July 2002 In This Issue
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Reviews Roland RS202 & Multivox MX202 (retro) The Roland RS202 and Multivox MS202 are two classic string synthesizers that seem to share more than a passing physical and sonic resemblance. We investigate the machines and the myths, and solve the mystery once and for all. Hardware Samplers Many people consider software samplers to have consigned the hardware equivalent to history. Not Akai, who have responded by releasing their best-value hardware samplers ever, offering unprecedented levels of computer integration, and packing them with user-friendly features. Multi-effects Processor Despite cramming 48 effects and 144 adjustable parameters into a box the size of a double CD case, the Ineko is remarkably simple to use. Analogue Sequencer Analogue sequencers may seem simple devices, especially when compared to their computer-based counterparts, but they can be put to fantastically complex uses in the right hands. We plumb the hidden depths of the new Oberkorn... Passive Monitors Passive nearfields from B&W, designed to balance the needs of both project-studio and hi-fi listening. Using Computer Technology The technology behind computers is advancing at an incredible rate, but are they really stable enough tools to replace an entire studio? Physical Modelling Recording Channel In addition to the usual dynamics and EQ facilities, this voice channel from Dbx offers physical modelling effects in the digital domain, allowing it to simulate the performance of different types of mics and mic amps. USB Sound Module & Audio Interface For Mac & PC The Edirol SD90 combines Roland's Sound Canvas sound set with a USB audio and MIDI interface. Groove Tubes Vipre Variable-impedance Preamp A heavy-duty valve preamp with variable input impedance, a unique slew-rate control, and a sublime sound. Production Workstation Korg's Trinity and Triton have led the workstation market for so long that updating the concept can't have been easy - after all, how do you improve the best? So what's new in the Triton Studio, and will it keep Korg comfortably ahead? MOTU 896 FireWire Audio Interface For Mac & PC Mark of the Unicorn were first to market with a multi-channel FireWire audio interface, the 828. Their new 896 adds 96kHz support among other features. Mutronics Colorsound Rackmount Analogue Effects Mutronics bring a blast from the past to a rack near you. NI FM7 Virtual FM Synth For Mac & PC Virtual analogue plug-in synths are now common, and as DX-style FM was the next great leap forward for real synths, a virtual FM synth was only a matter of time. So how does FM7 measure up to the original DX?; ; Phonic MRS1-20 Analogue Surround Mixer Phonic's new MRS1-20 brings analogue surround mixing to the project studio market for the first time. Shure KSM27 Cardioid Capacitor Microphone A versatile, entry-level large-diaphragm condenser mic with a particularly well balanced performance. v2 Audio Editing Software For PC From its beginnings as shareware, Syntrillium's cool Edit Pro has acquired an impressive professional user base. The new version offers more features, more power, and an updated user interface. Stereo Editor For Mac OS X And OS 9 TC's Mac-only stereo editing package has undergone another major upgrade, incorporating full OS X support and a greatly improved user interface. | People + Opinion
Programmer & Sound Designer To be successful in the music business today, you need to be flexible and multi-skilled - but not many people take these qualities as far as Damien Egan... Herbie Hancock: Herbie Hancock Creating Future2Future & Touring In Surround One of the most influential jazz keyboardists ever, Herbie Hancock is renowned for his innovative use of electronics and new production techniques. Playback | Readers' Music Reviewed Chas Davies * Hipstream * Accolade * Monotreme * Simon Hastings * Trifesky * Chromium * Aloysia Sigur Ros: Ken Thomas & Jonsi Birgisson: Recording Sigur Ros Over the years, Iceland has produced more than its fair share of innovative, experimental pop music. The country's latest hot exports, Sigur Ros, are currently recording an album in a disused swimming pool... Original Music Being Undermined Is the work of media composers writing original music being undermined by people using unprocessed material from sample CDs, and passing it off as their own work? Technique CHOOSING & INSTALLING A SUBWOOFER Choosing & Installing A Subwoofer An incorrectly set up or unsuitable design of subwoofer can seriously compromise the accuracy of your monitoring environment. We outline the performance characteristics of the different types and show you how to incorporate a sub for optimum effect within your system. Choosing & Using PC Plug-ins Software effects and instruments are becoming ever more important in music production - but what are the pros and cons of the innumarable formats available, and which host applications can use them? Eliminating Physical Computer Noise PC Notes This month we investigate a simple solution for eliminating physical computer noise from your studio, and an application to create more noise in your studio by manipulating drum loops. eMac & Upgraded Titanium PowerBook Apple Notes This month saw Apple release two new Macs, the eMac and an upgraded Titanium PowerBook. Of interest to musicians is that both feature a stereo audio input, a feature many Mac observers believed to be gone forever. Making Music With Groove Control Sample Libraries Groove Control loop libraries allow you much more flexibility than traditional sample CD-ROMs, if you know how to get the most out of them. Customising your Environment More practical advice on customising your Environment and setting up multiple Autoload Songs, plus our usual selection of helpful Logic tips. MAXIMISING YOUR VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS Maximising Your Virtual Instruments These essential survival tips will help to prevent your appetite for virtual instruments from exceeding your computer's ability to run them. Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques Cubase provides comprehensive recording and editing facilities for its mixer and plug-in parameters. Here's how to get them to work for you. MONITORS versus HI-FI SPEAKERS For Project Studio Monitoring We conclude our two-part examination into whether the traditional distinction between studio monitors and hi-fI speakers is justified. This month, the power-handling and compression characteristics of our four test monitors come under scrutiny... On-line Sample Libraries: Part 2 In the concluding part of our look at on-line sample libraries, we investigate Prime Sounds and Wizoosounds, as well as examining the implications of increased bandwidth and the potential for closer integration with music production tools. Built-in plug-in Delay We continue our look at DP3's built-in plug-ins, turning the spotlight this month on Delay. But first, some tips on the finer points of data selection and editing... Mac Or Windows?; How can I produce aggressive female vocals?; How do I eliminate flanging MIDI notes?; Can I use Virtual Guitarist with Logic on a Mac?; Should I record at a 24-bit resolution? Mac Or Windows?; How can I produce aggressive female vocals?; How do I eliminate flanging MIDI notes?; Can I use Virtual Guitarist with Logic on a Mac?; Should I record at a 24-bit resolution? Sonar XL v2's bundled CompressorX Our resident Sonar expert shows how Sonar XL v2's bundled CompressorX can be used as a loudness maximiser, how to give your audio files meaningful names and save settings for your MIDI hardware in a project, as well as how to use 'sliced' rhythm clips. Practical Cymbal Synthesis Synthesizing realistic cymbals is complex, but not impossible - after all, over 20 years ago, Roland's TR808 drum machine featured synthesized cymbals. We look at how they managed it, and attempt to create cymbals on another affordable analogue synth. |
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