My Favorite Music Gear

[@MarySpender]

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[@kierenmoore3236]

32 bit is about capturing/catering for a wider dynamic range (without distortion), rather than a broader audio spectrum (which sounds more like frequencies, to me). 🙂

[@songlove7777]

The audio quality sitting by the lake totally blew me away!

[@samuelhatman8995]

Your comment on the importance of speed and simplicity in recording equipment is the true heart of the matter. We creatives chase "The Muses." The terror of "Red Button Syndrome" paralyses me and the Muses are gone. My equipment is different. I've yet to use it. It mirrors the choices in the studio where I am engaged in lessons. Thanks for sharing. I am the same. It must be quick and have capacity. Why? So I can forget the red light is on and record what is in my heart.

[@Daximotos1]

That turnip greens video was how I found the channel back when I was first starting to research pedals. Seeing that was nostalgic, but also made me feel old realizing how long ago that was!!

[@billtcheapbuiltcheap9568]

Same.

[@sbyvamt]

If you want to use the Microcosm live, I highly suggest getting a midi controller for your pedal board. In tandem, it kinda tames the microcosm for live use. So many controllable features.

[@rednaughtstudios]

The Microcosm. I have one. It's bonkers in all the best ways.

[@72151]

There’s a lot of knowledge and experience learning how all these devices work independently and together. The joy is in the journey because you will find 5 new things you didn’t set out to learn for the one thing you did.

[@WilliamHaisch]

*Schrödinger’s wife:* _“You had to look, didn’t you? Now what are you going to do?”_ *Schrödinger:* _“Hmm… hand me that mic… I’ve got an idea…”_

[@Alleged_Mercenary]

I learned to play my uncles old Gibson that looked like Willie Nelson's trigger. Never knew about gear and stuff until recently when I started trying to play again. Your gear vids are the least confusing I've seen. Thank you.

[@Glip65]

Thank a lot! Love when you explain things you’ve lived as a musician! …56 year old self made musician from a small town called Texcoco. And also love the way you sing with your guitar! Thanks again!!

[@bonwana2275]

I like the fact that you are simple. It's also a very smart way of being. I'm a gear junkie. I just can't help myself, lol. But I wish I wasn't. You just end up with half your gear just hangin' around. I appreciate your honesty, dedication, and self-belief. Liked and subscribed!

[@thureinphyo9768]

I could listen to you talk all day. If you ever do Podcasts (like I’ve been requesting for a million times in the past), count me in as a forever subscriber.

[@roncarlson7682]

32 bit (if I’m remembering right myself) means you don’t have to as concerned about levels. Looks like you’ve chosen well, listening carefully and arriving at your goal. It’s what I tell folks who ask, ‘You’ve got to be happy regardless of specs or other technical stuff. If you’re getting what’s in your head down/recorded, no reason to go elsewhere.’ You’ve learned a bunch and will keep learning I would suspect. Thanks for sharing what you know!

[@rodrigosanchezv3177]

I saw your tour dates. We are waiting you in Spain. Regards and congratulations for your videos and your music.❤

[@davidhills389]

All hail the Turnip Greens! I remember when you got that pedal… how time flies!

[@LenaandCary]

Same here. Can't believe it was that long ago! I still have and use mine, too.

[@gnmatsu]

I love it! So many nuances with every thing we can geek out on. Very much enjoyed. I'm a electrical engineer that used to work in RADAR and with my childhood days in the 60's and 70's I have such an appreciation for sound and signal processing. Add to that you put together such great, personal videos that are so very entertaining. Thank you. Aloha.

[@macsarcule]

I just bought a used H6 that I thought I’d use here and there to capture some riff building. But while testing it with just the “x mics” and sloppily placed, it recorded my acoustic with clarity and fidelity I was unprepared for. Testing with my other mics after, it continued to blow my doors off. This thing is wayyyy better than I could have hoped for, and I’m smitten! ✌️😃🎸 Thanks for all you do, Mary!

[@zynthio]

all of Zoom's portable recorders are amazing. I just got an old H2 and the build in mics sound incredible

[@musicman0024]

Simply put. I love your videos Mary (and your voice)! Loving the new album (Super Sexy Heartbreak), excited to get my pre-ordered album. Will become a patron in two months after payoff a few debts. I have the UA X4 as well and love it, super easy to use and great quality preamps and plugins.

