Thomann's Cool Online Guides
Here's a list of our current Online Guides. Each one extends over several pages and explains a specific product area in simple terms with the aid of pictures and diagrams, covering their history, use, and different types. Some documents cover complete setups, and others specific techniques of use. If you’re unsure of how to go about choosing the right product for you, or you just want to know more about any of these topics, read on!
Please select a category:
- All categories (178)
- Wind Instruments (15)
- Cases, Racks, Bags (1)
- DJ Equipment (7)
- Drums & Percussion (15)
- Guitars & Basses (34)
- Cables + Plugs (3)
- Lighting + Stage (5)
- Microphones (17)
- Sheet, Books, DVDs (25)
- PA Equipment (9)
- Effect & Signal Processors (4)
- Studio Equipment (12)
- Software (9)
- Keys (12)
- Traditional Instruments (6)
- Accessories (4)
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The first hurdle though, is to decide on which instrument to learn?
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Computers can be very complicated. We’re here to offer some advice!
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Choosing a digital piano actually involves many of the same considerations as choosing a real piano.
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The range of available guitars and amps has never been greater than it is today, and a huge variety of sounds are easily accessible.
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In the digital age, the loudspeaker is the last and unchangeable outpost of analogue technology.
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Whether you’re a fan, a promoter or a performer, the refined craft of live sound is vitally important.
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At the simplest level, a controller keyboard, also commonly known as a "master" keyboard.
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The central place of the piano in modern music cannot be overstated.
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Our aim is to explain the basic process of recording the electric guitar!
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Electric guitars are ten a penny and nowadays there are at least as many models and makers to choose from.
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LED PARs, LED Bars and Moving Heads - what should I bear in mind?
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In this guide we’ll concentrate on the functionality of hardware mixers. They are an essential part of any live sound systems and studio setups.
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There is a wide range of audio interfaces available, and in the end, choosing the right one comes down to your personal preference.
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This guide will help you find a suitable drum kit and accessories for beginners.
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In this guide we’ll outline the basic principles of studio monitors, and take a closer look at their most common features.
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Cable... flex... lead... wire... what do all these terms mean?
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There are a wealth of synthesisers available today, ranging from hardware keyboards to virtual software instruments.
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This article will look at how to integrate a computer into different studio environments, and will highlight the issues of functionality and connectivity.
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Electronic drum sets are an instrument to reckon with.
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Recording choir music is always a challenge, even though it might not seem to be at first.
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The following pages give an overview of the various types of guitar amp available.
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We investigate some of the many accessories available for both guitar and bass.
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The PAR can is usually the basis of an entertainment lighting system!
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They pick up any sound! In this guide, we have tracked down the most popular condenser microphones for you.
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The steel-strung acoustic guitar has a range of sounds that are unmistakeable and not easily replicated with any other type of guitar.
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Headphones are basics for any studio or DJ. But not all headphones are created equal.
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There are many vocal microphones that are suitable for stage use, from the cheapest dynamic to the most expensive condenser.
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Radio Mics are designed to give the musician the freedom to move about the stage unhindered.
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Miking up and recording a drum kit is a fairly complicated procedure, and this can apply equally to choosing the right mics for the job.
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Portable keyboards now offer a wealth of features to suit both the first time musician and professional songwriter alike.
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Amp modellers are guitar DSP effects units that emulate the sound of a range of amplifiers and speaker cabinets.
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Here is a overview of the bass and all its component parts, from vintage to modern instruments.
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Professional standard lighting systems are no longer found solely in large venues.
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If you take good care of your equipment, your pack it up carefully - and this means getting a proper case!
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These days, musicians are experiencing the increasing complexity of their instruments and devices at first hand - regain some of the control you've lost!
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The term ‘modulation’ in its broadest sense covers a range of sonic effects, from the subtlest chorus to ear-bending ring modulation.
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The multi-FX concept has been around in various forms since the mid 80s - It is therefore no surprise that there is a huge range of hardware available.
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Dynamic microphones are the basic tools of live sound and play an important role in every recording studio.
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The multitracker is a great tool for musicians of all levels. It really can be a ‘studio in a box’ replacing many of the components of a traditional studio.
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Until recently, the classical guitar represented the most popular route into guitar playing.
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Unfortunately, choosing a simple dynamic mic is just the beginning.
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DJing has rather murky origins, and there are many people who claim to have been the first to mix two records together.
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Hardware is the stuff you play on and it does not make a noise – ideal scenario that is.
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Without strings, guitars and basses produce no sound, yet most players know very little about them.
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Read on and learn all you should know about small diaphragm mics
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More people than ever are now convinced of the advantages of plug-ins. Why?
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In-Ear monitoring - reasonable prices since a few years only - a real bliss for any live musician. Why? Find out here..
