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
Subwoofer with Speaker: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Forget the biggest number on the box — the right subwoofer is the one that actually fits your room, your speakers and your amplifier.
Rack Mixer Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A rack mixer packs a mixing desk into a 19-inch rack slot — and the best modern digital units add Wi-Fi control, on-board effects and scene recall. Here's what to know before you buy.
Audio Technica Headphones: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A practical, no-nonsense walkthrough of what to check before buying Audio-Technica headphones — from impedance to comfort to warranty.
The Best Monitor Speakers for the Money
A practical guide to finding the best monitor speakers for your budget and studio size.
Powered Mixer for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A powered mixer is often the first PA purchase a performer or small venue makes. Here is how to connect it, set it up properly and avoid the classic beginner mistakes.
Common Bluetooth Microphone Mistakes to Avoid
Most 'faulty' Bluetooth microphone complaints trace back to one of a handful of avoidable habits — here they are, and the quick fixes.
The Best Dw Drum Kits for the Money
DW's range spans entry-level to full custom. Here is the best kit at each price point — Design Series, Performance Series, Collector's, and what to look for on the used market.
Everything You Need to Know About Singing Mic
There's no single best singing mic — only the right one for your voice, room and situation. Here's how dynamic, condenser and ribbon mics actually differ.
Common Alesis Drum Kit Mistakes to Avoid
Most Alesis drum kit problems come from a small number of fixable errors in setup, module configuration, and practice habits.
Audio Interface for Beginners: A Complete Guide
An audio interface connects your microphone to your computer and makes recording actually work. Here's everything a beginner needs to know, from buying to first take.
Krk Speakers for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Setting up studio monitors for the first time is straightforward once you understand the principles. Here's how to get KRK speakers working properly from day one.
Apogee Electronics: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Before you spend anything, work through the inputs, preamps and connectivity that actually matter when buying an Apogee Electronics interface.
Speaker Stands Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Speaker stands do more for your PA than you might think. Here's a clear breakdown of types, specifications and best practices from a live sound perspective.
Bluetooth Microphone for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A little confusion the first time is normal — here is a calm, step-by-step way to get a Bluetooth microphone working properly.
Open Back Headphones Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A grille on the back of the ear cup changes everything about how headphones sound — here's exactly what that trade-off buys you.
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.
The Best Rack Toms for the Money
The best rack toms at any budget sit in a narrow band where shell construction and mounting quality justify the cost — from Export-level workhorse shells to professional-grade maple and walnut.
The Best Focusrite Scarletts for the Money
Choosing the best Focusrite Scarlett for value means matching it to your genuine recording needs, not to imagined future scenarios.
Common China Cymbal Mistakes to Avoid
Most problems with this type of cymbal come from a small set of predictable decisions. Here are the mistakes that come up most often and what to do instead.
The Best Drum Heads for the Money
The best drum heads for the money are the ones that match your drums and your playing style — not the most expensive or the most heavily endorsed. Here is how to think about the options at every budge...
How to Set Up and Use Sony Headphones
Unboxed but not sure where to start? Here's a step-by-step guide covering initial charge, Bluetooth pairing, companion app setup and noise cancellation configuration.
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.
Popular topics
AllLatest articles
All newsSections
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