Accessories
Levy’s Expands Its Flagship Amped Leather Collection with New Matte and Extra-Long Options
Levy’s Music has introduced two new additions to its acclaimed Amped Leather Series, expanding one of the brand’s most recognized strap collections. The M26PD-BLK-MAT brings a sleek matte black finish for players drawn to a rugged, understated look, while the M26PD-BLK-XL extends the series’ best-selling black leather strap to suit taller musicians and lower playing preferences.
Handcrafted in Nova Scotia from genuine top-grain leather, the Amped Leather Series is known for its 3-inch-wide design and soft ¼-inch foam padding wrapped in garment leather for long-lasting comfort. The new M26PD-BLK-MAT introduces a no-gloss finish that highlights the natural texture of the leather, M26PD-BLK-XL extends the design’s adjustability to provide an enhanced fit and added comfort for a variety of playing styles.
Both new models carry forward the craftsmanship and comfort that define the Amped Leather Series, reinforcing its status as a go-to choice for musicians seeking reliability and style in equal measure. Each strap is proudly handcrafted in Nova Scotia and available now through authorized Levy’s dealers and distributors.
To learn more about Levy’s guitar straps and music accessories, visit levysleathers.com.
Gibson Pickup Shop Launches 1959 Humbucker Collector’s Edition Series 3
Gibson’s original “Patent Applied For” humbuckers from the 1950s are considered the holy grail of humbucking tone, highly influential and often imitated, and every modern Gibson pickup continues that tradition of superior construction, crafted in Nashville, Tennessee, from premium materials using time-tested methods.
The Gibson Pickup Shop proudly introduces the 1959 Humbucker Collector’s Edition Series 3, limited to only 1,000 sets and available at authorized Gibson dealers, Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London, and online at Gibson.com.
“With the 1959 Humbucker Collector’s Edition Series 3, we’ve pushed the boundaries of historical accuracy and tonal integrity even further,” says Jared Brandon, Pickup product manager. “Every detail — from the Double Vintage White butyrate bobbins to the Alnico 3 roughcast magnets — was chosen to honor the spirit and sonic magic of the original ‘Patent Applied For’ pickups. This set is not just a tribute; it’s a time capsule for tone purists and collectors alike.”
Revered by players and collectors alike, Gibson’s legendary “Patent Applied For” humbucking pickups have inspired countless replicas over the decades. The originals featured a range of Alnico magnet types — including Alnico 2, Alnico 3, and Alnico 4 — and remain among the most sought-after vintage components in existence, especially when the rare opportunity arises to acquire a set.
Through a meticulous process involving 3D scanning, scientific analysis, reverse engineering of late-1950s examples, and reference to archival Gibson specifications, the Gibson Pickup Shop has crafted its most precise reproductions to date. This Collector’s Edition Series 3 set comes housed in a premium Lifton™ case and showcases Double Vintage White butyrate bobbins, Alnico 3 roughcast long magnets, historically accurate nickel covers, and aged Cream M69 mounting rings. Every metal component — from the silver-nickel covers and baseplates to the screws and springs — has been expertly aged by the Murphy Lab team. Only 1,000 sets will be produced, each serialized with 1959-style numbering.
D’Addario Launches ProMark Limited
D’Addario introduces ProMark Limited, a new series of exclusive artist collabs and experimental stick designs, fresh from the R&D lab. This drop features limited-edition signature sticks from legends Mike Portnoy and Carter McLean, plus extended length Rebound XL 5A & 7A sticks. To complete the collection, the launch includes exclusive shirts and hats inspired by the stick designs.
Each ProMark Limited stick is made in Texas, USA, with only 1,000 pairs available worldwide. The series will continue as an ongoing, collectible line, featuring new artist collaborations and experimental designs, coming soon.
The first drop includes:
Mike Portnoy 420X Purple Sticks
“These beauties are limited edition 420X sticks in a purple finish, like I’ve been using on tour with Dream Theater, but taken to another level by adding a white drip to match my incredible drum finish. Absolutely beautiful.” said Mike Portnoy.
