Higher Hz (pronounced “Higher Hertz”) is an online magazine that delivers real-world insights, expert reviews, and hands-on guides on music production gear and software.
We’re a team of producers, audio engineers, and musicians who spend as much time making music as we do testing the tools that make it possible. From audio interfaces and studio monitors to DAWs and VST plugins – if it helps you create music, we’re here for it.
Our mission
We aim to help music creators make smarter decisions, whether they’re building their first bedroom studio or refining a professional setup. From choosing the right gear to mastering your workflow, our goal is to support music makers every step of the way.
What we do
At Higher Hz, we test and review music production tools in real-world environments, not sterile labs. Our content spans product reviews, comparison guides, tutorials, and honest advice – created by people who actually use this gear day in and day out.
Whether you’re just starting out or years into your production journey, you’ll find content tailored to your needs.
We also develop and release a growing set of free VST plugins designed to inspire creativity and solve real production challenges.
Whether it’s Hz Delay for analog-style character, Hz Multiplier for rich sound layering, or Hz Box for unique timbral shaping, our plugins are made by producers, for producers – and they’re 100% free.
We also host and support projects like Protege – a career-focused music production school designed to help aspiring producers turn their passion into a profession.
Meet the team
Our team includes producers, engineers, composers, DJs, and working musicians with decades of experience across genres and studio types. We’ve played in tiny clubs, toured internationally, worked with top brands, and covered major trade shows.
We don’t just write about gear – we rely on it every day. That’s what makes our perspective real.
Benedict Roff-Marsh
Industry expert, software developer
Benedict is a mix engineer, record producer, and composer with over 30 years of experience. At Higher Hz, he works as a music industry expert and software development supervisor.
Marco Sebastiano Alessi
Senior writer
Marco is a producer, engineer, and record label owner. At Higher Hz, he works as a senior writer, covering music production software and live sound.
Brandon Schock
Senior writer
Brandon is a producer, audio engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. At Higher Hz, he works as a senior writer, covering microphones, studio monitors, audio interfaces, and other studio gear.
James Michael Nugent
Senior writer
James is a producer, composer, sound designer, and synth enthusiast. At Higher Hz, he works as a senior writer, covering MIDI controllers and synthesizers.
Alex Acheson
Content writer
Alex is an EDM/pop producer and engineer. At Higher Hz, he works as a writer, covering VST plugins and music production techniques.
Aaron Cloutier
Content writer
Aaron is a professional songwriter, composer, and music educator. At Higher Hz, he works as a writer, covering songwriting, arrangement, and music theory topics.
Andrei Kozhemiakin
Head of content, editor-in-chief
Andrei is an audiophile with extensive knowledge of sound and audio technologies. Although less proficient as a musician, he has over 10 years of experience in multimedia production. At Higher Hz, he works as a head of content and editor-in-chief, overseeing the editorial team and content strategy.
Mark Barkan
Founder, president
Mark is an innovative entrepreneur and seasoned executive with a deep passion for music and technology. He is the founder and president of Higher Hz, steering the company’s vision, strategic direction, and overall operations.
How we make money
We love what we do, but producing quality, in-depth content takes time, gear, and a team of professionals who deserve to be paid fairly for their work.
To fund the project, Higher Hz participates in affiliate programs with trusted retailers like Amazon, Sweetwater, and others. When you click a link to a product we’ve reviewed and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission from the retailer – at no extra cost to you.
We don’t have contracts or paid placement deals with the brands we feature. Our content is reader-supported, which means our loyalty is to you, not the manufacturer.
Honest reviews
Every review on Higher Hz reflects the personal opinion and hands-on experience of the writer responsible for it. While multiple team members may test or discuss a product behind the scenes, each article is authored and signed off by one person – and their voice remains their own.
Each review reflects the personal experience and honest opinion of the writer. We discuss gear, share thoughts, and debate internally, but ultimately, the writer makes the final call. That’s why you may notice different perspectives across our content: we believe that’s a strength, not a flaw.
Music is inherently subjective. Taste, workflow, and environment all shape how gear performs and how it’s perceived. We aim to stay as objective as possible – comparing similar products, noting pros and cons, and clearly stating who a product is best suited for.
Even if our opinions aren’t always universal, they are always honest.
How we test
Our review process adapts to each product type, but the core approach stays consistent. We break down the most important features for that category, assess them individually, and present our findings in a clear, structured format.
We also look for anything that sets a product apart – whether it’s a standout feature, innovative design, or unique workflow benefit.
When applicable, we include individual scores and an overall rating based on the combined breakdown. These aren’t absolute rankings – they’re tools to help you quickly understand what a product does well (or doesn’t).
While we always prioritize quality, value for money plays a big role in our ratings. That means a more affordable product might sometimes score as high as, or higher than, a premium one – if we believe it offers better value for most users.
We’re happy to recommend high-end gear when it’s truly worth it, but we also recognize the importance of making the most out of your budget.
Disclaimer
Higher Hz is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Contact us
Higher Hz is owned and operated by AFF Lab LLC. We’re an international company with its head office in Latvia, Europe.
If you have questions about this page or the website in general, please contact us at info@higherhz.com or by post to:
AFF Lab LLC
Lidonu street, 22-2
Riga, LV-1055
Latvia