Our Standards
How We Review
Every piece of gear we review is scored the same way, by the same rules, so a 7 always means the same thing. Here is exactly how we do it — and where the money comes from.
The rubric
We score five dimensions from 1 to 10 in whole numbers — no decimals, no half-points. The overall score is their weighted average, rounded to a whole number.
| Dimension | Weight | What we judge |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 30% | Does it hold up under real gig use? Specs only count when they translate to the booth. |
| Features & Design | 25% | Clever features that solve real problems without adding complexity. |
| Build Quality | 20% | Durability under constant transport and use. |
| Ease of Use | 15% | Setup and intuitive operation. |
| Value | 10% | Performance over time versus price — not "expensive equals better." |
What the score means
How we test
- • Gear is used on real gigs and in real setups before it is scored — not judged from a spec sheet.
- • We say what not to buy, and we keep an honest cons list even on gear we like.
- • Every review names its author and carries a “last updated” date.
Editorial independence & how we make money
No brand can pay for a score, a badge, or placement. Reviews are written independently — the verdict and the number are decided before any commercial link is ever added. Some reviews include affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you buy through them; that never affects our conclusions. When a review is sponsored, gifted, or tied to any commercial relationship, we disclose it clearly at the top of the page.
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