Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
EVH 5150III is a “lunchbox” sized guitar amp head that’s easily portable, yet provides massive tone and crunch. It features five JJ ECC83S (12AX7) and two JJ EL84 tubes and two flexible channels—EVH Blue Crunch and Red Full Burn. Familiar low/mid/high/presence tone controls, global resonance knob, a quarter-inch power switch, plus a foot switch make it easy to dial-in everything from subtle overdrive tones to roaring Variac-less “brown” sound.
www.evhgear.com
Empirical Labs DocDerr is a 500 series multi-purpose tone enhancement module that houses six different sections of digitally controlled analog processing in a compact, easy-to-use format. The first compressor offers Distressor-inspired compression and an extremely musical tape emulation circuit. Add to that a low-noise preamp capable of line or instrument level signals; four sections of EQ (a two-position high pass filter with three parametric bands); and a mix knob that allows blending of the uncompressed EQ signal with the compressed and saturated signal. DocDerr provides an unprecedented combination of power and musicality. Like all ELI 500 series modules, DocDerr is available in vertical and horizontal versions.
www.empiricallabs.com
The latest update, version 8.5, to Steinberg Media Technologies’ Cubase Pro and Cubase Artist music production system is now available. The software features new creative tools and workflow enhancements that take online collaboration with Cubase to the next level. Users can take advantage of cloud-based music production with VST Transit, Steinberg’s Retrologue 2 virtual analog synthesizer, as well as refinements to the MixConsole. The Cubase Pro 8.5 state-of-the-art music production system retails for $699, while Cubase Artist 8.5 retails for $399.
www.steinberg.net
Crush 35RT is the largest and most feature-laden model in the Orange Amplification Crush range. The twin channel, high gain preamp coupled to a beefier 35-watt output stage and 10-inch Voice of the World speaker yields amazing results, delivering punch, presence, and volume. In addition to onboard reverb and an integrated chromatic tuner, the Crush 35RT also features Aux In for backing tracks and a CabSim-loaded headphone output. It comes with a fully buffered, ultra transparent effects loop to get the most from your pedal setup. Crush 35RT was the winner of Total Guitar’s Amplifier of the Year Award.
www.organgeamps.com
The Premium Instrument Work Mat from Music Nomad Equipment Care is perfect for use with many musical instrument maintenance tasks. The 36-inch by 17-inch mat is made of a biodegradable, finish-safe TPE material that contains no rubber, PVC, lead, latex, dioxins, or chloride. It’s designed with a texture that keeps small items from moving about. It can be used with Music Nomad’s Cradle Cube (sold separately)—a five-angled soft gel covered block designed to stabilize the neck of string instruments during maintenance.
www.musicnomad.com
IK Multimedia’s iRig Acoustic is the first mobile microphone/interface specifically designed for acoustic guitars and ukuleles. iRig Acoustic uses an innovative clip-on microphone compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and Android, which rivals professional studio mics at an affordable price. iRig Acoustic installs and uninstalls in seconds and features monitoring and line-output capabilities for recording and performing live. For truly superior sound, iRig Acoustic can be paired with an AmpliTude Acoustic companion amp with multiple amplifiers, stompboxes, and other advanced features.
www.ikmultimedia.com
IK Multimedia’s iRig Acoustic is the first mobile microphone/interface specifically designed for acoustic guitars and ukuleles. iRig Acoustic uses an innovative clip-on microphone compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and Android, which rivals professional studio mics at an affordable price. iRig Acoustic installs and uninstalls in seconds and features monitoring and line-output capabilities for recording and performing live. For truly superior sound, iRig Acoustic can be paired with an AmpliTude Acoustic companion amp with multiple amplifiers, stompboxes, and other advanced features.
www.ikmultimedia.com
Universal Audio’s Apollo Twin USB high-resolution desktop interface provides onboard real-time UAD-2 processing for Windows-based recording. The 2X6 interface features high quality 24/192 kHz audio conversion in an ergonomic design that features front panel headphone and instrument connections. With Apollo Twin USB, users can track through a range of colorful preamp emulations from Neve, API, Marshall, and more, with amazing accuracy. Its mic preamps and front panel DIs sound and behave like sought-after tube and solid state preamps, guitar amps, and stompboxes.
www.uaudio.com
AirTurn’s DUO is a wireless two-pedal foot controller that can provide hands-free page turns on any Bluetooth tablet, smartphone, or computer. The two ATFS-2 pedals can also be used as a trigger for audio, effects, and lights, and other applications. All controls and LEDs are on top for optimum visibility. The BT-106 transceiver has a six-button membrane switch that can be removed and used as a multi-mode handheld remote control. With the new micro USB charging port, most android phone/tablet chargers will charge its battery.
Sabian’s Sound Kit is designed as a simple solution to superior drum sounds. No more piecing together microphone and mixer combinations and tweaking them to get the right sound. Sound Kit takes out the guesswork for practice sessions, rehearsals, and in live environments. It’s especially ideal for performances in small clubs, bars, and houses of worship. Fast setup and balanced XLR outputs simplify drum amplification. The kit is equipped with a kick-tuned channel, two optimized overhead channels, a high output headphone amp with both 3.5 mm and quarter-inch jacks, and a lineout for live audio applications. Preset audio filters on each channel maximize sound quality. The Sound Kit optimizes the proven Recorderman mic placement technique for natural drum sound. The kit’s mic set includes a dynamic kick drum mic and two overhead mics optimized for cymbals.
