Reviews
Loop-based Sequencer [Windows/Mac OSX] The hyperactive developers at Ableton have been at it again. Live 7 gains an ingenious new way of working with drums, and an optional library packed with new instruments.
Dynamic Convolution Plug-in [Windows] Convolution technology has provided new levels of realism for plug-in reverb, but has been unable to capture non-linear or time-variant effects such as compression, tape saturation, distortion and flanging. Until now, that is...
Condenser Microphones These versatile large-diaphragm mics offer great performance on a budget.
USB Keyboard Controller Akai will be best known to SOS readers for their samplers and ever-popular MPC range — so what can they bring to the controller keyboard party?
Active Monitors AVI have a reputation for excellent hi-fi speakers, but with this system they hae turned out a real studio gem.
Stereo Reverb Processor This classy piece of kit boasts the quality and flexibility of high-end algorithmic reverbs, but can also deliver convolution-like realism.
Audio Interface [Mac/PC] The Matrix K is a low-cost, no-frills computer audio interface designed to do its job simply and efficiently.
Analogue Synthesizer The reputation of Sequential Circuits is up there with the likes of Moog and ARP, but is the first Prophet in 20 years a worthy addition to that heritage or a cash-in on former glories?
DTS-HD Encoding Software [Mac/PC] If you want to create a surround soundtrack for your DVD while avoiding the limitations of Dolby AC3 audio, DTS’s clever High Resolution format has a lot to offer.
Softube Acoustic Feedback plug-in This Mac/Windows plug-in can produce a range of very believable feedback effects.
Touch-sensitive DAW Controller Realising that some potential users were daunted by the highly customisable nature of their innovative Lemur screen-based controller, Jazzmutant have added a second controller to their range — and this one specifically supports a range of popular DAWs.
Sampling Workstation The world is not short of sampling sequencers at the moment, so what does the Roland SP555 have to make it worthy of your attention?
Recent sample CD releases • Ueberschall Groove Shadow Elastik
• Nine Volt Audio Textural Rex
• Sample Logic The Elements
Speaker Emulator & Dummy Load If you want to capture the sound of your boutique valve amp for recording but can't turn it up loud, you need a power soak... and speaker emulation... and mic emulation... SPL's Transducer does it all.
Analogue Mixing Console Already boasting some famous users, this new console has caused a bit of a stir. Does it live up to the Toft heritage?
Dual Preamp & Cue Mixer This unusual new preamp from UA is designed to make life easier, both for the recordist and 'the talent'.
Hardware Sequencer Just when you think you've seen it all, Yamaha come straight at you out of left field with an instrument unlike any other. But is the Tenori-On a musical revolution in the making or a white (flashing) elephant?
Competition
Deadline: 2008-03-31 Win Sound Forge, Acid, Vegas Pro, Cinescore, Sony PSP, Sony Pictures sound effects libraries, Acid loops and lots more! Prize kindly donated by Sony Creative Software 0800 028 1475 www.sonycreativesoftware.com
Deadline: 2008-04-30 Prize kindly donated by Turbosound Ltd +44 (0) 1403 711447 www.turbosound.com
Sound Advice
NAMM Show 2008 A Sound On Sound round-up from the January 2008 NAMM show, featuring interviews with Nick Phoenix of East West, Ray Williams of IMSTA, Pablo La Rosa of Native Instruments and Shachar Gilad from Waves.
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Paul White's Leader Tidy up your studio and it may just make you rethink your gear priorities.
30 Years Of Oxygene To celebrate the 30th anniversary of his hugely influential hit album Oxygene, Jean Michel Jarre has produced an audacious DVD performance of the entire piece in a manner never before attempted.
Readers’ Music Reviewed More readers tracks undergo the editorial staff treatment! Sponsored by www.breed-media.co.uk
Inside Track: ‘The Way I Are’ The unrivalled status of producer Timbaland is built on a hand-picked team of engineers, mixers and producers. For the mix of his hit single ‘The Way I Are’, he turned to Marcella Araica.
Chris Mayes-Wright Music Technology education: rotten to the core?
Producing Seal & Madonna Stuart Price’s refreshingly different approach to music-making has made him one of the most sought-after producers in the world.
Technique
Pete Thomas The business of TV and film is changing fast, and production or ‘library’ music is becoming ever more important. One of the UK’s most experienced production music composers explains how to get your foot in the door.
News & Views With Apple opening a new retail store in Exeter, and speculation as to when new Mac Pros might be released to take advantage of Intel's latest Penryn technology, welcome to the first (and possibly last) West Country-themed Apple Notes.
Producers: Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland One of the most famous record labels of all time, Motown fostered a group of uniquely talented writers, engineers and musicians who often had to invent the equipment and techniques they used to keep their music at the cutting edge. Lamont Dozier explains how it was done...
Digital Performer Notes & Techniques Everyone performs better when they can hear exactly what they need in their headphones. After our guide to simple DP monitor mixing options last month, we follow up with ideas for those with more complex monitoring requirements.
Cubase Notes & Techniques Cubase 4.1 brings a wealth of new features: we explore what you can do with the new side-chaining function.
Getting The Best From Digital Audio Designers overcame most inherent problems with digital audio long ago, but for many of us, the experience still isn't perfect. This in-depth guide tells you why — and what you need to know to put things right...
AUDIO FILES Here are links to the audio files fromFebruary 2008's DIGITAL AUDIO article, for those readers who buy the magazine from the newsagent and don't wish to type in all the long URLs to access the accompanying audio files.
Pro Tools Notes & Techniques Improving your Pro Tools system needn’t always cost money. We look at some essential add-ons that can be downloaded for nothing.
Logic Notes & Techniques Convolution is the technology du jour for creating convincing reverbs, and if you're a Logic Studio bundle owner, you already have a utility that will let you get into it yourself, by creating custom impulse responses for the Space Designer plug-in.
Richard Wilkinson: 'Dressed To Kill' It's a tall order this month, as we're asked to remix a reader's recording to sound like a big-budget Bond theme!
Hear For Yourself Here are links to the audio files from FEBRUARY 2008's MIX RESCUE article, for those readers who buy the magazine from the newsagent and don't wish to type in all the long URLs.
Toxic capacitors, USB terminology Faulty capacitors can leak toxic fluid and eventually disable your PC altogether. We investigate, as well as attempting to untangle the thorny world of USB terminology.
Workshop Calderdale College in West Yorkshire gets the Studio SOS treatment, as we turn a concrete room into a working studio.
Sonar Notes & Techniques Side-chain inputs on software processors can open up a whole new world of control possibilities — and now Sonar 7's plug-ins have this facility. We show you some ways of using it in your music.
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Gear Reviews
