Bad Gear

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we will have some fun with the Alesis 3630 RMS/Peak Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate. This piece of 90s equipment is loathed by music producers, electronic musicians and sound engineers alike but also gained legendary status as one of Daft Punk's quintessential tools.

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we will go full-on Kevin Costner with the Akai Rhythm Wolf Drum and Bass Synth. This sheep in a wolf's clothing made a lot of music producers, bedroom musicians and groovebox enthusiasts lose their faith in the iconic Akai brand. Could it be the TB-303 of the future?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we will talk about the probably least sought-after member of the Roland TR family, the Roland TR-505. Can we find some use for the static 12 bit samples of this 80s relic?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we will talk about the mysterious BBE Sonic Maximizer. No one knows exactly what's going on inside of those controversial effects units but it is the first piece of gear that gave me actual nightmares.

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to rave with the Roland MC-303. Can the weird user interface and the presets from hell keep us from making music?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to party like it's 1999 with the Yamaha DJX-IIb. Is it a real groovebox? Is it a toy? Who designed this thing? Why do I have to use a CD-ROM in 2020?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to see if there is a medical (or probably even musical) application of the M-Audio Venom. Does it have a place in modern music production?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the universe's most hated audio tools, we are going to explore uncharted space and boldly go where no gear has gone before with the Red Sound Darkstar. Is it really that bad? Who knows... Probably aliens!

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to talk the talk with the Red Sound Darkstar VOCODA? Has anyone ever used it? Should you get the VOCODA EPROM for your Darkstar? Why are there no videos about it? I mean, there are videos about how to OPEN A DOOR!!!

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to fearlessly twist the knobs of a Korg Electribe EA-1. Will the Electribe hardliners show up at my place with torches and pitchforks? Is it really the odd one out in the bunch?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to ignore the developments of the last 30 years and rediscover the living fossil that is the Alesis SR-16. Do we really have to make backups onto tape? Drum plugins anyone?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to call in the Akai K9 unit. How much of a desaster is it really? Does it deserve a dog chew?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to order a short, full-fat synth with vocoder drizzle - the Korg Microkorg. Is it for Hipsters only? The Microkorg is a true original 21st century synth classic. Where does all the hate come from?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to have some clean 80s fun with the Korg PSS-50 SuperSection. Did we find the ultimate 80s cheesebox? Do you know any bends or mods for it?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to grab a bottle of water and step onto the dancefloor with the Roland TB-3. Are touchscreens any good for raving? Will the preset nightmare ever end?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to broadcast ourselves while getting freaky with the Arturia DrumBrute Drum Machine. Does it exist outside of YouTube videos? Is anyone using it for real music?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to take a look at the Akai Tom Cat. Is it a different breed than its canine family members. Will the Rhythm Wolf get jealous? Is it a total psytrance animal?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to go full circle with the Zoom ARQ AR-48 Groovebox. Who else couldn't resist the blowout sale?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to talk about the Ibanez RP2OD Rock & Play Pocket Band drum machine and distortion/overdrive unit. What should we do with it? Is it good for anything? Will feedback loop experiments help?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to talk about the legendary Yamaha DX7 digital FM synthesizer. Is it the Synth Of Fear?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to question the sanity of Roland's early noughties design team. Is the Roland D-2 the ugliest groovebox of all time? Will our eyes take irreversible damage?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools we are going to talk about the Korg Microkorg XL. Is it too bad for Hipsters?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to talk about the original Novation Bass Station. Is this classic rack unit nothing but a bassless TB-303?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to talk about the Waldorf Rocket. Is this analog digital hybrid from hell just another piece of Bad Gear that sneaked into my life?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to talk about the Novation XioSynth. Is it the almighty desert island plastic synth and music production studio?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, it's CROSSOVER TIME!!! We are going to talk about the Korg DDM-110 digital 80s drum machine but, even more important, we have the honor and the pleasure to welcome the one and only ALEX BALL on the Audiopilz channel.

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to ask ourselves how many actual products Roland squeezed out of the MC-505 engine. Is the JX-305 nothing but the pub gig version of the legendary groovebox?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to take a look at the Korg microSAMPLER. Is this alien-looking sampler keyboard the worst of the Korg Micros? Is it lost to the world?

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about one of the classic late 80s, early 90s Roland black frontplate rack instruments, the Roland R-8M. Is this much-loathed drum module dinosaur and sequencerless version of the R-8 the rack 808 we have been looking for?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to talk about the Arturia Minibrute Analog Synthesizer. Is this self-explanatory instrument the ultimate tutorial in synth form?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to talk about the Boss DR-550 Dr. Rhythm drum machine. Can this Roland offspring deliver some human feel?

In this episode of Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools, we are going to talk about the Roland Aira VT-3 Voice Transformer. Is this halloween-colored vocal processor the ugliest hardware Autotune?

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about another one of the classic late 80s, early 90s Roland black frontplate rack instruments, the Roland D-110. Can this rack version of the D-10 and little sibling of the legendary D-50 provide the true 80s sound in a box?

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Yamaha DD-10 Digital Drum Bank. Is it the ideal vintage lockdown electronic drum kit?

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Boss DR-3 Dr. Rhythm digital drum machine. We liked (most of) its predecessors but is this more recent model any good? Is the doctor getting worse?

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Yamaha FM Sound Generator FB-01. Can it be that it is the second worst FM synth (because there gotta be a worse one - leave a comment;)?

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Yamaha SHS-10 keytar. Is it the most embarrassing synth of all time?

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Quasimidi Sirius. Is this oldschool German rompler and groovebox the ultimate 90s techno machine?

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. On popular demand, we are going to talk about the Korg Kaossilator Pro, probably THE most requested piece of gear in the comment sections. Is it the Synth of Christmas Past and why did you put me through this right before the festive season? ;)