It’s that magical time of year again… time for our Holiday Buyer’s Guide! Whether you’re shopping for the recording musician in your life—or sneaking a little something under the tree for yourself—we’ve got you covered.
2025 Holiday Buyer’s Guide!
This year’s 2025 Holiday Buyer’s Guide is overflowing with goodies: 55 gift ideas, from stocking-stuffer steals to dream-worthy boutique gear. Every item is handpicked by our editorial team from the 149 products we reviewed this past year, so you can shop with confidence. [GET IT HERE]
Want even more holiday gift suggestions? We’ve also expanded our Fast Forward section to feature 11 fresh releases and upcoming gear that also deserve a spot on your holiday wish list.
Reviews
Rounding out 2025 in style, we have ten product reviews this month from across the studio spectrum. Beginning with studio monitors, we have the Type 05 A-Core AMT-equipped powered monitors from HEDD.
Continuing in the world of monitoring, we have the multifaceted Trinnov NOVA Dante audio interface/room optimizer.
Better than a new pair of ear muffs, we have the highly versatile HP-1 studio headphones from Kali Audio. Also for your ears, we check out the headphone-based Neumann RIME immersive monitoring plugin. Finally, in headphone-land, we take a look at the modular, pre-split/post-split Ensamble cable system from Dekoni Audio.
For all of our in-ear monitor (and headphone) friends, we bring you the dB Check Pro sound level analyzer from Sensaphonics to help make sure your listening levels are in check.
For the guitar players out there, we look at the fun and creative Fender Studio software and Link I/O interface.
Moving in the box, we delve into all the new modules and goodies available in iZotope Ozone 12. Then we savor the nostalgic tones of yesteryear with AirMusic Technology Fly Tape II — Cassette FX.
Last but not least, we give our mic cables some love with the American Recorder XLR Cleaning Tool.
Features
In this issue’s instalment of RECORDING Techniques, Dave Martin picks up from his October column, with miking tips for even more “exotoic” acoustic instruments. If you have ever been curious about recording dulcimers, harps, ukuleles and accordions, this column is for you. [GET IT HERE]
In Studio 101, Joe Albano wraps up his year-long look at setting up a personal recording studio! [GET IT HERE]
Of course, Producer Mark Hornsby is back in Inside the Studio, looking at “off the shelf” room treatment options and reminding us that “The Room Is The Instrument” [GET IT HERE]. Giles Reaves rounds out 2025, considering the state of the artist—moving on from the DAW era to the AI era in music production—in this month’s RECORDING Field Notes [GET IT HERE].
From all of us at RECORDING, we invite you to partake in the festivities of the December issue of RECORDING Magazine. Happy holidays, and happy recording!