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Buying Guides

The Best Distortion Pedals for Metal

There are countless subgenres of metal with their own identifying traits, but a high-gain guitar tone permeates them all. The best distortion pedals for metal will turn any amplifier into a bludgeoning brute, letting you explore extreme styles of self-expression. For today’s aspiring metal guitar players, access to soul-rupturing high-gain tones has never been easier, as shown by our curated selection of some of the best distortion pedals for mind-melting metal.

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Labor Day 2025 Exclusive Music Gear

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A Guide to the Martin D-28

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The Best Guitar Cables of 2025

Plug away at the best straight-to-straight, straight-to-angled, and pedalboard patch cables that will ensure your sound is pristine and robust.

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The Best DAWs for Beginners

If you intend to do any sort of computer-based recording, one of the best DAWs for beginners will start you headed down that road. Check out our picks for the best DAWs for beginners.

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The Best Plug-ins for Mixing Guitar

We're going to divulge some of our favorite plug-ins for mixing guitar, as well as answer some commonly asked questions about mixing guitars in the box.

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The Best Plug-ins for Mixing Vocals

This article will investigate some of the best plug-ins for mixing vocals, including everyday utilities and stylistic enhancers for voices in rock, rap, country, metal, pop and beyond.

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The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025

Check out our top choices for the best recording interfaces.

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Exclusive Drum Event Gear

From now until August 20, our Drum Event is a time to shop serious savings all around, so you won’t want to miss out on this chance to score new drums and accessories that’ll keep the groove going.

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Top 5 Most Popular Electric Guitars

A brief look at the world’s most popular electric guitars, from the Telecaster to the Les Paul.

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The Best TAMA Drum Kits of 2025

From compact and beginner kits to pro shell packs and double-bass drum setups, we compare the top TAMA kits for drummers of all styles and skill levels.

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Hybrid Mixers for Live Performance and Home Recording

Check out our top mixers for putting together a hybrid system for the stage and the studio.

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Best Live Sound Mixers for Compact Systems

From singer-songwriters to bands to creators, we'll help you find the right mixer for your needs.

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The Best Bass Pedals of 2025

Unleash low-end inspiration with the top pedals designed for bassists. Discover bass preamps, compressors, distortion, EQ, multi-effects and more.

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How to Choose the Best Fender Guitar Amplifier

From the beginning student to the seasoned veteran, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to find the perfect Fender amp for you and your guitar.

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Best Studio Headphones for Recording, Mixing and Mastering

From tracking to mixing to mastering, we break down the best headphones for the job

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Exclusive 4th of July Music Gear

We’ve got fresh electric guitars, effects, drums and more, bringing layers of creative flavor to your season of leisure.

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A Guide to Taylor Guitars

In this article, we're going to delve into this history of Taylor guitars and explore their current acoustic offerings.

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The Best Microphones for Recording Electric Guitar

In this article, we’re providing a list of the best choices for miking your amps, along with guidance on what each mic brings to the party and how to get the most from it.

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A Guide to Universal Audio's UAFX Pedals

UAFX pedals include models of iconic amps, compressors, reverbs, delays and more. Put spectacular, vintage and classic sounds on your pedalboard.

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A Guide to Suhr Amplifiers and Effects Pedals

Learn the story behind the amps and pedals of Suhr, a true one-stop tone shop.

Buying Guides
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