WIN TL Audio M1F8 Tube Tracker worth 3876 GBP

Deadline: 2010-05-28

To celebrate their 20th year in existence, TL Audio are kindly giving one lucky SOS reader an M1F8 console. An updated version of the original M1, the M1F8 features eight channel strips, each with balanced inserts, a three-band EQ (with swept mid), and two aux sends. TL Audio's generosity doesn't end there: along with the M1F8, they're supplying their optional DOF card, which endows the M1F with Firewire audio-interface functionality. This means that the lucky winner will be able to record all of the desk's channels to his or her DAW individually, along with the stereo mix.

Sound Technology +44 (0)1462 480000

www.soundtech.co.uk

www.tlaudio.co.uk

Akai Miniak

Analogue Modelling Synthesizer

This versatile compact synth takes the essence of its close cousin, the Alesis Micron, and adds a twist...

Cinematic Strings Pro Edition

Sample Library

In the film world, orchestral strings reign supreme. Has the latest movie-oriented string library got what it takes to spill your popcorn?

Eigenlabs Eigenharp Pico

Controller Instrument

The follow-up to the revolutionary Eigenharp Alpha is designed to make the essence of the Eigenharp experience more accessible and affordable. How well does it succeed?

Expert Sleepers Silent Way

(CV) Control Voltage-Generating Plug-ins [Mac/PC]

If you dream of controlling your analogue synths from within your DAW software, it may be that your audio interface will let you do just that — with a little help from this plug-in suite.

Graphtech Reso

Max NVS Bridge For Gibson Guitars

Harrison Mixbus

Digital Audio Workstation Software [Mac OS

Does the pro audio market need another digital audio workstation program? Harrison Consoles and Ardour believe the answer is ‘yes’...

Ian Boddy Beatalogue

Sample Library

4*

Kenton USB Solo

USB MIDI-CV Converter

Kenton’s USB Solo puts your computer directly in touch with your analogue synths.

M-Audio Oxygen 49

USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

M-Audio’s Oxygen 49 offers competitively priced control over your DAW.

Mackie Onyx 1640i

Firewire Mixer

With improved Firewire routing and Pro Tools compatibility, this new Onyx design offers much more than a few tweaks...

Mokafix Audio Plug-ins

Guitar Distortion Processors

NI Guitar Rig 4

Guitar Amp & Effects Modelling Software [Mac & PC]

Native Instruments’ guitar amp simulation software has sprouted a bunch of new amps and effects, along with more realistic cabinet and miking options, and is easier to use than ever before.

Peluso 22 251

Valve Microphone

This mic aims to bring us the sound of a vintage Telefunken — which is a brave choice, since Telefunken are reissuing it themselves! How close have Peluso come to getting it right?

Plug-in Folder

We test a trio of cool new Plug-ins

• Angular Momentum KickLab XXL
• Softube Trident A-Range
• SPL MicroPlugs

Presonus Firestudio Mobile

Firewire Audio Interface

Don’t be fooled by its small size: the Firestudio Mobile packs a lot of interface into a diminutive case.

Sample Logic Morphestra

Sample Library

What happens when an orchestra mutates into a cinematic virtual instrument? Our men in white coats investigate.

Sample Magic Sunrise Sessions

Multi-format

Sonodyne SM 50AK

Two-way Nearfield Active Monitors

India may be a growing force in most industries these days, but few Indian pro-audio companies have made it into Western markets. Can Sonodyne’s speakers change all that?

Thermionic Culture Pullet

Mid-range Passive EQ

If you want a high-quality analogue EQ, you’ll probably own several preamps already — so why pay for unnecessary gain stages? Find out whether you should make an active decision to acquire this passive EQ...

Vir2 Instruments Elite Orchestral Percussion

Kontakt Player 2

Zero-G Dark Skies: Cinematic Ambiences

Sample Library

5*

Dave Stewart: Creating A New Album From Archive Material

Time Trial: Bringing Multitracks and MIDI into the 21st Century

Dave Stewart’s career has spanned several generations of music technology (from National Health band in the 1970s to hits with partner Barbara Gaskin. For his latest project, he faced the challenge of bringing his old multitracks and MIDI sequences into the computer age.

Playback

Readers’ Music Reviewed

Ray Davies

Five Decades In The Studio

Legendary songwriter and Kinks frontman Ray Davies got his first taste of recording in 1964, and he’s never looked back.

Sounding Off

Matt Houghton

Education, education, education...

The Stargate Writing & Production Team

Mikkel Eriksen

From humble beginnings in provincial Norway, the Stargate team have gone on to become one of America’s leading hit factories. Songwriter and producer Mikkel Eriksen explains how their hard work and talent brought success.