- The signature 420X now in a purple “drip” design inspired by Mike’s Dream Theater kit
- Oval tip and hickory construction
- Delivers extra power, projection, and a warm, versatile tone
Carter McLean FireGrain Sticks
“They feel great in the hands right out of the sleeve,” said Carter McLean. “Another bonus is they are super durable when I’m hitting hard on Broadway.”
- Carter’s design now heat-tempered with our FireGrain technology for unmatched durability
- Arrow tip for versatile tone across playing styles
- Extended length for enhanced reach and control
Rebound XL 5A & 7A Sticks
- Rear-weighted balance and dynamic response at a new length!
- 17” length that goes beyond our standard and “long” versions for added reach
- Hickory with acorn tip and long taper
- Rear-weighted feel for speed, control, and agility
Availability
ProMark Limited sticks are available, exclusively through daddario.com in the U.S., Canada, and UK.
Sonique Drums Expands KitFx Product Lineup With The Stage Pro Tension Rods
Sonique Drums, a leading innovator in drum and percussion accessories, is proud to announce Stage Pro tension rods, part of the Sfx™ family of accessories. Once reserved for Sonique’s own drums, the Stage Pro stainless steel tension rods are now available to the public and OEM builders. The Stage Pro tension rods were created as a premium upgrade to die-cast, chrome plated tension rods that will rust, pit, and chip over time and may fit inconsistently from one drum key to another. It’s yet another example of listening to what drummers want and responding with improved accessories for drummers everywhere.
Why This Is Great for Drummers:
- Universal fit – No need to swap out other parts
- Superior strength & durability
- Long-lasting finish
- Provides a less expensive upgrade option compared to competitors
D’Addario Launches the John Lennon Art Series: Picks & Straps
D’Addario announces the John Lennon Art Series Signature Collection, a limited-edition lineup of instrument straps and picks, all honoring the imagination of a legend.
About the Series The Collection includes two unique strap designs and two pick assortments, each featuring Lennon’s original animal illustrations, as well as drawings inspired by the life and love he shared with Yoko Ono. From playful sketches to bolder, more intimate designs, every item in this Collection honors Lennon’s vision while giving players unique, premium tools they can rely on, all backed by elite D’Addario craftsmanship. The Collection also includes the Imagine Animals small instrument strap, perfect for kid-sized instruments or adult ukuleles and mandolins, with matching collectible picks.
Highlights
- Secure & Reliable Straps. Each strap features durable leather ends for long-lasting security. That means a comfortable and dependable fit for every player.
- Premium Picks for Superior Playability. Crafted from high-quality celluloid, these picks deliver a smooth feel and warm tone that’s perfect for players at any level.
- Exclusive Collectible Items. These limited-edition designs put Lennon’s visual artwork on a new canvas, making them not only perfect tools for players, but one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers for collectors and fans.
D’Addario Celebrates Lennon’s Legacy “John Lennon’s art was as imaginative and honest as his music,” said Cassie Meloy, Accessories Product Manager. “This Collection celebrates Lennon’s creativity for players of all ages and introduces D’Addario’s first strap designed for kids, perfectly inspired by his playful Animals artwork.”
Availability & Pricing The John Lennon Art Series is available now through daddario.com and authorized retailers. Pick packs are priced at $7.99, with straps starting at $16.99.
Cases & Stands
New Product Introductions from Gator
Gator has introduced the EXPO Series, a new collection of cases designed for large-format LED displays. The series debuts with two models: the EXPO E Series, featuring a motorized electronic lift, and the EXPO Standard Series, designed for storage and transport. Both are engineered to meet the demands of event production and commercial AV environments.
Each case is built from heavy-duty plywood with reinforced steel hardware for lasting durability. The exterior features a protective laminate that helps guard against moisture and general wear. Recessed handles and locking casters simplify handling during setup and transport. Customizable EVA foam inserts inside each case accommodate a range of screen sizes and keep displays secure in transit. The collection includes single- and dual-display configurations for displays from 65 to 98 inches.
The EXPO E Series models feature an integrated electric mechanism that raises and lowers displays directly from the case. Each unit includes a stable base, guided lift columns, and internal power control for consistent operation in production environments. Heavy-duty hardware and reinforced corners add stability during movement and lift. Models are available for 65-, 75-, 86-, and 98-inch screens, offering a repeatable setup process for venues and rental applications that require reliable gear.