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These days, software instruments seem to most like the natural thing to use as a sound source in a computer-based studio.
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Microphone preamps, are analogue devices that will remain important even as most other equipment is superseded by digital alternatives.
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The choice of cymbals is just as important as the choice of drums within a kit. Let’s take a closer look.
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You could sum up the whole idea of a PA power amplifier in a single word - sound. The power amp is a crucial part of a musician’s live sound.
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Though there are other options, the stack remains a rock icon, and is still the most flexible form of guitar amplification.
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Learning to play an Viola is a long, but rewarding journey, and this guide has been designed to help at the start.
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Percussion instruments are the backbone of many traditional styles of music and are a wonderful way to add colour, texture and motion to contemporary music.
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Our guide assist you in discovering which is the right kind of flute for you.
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Sampling technology is no longer restricted to large studios!
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This tutorial covers audio compressors and how they are used.
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A classic Ibanez Tubescreamer or Colorsound Tonebender can fetch many times its original price from guitarists in search of the ultimate killer tone and sustain.
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Often underestimated and thought of only as a holiday instrument, the ukulele is experiencing a revival - and by no means only on Hawaii
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The single most important element in any style of dance music is the ‘groove’, a chemistry of rhythm for your song that can make or break its overall feel.
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Fog machines - can you still see me?
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EQ is perhaps the least noticed of all types of audio processing, but also the most important.
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Effects processors designed for use with bass guitars are now more popular than ever.
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Software Sequencing as a term is deeply inadequate to describe the power of the programs now available to the computer-based musician.
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The trumpet is one of the most versatile instruments, standing its ground in every music genre imaginable.
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The acoustic guitar is one of the most frequently recorded instruments in the studio, but it is often recorded poorly.
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Is mastering a ‘black art’ best left to the professionals, or with the right technology, is it something that anyone can attempt?
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Before buying an acoustic amp, it’s important to consider exactly what you want it to do.
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Learning to play an instrument is a long, but immensely rewarding journey, and this guide has been designed to help at the start of that journey.
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This guide aims to help complete beginners and existing double bass students (and their parents).
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Turntables have evolved over the years from traditional record players into the professional record decks seen in every club today.
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Drumheads have been manufactured from plastic since 1956, mostly polyester.
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While we could go into more and more detail about DI boxes and their inner workings, at some stage it’s best to get some hands-on experience!
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In our online guide, we want to look at the modern drum set from every angle.
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A wide variety of percussion instruments forms the modern orchestra’s rhythm section.
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This article will look at how a DSP accelerator can be a useful part of your computer-based studio, and also at their limitations.
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There is nothing mysterious about the basic principles of the electric guitar pickup.
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Many Drummer’s have not yet found their optimal stick - the selection is large.
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The workstation keyboards has come of age and found niches in many different areas.
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Despite its infamous classroom or beginner’s image, the recorder is in fact just as difficult to play well as most other instruments.
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Modern electronic tuners are generally accurate, reliable and fairly inexpensive.
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Reverb is an essential ingredient in almost all pop and rock music.
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Delays offer a simple and convenient method of creating a sense of space around your sound.
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When choosing a mixer, the most important thing to consider is what style of mixing you will be doing.
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Let’s take a close look at this beautiful-sounding instrument.
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Welcome to our Online Advisor for Harmonicas.
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The trombone is a popular instrument in the brass family, and features in much classical, jazz and popular music.
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In this Online Advisor, created in conjunction with planetguitar.net, we explore the key features of the instruments that have redefined power chords.
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Alto Horn or Euphonium - Two Brothers or Total Strangers?
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Percussion for drum sets is like the toy shop for drummers.
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There is a wide selection of units to choose from in both single and double player format and a large range of prices.
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With a tuba, the sky's the limit - sounding good, looking good, and always tuned to fun!
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There are many types of reporting, interviewing and other broadcasts. Each bring their own audio challenges, and each have their own solutions.
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Not all mouthpieces are created equal. Some things you should definitely know!
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The variety and choice of mouthpieces is huge and can be confusing, too. We will do our best to help you find your way!
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The sound of the snare drum defines and unites almost all forms of popular music.
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The monitor controller is an elegant solution to a relatively new problem, and is invaluable in the project and commercial studio alike.
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All you ever wanted to know about the small helpers called headphone preamps ... can be found here
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One instrument with many names - the tenor horn and its counterpart, the baritone.
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In this guide, we’re going to look at one of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child
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There are many kinds of mute available, all of which alter both the volume and timbre of the instrument played.
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Enjoy your bassoon, the wonderful sound it makes, and the beautiful music written for it.
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It would be fair to say that the development of the wah-wah pedal has been somewhat experimental over the years.
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This article will look at what MIDI is, how it’s used to connect different devices, and some of the more popular MIDI interfaces.
