October 1997 In This Issue
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Reviews Master Digital Audio Sync Generator Got the jitters? Aardvark's external sync unit could be the answer. Mike Collins investigates. 64-voice Synth Module The Nanosynth is a pygmy on the outside but a veritable Watutsi on the inside. Derek Johnson cuts a swathe through the undergrowth in search of tiny treasure... Reverb/Delay Unit £300 is becoming a crowded price point for well-specified effects units, but Art ,nevertheless hope to stand out with their new Effects Network. Martin Walker decides whether it has what it takes to muscle in on the competition. Pro Active Monitors Paul White tests what must be the ultimate small monitor, but finds that you pay for it in pounds — both fiscal and gravitational. Audio Editor It may say v1.6 on the box, but the latest version of BIAS's Mac-based audio editor is stuffed with enough new features to warrant a version 2.0 tag. Paul D Lehrman scales new heights. Hard Disk Recording & Editing System The Masterport system consists of dedicated multitrack software and a high-quality card, allowing you to avoid the compatibility problems that can arise when software and hardware from different manufacturers are run together. Janet Harniman Cook thinks it's the cream of the crop. MIDI-to-CV converter Got lots of analogue synths? This could be your one-box solution to bringing them into the world of MIDI. Chris Carter gets converted. Compressor Paul White studio tests a compressor whose main claim to fame is that you can't hear it working. Is transparency merely an attribute of the Emperor's new clothes, or is this unit something rather special? Kelsey Acoustics Patchbay; EMO E655 Patchbay; Power Distribution System The SOS team review two new bits of gear. Multi-oscillator Physical Modelling Synthesizer Commercial physical modelling synths first appeared in 1994, but until now, nobody has produced one that offers truly multitimbral operation together with decent polyphonic performance. Korg's new Z1 does — and for well under £2,000. In this, the first UK review of the finished instrument, Goron Reid laughs wildly and plays lots fo chords — because he can. Subwoofer Paul White plumbs new depths with KRK's recently introduced active sub-bass package, designed to turn their nearfield monitors into full-range systems. Large-diaphragm Capacitor Microphone Microtech Gefell's first multi-pattern mic is graced with the kind of looks which could assure it classic status — as long as its sound lives up to its stunning appearance. Paul White lends an ear. Dual-channel Equaliser High-quality equalisers have the magical property of allowing you to tweak tonal content, while themselves remaining practically invisible to the ear. Hugh Robjohns checks out a contender from an American company new to the UK market. Headphone Amp If you want to get on with recording, rather than arguing about who needs what foldback, why not let the musicians mix their own? Martin Walker finds he's all mixed up... Digital Phase Modulation Synthesizer If you're tempted to try out the whole Spectrum of bass sounds, Peavey have updated and old favourite, and Nick Rowland has the lowdown... MIDI Controller The DC16 is an assignable control surface ideal for use both with gear and software, and with digital audio systems such as Pro Tools. Mike Collins just loves being in control. 76-note MIDI Keyboard Controller If you need an easy-to-use controller keyboard Roland's latest mid-ranger master could be the one for you. Nicholas Rowland takes a spin down the A33. Software Writing audio CDs is getting easier and easier, especially with this new release for the PC from Sonic Foundry. Martin Walker rubs two files together and goes for the burn. Digital Tape Saturation Emulator Tape saturation is the latest thing to get the physical modelling treatment. Can two high-powered DSPs, however, really achieve the same effect as a strip of rust being dragged over a magnet? Paul White investigates. Audio Editor Upgrade The latest upgrade to WaveLab Verson 1.6 includes CD writing in its arsenal. Martin Walker loeads up and dives in... Dual-channel Delay With their new 606 delay, Symetrix have attempled to combine today's technology with the user interface of yesteryear. Paul White finds out how well they've succeeded. Analogue Monosynth The demand for Roland's TB303 remains very strong, given that the 'fad' of the acid line continues unabated. No surprise, then, that Dutch boffins Syntecno have updated their 1996 TB303 clone to make it even more attractive. Christopher Holder limbers up his tweaking finger. | People + Opinion Interview | Band Innovative musicians, DJs, entrepreneurs, technology intellectuals, artists... Jonathan More and Matt Black mix up more than just records to make Coldcut. Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser meet up with the Ninjas to talk zentertainment and audiosyncrasies... Interview | Artist For millions of people worldwide, rai musician Khaled is not just an artist, he's a phenomenon. Paul Tingen catches up with the elusive Algerian, and two of his many producers, to get the full story. MICHAEL 'JAKKO' JAKSZYK: The Road To Ballina Interview | Artist Guitarist/composer Michael 'Jakko' Jakszyk has enjoyed an unpredictable musical career, comprising near-bankruptcy, fame and fortune with Level 42, and some disastrous but entertaining skirmishes with record companies. Here, he talks to Dave Stewart about the making of his unique autobiographical CD The Road To Ballina. ROBIN MORLEY: Stop Showing Off & Make Some Tunes Sounding Off Robin Morley explains why he thinks musicians should stop showing off and get on with making some tunes... Exploration In these days of synths that stay in production for just a couple of years before being discontinued, respect is due to a keyboard design that's survived more than half a century of changing musical fashion and is still going strong. Hammond-lover Rod Sparks pulls out all the stops to bring you a personal organ odyssey. Technique Apple Notes Martin Russ feels the need for speed, and reminds readers of the often overlooked benefits of using macros... Tips & Tricks Cakewalk's Robin Kelly passes on some hints and tips designed to help users of the popular Cakewalk Pro Audio PC audio sequencing package get the best from their software. Cheap & Cheerful Music Programs On The ST Platform Atari Notes The ST platform is still plentifully supplied with cheap and cheerful music programs. Derek Johnson delivers an update. Making Arrangements — A Rough Guide To Song Construction & Arrangement, Part 1 Tips & Techniques Great songs are 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Big George mops his brow and takes it to the bridge... Multi-effects Explained, Part 4 Exploration Paul White looks at how MIDI can be used to turn static effects into dynamic ones. Tips & Tricks Martin Walker dons his white lab coat and explains the advantages of knowing a little more about DOS and the Command Line Interface. Playback Readers' Music Reviewed Matt Johnson * Mickey Down Under * Jeremy Turner * Juan Nico * Cookie B * Stef Goodchild * Selena Leon * Pretty In Blue * Talking Loud * Deep John Cross * Alan White * WL Thomson PC Notes This month's clutch of software and hardware problems are mainly of the SCSI variety. Martin Walker deactivates a few suspect devices. Synth School, Part 4: Additive Synthesis Tips & Techniques Throughout the '80s, additive synthesis was the Holy Grail for synth purists; many machines aspired to it, but only one achieved it successfully. Paul Wiffen explains how additive works and looks at the various implementations, including the newly updated Kawai version. Where To Use Processors & Why, Part 1 Tips & Techniques Paul White offers a little practical advice on the application of signal processing during recording and mixing. |
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Sound On Sound : Est. 1985