WIN - RME Fireface UFX Interface

Deadline: 2012-12-10

The UFX is a 1U, rackmount, multi-channel interface for us with both Mac and PC. The competition is prize worth 1,700 GB Pounds and kindly donated by RME.

WIN - Thermionic Culture Vulture

Deadline: 2012-12-10

Competition prize kindly donated by boutique British manufacturer Thermionic Culture. Worth 2,200 US Dollars.

Acoustica Mixcraft 6

Recording & Mixing Software For Windows

The key features of Acoustica’s Mixcraft have always been affordability and ease of use. Version 6 builds on these strengths but also adds a new Pro Studio edition.

Apogee Quartet

USB Audio Interface For Mac

This sleek four-channel interface and monitor controller embodies all the quality and style we’ve come to expect from Apogee.

App Works

Making Music On The Move

This month we look at iOS products from: VirSyn Addictive Synth, MicW i825 and the Wizdom Music SpaceWiz.

Boss FB2 Feedback Booster

Guitar Pedal

Coopersonic Dirtbox & Germaniac

Stomp Box Distortion Effects

FBT Vertus CLA 604A & CLA 208SA

Compact Line Array

Need a compact and discreet PA that still delivers quality sound? Then the FBT Vertus might just be for you...

Fender Super Champ X2

Valve Guitar Combo With DSP Effects & USB Interface

With a valve power-amp stage, a DSP modelled preamp and effects section, and direct-to-computer recording, this amp is brimming with promise. Can it deliver?

Focusrite Forte

USB Audio Interface

The Forte is Focusrite’s attempt to build the best compact USB audio interface possible. Have they hit this ambitious target?

Geithain RL906

Active Nearfield Monitors

Don’t let their diminutive size fool you: these are serious monitors that punch way above their weight.

Knif Soma

Analogue Mastering EQ

Costing almost as much as a small car, you’d expect that nothing could cut like a Knif. Find out what made our reviewer invest in a Soma...

Kush Audio UBK1

Dynamics & Distortion Plug-in For Mac & PC

Does Kush Audio’s expertise in designing analogue equipment translate into the plug-in realm?

Line 6 StageScape M20D

Digital Mixer With Multitrack Recording

Can you really make a complex, DSP-packed mixer that even musicians with no engineering experience can use? Line 6 think they can...

Microtech Gefell M900

Capacitor Microphone

Microtech Gefell mics have long been revered for their sonic performance in the studio — so why not use them on stage too?

Microtech Gefell M930Ts

Large-diaphragm Capacitor Microphone

Almost a decade of experience has only reinforced my appreciation of this unassuming little mic.

Nektar Technology Panorama P4

Controller Keyboard For Reason

Propellerhead’s Reason gets its first dedicated MIDI keyboard and control surface. What can it offer that your mouse can’t?

Neve 88R LB

500-series Mic Preamp

The preamp from Neve’s “ultimate analogue console” is now available ‘to go’...

Novation Mininova

Synthesizer

Novation go back to their portable synth roots with a compact gem that reworks the Ultranova synth engine and adds a few extras...

Preview: Prism Sound Lyra (online only)

Audio Interfaces

Sound On Sound was given an exclusive sneak preview of the first production units in advance of the official product announcement on October 12th.

Rhythmic Robot | Logan

Kontakt 4

Sample Library

Samplephonics | Warped Phonics

Sample Library

Multi-format

SE Electronics SE X1R

Ribbon Microphone

Ribbon mics have long been known for their smooth high end, but can sometimes sound a little on the dull side. Enter the SE X1R...

Spotlight

DAW Control Surfaces - Roundup

Tired of navigating complex audio software with just a mouse and keyboard? Then a control surface might be just what you need. Here’s our selection of current models, with links to the SOS review where available.

Studiologic Sledge

Virtual Analogue Synthesizer

Studiologic’s new Waldorf-powered polysynth is here and it’s very yellow indeed. Put your sunglasses on and meet the Sledge...

Toontrack | Pop! EZX

EZ Drummer/Superior Drummer

Sample Library

Ueberschall | Country Loops

Elastik

Sample Library

Vertigo VSC2

VCA Compressor

There are many VCA compressors available, at a range of prices, but very few employ a fully discrete gain-reduction element. So what exactly does this design feature bring to the table?

