Oliver Thompson
Oliver practically grew up in Leicester's record shops, and crate-digging turned from a hobby into the thread running through everything he does. He's happiest with a turntable, a stack of second-hand vinyl and time to lose. He writes about records, turntables and DJ culture.
Pioneer Dj Dj Controller Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A Pioneer DJ controller bridges your DJ software and your ears, giving you hands-on control of decks, mixer and effects. Whether you're learning at home or prepping for bigger venues, understanding th...
The Complete Guide to Carry On Up The Charts Vinyl
Vinyl has made a remarkable comeback, with records now climbing charts in numerous countries. This resurgence reflects changing listener preferences and represents a vindication for vinyl enthusiasts.
Common Plugin Alliance Mistakes to Avoid
The avoidable errors, from paying full price out of impatience to trusting the marketing copy over your own ears.
Logic Pro: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Logic Pro is a one-time purchase from the Mac App Store. Here is what you need to know about system requirements, what is included, and how it compares to alternatives before buying.
Turntable Stylus Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A turntable stylus is where the magic happens. From tip shape to tracking force, understand how your record needle works and why setup matters so much.
Portable Cd Player: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Everything worth checking before buying a portable CD player, from disc compatibility and Bluetooth to charging, outputs and second-hand pitfalls.
The Ultimate Guide to Powered Hifi Speakers
Powered speakers combine amplification and drivers in one cabinet, eliminating the need for a separate amplifier. Ideal for compact rooms, desktop listening and television upgrades, powered speakers d...
Common Slipmats Mistakes to Avoid
Most slipmats problems are caused by the same handful of mistakes. Here's what they are and how to fix them.
Vinyl Cleaner Kit: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Oliver Thompson cuts through the marketing to explain what actually matters when choosing a vinyl cleaner kit, from brush type to fluid formulation and collection size.
Midi Cable: A Complete Guide
What these cables actually carry, how the classic 5-pin DIN wiring works, and where TRS and USB fit into a modern setup.
Everything You Need to Know About Vinyl Record Cleaner Machine
Crackle isn't always a worn pressing — it's often just dust and grime sitting in the groove. Here's how record cleaning machines actually fix that.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 Dj Controller: A Complete Guide
Native Instruments DJ controllers deliver quality and seamless Traktor integration. This guide covers their range from beginner to professional equipment.
Marshall Bluetooth Speaker Explained: Features, Types and Tips
That amp-style look isn't an accident. Here's what actually separates a Marshall Bluetooth speaker from the rest, family by family and feature by feature.
How to Set Up and Use Vinyl Cleaning Machines
Getting the order right the first time saves you from redistributing dirt instead of removing it. Here's how to actually use one properly.
Common Vinyl Record Cleaner Machine Mistakes to Avoid
Most cleaning mistakes come down to impatience or the wrong fluid, not the machine. Here's what actually trips people up, and how to avoid it.
Daw for Linux: A Complete Guide
Linux has a more capable music production ecosystem than most people expect — native DAWs, real-time kernels and improving plugin support make it a serious production platform.
Daw Controller for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A DAW controller gives physical faders and transport controls for music production software. For a beginner, here is exactly what to expect, what to learn first, and how to get up to speed quickly.
Common Dj Controller Mistakes to Avoid
Most early DJ controller problems come down to the same small set of mistakes: wrong gain, skipped cueing, wrong crossfader curve, and too many effects too soon. Here is how to fix them.
The Best Portable Cd Players for the Money
There's no single best portable CD player, just the right type for the job. Here's how to match one to how you'll actually listen.
Common Portable Cd Player Mistakes to Avoid
The avoidable mistakes that trip up most portable CD player owners, from Bluetooth confusion to bad disc cleaning, and the quick fix for each.
Bass Synthesizer for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Getting useful sounds from a bass synthesiser requires understanding the signal chain and the controls. Here is a structured sequence from first patch to working bass line.
Everything You Need to Know About Bookshelf Speaker
Bookshelf speakers are the secret weapon for any music lover working with limited space. From vinyl to digital, they'll surprise you with what compact designs can actually deliver.
Synth Module for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Nobody understands a synth module the first time they see one. Here's the gentle, jargon-light way in — three terms, a short shopping list, and a first patch.
Modular Synth Modules: A Complete Buyer's Guide
It's tempting to buy whatever catches your eye first and sort the rest out later. Here's a smarter way to shop for modular synth modules.
What Oliver Thompson covers
Amplifier
Amplifiers power and shape your system, from compact integrated models to high-end separates for serious listening.
35 topics
Cassette Player
Cassette players keep classic tape playback alive for collectors, musicians and anyone revisiting analogue recordings.
Marshall Speaker
Marshall speakers combine iconic design with wireless convenience and room-friendly sound for modern home listening.
MIDI Controller
Flexible controllers for software instruments, recording and live performance, from compact pads to full keyboard setups...
1 topic
MIDI Keyboard
Compact or full-size controllers for software instruments, hardware synths and production workflows in studio or live se...
1 topic
Modular Synthesizer
Fully custom electronic instruments built from separate modules for deep sound design and live patching.
1 topic
Portable CD Player
Portable CD players offer compact, private playback for listeners who still value physical discs and simple operation.
Synthesizer
Find a synthesizer for studio sound design, live performance and electronic music, from classic analogue tones to versat...
13 topics