[@DataStreamDream]

A Zoom 2020 rack was my favorite of the 90's. Lot's of presets. Your lighting is very nice.

[@LouCondon-j1v]

A buddy at our church band hooked me up with with the Ultimate Ears guy and got 50% off. Perfect ears. Got mine custom molded and the entire process only took 2 weeks. Very impressed.

[@BonzoKilbourn]

Mary may your journey continue in wonderful and unexpected ways. 😍

[@1robertcourtney]

Mary, I enjoyed watching the rundown of current gear you’ve been using. Also loved seeing you pull out your Turnip Greens that I remember watching your video of years back when you first got it 😀 some things just stand the test of time. Great video as always!

[@EngineerSaysWhat]

I have a budding musician. He's picking up bass, and a little bit of guitar (both Squier for now). Using a Focusrite input device. I replaced my Tama acoustic drums with an Alesis Strike set. I welcome your gear recommendations, particularly that guitar pedal. It sounds very interesting. Thanks for the tips and cool channel!

[@tnrizzo]

The portion about in-ear monitors is very helpful- I'm finding that it's becoming more essential to have them. Great video!

[@mebaugh1]

My fav acoustic guitar preamp pedal is Grace Designs Alix, a studio grade box featuring the amazing Grace Designs preamp, plentiful EQ, EFX loop and DI output. First learned of it from Molly tuttle and Billy Strings videos. Blows evertyhing esle out of the water (including Baggs Venue DI). Not cheap stuff by any stretch, but rather an investment in your live sound rig. Worth checking it out. Lower priced model is called Grace Designs BIX pedal- same great preamp and DI but in smaller footprint and simple bass/treble eq.

[@BaBaBaBenny]

I gotta say, the Ox Box is the sort of thing that I feel you don't really "get" until you use it. I recently tracked guitars for my band's next EP in my buddy's home studio and we used his Victory head ran through the ox box absolutely dimed. That sort of sound would normally be impossible to work with in the studio space we had, the guitar was literally spitting and seething, but NOTHING sounds like it. It still blows my mind today.

[@nationalduo4945]

Been waiting for this !

[@billtcheapbuiltcheap9568]

I watched your turnip greens vid to decide if i would buy one. I bought it, still use it. The liop to put effect between the drive and verb has been great. I never stopped watching from there. Greatly enjoy your channel and all of its avenues.

[@jukejointjack]

Love your channel Mary, thank you for everything 🤙

[@shiftintosunshine]

Thank you for being geeked out on gear and product design. It's fun. 🌟

[@dankingjr.2088]

Oooh, pedals and cords and mics. Sweet.

[@raykeefe9253]

Thanks for sharing. 2020 saw me getting back into music production due to COVID lockdown in Melbourne, Australia (7 months worth) and the Sony MDR-7506 really helped so I understand the value of dependable headphones. Thanks for sharing hat you have found usable. And that the in ear option helps with noise bleed.

[@brucelittle3958]

Loved the Church bell clip! Great discussion of gear!

[@marcball7454]

great choices mary.

[@spillemusicstudios8515]

Great video! Pro tip, you can run the ox box over spdif into yoru apollo, so you don't have to use up the two other preamps on your interface.

[@fordsrestorations970]

Thanks Mary , absolutely Simplicity is best , I still use an old line 6 kidney bean + a couple of foot pedals while my other equipment sits on the Shelf ... my zoom recorders actually do well when I run it through the mixer, but I hear you talk about the your zoom & audio face. Thanks Mary you are a real person .

[@my1thousand]

Love this, as a guitar nerd. And I also like your top/shirt. Very nice.

[@LilYeshua]

I'm just here for the experience and to hear your personal take so thanks

[@bassnsax]

Your setup is perfect! It should never be about the gear, but about the music and art you create with it! I sometimes "triple" on upright bass, bass guitar and synth bass, and I have almost-exclusively affordably-priced instruments (setup well, though! and several of them quite modified), going into an HX Stomp XL, then into a Markbass amp I bought second-hand, and then finally into a pair of (now discontinued) Peavey 1x12 bass cabs. And I couldn't be happier with the tone and sound I get!