Vertigo VSC2 | Media Files

VCA Compressor

Waves NLS

Console Emulation Plug-in For Mac & PC

Waves are the latest manufacturers to try to package the sound of large-format mixing consoles in plug-in form.

Bob Williams: The Analogue Systems Story

Modular Masters

Who are the most successful British synth manufacturers of all time? Hint: they’re alive and well — and busier than ever...

Keeping It Simple

Leader

By Paul White, Editor In Chief.

Playback

Readers' Music Reviewed

This month we review: Lois, LTS, Three Little Words, The Paul Hegley Band, Sea Stacks and Jabi Shriki

Sounding Off

When does a favour become a chore?

Barrington Haynes asks the question.

Steve Greenwell discusses Joss Stone

Inside Track | Secrets Of The Mix Engineers:

Steve Greenwell knew he wanted a live feel for Joss Stone’s second album of soul covers, but finding the right mix was more of a challenge.

Apple Notes

Great little apps

This month, we take a look at some great little apps for problem solving.

Basic Instinct

Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

As we wait with bated breath for the release of DP8, let’s revise some core DP techniques…

Efterklang

Recording Piramida

The abandoned Soviet mining village of Pyramiden provided Efterklang with a unique recording venue — and the constant threat of being eaten by polar bears.

Environmental Health

Logic Tips & Techniques

Learn how to import and combine Environment layers to create new MIDI facilities for your projects.

Get Real

Cubase Tips & Techniques

These simple steps in Cubase 5 will make your programmed acoustic drum tracks sound more authentic.

Get Real

Cubase Technique: Audio Examples

Layers Of Complexity

The SOS Drum-layering Masterclass

Whether you’re programming electronic beats, or reinforcing rock drums, there’s more to drum layering than meets the ear.

Layers Of Complexity | Media

The SOS Drum-layering Masterclass

Oasis ‘Wonderwall’

Classic Tracks

For many, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? is Oasis’s masterpiece. Producer and engineer Owen Morris tells us the story of its creation.

Pitch Perfect

Sonar Tips & Techniques

Fix vocal pitch in Sonar without nasty correction artifacts.

Reverb Revisited

Reason Tips & Techniques

It’s a Reason reverberation extravaganza this month, as we look at the tools available and how to use them.

Session Notes

The Practical Craft Of Recording

When you’re recording away from the studio and under time constraints, you need to get the big decisions right — and not become bogged down in detail.

Session Notes | Media

The Practical Craft Of Recording

Shift Yourself

Ableton Live Tips & Technique

We see why there’s much more to Live’s Frequency Shifter effect than meets the eye...

Starting Points

Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

Pro Tools’ template system, and its undocumented Track Presets feature, can help your sessions get moving faster.

Studio SOS

Joe Matera in Victoria, Australia sent out the call.

With a little cunning and resourcefulness, you can improve the sound of nearly any studio — even when it’s on the other side of the world!

The Mix Review

We examine the production of some recent hit records to help you brush up your listening skills.

This month's tracks are from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Elbow, Maroon 5 and Flo Rida.

What’s In A Name?

Studio One Tips & Techniques

Sometimes Studio One expresses itself differently to other DAWs, but don’t let that put you off...

Windows 8 support for touchscreen

PC Notes

Now that Windows 8 supports touchscreen operation, manufacturers are getting inventive with their hardware formats...

Notes From The Deadline

TV Music From The Inside

The viewing public never get to see — or hear — the messy side of TV production. But that’s where the fun is.

Off The Record (US print issue only)

Music & Recording Industry News

Recording budgets have been getting lower for some time. Are the technical standards we’ve come to expect from records being eroded too?

Studio File

Abbey Road Studios, London

We take a look inside one of the most famous studios in the world.

Q. How can I improve the quality of samples taken from a record deck?

Q. Should I include breath sounds when doing vocal pitch-correction?

Q. What’s the best way to mount my speakers?

Q. Why use upsampling within plug-ins?

Sex, Lies & Gaffer Tape

How To Become A Pro Live Sound Engineer

Live-sound employment is now more competitive than ever, so how can you stand out from the crowd? We asked some of the leading teachers and employers in the industry for their advice.