Explore The Audio Magazine: Reviews, Free Software, Studio Tools and More

The Audio Magazine combines independent audio equipment coverage with practical, free resources for musicians, recording engineers, producers and studio owners. You can read hands-on equipment reviews, use recording tools directly in your browser, discover free plug-ins, consult studio reference materials, and browse audio classifieds. Here is a guide to the site’s main features.

Use the audio tools built into the site

You don’t need to install an app to use several of TAM’s interactive tools. The Guitar & Bass Tuner offers convenient instrument tuning, while the Spectrum Analyzer lets you examine audio picked up by your device’s microphone. There is also a built-in Audio Recorder for capturing, playing back and saving quick audio memos. Look for the tool controls in the site header, including the mobile layout. Microphone access requires your browser’s permission.

Discover free music software and plug-ins

The Free Music Software & Plug-ins Directory is a searchable, growing collection of no-cost tools for audio production. It covers instruments, effects, recording and editing applications, MIDI utilities, analyzers and more. Filter by operating system, category or plug-in format to find options for Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile devices and the web. Entries link to official developers and explain important free-version restrictions where applicable. These directory listings are researched references, not hands-on product reviews.

Find equipment in the classifieds

The Audio Classifieds give readers a place to advertise and discover used audio equipment. Submissions are free and reviewed before publication, with an approach designed to avoid publicly exposing sellers’ personal contact information. It’s intended to be a useful community resource for the buying and selling of studio gear.

Explore studio resources and reference tools

Our Studio Resources collection brings practical production references together in one place:

• Audio & Studio Calculators: Room modes, SPL versus distance, frequency and wavelength, delay calculations, reverberation estimates, recording storage and related calculations.
• Studio Forms & Track Sheets: Printable recording sheets, session input lists, patch sheets, mix and outboard recall documents, microphone-placement worksheets and production checklists.
• Connector Wiring: Wiring references for common audio connections.
• Audio tools and test signals: Additional resources for checking, planning and documenting studio setups, accessible from the Resources navigation.

Read independent reviews and equipment comparisons

At the editorial heart of TAM are recording studio equipment reviews informed by actual use. Our coverage includes microphones, studio monitors, mixing consoles, preamplifiers, processors, interfaces, DAWs and plug-ins, with selected attention to guitars, drums, effects pedals and live sound equipment. We also publish side-by-side comparisons that explain how different products behave in real recording environments, including workflow, reliability and serviceability—not just specifications.

Keep up with product news and industry developments

The site’s Product News section follows new audio products, software releases, instruments and relevant industry announcements. A news ticker and homepage news section make it easy to see what’s new, while longer articles provide room for context and analysis.

Browse the audio industry and the archives

Find manufacturers and other relevant resources in Audio Industry Links, explore pro-audio trade shows, and use the category and brand archives to browse older coverage. The homepage’s From the Archive feature brings past articles back into view, including products and recording techniques that remain relevant years later. The site map provides a fuller index of the site.

Where to start

For practical tools, open the tuner, spectrum analyzer, or free software directory. For equipment decisions, visit Reviews or the Classifieds. For sessions and studio planning, begin with Studio Resources. The Audio Magazine will continue to develop these resources alongside its independent editorial coverage.