[@JacobR.88]

I miss these videos from Mary! I hope she’ll make another video update to her guitar/amp collection

[@chantduplantier9871]

Thanks for sharing. I love what you do. We met at NAMM couple years ago.

[@LiminalVegas]

The microcosm is a lot of fun. Harp lady brought it to my attention. A handheld recorder is really handy. Haven't tried a Zoom. Looks interesting. The gear videos are always fun to see.

[@redtailramsey]

Hi Mary - you are the greatest! Thank you for what you do. I am a 61 year old retired man getting back to my love of music. I went to Berklee right out of high school and found myself overwhelmed and out of my league. So, I left and went to work for the family business. I really stopped playing piano, guitar and writing songs. I would pick my guitar up from time to time but it wasn’t until January that I committed myself back to this musical journey. I have just begun playing electric guitar and am blown away by all the options available. Like you I am simple by nature and wondering which direction to go with gear. If you were starting over today would you go old school pedals and amps or the more modern digital approach? Any thoughts would be appreciated. I know you get a sea of comments and may not even see this post - but I love what you are doing! Best to you!

[@SimoneDePascalis]

Since you mentioned, I'm loving your album as a whole (got the CD of course); Honestly, I was unsure I'd appreciate the songs just for the fact I'd be already too familiar with them - but was actually stunned by the new arrangements and, in particular, One To The West Coast and I Blame Myself ARE. JUST. INSANE.

[@stephenreese9841]

Thank you so much for sharing Mary.... it is very appreciated for me and maybe others for you to share your preferred gear...

[@stevenmuir1834]

I am not a musician, and I don't know anything about gear. Yet, I enjoyed this. I like how you explain things and your process for liking things. :)

[@stevieraveon]

Turnip Greens, Yes!!! I bought that pedal because of you. It's such a great pedal.

[@huskym6]

Seriously interesting video Mary, The OX box really peked my interest!

[@judemarshall1538]

Hi Mary - great job. Excellent explanation on the basics.

[@DylanYzewyn]

The name ‘dead cat’ for a mic protector is quiet funny to me. But a bit morbid

[@ghostcraft]

oh, that one's been around for decades! (and yeah, still a bit morbid).

[@cuebj]

Sounds great to me. Cats have found our garden. Not sure I can let our 7-month old granddaughter crawl around the garden until I spend a tidy sum on deterrent spikes, tiger-poo granules, plants they hate

[@jakubpodesva9802]

Actually, there is also a 'dead kitten' for a smaller version for i.e. video mics or lav. mics and also a 'dead wombat' which is version of dead cat but with less hair. Both are than put on so called 'zeppelin' which is kind of a basket protector of your 'shotgun' mic :)

[@billtcheapbuiltcheap9568]

'Quiet funny' shhhhhhh. Thank you dead kitty.

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

Tell that to Deadmau5

[@lespaul667]

Mary, all your gear choices were perfect and spot on. I picked most of the gear you have for my own use, and the UA gear is unmatched by anything else I’ve used in the last 10 years, and like you said, it’s just works flawlessly with a Mac. Great support as well, and their UAD system is amazing and the best investment in plug ins anyone could make. 🤘🤘🤘

[@paulussantosociwidjaja4781]

Got to try them. Cheers!

[@anthonyjrivers]

Every few months I relearn the Microcosm because the pedal's feature set is soooo deep. Such an amazing pedal

[@chadboynton7175]

Mary, I love your music and your videos. I found you through Leo from frog leap. And I have been following you since! I wish I had 10% of your talent. If you come to the United States during your tour, I would love to see your show. I live in Atlanta, GA USA. You are awesome 👍

[@EmersonSpeakerBRAZIL]

Thanks for sharing that, Mary.

[@nelson1953]

I totaly agree. When we play acoustic without further treatment that should be enough. I also do some musical vídeos but there's often a sort of temptation to add things I imagine on that song or tune and I can't resist.😅

[@saarin0tsorry]

I would not dream of criticizing your gear! It is what makes you happy, it is what make you sound good. I have been a big fan of the Universal Audio line of UAD interfaces since I was using their PCI cards through the Firewire days. The Apollo is amazing and their plugins are delicious! I am a big fan of their guitar pedals. The Ruby 63 is so useful for my rig.

