Beat Magazine #240 - January 2026

Finally Understood! The ABCs of STUDIO MONITORS

Your monitor setup is the most important tool in your studio. But what truly makes a good monitor, and how do you get the most out of your system? This comprehensive masterclass reveals all the secrets of monitoring. Learn how to master proper placement and room acoustics, which myths you can safely ignore, and how to mix professionally even with headphones. We answer the most frequently asked questions about 2-way vs. 3-way systems, the necessity of subwoofers, and much more. We also take a look at the hottest speakers on the market and compare them in our comprehensive speaker finder, so you can find the ideal setup for your studio and budget.

Truth or ...? Monitoring Myths Clarified

There are many myths and claims surrounding the topic of „monitoring“. They range from the positioning of loudspeakers to the perfect listening level. We have checked for you which of them are true and which are complete nonsense.

Bitwig 5.3 Studio 8-Track For Free – Plus 5,6 GB Colossal Choirs & Voices

This month you not only get the fully modular DAW Bitwig 5.3 Studio 8-Track, which is guaranteed to awaken the creative tinkerer in you, but also the Colossal Choirs & Voices Bundle for the Bitwig Sampler, with a whopping 5.9 gigabytes of patches! Immerse yourself in the world of desert tribes, experience epic Templar choirs, feel the magic of witchy mantras, sink into the meditation of monks and Mongolian throat singing, listen to ethereal whispers and feel the sublime splendour of Gregorian choirs.

Test: GS Music Bree6 – Juno Clone or Future Cult?

The GS Music Bree6 is a very compact analog synthesizer in module form, whose 6-voice sound generation is particularly reminiscent of the Roland Juno. With its high-quality workmanship, clear operating structure, and its characterful, charming sound, it has already attracted some attention. And not without good reason, as our test has shown.

Mega-Advent: 24 Prizes For Your Studio – Enjoy The Advent Calendar For Producers

It‘s that time of year again! Time for Christmas and a proper Advent calendar. And that‘s exactly what you‘ll get this year: Behind 24 doors are sensational giveaways and discounts, exclusively for you as a Beat reader. And best of all: you can even open all the doors at once! Synths, sounds, microphones, headphones, mixers ... there‘s something for everyone. We hope you enjoy the offers!