Reflector Sessions

Music

first all-access documentary on Frank Zappa

It’s been years in the making, but the first trailer for the long-awaited Frank Zappa documentary, Zappa, has now been released.

The new film is a two-hour deep dive into the legendary artist’s incredible life and career. It was directed by Bill & Ted star Alex Winter, who was granted unfettered access to the Zappa family trust and all archival footage.

The film itself “explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time.”

In addition to Zappa’s widow, Gail Zappa, the film features interviews with musical collaborators including Steve Vai, Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others.

“Frank Zappa was not only a creative genius, but also a great and eloquent thinker who articulated the madness of his times with extraordinary clarity and wit,” said Winter.

“A legitimate maverick who lived and worked amongst other extraordinary people in historic times. Ultimately, Zappa is not a retro trip into the past, but a thoroughly modern exploration of a man whose worldview, art and politics were far ahead of their time, and profoundly relevant in our challenging times.”

Added Ahmet Zappa, one of the film’s producers, “I’m thrilled Magnolia is bringing the Zappa movie to the world. This emotional journey began with my mother’s belief in Alex Winter and he’s made an extraordinary film.

“I’m so grateful to the fans who contributed to the Kickstarter campaign. Their support was invaluable as is our partnership with UMG. I feel in my heart Frank and Gail would be so proud of the documentary and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”

Zappa will be released in the US on November 27th. For more information, head to Zappa Movie.

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The next generation rhythm machine

Boss DR-880 Dr. Rhythm
The DR-880 is a rhythm-programming powerhouse that’s loaded with world-class drum, percussion, and bass sounds from Roland’s famous SRX library. It also includes a stunning collection of original waveforms. You can get microscopic with the DR-880, but you also have the option of taking the simple route with its three EZ Compose buttons, which allow original patterns to be constructed without note-by-note programming hassles. Patterns can be taken deeper with the Groove Modify feature, where various groove and triplet feels can be applied. Ghost notes and fills can also be added automatically. Guitar and bass players can join the action by plugging directly to the DR-880’s Guitar/Bass Input jack, and playing through the built-in COSM Drive/Amp models and multi-effects.

Innovative EZ Compose feature for quick, hassle-free programming, 440 world-class drum and percussion sounds, 40 bass sounds with COSM bass-amp models, Guitar/bass input, multi-effects, COSM amp models, 3 independent insert effects (EQ and compression), TSC (Total Sound Control) featuring 3-band EQ and high-quality ambience, 1,000 patterns (500 preset, 500 user); easily add fills, ghost notes, chord progressions, and more, 20 velocity-sensitive pads, Four assignable footswitch and expression-pedal inputs, Individual outputs, digital out, USB port
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Made in Japan

For over 30 years the Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer has been one of the most popular overdrive pedals in the world. The unmistakable little green stomp box has been a perennial favorite, cherished by rocks most celebrated guitarists for it’s warm, creamy tone and unequivocal responsiveness. Now Ibanez has expanded the palette of “The Screamer” with the new TS808DX.

Simply put, this new version is two pedals in one: A true TS808 Overdrive, featuring the JRC4558D IC for that signature soft, subtle clipping sound, and a boost circuit, capable of adding up to 20db at the tap of a switch. The pedal incorporates two individual, true bypass switches for total independent control, allowing the Overdrive and the Booster to be used separately or in conjunction with each other. Add the Boost for a few extra db while playing through the Overdrive circuit, or just engage the booster on its own for that little extra lift while playing clean.

A toggle switch allows for the choice of placing the Boost Pre or Post the Overdrive section and a rear panel switch offers the option of 9-volt or 18-volt operation, It’s the Screamer you know and love, taken to a whole new level.
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Slightly more open with a tighter bottom end


ZERO WATT STEREO AMPLIFIER: Integrate your pedalboard adding full stereo routing directly to a PA System, Amps, Audio Interfaces or anything you need with its 4 simultaneous outputs (2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4 bypasseable outs), stereo effects loop, headphones out and aux in.
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Drawmer CMC2 – Compact Monitor Controller

The CMC2 is a compact monitor controller that has been designed to provide the same top quality audio, transparency and accuracy of Drawmer’s other monitor controllers, such as the MC2.1 and MC3.1, whilst retaining all the necessary features that the smaller project studio would require without the cost of the advanced features that would seldomly be used.
Can you trust the audio that your current monitor controller is providing? Is it colouring the sound? For all Drawmer monitor controllers it is imperative that what you record is exactly what you hear. The active circuit has been designed to faithfully produce the audio signal whilst removing many of the problems that a passive circuit will bring. There is one thing that should always be absolutely guaranteed – that you can rely on the accuracy of your monitor controller.

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