[@andypeacockmusic]

Hi Mary from Brisbane Australia! Since you obviously like the UA way of doing things I'd really recommend trying the Dream 65 Pedal for direct recording guitar - I'm very fortunate to play some remote sessions and using this with my normal pedal's direct and it's simple and not a compromise sonically. Power to you.

[@Gary-zq3pz]

The Empress Zoia. The pedal that does....everything. Put in the middle of the chain for Nice results.

[@santabaia]

I love this accent. And very informative content. Thank you

[@justaskin8523]

Hi Mary! Thank you for the rundown of your gear list! But seriously, even if you were just using the cheapest Focusrite or Arturia interface and an SM57, I'm sure your music would still be amazing and awesome. And that's because you are doing it. You're making it happen day in and day out. It's you + persistence + consistency + willingness to try new things. You are the magic sauce and that is the magic equation. When you get to a point that you can even AFFORD any UAD equipment, then you're doing pretty well and your sound will definitely benefit. As it should be! Now, I'm curious what software you're using, and since you're using the UAD modeling microphone and the Twin X4, I'd also be curious what plugins you have found especially motivating and moving. Thanks again! Now I'm off to go add a Zoom recorder to my budget, lol!

[@DavidKestler]

Loving UA, been digging into Luna, got a few UA plugins and now that OX is a must have from UA! Thanks for the video Mary. :)

[@rickjette9482]

2016!! You haven't aged a bit. I wish there was a way to see you play live here in Connecticut.

[@PatFarrellKTM]

When you sell so many copies that you feel rich, consider a ribbon microphone for your voice. I think one would work well with your voice. The AEA R84 is very nice, I have a matched stereo pair of them. Royer also makes great ribbon mics. They are more fragile than things like an SM7, so they are not great for touring, think studio only.

[@stevesmith3990]

The Turnip Greens video was the first one of yours that I watched - but 2016, OMG. You've come a long way, Well done Mary.

[@halletscove6529]

Always enjoy your videos. Great work as always.

[@TheBigburcie]

Those Zoom handheld recorders are never a bad investment. The quality and practicality for the price is impossible to beat. It's pretty much a must-have for singer songwriters since it can live in a guitar case or backpack and be up and running in 2 minutes if inspiration hits.

[@MarkHolden73]

Great run downs and a welcome reminder to what your using. Definitely need to check out that UA mic the appeal of no cloudlifter is a selling good selling. The turnip greens still looks like worth checking out, lovely pedal. Been getting a Zoom Q2n for spur of the moment recording that seems to be working well. The Zoom stuff really does have great audio recording this little camera held its own at a show positioned right under the house PA with no audio clipping.

[@ItsRael108]

Mary Spender an isperation to the world w/❤

[@wolfnstrings]

I think you would enjoy a rotary pedal. I use a Neo Instruments Ventilator II Rotary Speaker Simulator Pedal with a slow and fast speed and can ramp between settings. I think the guitar through one would sound divine with your singing and playing style.

[@rubrshrk]

Thank you, @MarySpender. I already have most of the stuff you discussed. I'm fully onboard with your recommendations, except a bit on the AT headphones. I have that set and whenever I wear them I feel like I want something else- most headphones make me feel that way, though. Probably my favorites to use are the very old Sennheiser HD 265s, which have had a long and happy life but are nearing the end. I also have a pair of the Focal Elegias that sound amazing, but I can't wear them for a very long time. I will probably follow your lead on the in-ears, though.

[@MarioRossibless]

Hi Mary wonderful stuff 😊👍🎵🎶

[@kaycamargo3478]

Great Video Mary. I think if you get Acquainted with the MercuryX and LVX from Meris you would fall in love, and potentially replicate the TG Reverb setting.

[@worthmoremusic]

I compose a lot of ambient music and Microcosm is probably one of my absolute favorite pedals ! Chase Bliss makes some incredible pedals too.

[@rstanding]

I have been playing professionally since 1979, that is when I got my first paying gig. I also do a solo act with guitar a harmonica in a harp holder and vocals. You have to have really good musical instruments and you have to have really good amps, mics, speakers etc. I rieciently have been doing solo work and I bought a BOSS RC-500 loop station. It has sent my imagination into the cosmos. I use a Roland 5 watt Cube Street, a Roland 50 watt Cube Stree EX (Which is loud enough to play with a loud rock band, both are battery powered, and they both sound great. You cannot go wrong with Roland. When I have power I use a 400 watt Quilter micro pro with an 8' speaker and a 12 inch speaker. I play flute and harmonica and guitar and sing. I use Sure microphones and a BOSS GT-100 effects pedal.

