start me up!
Five awesome new products to get your gear engine revving this month…
Radial Cab-Link
1The Cab-Link allows guitarists to connect multiple cabinets from a single amp–useful for heads and combos with only one speaker output. Cabs can be linked in series or parallel configuration to allow the total impedance to match the output impedance of the amp. A level control-equipped line out is also onboard, which can be used to feed another amp. Like other Radial gear, the Cab-Link promises zero signal colouration and rock-solid build quality, while it can handle amp outputs of up to 400 watts. (£80.36,www.radialeng.com)
Fishman Fluence signature pickups
2Fish man has collaborated with Willie Adler, Killswitch Engage and To sin A bas ion these new signature active dual-voice humbucker sets. Willie Alder’s (£469) offers ceramic bridge and alnico neck ’buckers. Killswitch Engage’s model (£429) features tighter bass in voice 1, and voice 2 yields a vintage/ medium-output hybrid passive tone for cleaner tones and leads. Animals As Leaders’ main man To sin Abasih as developed sets for six-string (£429), seven-string (£449)andeight-string(£469).. (from£429,www.fishman.com)
Electro-Harmonix Expression Pedal
3It was only a matter of time before Electro-Harmonix launched its own take, and it has finally arrived in the form of the logically-named EHX Expression Pedal. A singleoutput expression pedal, utilising polymer construction for durability and lightweight, the EH X Expression Pedal can control virtually any device with an expression input. The pedal’s sweepcanbefine-tunedviaa range knob, while its sweep direction can be flipped using the reverse button.. (£51,www.ehx.com)
IK Multimedia iRig Pro I/O
4Needtoconnecta condenser mi ca nd go direct across PC, Mac, iOS or Android hardware? Thei Rig Pro I/O is the answer, boasting top-notch24-bit/96kHzaudio and a Neutrik XLR/1/4-inch combo input. There’s also a headphones output with its own level control, and if you plug in the optional power supply you’ll be able to charge yo uri OS device as youmakemusic.The iRig ProI/O even comes with abu nd leo fI K Multimedia software for desktopandmobile.(£ 149, (www.ikmultimedia.com)
V-Gear straps
5Premier French luthier Vigier has partnered with Levy’ s for these top-notch straps. Both nylon (£29.99) and leather (£69.99) options are available, and they feel seriously premium, packing sturdy stitching, a silver foil Vigier logo and reinforced strap pinholes, meaning there’s no chance of the hole stretching and–worst nightmare alert–your guitar clanging to the ground. Sure, they’re not the cheapest straps on the shelf, but as Levys points out, “a cheap strap could be the most expensive musical purchase”. (from£29.99,www.vigier.co.uk)