October 2004 In This Issue
To open articles, click title links
Competition WIN Yamaha 01X Digital Mixer/Fader Control Surface/24-bit Interface Deadline: 2004-11-30 Yamaha's 01X has broken new ground in the field of computer music: being arguably the first product to take full advantage of mLAN, it could set the direction computer interfaces will take for years to come. Reviews Valve Microphone Preamp This dual-channel unit has hybrid solid-state/tube circuitry, variable input impedance, instrument-specific presets, and a flexible digital output. Valve Optical Compressor This high-end stereo compressor boasts three different flavours of optical compression. Orchestral Sample Library (Mac & PC) Gary Garritan takes on the orchestral behemoths with a small but perfectly formed library packed with extra features. Condenser Microphone This new mic is a reissue of Groove Tubes' first large-diaphragm condenser, but with solid-state electronics replacing the valve to offer a more affordable package. Active Monitors & Digital Controller Despite its small size, this new system leads the field when it comes to nearfield monitoring accuracy. Sample Shop Reviews/appraisals of the latest sample CDs: Firewire Interface (PC & Mac) M Audio's half-rack interface provides a comprehensive selection of analogue and digital I/O at a competitive price. USB MIDI Controller Keyboard The price of compact MIDI controller keyboards has come tumbling down in the past few years, but weighted-action full-length keyboards have remained relatively expensive —until now. We investigate the 88-note keyboard that runs off USB power... Mixer Mackie combine a completely redesigned 16:2 mixer with a multi-channel Firewire audio interface. What more could you want? Music Notation Software (PC/Mac) The latest incarnation of a well-established scoring package holds few surprises, but plenty of power for the asking price. Monitor Controller This high-quality passive monitor controller can cater for five stereo input sources and three pairs of speakers, with built-in cue monitoring and talkback functions. Inverse Raytracing Convolution Reverb Plug-In (PC & Mac) There are now plenty of convolution reverbs around, but Prosoniq\'s Rayverb offers something a little different. So just what is 'inverse raytracing' anyway? 8-voice Digitally Controlled Analogue Synth In this ever-changing world of virtual analogues, modelled instruments, and software emulations, it's a pleasant surprise to find that some companies are making synths the old-fashioned way. But is nostalgia really what it used to be? Singing Synthesis Software ( XP/ Mac OS X) If your computer could sing, what would it sound like? With the Cantor software synth from Virsyn, you can find out... Wharfedale Pro Diamond 8.1 Pro Active Active Monitors These new active nearfields from Wharfedale offer a polished sound for studio owners on a budget. | People + Opinion Leader Editor In Chief Paul White bemoans the ephemeral nature of modern software instruments and wonders what will be the Stradivarius of our time in 300 years... Readers' Tracks evaluated Hear the tracks while you read constructive comments from MPG (Music Producers Guild) members who assess the latest batch of SOS readers' submitted recordings. Philip Taysom Walk inside Philip Taysom's studio and you will find classic synths in abundance, all connected and all ready to play... Paul Bower Paul Bower explains why the CV may be more important than you think — even in the music industry. The Engineers Who Changed Recording Fathers Of Invention Some of the legendary names in engineering and production didn't just make great records — they also invented equipment and techniques we take for granted today. Liam Howlett: Recording Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned Nowadays, plenty of hit albums are recorded in bedroom studios — but Liam Howlett of the Prodigy has gone one better, by recording his latest in bed. The Resurrection Of Brian Wilson's SMiLE Mark Linett & Darian Sahanaja The Beach Boys' SMiLE album was to have been the pinnacle of Brian Wilson's groundbreaking recording and production achievements — but it was never completed. This year, in an extraordinary tale of emotional drama, tape-vault archaeology, and recording technology, Brian finished it, debuted it live, and then re-recorded it in the studio. SOS brings you the full story... Technique Programming Guide Although the Ion is already well-respected for its sound quality, its synthesis architecture is also surprisingly flexible. We show you how to get the best from this little beast in your studio. Bilocation: Binaural Recording & 5.1 Surround New Surroundings Binaural recordings can sound amazing on headphones, but do not work very well on conventional stereo speakers. Can they be adapted more successfully for surround systems? Artist: David Bowie; Producers: David Bowie, Tony Visconti; Studio: Hansa Ton, Berlin With 'Heroes', David Bowie pulled off the rare feat of having a major hit with a highly experimental piece of art-rock, which featured among other highlights live synth treatments from Brian Eno, pitched feedback from guitarist Robert Fripp, and a lead vocal with level-triggered ambience. Cubase SX3 Preview; Range Selection Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques This month we provide an exclusive preview of the new version of Cubase — SX 3 — and offer advice on how to get the most out of Cubase's Range Selection tool. Analysis of Reader Recordings Think your own music is good? Listen to these tracks from SOS readers and see if you agree with the good Doctor's prognosis... How To Remote Control Sonar Effects Sonar Notes This month, how to use the handy Scrub tool, how to customise your track view, and an explanation of the procedure for setting up remote control of Sonar effects parameters. Incurable Soundcard Stuttering? PC Notes We investigate an obscure PC parameter that may be responsible for some otherwise 'incurable' soundcard stuttering problems. Linux Jack Sound Server Ported To OS X Apple Notes The Jack low-latency sound server has been ported to OS X from Linux. We discuss its background and implications. More hints and tips Learn how to combine dynamics processing with delay and reverb to breathe life into your mixes. Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques While Pro Tools is widely known for its dominance in the field of computer-based audio recording, little is made of the fact that it also features fully fledged MIDI sequencing facilities. PC Musician Shareware might be cheap, but it can also make you very cheerful. We round up some of the best of the current PC music shareware scene. Running Autotune within Digital Performer Digital Performer Notes A bundle of tips helps you get the most from Autotune running inside DP, and there is plug-in news aplenty... Dorian Kelly The SOS team ride to the rescue of a budding media composer who is having trouble with his mixes. Using Mackie Tracktion Sequencer As A Rewire Host Reason Notes Mackie's Tracktion sequencer makes an ideal budget Rewire host for adding audio recording and plug-in capabilities to your Reason setup, as we explain... Sound Advice
|
All Issues
Home |
Search |
News |
Current Issue |
Digital Editions |
Articles |
Forum |
Subscribe |
Shop |
Readers Ads
Advertise |
Information |
Links |
Privacy Policy |
Support
Sound On Sound : Est. 1985