November 2006 In This Issue
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Competition WIN: Alchemea Pro Tools Operator Course Deadline: 2006-12-31 This month, thanks to the folks at Alchemea, we are able to give one fortunate reader the chance to become a certified Pro Tools Operator, by taking the Pro Tools 101, 110, 201 and 210M modules at the college. The winner will attend the Islington site for a total of 10 days, but the timetable is flexible so the programme could last for up to a month. Travel and accommodation are not included in the prize. Reviews Looping & Composition Software [Mac OS X/Windows]
Active Studio Monitors
Scoring Software For Windows Capella is a highly evolved and intuitive scoring package that helps you get the job done more quickly by cutting down on distractions. Mic & Instrument Preamp Chandler revive a vintage technology in their unique new preamp. We put it to the test... Firewire Interface [Mac OS X/Windows]
Gear Reviews, Tips and Techniques We test Exploraudio's Liveguitar H-clamp for fixing a conventional mic to an acoustic guitar, and explain ways to track down the source of guitar tuning problems, plus GT news... Bass Amp Modelling Plug-in [Mac/PC] Most guitar amp modellers can be pressed into service on bass guitar, but now IK Multimedia have teamed up with Ampeg to create a plug-in dedicated to recreating bass amp sounds. Keyboard Workstation
Multi-effects Processor Lexicon's MX200 offered the innovative ability to integrate with a sequencer host just like an effects plug-in. The updated MX400 goes one better - it does all that, but with dual effects-processing engines too. Programmable Monophonic Analogue Synthesizer Bob Moog's final project carries his visionary synthesizer design into the future. Wireless MIDI Controller Keyboard M-Audio's new wireless controller keyboard aims to free you from the restraints of MIDI cables. Multi-pattern Valve Microphone
MIDI & USB Controller
Keyboard Workstation As Roland revisit the Juno name once again, we look at whether their latest offering is a serious contender, or merely a bantamweight Fantom. Mini Reviews • VSL Woodwinds II, Brass I & Brass II • Ilio Skippy's Big Bad Beats, Skippy's Noizbox, Stark Raving Beats & Ethno Techno • Ueberschall Urban Jointz Ribbon Microphone The democratisation of the ribbon mic continues with the release of an attractive model from SE. We find out whether it sounds as good as it looks. Wavetable Soft Synth [Windows] Old synths never die, they get reproduced as virtual instruments. So it is with Waldorf's Micro Q, which forms the heart of Terratec's impressive wavetable-based soft synth. Retrozone It lacked most of the features we'd expect from even a basic synth, but this rare Italian keyboard had a charm all of its own. | People + Opinion Your Correspondence Some of the more interesting feedback we recently received, along with our official responses... Scissor Sisters: Recording Ta-Dah Babydaddy • Dan Grech-Marguerat The Scissor Sisters' first album, recorded in a Manhattan apartment, sold 3.5 million copies worldwide. The follow-up sees them expanding their horizons, while keeping their DIY ethos very much intact. Mixing R&B
Technique Altiverb On PC — How Good Is It? PC Notes The Altiverb convolving reverb plug-in arrived on the PC platform earlier this year. We find out how it stands up to the convolution competition, as well as bringing you the usual crop of PC news and tips. Choosing & Using Enhancement Plug-ins Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques In this month's Pro Tools workshop, we concentrate on the top and bottom of the frequency spectrum, looking at plug-ins that claim to enhance treble and bass. How do they work, how should you use them, and most importantly, which ones are the best? CLASSIC TRACKS: The Future Sound Of London 'Papua New Guinea' Producers: Garry Cobain, Brian Dougans • Engineers: Yage In 1991 The Future Sound of London brought their unique brand of experimentalism to the dancefloor with the seminal track, 'Papua New Guinea' — and launched their career in the process. Customisation Options In Sonar 6 Sonar Notes & Techniques Sonar seems to get more customisable with every version, and the newly released Sonar 6 is no exception, allowing you to tweak various aspects of appearance and operation until the program looks and feels just the way you want it. Apple Notes The new high-end and mid-range iMacs look interesting for musicians, offering Core 2 Duo processors and rather attractive prices. Apple Notes takes a look at the spec. Remixing Simon Fitzpatrick This month we help reader Simon Fitzpatrick to bind his synthesized, programmed, and acoustic sounds together into a cohesive mix. Optimising Your Studio Acoustics With PC Utilities PC Musician The subject of studio acoustics can seem like black magic — but don't let it scare you off. You can make easy changes, that could vastly improve your recording and mixing environment, with the help of free or cheap PC software utilities, as we discover this month. Pitch & Tempo Manipulation In Logic Logic Notes & Techniques You can now update Logic's creaky old pitch and tempo manipulation routines with third-party algorithms from names such as Serato, Izotope, and Celemony. We compare the options to find out whether these upgrades are worth it. Side-chaining In The Software Studio Sound Workshop With the powerful automation available in modern DAWs, it is easy to overlook their side-chaining features. But what value does this technique have in the modern project studio? Updating Studio Acoustics This month, the SOS team help out with the acoustics at Ultravox and Band Aid star Midge Ure's personal studio. Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques Cubase's Tempo Editor offers some powerful ways to manipulate tempo and time signatures in your Projects. This month we take a detailed look at these features. Using DP5's Improved Metronome Click Features Digital Performer Notes & Techniques The subject of clicks might not seem terribly interesting — but it's surprising how much difference a well-chosen timing reference can make to the recording of your musical performances. Part 1: Replacing A Live Keyboard Rig In the first part of a series on using Reason live, we look at using the Combinator and MIDI remote control to replace a live keyboard rig. Music Business A Guide To Producer Management Want to spend more time in the studio and less on the phone to accountants and record company executives? A producer manager could take care of the business and develop your career into the bargain. Find out how... Sound Advice
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