The EXPO Standard Series focuses on protection and mobility for single and dual displays. Each case uses ATA-style construction with steel ball corners, recessed hardware, and locking casters for dependable movement. Dense interior EVA foam can be configured to fit various display sizes while maintaining stability in transit. Available options cover 70–75, 80–86, and 90–98-inch screens.
The EXPO Series broadens Gator’s range of large-format display solutions, combining mobility and strength for professional production environments. Both sub-series are available now through authorized Gator dealers and distributors, with additional sizes planned as the collection grows.
Additionally, Gator Cases has grown its ONYX Series of tour-style DJ flight cases with new models designed for Denon DJ’s Prime 4, Prime4+ and SC Live 4 standalone controllers. Built on the proven foundation of the G-TOUR Series and finished in a matte black aesthetic, the ONYX Series combines rugged, professional protection with modern styling.
The G-ONYX-PRIME4 case features a shock-absorbing foam interior that protects against impact and vibration, keeping equipment guarded during transport. A removable front panel allows quick access to headphone jacks and controls, while in-line wheels, reinforced ball corners, black commercial-grade hardware and red recessed twist latches provide dependable durability and mobility.
Designed for the Denon DJ SC Live 4, the G-ONYX-SCLIVE4 delivers the same level of protection and tour-ready design found across the ONYX Series. Its foam interior safeguards the controller against shifting and impact, while a removable front panel streamlines access to connections during performance. As with the Prime 4 model, the case includes integrated wheels, reinforced corners and heavy-duty hardware.
The ONYX Series continues to grow with controller-specific designs for Denon, Pioneer DJ, AlphaTheta, and Rane products, along with vinyl storage solutions. With its sleek blackout finish, durable construction and performance-focused details, the collection delivers transport cases tailored to the demands of working DJs.
Lastly, as part of an expanding range of truck pack solutions, Gator has introduced a more compact addition to its G-TOUR Series with the GTOURTRK2222HS. Designed for tighter loadouts and reduced cargo space, the new size retains the ATA-style construction and tour-grade protection of larger G-TOUR truck pack models while offering a more compact footprint for modular setups.
Constructed with 9 mm plywood and a durable laminated exterior, the truck pack is engineered to endure the demands of transport and repeated use. Reinforced ball corners, commercial-grade plated hardware and an aluminum hinged valance create a precise lid-to-base seal for tight closure. Inside, a soft grey textile lining limits the shifting of contents during transit, while recessed top dishes enable secure stacking with other cases of the same dimensions for streamlined truck or warehouse storage.
Spring-loaded rubber-grip handles provide a firm, balanced grip when lifting, while Gator’s signature red recessed twist latches deliver reliable closure and quick access to stored gear. The GTOURTRK2222HS measures 22.48 x 22.48 x 22.87 inches (57.09 x 57.09 x 58.08 centimeters) with casters attached and weighs 48.4 pounds (21.9 kilograms), offering a compact form factor ideal for smaller equipment and adaptable storage configurations.
The G-TOUR Series includes flight cases for instruments, audio equipment and utility transport, ranging from full-size truck pack trunks to smaller utility models like the GTOURTRK2222HS. For more information, visit gatorco.com.
Fretted
Martin Guitar Launches Project 91: A Numbered Legacy
- F. Martin & Co.® proudly announces the launch of Project 91, an extraordinary new collection that brings to life 91 unique guitars, each a direct descendant of an original pre-war D-45 — among the most coveted acoustic guitars ever made. Crafted with Brazilian rosewood backs and sides, every Project 91 instrument is individually linked to its historical counterpart by serial number, honoring the spirit, craftsmanship, and tone of Martin’s golden era.
| The first four models in this numbered legacy are now complete: |
| · D-45 1933 Project 91-1 – 12-fret body, slotted headstock bordered in pearl, torch headplate inlay, Style 45 snowflake fingerboard inlay, scalloped X-bracing.
