Matt McCracken

Matt McCracken

Matt is a Junior Deals Writer here at Louder. He regularly tests and reviews music gear with a focus on headphones, speakers, earplugs, and anything audio-related. He's responsible for over 60 buying guides and a large part of his job is helping music lovers find the best deals on gear. Matt worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars, and has written for many music sites including Guitar World, MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog.  


A regularly gigging guitarist with over 20 years of experience playing live, he's played all over the UK in more dingy venues than you can shake a drop-tuned guitar at. When he's not holed up in his home studio or curating playlists on Spotify, you’ll find him making a racket with Northern noise hounds JACKALS. 

Latest articles by Matt McCracken

The white Pro-Ject E1 record player on a table with the vinyl of the Reservoir Dogs soundtrack on the plinth. A man's arm is positioning the needle on the first track
Best record players for beginners 2026: Get to grips with grooves through these approachable entry-level turntables

By Chris Corfield, James Grimshaw last updated

Buying guide You can’t get a better on-ramp to records than these entry-level turntables from Audio-Technica, Sony, Pro-Ject and more

Buying guide
The Coachella main stage
How to watch the Coachella 2026 livestream: Iggy Pop, Wet Leg, Turnstile, David Byrne, Die Spitz, Interpol & Nine Inch Nails' set with Boys Noize just some of this weekend's highlights

By Scott Munro last updated

The second Coachella event of 2026 will take place this weekend - here's how you can watch the action from the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, plus line-ups and stage times

Music Festivals
A photograph of the Marshall Acton III on a wooden shelf alongside a number of vinyl records, ornaments and a slim, white candle.
Best Marshall speakers 2026: Powerful party and pocket speakers from the guitar-amp giant

By Steve May last updated

Buying guide A comprehensive look at the best speakers from iconic amp merchants Marshall – covering portable powerhouses and huge home hi-fi boxes

Buying guide
The 1975's Matt Healy playing guitar on stage
How to rewatch The 1975 at Glastonbury - no matter where you are

By Matt McCracken Published

The 1975 were the Friday night Pyramid Stage headliners at Glastonbury this year - here's how to rewatch their set from anywhere

Bands & Artists
A woman lying on a sofa listening to a red vinyl record playing on the Audio-Technica Sound Burger AT-SB727. The picture also features a clock, posters, vinyl covers on the floor and vinyl records used as decorations on the wall.
Best portable record players 2026: Portable turntables that’ll fit even the smallest space

By Paul Dimery last updated

Buying guide Portable record players are great space-saving turntables for the newer vinyl lover, as well as for those tight on space; read on to discover the best of the bunch

Buying guide
A man places an earplug into his ear
Can wearing earplugs damage my ears?

By Matt McCracken Published

We explore whether there's any truth in that question and share some useful tips to help eliminate the risks

EarBuds & Airpods