Ribbon microphones might seem like a sacred relic that'll fall apart if you so much as look at it wrong. But when used correctly, they can really take your studio to the next level. Here's everything you should know about ribbon mics — and why you probably need one!
If you're into live sound, you need both a Shure SM58 and an SM57. It's not even really an option. But what's really the difference and when do you use each? It's the showdown of the two most hardworking mics in the music world: Shure SM57 vs. SM58.
They both might sound similar, but they're two unique models for a reason. Not "Shure" when to use each? Here's the breakdown between the Shure SM58 vs Beta 58A and why they're two of Shure's most iconic and trusted vocal mics.
Are condenser and dynamic mics really that different? Yes! And here's how you should use each in this breakdown of condenser vs. dynamic mics — and when you should use each in your recording or live-sound applications.
Want to upgrade your studio without breaking the bank? Check out the AMS-approved collection of top large diaphragm condenser mics under $500, and start recording the right way!
You see the fancy charts, but what do they mean!? Learn all about the various microphone polar patterns and how to use them in your recording or live sound application.
Shure has been coming out with a lot of microphones lately. And if you're wondering whether it's worth upgrading from your old SM7 to the SM7B, here's all the details you need to know.
Want a wireless hands-free microphone option that doesn't make you look like a 90s pop star? Check out this guide to wireless lavalier mics and how to set them up properly.
USB mics are all the rage these days, but are they replacing XLR? Not quite! Learn the difference between USB vs. XLR microphones to find out which is best for your needs.
Does a mic’ing technique really matter when recording a piano? We’re going to dive into how to mic a piano and how you can get the best piano sound with microphone choice and placement.
Not sure where to start miking your guitar amp? Learn how microphone choice and positioning shape your recorded sound with this handy step-by-step guide how to mic a guitar amp to truly capture your tone.
Need the best gifts for singers? From studio mics and pro headphones to vocal effects and must-have accessories, this guide has unique gift ideas for vocalists of all levels. Find the perfect present for the singer in your life!
Find your next guitar without breaking open your piggy bank with the official 2025 AMS ranking of best budget electric guitars. (And they're good guitars, too!)
A lot of cool stuff released in 2025. But what was the best? Check out this list of the Best Gear of 2025 to see all the top picks — in our humble opinion, at least.
Put your picks away, because we got to talk to Matteo Mancuso at the Yamaha booth at NAMM 2026. We talked all about his writing process, where to find inspiration, and of course, his love for the Yamaha Revstar.
Is it getting hot in here or is it just Rsonist from Heatmakerz? We got to chat with Rsonist and learn a few things about producing, fostering creativity, and just letting the musical juices flow.
Schecter has all the goodies at NAMM 2026 — including Mastodon guitarist Nick Johnston. We got to chat with Nick all about his relationship with Schecter, pracitcing guitar, and how creativity can resolve your woes.
Guess who we found at the Ernie Ball booth at NAMM 2026. Our good buddy Steve Morse! We got to talk to him all about his warmup routine, what it's like playing with arthritis, and how he built his signature Music Man. Check it out now!
Guess who we ran into at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ...? Mikael Åkerfeldt and Fredrik Åkesson of Opeth! We got to talk to them all about how they make music, their awesome PRS guitars, and a few tips and tricks for the up-and-coming metal artists out there.
How good do you have to be to be considered Wolfgang Van Halen's favorite guitarist? Pretty darn good! And we were lucky enough to get a few pointers from the man himself: Aaron Marshall! Check out the interview right here.
Ready to rock the turntables and get everyone out on the dance floor? Check out the ultimate DJ buyer’s guide to learn everything you need to know about becoming a DJ.
It’s not easy to build the perfect live sound setup, but we’re here to make it at least a little bit easier with the AMS ultimate live sound buying guide.