incredibly forgiving when it comes to placement on talent, allowing for greater flexibility in fast-paced situations.

A foam pop shield is supplied to minimise wind noise and vocal plosives (hard 'b', 't' and 'p' sounds), as well as a durable mounting clip with in-built cable management for quick and easy rigging. It also features a hard-wearing Kevlarr reinforced cable, designed to withstand the rigours of any shoot.

Notes: MicroLab mk3 is designed for today's modern creatives. Its ultra-compact form factor, high-quality keybed, and intuitive controls make it the perfect MIDI controller for producers working in small studios, on the go, or just starting their music production journey.

With a durable, lightweight design and plug-and-play USB connectivity, MicroLab mk3 fits seamlessly into any workflow - empowering you to start making music instantly. Enjoy complete integration with leading software including Analog Lab Intro and Ableton Live Lite, and extend your creativity with features like chord mode and dual touch strips for expressive performance.

Small, lightweight, durable, and USB-powered - ideal for mobile music-making and compact studio setups.

With a high-quality slim keybed, MicroLab mk3 delivers a responsive and true playing experience that your music deserves.

MicroLab mk3 delivers big sound with 500 curated presets from Analog Lab Intro, intuitive control via four buttons and two touch strips, and instant music production with Ableton Live Lite.

Its plug-and-play USB connectivity and intuitive features ensures you can start creating music right away - no hassle, no setup.

Main Features

High quality keybed

25-note velocity-sensitive slim keyboard, responsive and expressive.

Controls

2 touch strips for pitch bend and modulation.
4 control buttons for octave shift and navigation.

Smart features

Chord Mode - Play full chords with a single key
Hold function
Octave up and down buttons
Semitone transpose

Software integration

Seamless compatibility with all major DAWs and soft synths.
Analog Lab & V Collection browsing - Explore 500 curated sounds instantly.

Included Software titles & services

Analog Lab Intro - 500 sounds from iconic synths and keyboards.
Ableton Live Lite - Essential tools for recording and producing music.

Connectivity

USB-C powered for instant plug-and-play operation.
MIDI class-compliant - Multiclient MIDI driver for Windows.
Compatible with iPads & Android devices (via adapter).
Sustain pedal input - Connect a sustain or expression pedal for enhanced performance.

Size & weight

Size (mm): 406 x 39 x 125 mm
Size (in): 15.98 x 1.54 x 4.92 in
Weight (kg): 0.62 kg
Weight (lb): 1.37 lb

Review: You don't sell 5.27 million copies of anything without doing something right. Winner of the E3 Game Critics award for Best Platform Game in 1999, to name just one of countless nominations and awards, Donkey Kong 64 was one of the best loved titles on the iconic Nintendo 64, and represented two years of programming, coding and designing on the part of legendary software house, Rare. Amazingly, considering this was almost three decades ago and cartridge-based titles are usually regarded as the stronghold of chip music, Grant Kirkhope's score is anything but and still sounds fresh. From aptly titled opener, 'DK Rap', to the meandering jazz closer 'Candy Kong', featuring David Leo Kemp on sax, via 'Angry Aztec' and its Indiana Jones vibe, and the John Williams-esque 'Mine Cart', it's all so enjoyable.

Notes: Add 3 more V/Oct and Gate inputs to your Vector Wave with the Expander

The Vector Wave Expander module from RYK Modular allows you to use CV and Gate to control the Vector Wave as a 4 Voice multi-timbral synth module.

And it looks nice.

Features:

3HP

Notes: MicroLab mk3 is designed for today's modern creatives. Its ultra-compact form factor, high-quality keybed, and intuitive controls make it the perfect MIDI controller for producers working in small studios, on the go, or just starting their music production journey.

With a durable, lightweight design and plug-and-play USB connectivity, MicroLab mk3 fits seamlessly into any workflow - empowering you to start making music instantly. Enjoy complete integration with leading software including Analog Lab Intro and Ableton Live Lite, and extend your creativity with features like chord mode and dual touch strips for expressive performance.

Small, lightweight, durable, and USB-powered - ideal for mobile music-making and compact studio setups.

With a high-quality slim keybed, MicroLab mk3 delivers a responsive and true playing experience that your music deserves.

MicroLab mk3 delivers big sound with 500 curated presets from Analog Lab Intro, intuitive control via four buttons and two touch strips, and instant music production with Ableton Live Lite.

Its plug-and-play USB connectivity and intuitive features ensures you can start creating music right away - no hassle, no setup.

Main Features

High quality keybed

25-note velocity-sensitive slim keyboard, responsive and expressive.

Controls

2 touch strips for pitch bend and modulation, 4 control buttons for octave shift and navigation

Smart features

Chord Mode - Play full chords with a single key
Hold function
Octave up and down buttons
Semitone transpose

Software integration

Seamless compatibility with all major DAWs and soft synths.
Analog Lab & V Collection browsing - Explore 500 curated sounds instantly.

Included Software titles & services

Analog Lab Intro - 500 sounds from iconic synths and keyboards.
Ableton Live Lite - Essential tools for recording and producing music.

Connectivity

USB-C powered for instant plug-and-play operation.
MIDI class-compliant - Multiclient MIDI driver for Windows.
Compatible with iPads & Android devices (via adapter).
Sustain pedal input - Connect a sustain or expression pedal for enhanced performance.

Size & weight

Size (mm): 406 x 39 x 125 mm
Size (in): 15.98 x 1.54 x 4.92 in
Weight (kg): 0.62 kg
Weight (lb): 1.37 lb

Review: A reissue on nice double vinyl for the sixth album from 'sophisti-pop' pioneer Jackson, fusing jazz, funk and soul elements with a post-punk spikiness and a very British outlook, pointing the way forward for the likes of the Style Council and a host of other 80s acts. It first surfaced in 1984 and although it's the first digitally recorded album he made, it's typified sonically by Jackson and producer David Kershenbaum's move to reject the sterile, dead acoustics of modern studios in favour of the Manhattan Masonic Hall, previously mainly used for classicx recording. The jazzy solos, sparkly sax and snazzy chorus of 'You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)' - with just a hint of Afrobeat groove to it too - are probably best known here, but all nine songs number among the Staffordshire-born musician's smartest output.