May 2006 In This Issue
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Competition WIN Prism Sound ADA8XR multi-channel A-D/D-A converters (worth £6985) Deadline: 2006-06-30 Prism Sound are generously giving SOS readers the chance to win one of their ADA8XR multi-channel A-D/D-A converters worth between £6985 and £8650 (depending on configuration). The winner will also get the chance to have it personally configured to their specifications by Prism Sound's own engineers. Reviews Synth Workstation
Turntable/Phono Preamp & USB Interface [Mac/PC] Most computer audio interfaces don't offer the RIAA equalisation required to attach a turntable directly, but ART's neat problem-solver is designed to do just that. Brass Software Instrument In recent years, manufacturers have sought to provide expressive computer-based simulations of real instruments by releasing ever larger and more detailed sample libraries. But whatever happened to the idea of modelling instruments using synthesis techniques? Arturia haven't forgotten... Software Synth & Sampler [Mac OS X/Win XP] Cakewalk have taken the workhorse soft synth that was bundled with their Project 5 loop sequencer, put the sound library on steroids and made it available as a separate product on both Mac and PC. Modelled Analogue Synth
Microphones These condenser and dynamic microphones boast classy retro styling but how do they sound? Active Monitors
Mic Preamp Some mic preamps are renowned for their flattery of the recorded signal, but this high-spec single-channel unit proudly aspires to cleanliness and neutrality, translating the character of your performances and microphones with the utmost fidelity. Gear Reviews, Tips and Techniques • Digitech EX7 Expression Factory Digital Stereo Recorder
General MIDI Soft Synth [Mac OS X/Windows] General MIDI synths are rarely glamorous, but there's no reason why they should not sound as good as more professional alternatives — that, at least, is the thinking behind NI's Bandstand. Delay-based Effects Plug-in [Mac/PC]
Hot New Releases • Big Fish Audio Soul City: Multi-format Source Elements Source-Connect Remote Recording Plug-in [Pro Tools] This innovative new plug-in allows Pro Tools users to record each other over the Internet, in real time. Multi-pattern Valve Microphones
| People + Opinion
Richard Aitken of Nimrod Productions
Roger Nichols: Across The Board The Current State Of Affairs How can you go wrong with digital-to-digital transfers? And why is it bass that sounds better at 24-bit? Behind The Scenes At The Home Of Country Music Country Music's greatest showcase, the Grand Ole Opry, is a bastion of traditional values — and the home of some seriously advanced technology. Step inside... Technique Advanced Tempo & Beat Control in Digital Performer Digital Performer Notes & Techniques When it comes to controlling sequence tempo and imposing a meaningful beat structure on freely-recorded MIDI and audio, DP has plenty of tricks up its sleeve — including Live-like 'liquid audio' powers. Are PC Musicians ready for Windows x64? The 64-bit Question With advantages such as more efficient processing and the ability to address up to a Terabyte of RAM, Windows XP Professional x64 has a lot to offer PC-based musicians — in theory. We put the fully 64-bit system idea to the test. CLASSIC TRACKS: Dire Straits 'Money For Nothing' Producers: Mark Knopfler, Neil Dorfsman The Brothers In Arms album turned Dire Straits into one of the biggest-selling bands of all time, thanks to some technical innovation, tough decision-making, and that guitar sound — which was created by accident. Find out how they did it... Core Duo Laptops: Battery Life PC Notes Intel Centrino laptops, especially those using the brand-new Core Duo processor, offer much to the PC-based musician but can suffer a reduction in their usually generous battery life under certain circumstances. We investigate... Cubase Notes & Techniques While mastering in a home or project studio is unlikely to produce the very best results, Cubase SX does have some basic tools for those who want (or have) to adopt a DIY approach. Loop-based Composition in Reason Reason Notes & Techniques Reason is more than just a MIDI sequencing environment; it can also be used for creating new pieces spontaneously from sample loops. We show you how... Making A Living From Music For Picture: Part 6 Completed Orchestrations We look at the completed orchestrations for the film project introduced last month, and begin to consider the problem of what to do when a director demands revisions to your work... + Audio Files Despite having a generally well-balanced mix, James Michael felt that his track wasn't sounding quite right, so he contacted Mix Rescue for some mastering pointers. Check out the 'before' and 'after' mixes while you pick up some useful tips. Pro Tools Mastering Limiter Shootout Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques If you want to get maximum level out of your Pro Tools mixes, you need a mastering limiter. But which one? We put the leading contenders to the test. Theory & Practice You can mike up a string section in many different ways, but which one sounds best? We explain the theory behind the most popular mic techniques and then record several of them on a real string session so that you can let your ears decide. Recording Killer Guitar Sounds in Sonar 5 Sonar Notes & Techniques The technology for easily achieving an expensively produced effect when recording guitars is becoming more and more accessible. We take a look at what Sonar has to offer in this department, and examine other tools for creating killer guitar sounds. The Lab Flying duvets provide an emergency remedy for control-room acoustics in The Lab's two-storey industrial unit. Tempo-matching with Global Tracks in Logic Logic Notes & Techniques Global Tracks let you manipulate the bars and beats of your Song to match freely-played MIDI or audio recordings. Find out how to tempo-match... Apple Notes The Mac Mini joins the iMac and the new Mac Book Pro as the latest Apple computer to make the move to Intel processors. We also have the latest news on Universal Binaries, including a look at whether the developer tools used to create these new applications will have a negative effect on performance for Power PC users. Music Business Getting the most from the MIDEM Show Music Business The annual MIDEM conference is the music industry's biggest shop floor and networking opportunity — and whether you're an artist, a DJ or a producer, you can do business there. Read on... Sound Advice
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