[@tonyroberts7481]

Mary thx for the deep dive.

[@Diana2112Gaming]

I'm saving for an Ox Box. I keep hearing they're a major game changer for home studio musicians because they let you do things you couldn't otherwise do. I just have to get a Cranborne Audio 500R8 first.

[@WJV9]

Would like to have had a better picture of the back side of the boxes you use along with links to webpage information. Great job as usual.

[@ubirajaramosqueiradeolivei5414]

Mary, I love his work.

[@stephenworthington8508]

Take care Mary 🎉

[@SalmonFume]

Cool. I use a Zoom R8 and it works just fine. The more gear reviews I see, the more I'm just happy with what I have.

[@2011studies]

I use similar headphones but always do a double check with monitors speakers. Chinese mic clones have sparked a mic war. Great deals out there.

[@Lalairu]

I remember your videos from Andertons, it's been some time xD I think you talked about the Turnip Greens there. My fav price of gear right now is the Keeley Caverns 2, sounds amazing and looks gorgeous. I got it used for a very nice price. I am also very in love with my Sigma 000MC-15E.

[@Circharles]

Take a look at the Neumann mt48 interface. Its amazing.

[@JohnnyMcPro]

Imagining myself at 1:44 with my OM-28 in a boat just totally flipping over 😂

[@Candyman_Young]

God. That would suck! HAhah

[@deanallen927]

Thanks for sharing; I may go get a Turnip greens right now. Nice Rory Strat as well. I have a couple questions maybe you could answer if you have time. Can I ask your opinion, if you have one on Avantone mics; they seem to be a bit retro (not always your bag I gather) a lower price point and have great presentation, but what about their quality? Also you mention rechargeable batteries; all the ones I've used are junk so I gave up on them years ago. What kind do you like? NICE VIDEO.

[@jp7963]

Looking forward to hearing some live Turnip Greens (oh and you of course haha!) at Leeds Brudenell in October 😃

[@TheTobesOfHades]

So cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@Dobroz99]

Thanks for showing us your equipment! Hey what technology to split your videos when you are playing as a trio? Thx

[@josephkrieg5240]

That Turnip Greens video was the first video of yours I watched! Very cool.

[@scottbecker3485]

Thank you for introducing me to that incredible multi-mic modeler. Looks like the right one for me at some future point in time. But I‘m puzzled by you apparently no longer using the Fender Tone Master Pro that you so profusely liked a while ago. May I ask what caused the falling out? (I‘m asking as a TMP devotee using mine for acoustic and electric guitars as well as vocals, for solo live performances.)

[@murraypollard]

Another great video! I want to comment on your headphones: because I mix with headphones on at various times, I use Neumann NDH 20. The are closed back and neutral (flat) to get a true sound. The ATH-M50x sound great BUT they don’t aim for the balanced sound you which you would expect from a pair of headphones that they claim to be “professional studio monitors”. They sound more exciting, but they're not neutral-sounding, so you don't want to do mixing on them.

[@kierenmoore3236]

awww, babyface 2016 Mary ☺️

[@cheribarkman1784]

Thank you

[@cwillmore97]

Haha!! I was just wondering if or when you were going to do a gear vid again.

[@taloujazz9504]

We learn all the life . My recommandation for the audio device Universal Audio Volt 276 . For the DAW : Logic Pro on mac . Zoom recorders are very good indeed you are right . I keep the headphones too Audiotechnica because my Beyer Dynamic are too big .My favorite delay pedal : Carbon Copy MXR. Et voilà les amis ;). Congrats @MarySpender for the single "I blame myself"

[@RattusNorvegicus001]

Danke!

[@summerdreamsmusic]

I have a Tascam record "like" this (probably half of half price haha) and if you don't like to process to much the audio a nice thing is enhance the stereo. For outdoor recordings like you showed s pretty interesting. The 2 mics on tascam are mobile, so, the stereo can be more separete if we want. I'ts a nice recorder too (if you don't leave your smartphone near it. haha)

[@Han________]

loved this