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.
Articles by Katie Anderson
The Best Audio Technicas for the Money
Audio-Technica makes strong microphones at every price tier — but some models punch harder than others. Here is an honest look at where the best value sits in the catalogue.
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.
Common Rcf Audio Speakers Mistakes to Avoid
Most disappointment traces back to setup habits, not the gear. Here's what actually goes wrong with RCF speakers, and the fix for each.
Common Agogo Bells Mistakes to Avoid
The same handful of habits explain most problems with agogo bells. Here are six specific mistakes, why they happen, and the quick fix for each.
Marshall Earbuds: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Marshall only makes two earbuds, so buying one well is about matching fit to how you actually listen, not chasing the flashiest spec sheet.
Singing Mic for Beginners: A Complete Guide
You don't need every spec on the box to get a decent result from your first singing mic. Here's what actually matters when you're starting out.
The Complete Guide to Mic A Snare Drum
Capturing snare drum tone effectively requires precise microphone placement, appropriate equipment selection, and understanding acoustic principles. Learn professional techniques for recording snare d...
The Best Pa Subwoofers for the Money
No manufactured rankings, no fake benchmarks — just a clear-eyed look at what's genuinely worth buying at each PA subwoofer price tier and application type.
Common Behringer Xr18 Mistakes to Avoid
Most Behringer XR18 problems aren't the mixer's fault. Here are the mistakes I see most often behind the desk, and how to fix each one.
Acoustic Panels: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying acoustic panels well means knowing which material actually works, how thick the panels need to be, and how many to fit. This guide covers all of it.
The Best Yamaha Studio Monitors for the Money
A practical guide to which HS model delivers the best value at each budget level, and what you gain as you spend more.
Analog Mixer Explained: Features, Types and Tips
An analog mixer routes multiple audio sources into a single output through physical circuitry. This guide explains exactly how it works — from channel strip to master section — and what to look for in...
Common Hand Drum Mistakes to Avoid
Most hand drum problems are habit problems. Here are the mistakes that come up again and again, and how to fix them.
Everything You Need to Know About Mackie Mixer Board
A Mackie mixer combines professional quality, reliable performance, and affordability, making it the choice of studios and live sound engineers worldwide.
A Complete Guide to Audio Interface Reviews
Quality audio interface reviews help producers and musicians make informed decisions about recording equipment. Learn how to assess these reviews critically and find the best interface for your needs.
Vibraphone: A Complete Buyer's Guide
What actually matters when buying a vibraphone, from motor and pedal condition to range, size and transport.
The Best Djembes Drums for the Money
There's no single best djembe — just the right type for the job. Here's how to match one to a beginner, a drum circle, a serious student or a school.
The Complete Guide to Xlr Patchbays
XLR patchbays are the centralised routing hub of professional recording studios. Discover how they work, wiring configurations, and how to design a patchbay system that maximises flexibility and organ...
Everything You Need to Know About Distributed Antenna System Jobs
Antenna distribution systems eliminate dead zones and ensure consistent wireless microphone performance in professional recording studios.
Rode: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a microphone isn't about finding the "best" one in the abstract — it's about matching a specific model to your source and your room. Here's how.
Stage Monitor for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A stage monitor gives you something to hear on stage while the PA handles the room. Here's what you need to know as a beginner: how it works, how to set one up, and how to communicate with your engine...
What Katie Anderson covers
Bass Preamp
Bass preamps shape tone, gain and output for live use, recording and pedalboard-based rigs.
2 topics
Drums & Percussion
The full family of drums and percussion — acoustic and electronic kits, hand drums, pitched mallet instruments, and ever...
118 topics
Marshall Earbuds
Portable in-ear listening for commuting, travel and everyday music playback.
Marshall Headphones
Stylish everyday headphones for travel, home listening and music enjoyment.
1 topic
Yamaha Dm3
Compact digital mixing for live sound, venues and rehearsal spaces. A yamaha dm3 offers modern control in a small format...
Yamaha Hs5
Compact and accurate, the Yamaha HS5 is ideal for small studios, mixing, editing and critical nearfield monitoring.
Yamaha Hs7
The Yamaha HS7 offers accurate monitoring, stronger low end and dependable performance for project and home studios.
Yamaha Hs8
Designed for larger spaces, the Yamaha HS8 delivers powerful, accurate monitoring with strong low-end detail.
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Index- Guitars 1,525
- Pianos & Keyboards 491
- Drums & Percussion 278
- Orchestral Strings 76
- Wind & Woodwind 97
- Brass Instruments 70
- Folk & World Instruments 108
- Studio Recording 484
- Music Software & DAWs 250
- DJ & Electronic Production 199
- Live Sound & PA 143
- Music Accessories 165
- Sheet Music & Learning 63
- Music Genres 285
- Music News & Industry 246
- Hi-Fi & Home Audio 64
- Artists & Bands 39