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Reviews Hard Disk Recorder Random access recording offers many benefits over tape for the creative recordist. David Mellor samples this 8-track offering from Akai. Studio Headphones Established mic company Audio Technica have branched out into the world of headphones with their new ATH range. Paul White listens in. Dynamic Microphones If you've ever wondered what happened to the Iron Curtain, Paul White's theory is that it was melted down to make budget Russian mics! Here he takes a look at the latest two to defect to the West. Digitech Studio 5000 Digitech Studio Vocalist Harmony Processors David Mellor explores ways to spice up vocal and guitar lines, courtesy of two new Digitech harmony processors. MIDI Recording System With such a huge market to aim at, no software house can ignore the PC musician. Paul Nagle checks out Emagic's latest upgrade for Windows workers. Jeanius Electronics Russian Dragon RD-R3 Timing Analysis Repackaged and re-launched, one of the audio industry's only specialist timing analysis tools is back in the shops. Dominic Hawken takes a closer look. Mixing Console Paul White checks over Mackie's newest mixer and predicts another round of credit card battering amongst SOS readers. Back-electret Capacitor Mic Though not new, Peavey's PVM480 back-electret mic is an ideal first capacitor mic. Sound Engineer Steve Brodie explains why. Microcomposer (Retro) Almost overlooked in the rush of people desperate to get their hands on a Roland TB303, the MC202 is just beginning to find favour with the all-analogue dance crowd. Tom Carpenter explains why he's never forgotten the diminutive MicroComposer. Closefield Monitors Paul White tests the latest Silver closefield monitoring system, which can be extended to full-range use by the addition of bass enhancement cabinets. Digital Audio Tape Recorder Tascam's new DAT machine combines professional features with an affordable price. Paul White puts it to the test. Mic Preamp/DI Box Paul White tries out the new TLA Preamp/DI box, which combines leading edge solid-state technology with vintage tubes in an attempt to offer the best of both worlds. Wavetable Synthesizer Paul Nagle takes home a version 2.0 Microwave and discovers why this extraordinary instrument continues to enjoy such a long and illustrious life. CP Mega EMS 400/500; Sound Foundation Kill Switches Paul White checks out two 19-inch modular rack cases from CP whilst Wilf Smarties tinkers with some kill switches. | People + Opinion Interview | Artist With a second album release imminent, Nigel Humberstone talks to the creative driving force behind D-Ream, Peter Cunnah. Phil Da Costa: Young Musicians V Old Record Producers (Ageism In The Music Industry) Interview | Music Production (Production Lines) Why do so many mainstream record producers regard young mixers with such suspicion, and why do thrusting young remixers regard producers as such boring old farts? Engineer/producer Phil Da Costa thinks the answer lies in the different approaches to making records held by producers and DJ/remixers alike. Interview | Composer Steve Reich's latest composition, City Life, is an eclectic blend of classical music and sampled urban sounds, all played live. A few days after the UK premiere, Paul Tingen talks to the acclaimed avant-garde composer about his inspiration for the piece, and its realisation on stage. Technique PC Notes Brian Heywood brings you the latest PC soundcard developments, and reports back from the recent APRS and Multimedia shows... Creating A Cubase MIDI Mixer Map For Yamaha SY85, Part 2 Tips & Techniques Simon Millward completes the construction of a Cubase Mixer Map for Yamaha's popular SY85 synth. DIY Drum Pads And Pedal Triggers Tips & Techniques Paul White enters Blue Peter mode and puts together a fully working drum pad and pedal trigger system for less than the cost of a pint of lager. If you own an Alesis D4, drumKAT, Akai ME35T or any other drum machine or percussion controller that accepts external pads, you can't afford to miss this. How To Make Your Own Digeridoo Tips & Techniques Paul White explores the outer limits of physical modelling on a budget that wouldn't even buy you a decent pair of shoestrings! Improve Your Stereo Master With Post-Production Sweetening Tips & Techniques Paul White presents a few low-calorie tips on how to sweeten and edit your sounds after mixing them. Exploration Paul White kicks off a new series for newcomers to MIDI. Atari Notes Need to expand the MIDI side of your system? Vic Lennard looks at the current situation, including a couple of new boxes... Tips & Techniques If you're on a budget, there's nothing to beat buying second-hand. Derek johnson and Debbie Poyser trawl the Reader Ads to highlight more of yesterday's forgotten gear that's worth a closer look. Sympathetic Mixing: How To Set Up A Good Mix Tips & Techniques Duke Ashton provides a personal guide to setting up a good mix. Transferring 16-bit Audio Files From Mac To Synth Apple Notes Martin Russ explores ways of transferring 16-bit audio files from the Mac to a synth, and reveals what's new in the Mac music world. |