· D-45 1934 Project 91-2 – 12-fret body, solid headstock bordered in pearl, C. F. Martin headplate inlay, Style 45 snowflake fingerboard inlay, scalloped X-bracing. · D-45S 1936 Project 91-3 – 14-fret “special” wide body, Style 45 snowflake fingerboard inlay, forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing. · D-45S 1936 Project 91-4 – 14-fret “special” wide body, Style 45 snowflake fingerboard inlay, forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing. |
|
Each Project 91 guitar is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity in the case pocket, and a commemorative framed poster depicting its original reference instrument—available to those who register their guitar. A Tribute Nearly a Century in the Making Between 1933 and 1942, Martin built just 91 original D-45s. Today, fewer than that remain in circulation, each representing a priceless piece of music history. “We’re getting close to 100 years since the first D-45 was introduced,” says Jason Ahner, museum and archives manager. “Project 91 is about recreating 91 of the greatest guitars ever built. We’re doing our best to replicate how they would have been built back in the 1930s and early 1940s.” Continuing a Golden Era The D-45 has long represented the pinnacle of Martin craftsmanship. “The 45 has always been the culmination of our best work,” says Chris Martin IV, chairman of the board. “During my career, we’ve done D-50s, D-100s, D-200s — but there’s something about the 45. The fact that we made the 91 during what people consider one of our golden eras — I would like to say today is another one — this is really exciting for me.” Each Project 91 guitar captures the tone and detail that defined that era, from forward- and rear-shifted bracing and vintage neck profiles to Brazilian rosewood backs and sides—while some of the 91 models will feature unique touches like thinner nut widths, a shaded top, a left-handed build, and even one with two pickguards. “The D-45 represents the absolute top of the line for Martin guitars,” adds Dick Boak, former museum and archives director. “The amount of work, the amount of detail in inlaying not only the top, sides, back, neck, and headstock, but also around the edges of the neck and endpiece — it just sets them apart.” Owning a Piece of Martin History Every Project 91 guitar connects its owner directly to a specific original D-45. “You have a unique serial number that ties back to its predecessor,” explains Tim Teel, instrument design manager. “When you register your guitar, you’ll receive a framed poster showing that connection — your guitar’s lineage to Martin’s history.” Availability The first four Project 91 guitars are now complete and available through select Martin dealers. The remaining models will be built and released in sequence over the coming years, each meticulously recreating its pre-war counterpart in sound, feel, and detail. For more information on Project 91, visit martinguitar.com. |
Taylor Guitars Launches New Models with Guitars 4 Vets
Taylor Guitars announces two new special edition acoustic guitars developed in partnership with Guitars 4 Vets (G4V), a nonprofit organization that helps U.S. veterans affected by PTSD and other service-related trauma to heal through the power of music. The Guitars 4 Vets 814ce Special Edition Blacktop and Guitars 4 Vets GS Mini Camo Special Edition celebrate the nation’s veterans and pay tribute to their service with distinctive patriotic design elements. For every guitar purchased through authorized Taylor dealers, Taylor will donate to G4V’s nationwide program. The new models follow the September release of the Guitars 4 Vets GS Mini Americana Special Edition, continuing Taylor’s commitment to supporting veterans through music.
“At Taylor, we believe in the power of music to uplift, heal and connect,” says Andy Powers, president and chief guitar designer at Taylor Guitars. “We make easy-to-play guitars that help people bring more music into the world because we’ve seen how transformative guitars and music can be in people’s lives. When we learned about the work Guitars for Vets is doing — using music to help veterans heal — it was a natural fit. We’re honored to support their mission with these special edition models.”
HOW G4V’S GUITAR INSTRUCTION PROGRAM WORKS
Guitars for Vets provides qualifying veterans with a free 10-week, one-on-one guitar instruction program taught by volunteer instructors. After completing the sessions, graduates are given their own guitar and accessory kit to keep, empowering them to continue their musical journey. By combining instruction with the healing power of music, G4V helps veterans build confidence, find connection with others, and experience the proven mental health benefits of learning to play guitar. The program operates through 300 locations nationwide and via video conference in areas that do not yet have a physical location.
“Support like this great partnership with Taylor helps fund our program and raises awareness about the positive impact we can have on veterans’ lives,” says Nigel Fischer, Director of Advancement for Guitars for Vets. “Customers who buy these guitars aren’t just getting beautiful instruments; they’re helping put guitars in the hands of veterans in need, where music can truly make a difference.”
