Katie Anderson
Katie learned the ropes mixing bands in Southampton's pubs and clubs, a port city used to a steady churn of touring acts. Years behind the desk gave her a practical, no-nonsense understanding of how live sound actually works. She writes about PA, live sound and stage gear.
How to Set Up and Use Instruments Tambourine
Grip, angle, mounting and sound check — a practical, step-by-step walkthrough for getting a tambourine set up and sounding right.
Common Cymbals Mistakes to Avoid
The habits behind most cracked or choked cymbals, and the simple fixes for each — from over-tightening to poor transport.
What Is in a Drum Kit? Every Drum and Cymbal Explained
Kick, snare, toms, hi-hats, crash and ride. What each part of a drum kit is for, how kits are counted, and which pieces you can happily do without.
Shure Sm7b: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The Shure SM7B is a fine long-term buy, but only if you buy it with the right gain behind it. Here's a practical, no-nonsense look at what to check first.
What to Look for When Buying Mics
Start with the job, not the brand. An engineer's practical guide to choosing a microphone — type, polar pattern, connection and the specs that actually matter for your source and room.
Pearl Tom Toms Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Rack and floor sizes, shell materials, bearing edges and Pearl's suspension mounts — here's what actually shapes the sound of a Pearl tom tom, explained plainly.
Marimba: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A marimba is a big, long-term purchase, so let's work through what genuinely matters before you spend a penny of your budget.
A Guide to Tubular Bells
Tubular bells make one of the biggest sounds in the percussion section from one of the simplest ideas. Here's what they are, how they're built and where you'll actually hear them.
The Best Marimbas for the Money
There's no single "best" marimba, only the right tier for your budget and your playing. Here's how the market actually breaks down.
Preamp Amp for Beginners: A Complete Guide
You do not need a rack of gear to try a preamp amp setup. One pedal and the amp you already own is a perfectly complete place to start.
Common Pearl Tom Toms Mistakes to Avoid
Most tom problems trace back to setup, not the drum. Here are the mistakes that come up again and again with Pearl tom toms, and how to fix them.