Video Media

Leader

Editor-in-Chief Paul White explains why this MAY 2010 edition kicks off our brand new monthly VIDEO MEDIA section of SOS magazine. We've expanded the mag in size and added 16 pages of Video articles, all aimed at the recording musician wanting to delve into video-related work.

Apple Logic: Building An Arpreggiator

Logic Notes & Techniques

Everyone loves an arpeggiator, and building one in Logic is not only easier than you might think, but also helps you hone your Environment skills...

Bob Dylan ‘Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands’ | Classic Tracks

Producer: Bob Johnston

It took a while for Bob Dylan to hit his stride on his seventh studio album, but once he did there was no stopping him. Producer Bob Johnston recalls the difficult birth of Blonde On Blonde.

Creating & Using Synth Pad Sounds

Synthesis Workshop

Ah, the ’80s... Fluorescent socks, marble-wash jeans, and naff-sounding synth pads! You might not want to resurrect the first two, but subtle use of pads can improve even the most contemporary-sounding mix.

Creating & Using Synth Pad Sounds | Audio

Audio Examples From Pad Sounds May 2010

Dance Music Filter Effects with Cubase 5

Cubase Notes & Techniques

Filter sweeps and rhythmic filter effects are a key element in dance music — and they’re easy to create with Cubase 5’s bundled plug-ins...

Dance Music Filter Effects with Cubase 5 | Audio

Audio Examples from Cubase Techniques May 2010

High-capacity Drives

PC Notes

High-capacity drives now not only make it possible to carry entire multitrack audio projects in your back pocket, they also allow installation of some audio applications, theoretically offering a totally portable studio solution.

How To Create Your Own iPad/iPhone App?

Apple Notes

Last month we discussed what the launch of the much-vaunted iPad means for musicians — but just how hard is it to create your very own iPad and iPhone apps? We look at an interesting approach...

Hybrid Systems

Hardware In The Software Studio

What’s best: hardware or software? Analogue or digital? Most studio tools have their strengths, but how best do you combine hardware and software in a modern project studio?

Mix Rescue: Turn Back To Spring

Mixing & Recording Advice

We mix a track twice in the search for the right feel, apply EQ techniques for clarity and sheen, and complete the picture with stereo width enhancement.

Mix Rescue: Turn Back To Spring | Media

Mixing & Recording Advice

These audio files accompany the Mix Rescue article that featured in SOS May 2010.

More Max For Live

Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

MaxMSP needn’t be as scary as you might think, as we demonstrate with some basic Max For Live programming.

Reason / Record: Stereo Vision

Reason Notes & Technques

We show you how familiar devices can be manipulated to create stereo effects in Reason and Record.

Secrets Of The Mix Engineers: Justin Gerrish & Rostam Batmanglij

Inside Track: Contra by Vampire Weekend

In Contra, Vampire Weekend have made one of the more unlikely US hit albums of recent years. Guitarist Rostam Batmanglij and engineer Justin Gerrish explain how they wowed American audiences with African influences.

Sonar: AudioSnap Tips

Sonar Notes & Techniques

AudioSnap always had potential, but never quite fulfilled its promise. However, those of you now taking a second look will like what they see.

Studio SOS: David Balen

Too much hardware?

Having tackled his room acoustics, David Balen found himself plagued by a confusion of excess hardware. Our job was to get him back on track.

Unlink Timeline & Edit Selections

Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

The point of Pro Tools' option to unlink the timeline and edit selections isn't obvious, but there are situations in which it can be a lifesaver.

Notes From The Deadline

TV Music From The Inside

It’s wonderful to be able to give something back to young people who are eager to learn about life in the studio. If only they were better prepared to receive it.

A Recording Musician’s Guide To Making A Music Video

Video Production: Part 1 (of 2)

The arena of video production can seem daunting, but most audio engineers will find their skills transfer quite easily. In this introductory article, we cover the basic process of making a video from start to finish.

Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9

Non-linear Video Editor For Windows

Sony’s Vegas Pro is one of the most capable non-linear editors — but the cut-down Vegas Movie Studio offers many of its facilities at a more wallet-friendly price.

Video Tools: 5 Best Buys

Professional Non-linear Editors | Cameras | Entry-level Non-linear Editors

New to the world of video production and unsure what gear to buy? Our guide to the five best options in three software and hardware categories will get you started in the right direction...

Q. How can I fix timing issues?

Q. How can I make my amp quieter for recording?

Q. What should my songs look like through a vectorscope?

Q. Which books will give me a good grounding in electronics?

Q. Why won’t Elastic Audio recognise the tempo of my loop?

SOS Podcast 024

26:35 mins

Contents include a discussion on what elements in the recording chain make the most difference to quality, plus a word from Craig Anderton on what is coming up in his June issue Sonar Notes column. Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns and Paul White (Editor-In-Chief) chat about what they've been doing that's audio related over the past few weeks and there's the usual news and Question/Answer sections.