GUITARS 4 VETS 814CE SPECIAL EDITION BLACKTOP
Boasting premium tonewoods, appointments and visual details, this special edition cutaway Grand Auditorium delivers incredible playing comfort and all-purpose musical versatility. Figured AA-grade Indian rosewood back and sides paired with Sitka spruce top yield dynamic tonal character with warm lows, pristine trebles and a slightly scooped midrange. Internal V-Class bracing produces louder volume, longer sustain and improved harmonic agreement between notes.
A bold blacktop soundboard commands attention, its dramatic finish beautifully framed by green abalone edge trim and Hawaiian koa binding around the body, soundhole, fretboard and peghead. Five-Star fretboard inlays and a Faceted Star peghead inlay — inspired by the stars of the U.S. flag — are rendered in mother-of-pearl. The appointment package also includes a figured koa backstrip and heel cap, a green abalone peghead logo, an ebony backstrap, dark-stained bone bridge pins with Australian opal green dots and Gotoh 510 antique chrome tuners with black buttons. A special interior label indicates this model’s special-edition status.
Key Specifications:
- Back/Side Wood: Figured AA-Grade Indian Rosewood
- Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: West African Ebony
- Nut Width: 1-3/4″
- Scale Length: 25-1/2″
- Bracing: V-Class
- Electronics: Claria
GUITARS 4 VETS GS MINI CAMO SPECIAL EDITION
This special edition GS Mini features custom camouflage artwork with a shaded edgeburst on its soundboard. Designed to be the ultimate musical companion, the easy-playing GS Mini is a great choice for on-the-go musicians and players who enjoy the comfort of a smaller guitar. A torrefied spruce top and layered sapele back and sides deliver rich, bold acoustic tone with played-in sonic character. Appointments include a matte-finish body and neck, Italian acrylic 4mm dot fretboard inlays and chrome tuners.
Key Specifications:
- Back/Side Wood: Layered Sapele
- Top Wood: Torrefied Spruce
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: West African Ebony
- Nut Width: 1-11/16″
- Scale Length: 23-½”
- Bracing: X-Brace
- Electronics: None
AVAILABILITY
The Guitars 4 Vets 814ce Special Edition Blacktop and Guitars 4 Vets GS Mini Camo Special Edition are available now at authorized Taylor Guitars dealers. Limited availability in Q4 2025, with additional quantities arriving in Q1 2026.
PRS Guitars Announces 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition
PRS Guitars has announced the 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition. Limited to just 280 pieces worldwide, this special edition features PRS McCarty III treble and bass pickups with a proprietary PRS Narrowfield in the center position, along with an artist-grade figured maple top, black limba back and neck, and Honduran rosewood fretboard and headstock veneer. Each guitar features the pre-factory eagle on the headstock and includes a 40th Anniversary certificate hand signed by Paul Reed Smith.
The PRS Special Semi-Hollow delivers twelve pickup combinations to players, thanks to the three-pickup configuration paired with a 5-way blade and two mini-toggles. Roll back the tone control for added growl, turn it up for some shimmer. The volume level between the humbucking and single-coil settings remains even, and the semi-hollow body provides airiness and depth to the guitar’s tone.
“This has been an incredible year of releasing special limited-edition guitars to celebrate our anniversary. The 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition is the culmination of this year’s anniversary lineup. With a dozen pickup combinations, the ability to summon both humbucker and single-coil sounds, and beautiful woods, this instrument will inspire you to play. Have fun exploring this versatile tonal palette,” said PRS Guitars director of marketing, Judy Schaefer.
PRS Guitars continues its schedule of launching new products each month in 2025. Stay tuned to see new gear and 40thAnniversary limited-edition guitars throughout the year.
Jackson King V Signatures from Corey Beaulieu
Jackson is once again partnering with Corey Beaulieu, the virtuosic guitarist of Trivium, to release two new iterations of his signature series: THE PRO SERIES SIGNATURE COREY BEAULIEU KING V KV6Q AND KV7Q. Teaming up with Jackson, Beaulieu modified the King V signature to his exact specifications to create a guitar that delivers the balance between brutal power and precision that defines his guitar playing style. Built to withstand the brutal demands of modern metal, these signature models are available in a stunning transparent quilt maple top to empower players to unleash their most ferocious sonic expressions.
