They love a bit of power over at TC Electronic, as the new Blacksmith is testament to. This beast of a bass amp delivers chugs along at a massive 1600 watts, but its incorporation of cutting-edge Bass amp 2.0 features ensure it delivers more than just excessive power. An integrated chromatic tuner, four bands of EQ, SpectraComp per-string compression, TubeTone pre and power amp recreation, TweeterTone intelligent HF control, three user-defined memories and the option to switch between eight, four or two ohms. Now that’s what we call being spoilt for choice.

For more information phone Amber Technology on 1800 251 367 or visit www.ambertech.com.au

Hot on the heels of the X-Rack SuperAnalogue comes the latest release from Solid State Logic, the X-Rack Stereo Dynamics Module. Offering the same sonic signature as the channel strip processing of its predecessor in a stereo format, the latest X-Rack is intended for stereo tracking or stem mixing and further extends the availability of SSL’s sonic heritage to studios of all sizes. Features include +4dBu operating level, balanced stereo line quarter-inch jack input and output, RMS or peak sense stereo compressor/limiter, dedicated gain reduction metering, independently switched gate/expander, external key input quarter-inch jack and a link function for multiple modules.

For more information, phone Amber Technology on 1800 251 367 or visit www.ambertech.com.au

Dismayed with the constant need to choose between the convenience of digital and the warmth of analogue when recording, Universal Audio have created the UAD-2 Satellite, a DSP accelerator that combines analogue emulation plug-ins with the convenience of Firewire 800 and 400 compatibility. This world-first development allows you to run larger mixes in ProTools, Logic and the like without draining your host CPU, all with that analogue warmth you crave so desperately, is compatible with a wide range of Macs and is available in DUO and QUAD processor modes.

For more information phone CMI Music on (03) 9315 2244 or visit www.cmi.com.au

It seems TC Electronic are indeed hell-bent on reshaping the way we think about the most tried and true weapons in our guitar playing arsenal. As far as effects pedals are concerned, any half-serious axe-wielder has seen their fair share of choruses, delays, flangers, vibratos and reverbs, but the Corona Chorus, Flashback Delay & Looper, Vortex Flanger, Shaker Vibrato and Hall of Fame Reverb do much more than just add a series of buzzwords in front of the old favourites. On the contrary, these bad boys make up the new range of TonePrint pedals, which have been developed in conjunction with players such as John Petrucci, Bumblefoot, Joe Perry, Orianthi and Doug Aldrich, and which give users instant access to the sounds of the favourite guitarists through an online “Tone Transfusion”. Let’s begin the operation, Dr. Stiles.

More information on each of the pedals can be found by phoning Amber Technology on 1800 251 367 or visiting www.ambertech.com.au

Hailing from across the Tasman, Red Witch Pedals are hell bent on delivering nothing but the best in pure analog tone in an increasingly digital world. They’ve just launched their Seven Sisters range of effect pedals, the first in the world to boast lithium ion cells, and believe us when we say these sexy siblings pack a mean punch. Gorgeous to look at and listen to, Grace, Lily, Ruby, Eve, Scarlett, Ivy and Violet have your compression, boost, fuzz, tremolo, overdrive, distortion and delay needs respectively covered.

For more information on the Seven Sisters range, phone Sound And Music on (03) 9555 8081 or visit www.sound-music.com

Having revolutionised the phaser pedal with the original Quasar back in the day, Subdecay set out back in 2008 to redesign the Quasar and once again set a new benchmark. And so it is that they bring us the Quasar DLX, a fully analogue reworking of the classic pedal, featuring 11 LFO shapes and the ability to control them with either tap tempo or manually. As such, the possibilities range from classic “on the slow parts” to thick watery vibrato to all-out mad-science craziness — and let’s be honest, that’s the best kind of craziness there is.

For more information phone Sound And Music on (03) 9555 8081 or visit www.sound-music.com

Orange have been talking up their all-in-one computer amp speaker for a while now, but they haven’t really given us much to go on, other than to say that it will be “revolutionary”. The shroud of mystery has finally been removed, however, with the unveiling of the OPC and the release of its specs at the recent NAMM conference in Anaheim, and we can say quite confidently that it does appear to be something of a game-changer. Designed to offer all-in-one playing, recording, editing and computing capabilities, the OPC will be the first PC to feature an integrated audio interface enabling the user to plug in a guitar or microphone using a standard 1/4″ jack plug and the first computer of its kind to have built-in high-powered speakers, which deliver full range studio quality sound as well as producing vintage guitar sounds. It also comes bundled with $1000 worth of pre-installed software, which includes a range of DAWs and amp and effect modelling software. If that ain’t bang for your buck then we don’t know what is.

For further information and a full range of specs, phone Gallin’s Guitars on 1800 4 4848277 or visit www.gallinsguitars.com.au

Ibanez products are generally thought of as being rather premium as is, so now that the company decided to begin 2011 with the launch of their new specifically-titled Premium series of guitars and basses, we figure we can expect some pretty top-notch stuff. Made with select materials by dedicated craftsmen, the Premium line strives to deliver high-end performance and reliability at middle-of-the-road pricing. The RG Premium guitars feature DiMarzio and CAP-VM pickups and Edge-Zero II bridge/tremolo, while the SG Premium bass models boast Nostrand pickups and premium fret edge treatment.

For more information phone Australis Music on (02) 9698 4444 or visit www.australismusic.com.au

Determined to push the boundaries of the traditional single-cutaway solid-body electric, Ibanez have brought us the ARZ. Featuring a smooth neck heel, rigid Tight-Tune bridge and EMG Pickups the ARZ offe3rs the flexibility to cover both your heavy power chords and shredding solos, making it an ideal choice for the modern metal player.

For more information phone Australis Music on (02) 9698 4444 or visit www.australismusic.com.au

The HRZ-FR2EMGSTR is the latest in ESP’s celebrated Horizon series of solid-body electrics, and features neck-through body construction, mahogany body, quilted maple top, maple neck, ebony fingerboard, 24 x J frets, black nickel hardware, Gotoh tuners, Floyd Rose original bridge and EMG 81 (B) / 85 (N) active pickups, all topped off with a sexy see-through red finish. Hot.

For more information phone CMI Music on (03) 9315 2244 or visit www.cmi.com.au