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Your guitar needs care and attention, and by that we mean more than simply cleaning and polishing it. Read this tutorial to find out more.
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DJ systems are the interface between the vinyls and the sound you can hear. Here, you will also find whatever else a DJ needs.
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Ribbon microphones sound full, rich, and smooth. Seasoned engineers love their unique sound.
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Baritone guitars are the dark side of the guitar world - without them, there's almost nothing you can get done in the rock and metal scene.
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We delve into the digital technology bridging the gap between guitars and synths in several exciting areas.
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Guitar players in particular should know something about potentiometers
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E-bass pickups influence the sound of your bass decisively.
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Explore the oboe, the wonderful sound it makes, and the beautiful music written for it.
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Yo cannot nowadays conceive of an unplugged rock, pop, and especially folk-rock session without this box as a replacement for the bass and snare drums. Consulting this guide will help you make the right choice.
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Congas, common to most cultures worldwide. A somewhat challenging instrument sometimes but always so versatile
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It’s time for more guitarists to take advantage of the freedom of movement provided and strut their stuff!
Steinberg Cubase Pro 10
Audio MIDI Sequencer (DAW) 32 Bit integer and 64 bit float, Unlimited number of simultaneously usable audio and MIDI tracks, Supports up to 256 physical inputs and outputs, 5.1 surround support, Score Editor, Key Editor, Drum Editor, Sample Editor,...
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Sony WH-1000XM3 Black
Noise Canceling Headphones Wireless via Bluetooth (LDAC), Closed, Circumaural, 40 mm driver - dome (copper voice coil), Frequency response: 4-40000 Hz, Sound pressure level: 104 dB / mW, Impedance: 47 ohms, High-quality audio streaming with LDAC, Touch operation on...
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Steinberg Cubase Pro 10 EDU
Educational Version ATTENTION! This software version can only be purchased under certain conditions defined by the manufacturer! Please make note of our terms and conditions for buying educational software under "Downloads" at the bottom of...
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BluGuitar Amp1 Mercury Edition
BluGuitar Amp1 Mercury Edition; hybrid amplifier head for electric guitar; versatile, fully analogue amplifier in a pedal format, adjustable boost, reverb, three integrated footswitches, speaker simulation for recording applications, new Nanotube valve power amplifier, PowerSoak Attenuator; 4 channel; power: 100...
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Behringer CX2310 Super X Pro V2
Behringer CX2310 Super X Pro V2, stereo 2-way / mono 3-way crossover with subwoofer output, 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley filters, subwoofer output with independent frequency control, individual output gain controls and output mute switches for all bands, 2x input on XLR...
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Singular Sound BeatBuddy Mini 2
Effects Pedal Drum accompaniment in pedal form, The beat can be controlled live while playing with the footswitch, No programming required, 9 Drum sets, 24 Genres, 200+ Styles, Several time signatures, Non-quantized beat recordings by professional drummers provide original...
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Akai MPK mini Limited Black
Compact USB / MIDI Pad and Keyboard Controller Special edition of the MPK mini MKII in black, 25 Synth-action keys, 4-Way joystick for dynamic pitch / modulation control, 8 MPC pads with note repeat, Arpeggiator, 8 Assignable controls for...
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Korg PA-1000 Musikant SD Dongle
Micro SD Card For Korg PA-1000 Musikant, To activate the Musikant software, the associated software installation package must be downloaded via Korg, German version, 240 Styles, 250 Keyboard sets, 244 Sounds, 31 Drum kits, 266 Pads, 400 Songbook files,...
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Decksaver Pioneer DDJ-400
Decksaver Pioneer DDJ-400, dustcover for Pioneer DDJ-400X, polycarbonate, dimension (WxHxD): 48,6 x 27,0 x 4,0 cm, weight 0,4 kg.
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the t.mix 201-USB Play
2 Channel DJ Mixer with USB / SD / Bluetooth Player 2 Stereo inputs: phono / line / MP3, 1 Microphone input with talkover: 6.3 mm Jack, Headphone output: 6.3 mm Stereo jack, Master Out: XLR / RCA, Rec...
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Quilter Interblock 45
Quilter Interblock 45; transistor amplifier head for electric guitar; ultra compact 45 Watt guitar power amp, Great as spare or Pedalboard Amp, switch between Cab Sim and Full Range mode, silent recording via Balanced Line Output; 1 channel; power: 45...
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Decksaver Pioneer XDJ-RR
Decksaver Pioneer XDJ-RR, dustcover for Pioneer XDJ-RR, polycarbonate, dimension (WxHxD): 62,4 x 39,66 x 4,0 cm, weight 0,96 kg.
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We're looking forward to hearing from you and aim to solve any problems as soon as we can.