Trivium has evolved from metalcore pioneers into genre-defying innovators, blending thrash, progressive, technical death metal and groove elements into their devastating catalogue. Beaulieu’s relentless pursuit of musical excellence aligns with Jackson’s unwavering commitment to supporting heavy music’s most dedicated artists through precision-crafted instruments. Just as Beaulieu continues to push the boundaries of modern metal, the Jackson King V signatures embody the same innovative spirit. The Pro Series Signature Corey Beaulieu King V empowers players to unlock their full sonic potential across the entire metal spectrum.
“I’m so happy to announce the release of my new signature series guitar. Not only does it look fantastic, the thing I’m most excited about is it comes fully armed with my Signature Seymour Duncan Damocles blackout pickups,” said Corey Beaulieu. “It’s a true honor to be a part of the Jackson family and to continue our long partnership with this amazing new model.”
Specifically designed for Corey’s detuned progressive metal style, the new signatures feature new Seymour Duncan® Corey Beaulieu Damocles™ Signature Blackouts® – Blackout pickups to deliver the full-bodied, high-gain tone that defines Beaulieu’s crushing sound. Players can sculpt their tone through the three-way toggle switch paired with a single volume control to streamline performances. Built to withstand the most aggressive playing techniques, each guitar is equipped with a Floyd Rose® 1000 Series 6 and 7 String double-locking tremolo system that maintains perfect tuning stability through the deepest dive bombs and most punishing riffs. The striking transparent black finish completes these premium instruments with a sleek, menacing aesthetic that matches their devastating sonic capabilities.
“The Corey Beaulieu signature embodies everything Jackson stands for: relentless innovation, technical mastery and unwavering dedication to heavy music,” said Jon Romanowski, VP of Product, Jackson. “We’re thrilled to unleash these signature instruments and see how players around the world will push the boundaries with them.”
The two signatures are available in both 6-string (KV6Q) and 7-string (KV7Q) to meet every player’s needs. Built to withstand Beaulieu’s onslaught of heavy riffing, the Pro Series Signature Corey Beaulieu King V features a 12”-16” compound radius ebony fingerboard that hosts 24 jumbo frets with old-school sharkfin inlays for lightning fast playability. The resonant mahogany King V body features serrated points and a stunning rippling quilt maple top that is both striking and tonally devastating. Through long arduous sets, the through-body maple neck construction ensures ergonomic comfort along with monstrous sustain, while graphite-reinforcement rods provide rock solid stability even under the most extreme climate conditions. The smooth oiled neck finish provides that perfectly broken-in feel straight from the case.
Pro Audio
JBL Unveils New Flagship 4369 Studio Monitor
HARMAN Luxury Audio Group debuted the JBL 4369 Studio Monitor at the 2025 Tokyo International Audio Show, signaling a new era for one of its most revered loudspeaker lines. As the new flagship in the JBL Studio Monitor Series, the 2-way floor-standing loudspeaker builds upon the celebrated legacy of the JBL 4367 with a suite of acoustic and design upgrades purpose-built for the most discerning audiophiles and music lovers.
Originally launched more than a decade ago, the award-winning JBL 4367 earned global acclaim for its dynamic performance and studio-grade authenticity. The new JBL 4369 honors that legacy while elevating every aspect, from upgraded driver technologies and refined cabinet design to a next-generation crossover network, cementing its place as the new flagship of the JBL Studio Monitor Series.
“JBL Studio Monitor loudspeakers have a legendary reputation in the world of hi-fi delivering ultra-high-performance sound born from JBL’s professional monitors that have been used in the production of the most culturally significant recordings of our time,” said Jim Garrett, senior director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio. “The JBL 4369 is a true modern classic that bridges that storied heritage with today’s cutting-edge engineering. It delivers a breathtaking listening experience wrapped in the iconic design that has made JBL Studio Monitors instantly recognizable for generations.”
