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Capsule Microphone The model number might lead you to believe the C3000B is a variant of the C3000, but it has a totally different capsule and is designed to produce a tonal response that is quite different. Paul White tries it out. Microphone Although it has an exceptionally low-mass diaphragm, just two microns thick, the AT4047/SV is still remarkably robust. Paul White cranks up the volume. Modular Synthesizer (Retro) British company Digisound's affordable modular synth may not have the cachet of a Moog or an ARP, but — as Paul Nagle explains — they were innovative, well designed, and sounded great... Additional material by Dave Robinson. 8-port MIDI Interface Colin Owen rediscovers the joys of Atari-tight timing on his blue G3 Mac with Emagic's AMT8 interface, featuring their new Active MIDI Transmission. Professional Stage Piano Nick Magnus gets his hands on an instrument which is claimed to provide the best reproduction yet of the feel — and sound — of an acoustic piano. Monitors Paul White road-tests the KRK V6 monitors to see whether quality has been sacrificed to meet an attractive price point. PCI Digital Recording System For the launch of their new range of 24-bit/96kHz-capable PCI recording systems, established gadget manufacturers Midiman are going under the name M Audio. Martin Walker takes a look at the flagship product in their new line. Valve & Solid-state Twin-topology Optical Compressor Millennia Music and Media Systems manufacture high-end signal processors with the usual feature of dual circuit paths — solid-state FET and valve topologies running separately, side by side. Hugh Robjohns checks out the company's opto-compressor. MIDI + Audio Sequencer Evolution is happening everywhere, and nowhere more so than MOTU's flagship recording software fo the Mac. Nicholas Rowland tracks down the latest version. Sample CD Buyer's Guide Dave Stewart concludes his January 2000 investigation into the world of orchestral sampling with a roundup of over 40 orchestral sample CDs. 'V-mix' Modular Digital Mixing System Roland's entry into the market for mid-priced digital mixers introduces some interesting innovations, including the separation of the control surface from the inputs and the processing rack. Hugh Robjohns puts it to the test. Product Roundup Dave Stewart concludes his January 2000 investigation into the world of orchestral sampling with a roundup of over 40 orchestral sample CDs. Control Synthesizer The CS6X has more features than any previous Yamaha Control Synth, with plenty of polyphony, real-time controllers, onboard effects, and basic sampling. You can even fit PLG expansion cards, giving you access not only to fresh sounds, but also other forms of synthesis. Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser see if it's 6x better... Analogue Modelling & Piano Daughterboards Yamaha's DB50XG daughterboard demonstrated to the world that a PC soundcard could offer high-spec synthesis capabilities. Its latest descendents offer a digitally emulated Prophet V synth and a high-quality Piano. Martin Walker tries them out. | People + Opinion ANDY WRIGHT: Recording Eurythmics' I Saved The World Today' Interview | Producer After a break of almost 10 years, Eurhythmics are back with a new album — and a new hit single, 'I saved The World Today'. Mike Senior talks to gifted programmer and producer Andy Wright about his role in the project. Interview | Artist Hip-hop's biggest stars have always been American, and their success has tended to overshadow artists from other countries. London-based Russian DJ Vadim, however, is winning increasing recognition for his distinctive, cosmopolitan music. Sam Inglis finds out how he puts together his tracks. Sounding Off Jeff Mearns wonders why we still suffer from gear lust, when old, faithful, well-worn studio equipment so often produces the best results... MARK ISHAM: Film Music For Hollywood Interview | Composer Mark Isham resides at the top of Hollywood's film-music hierarchy, equally comfortable composing for orchestra as for a rack of samplers in his home studio. He marks time as an innovative genre-hopping artist and sought-after trumpeter too. Jonathan Miller finds out how he fits it all in... Technique Atari Notes Dedicated Atari users were able to check out the latest from the core Atari hardware and software developers at the recent All Micro Show. Derek Johnson was there for SOS. Net Notes With demand increase for original analogue synths, and the second-hand market drying up, more and more people are contemplating building their own. As Ken McBeth explains, all the necessary resources are available on-line... Cutting Edge Dave Shapton keeps track of the latest developments in the coding of computer audio — and the hardware used to amplify it. Ensuring A Long Life For Your PC Tips & Tricks Martin Walker considers what to look for when buying a new PC or upgrading an existing one, if you want it to remain up-to-date for as long as possible. Apple Notes Martin Russ looks back at a bad and good month for Apple, and writes them out a Christmas wish list. Introduction To Mixer Automation, Part 1 Exploration Paul White introduces the concept of VCA and moving-fader mixer automation in the first part of a short series on automated mixers and their applications. Playback Readers' Music Reviewed Spatialize * The Next Big Thing * Smoother & Faster * Scarecrow Holiday * Energy XS * Thalmann * Blue Agave * Manolis Avgenakis * Listmaker * Brother Cake * Kenny * Muse * Reducing Unwanted Background Noise In The Studio Tips & Tricks Hums and buzzes in your signal path are not the only cause of noise problems in the studio. The mechanical noise emitted by some equipment can be equally disruptive — but, as Martin Walker explains, you don't have to suffer in (lack of) silence. Tips & Tricks In the first part of a new series, Paul White looks at the practicalities of stereo editing. So, if you plan on compiling your stereo mixes into an album master, you'd better read on. Synth Secrets, Part 9: An Introduction To VCAs Tips & Tricks Having laid bare the inner workings of oscillators, contour generators and filters, Gordon Reid turns his attention to something which at first sight seems entirely self-evident. Can the humble voltage-controlled amplifier really hold on any Synth Secrets? Xteq X-setup; Reaktor Pro-Five PC Notes Martin Walker advises manual dexterity, speeds up his internet experience, and finds yet more tweaks for Windows. Music Business Big George's Guide To Commercial Success: Applying For Grants & Loans Tips & Tricks This month Big George looks at filling in forms, adding up columns and kick-starting your musical career with cash! Sound Advice Akai S2000; Best Mics for Wind; Cheap Computers; PC Glitches; Heating Q & A Q. How can I assign modulation to filter cutoff on my Akai S2000? |