June 1998 In This Issue
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Reviews Analogue Systems RS Integrator Modular Synth Once upon a time, all synths were like this — discrete analogue sound-generating and sound processing modules, connected in any configuration the synthesist cared to dream up. If you like that idea, Analogue Systems are providing a new alternative to expensive antique systems. Chris Carter does the time warp again... Compact Monitors Paul White discovers that it is possible for a compact monitor to deliver a sound that is both accurate and tonally well-balanced. Solid-state Mic Preamp Many mic preamps are marketed on the strength of the sound they claim to impart to your recordings, but the Event EMP1 is designed to sit as unobtrusively in your signal path as possible, amplifying quietly to itself. Hugh Robjohns investigates... Tone Factory Paul White clocks on for a shift in Focusrite's Tone Factory, the first of the company's new low-cost Platinum range of processors, and discovers the anarchic side of Focusrite. Digital Multitracker Though the FD4 doesn't have a built-in recording drive, it records to a choise of popular types, costs less than £400, and has been designed to be almost as easy to use as a cassette multitracker. David Mellor goes back to basics... Stage Piano Module A quality acoustic piano sound in a 1U rack-mounting package? Paul Ward lifts the lid to see if there are any strings attached... Korg ZSC 01 Sound Collection Z1 Sound Card A few famous names have been co-opted by Korg to contribute to their first extra sound set for the Z1 physical modelling synth. Derek Johnson lends an ear. 100 Watt Stereo Guitar Amplifier Line 6 claim to have put physical modelling technology into a combo amplifier that any guitarist will feel immediately at home with. Paul White puts their claims to the test. PC Soundcard If audio performance and price are higher on your list of desirable soundcard features than bells and whistles, Midiman's Dman 2044 could be just the job. Martin Walker discovers a 4-input card that's as easy on the wallet as it is on the ear. Analogue Polysynth (Retro) A synth company that produced as many classic and well-loved instruments as did Moog Music is surely allowed the odd turkey! Gordon Reid waxes critical over one of them. Cardioid Condenser Microphone The new TLM103 is, of course, a complete impossibility — it has supposedly been designed to a project studio price whilst retaining the qualities of Neumann's top-flight, large diaphragm U87. Studio sleuth Hugh Robjohns pulls on his deerstalker, gets out his venerable U87, and prepares to eliminate the impossible and arrive at the truth. 24-bit Digital Studio Workstation In the space of just two years, Roland have doubled the power of their hard disk multitrack concept, going from the eight tracks of the VS880 to the 16 of their latest baby. Paul Nagle admires the VS's sparkling new options. 8-buss Digital Mixing Console (Preview) The Spirit name stands for quality analogue mixing at affordable prices — but can their new 328 carry the company's traditional values into the digital age? Paul White takes a first hands-on look at Spirit's digital debut. Real-Time Sound Processor Never ones for resting on their laurels, Steinberg have added a host of enhancements and additions to Wavelab. Martin Walker tries looping the loop, and analyses his WAV file collection. Syntrillium Software Cool Edit Pro Audio Editor If you fancy recording up to 64 audio tracks from the comfort of a familiar PC wave editor interface, Syntrillium Software's feature-packed Cool Edit Pro could be just the ticket. Martin Walker warms to the latest release of this popular package. Signal Processor In a world brimming over with multi-effects units, will TC Electronic's new FireworX cause sparks to fly amongst the competition? Hugh Robjohns lights the blue touch-paper... | People + Opinion Acoustic Treatments For The Project Studio Feature | Tips & Tricks Recording Architecture's renowned Black Box modular acoustic treatment system is now available in a range of packages specifically aimed at the project studio. Dave Lockwood talks to consultant acoustician, Nick Whitaker and architect Roger D'Arcy about the company's latest venture in this sector of the market. KENNY CAMPBELL: Mac Users, Get Together Sounding Off One day we all might drive a compact hatchback. Until then, Mac musicians should rally support for their beloved computer. Kenny Campbell sounds the call... MARTIN VERGO (MONO): Recording Formica Blues Interview | Band English electronic duo Mono are virtually unknown in the UK, but are in big demand in the USA, thanks to their single 'Life In Mono' being used as the main theme to the film of Great Expectations. US-based English writer Sam Molineaux talks technical to Mono's musical mainstay Martin Vergo, and provides the perfect perspective on the disparity between their British and Stateside success so far. MIKE HEDGES: Recording Manic Street Preachers, The Audience & Pure Essence Interview | Producer Acclaimed producer Mike Hedges has filled his studio with equipment that is almost as antique as the ancient French chateau that houses it. Paul Tingen catches up with a man who's far from manic but quite ready to preach the virtues of analogue. ROB PLAYFORD: Producing Goldie Interview | Producer Rob Playford is not only the man who, as Goldie's producer, helped mould one of the most original drum & bass talents into a household name and chart success; he's also boss of one of the hippest drum & bass labels on the planet, and a sought-after remixer. Christopher Holder asks 'how does he do that?'. Exploration Last month Big George looked at what demos actually are. This month he tells you how to prepare for recording one and avoid wasting lots of time, tape, and money. Technique All About Digital Audio, Part 2 Exploration Hugh Robjohns continues his look at the techniques and technology of digital audio. This month — quantising and oversampling. Cakewalk Pro Audio v7; Musician's CD Player PC Notes Updating software ought to be a simpler matter, but often things don't go according to plan. Martin Walker catalogues a selection of problem areas. Equipping A Home Studio, Part 4 Tips & Techniques Mastering is the final link in your sonic chain. David Mellor helps you make sure it's not the weak one... Optimise PC Internal Timing & Audio Recording With Cubase VST Tips & Tricks Many PC owners still seem to have trouble trying MIDI and audio together, and timing remains the main problem area. Martin Walker attempts to pull all the strands together. Tips & Tricks Setting up MIDI gear for the best audio quality is a very similar process to setting up your mixer, and you can often reduce noise levels significantly. Martin Walker provides some quick and easy ways to minimise hiss and hum from MIDI gear. Playback Readers' Music Reviewed Black Not Green * John Gooch * Jasper Fish And The Alice Band * Chelloveck * Richard Watson * Jim McMahon * Alistair Sutton * Way Out West * Untold * Brian Madigan * X-Xcell * Fake * Bob Evans Proscore v1.92; Akai Sample EXchange Atari Notes A dedicated American music professor currently provides one of the very few serious scoring programs for the ST as $20 shareware. Derek Johnson checks it out, and also discovers a neat utility that could make life easier for Akai sampler users... Software Synthesis; Hybrid Software Apple Notes Having whetted his appetite for MacOS-based software synthsis last issue, this month Martin Russ takes a closer look... Sound Advice
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