Iconic Form, Reengineered for Performance
At the core of the JBL 4369 is a newly developed 15-inch (2219Nd-1) Differential Drive® woofer, featuring dual three-inch voice coils and advanced neodymium motor structure. This patented design incorporates a ribbed pure pulp cone, copper cap/Faraday rings, dual opposing spiders, and a rigid cast aluminum frame engineered to deliver superior excursion, reduced distortion, and exceptional control across the low to mid-frequency spectrum.
Upper-mid and high frequencies are handled by JBL’s patented D2830B annular ring compression driver. Featuring dual three-inch diaphragms and neodymium motor structures, it is seamlessly integrated with a next-generation Sonoglass High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) horn. This waveguide design delivers strikingly accurate imaging, wide dispersion, and smooth response with refined detail and dynamics. Together, these drivers form a two-way system that marries power with finesse to faithfully reproduce every nuance of the source material with the kind of scale, realism, and tonal purity that defines JBL’s studio heritage.
To further elevate performance, the 4369 employs JBL’s MultiCap™ crossover network design, using DC-biased capacitors to increase dynamics, reduce signal loss, and improve consistency. Dual front-firing tuned ports optimize bass response, while IsoAcoustics Stage 1 isolator feet provide exceptional decoupling from floor vibrations.
Premium Design Meets Purposeful Engineering
The 4369 remains true to JBL’s signature Studio Monitor aesthetic with bold proportions and premium materials. The cabinet, constructed of one-inch MDF, features a dual-layer front baffle and is offered in two luxurious furniture-grade wood veneer finishes: Walnut with classic blue grille, or Black Walnut with a matching classic black grille. Signature front-panel controls allow users to fine-tune high and ultra-high frequencies, while a custom-milled aluminum terminal cup houses dual gold-plated binding posts for bi-wire and bi-amp configurations.
The JBL 4369 Studio Monitor will be available globally in Q1 2026.
Black Lion Audio Launches Auteur Quad2: A Boutique Mic Preamp Four Times Over
Black Lion Audio is proud to introduce the Auteur Quad2, a four-channel rack-mount mic preamp that brings its celebrated Auteursound into high-channel-count workflows without compromising on tone, build quality, or price.
Hybrid design for versatile application
The Auteur Quad2 is built around the same hybrid design that made the original Auteur a studio favorite: a fast, transparent input stage working in tandem with fat, colorful Cinemag transformers on the output stage. This American-meets-British-style circuitry delivers the detail and transient attack flattering to drums and percussion, with the option for just a bit of analog heft and color when the gain is pushed.
“The Auteur Quad2 embodies what we call Chicago-style preamp design,” says Preston Whiting, VP of Operations at Black Lion Audio. “It’s a uniquely Black Lion take on classic American and British preamp topologies. You get the transient response of an American console preamp, plus the tonal weight and saturation of a vintage British design — on four channels, with modern features, and at a price that defies comparison.”
All the essential preamp options included
Designed for modern studios in need of a rock-solid, great-sounding workhorse, the Auteur Quad2 includes per-channel +48V phantom power, polarity reverse, and -10 dB pads. Front-panel instrument/line inputs make it a breeze to track DI bass or keys, while rear-panel XLR and TRS outputs offer flexible routing.
The Auteur Quad2 is also a significant upgrade from the classic Auteur Quad. New to the Quad2:
- More gain than the original Auteur Quad
- All-new analog VU meters on all four channels
- Front-panel ¼” inputs now accept both instrument and line-level signals, and are available on all four channels
All of the above is packed into a rugged 1U chassis built from brushed black aluminum and loaded with premium components, including US-made Cinemag transformers, Nichicon and Vishay capacitors, and more, ensuring the lowest noise and highest fidelity in its class.
Key Features:
- Four-channel mic/line/instrument preamp
- Transparent, ultra-fast input stage for transient-rich sources
- US-made Cinemag output transformers for added depth and character
- 66 dB of gain — perfect for power-hungry ribbon and dynamic mics
- Four Instrument/Line DI inputs add console warmth to direct recordings
- Per-channel phantom power, polarity reverse, and -10 dB pads
- Built Black Lion-tough
The Auteur Quad2 began shipping through Black Lion Audio’s global network of dealers and distributors in October 2025 with a US MAP of $899 USD
