Liner Notes
From the blog
Deep dives, gear histories, and the stories behind the sound.
Gear History
The Roland TR-808: From commercial failure to the sound of modern music
Only 12,000 were ever built. Now originals sell for $6,000+. Here's how a discontinued drum machine became the backbone of hip-hop, house, and pop.
What's That Gear?
The complete Harman Kardon system in American Psycho
Patrick Bateman's apartment has a full HK 700 series stack. We identified every component.
The Setup
Build the McIntosh rig from The Departed
Six components, $15,000+ at retail. Full gear list and the budget alternative.
Gear History
The Technics SL-1200: From hi-fi to hip-hop to global DJ standard
How a Japanese turntable meant for living rooms became the backbone of an entire culture.
What's That Gear?
Every piece of audio gear in Ferris Bueller's bedroom
Carver M-500t, AudioSource EQ-One, E-MU Emulator II — the full stack identified.
Sound Check
JBL L100 Classic reissue — the American Dad speaker, revisited
$4,000 for a speaker that became famous from a cartoon. Is it worth it?
Gear History
The Sony Walkman's three lives: personal audio, Star-Lord, and the collector boom
From 1979 to Guardians of the Galaxy to $800 eBay listings.