August 2002 In This Issue
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Reviews Access Virus C Modelled Analogue Synthesizer Access have managed to add some excellent features to their Virus synth in the past simply by upgrading its OS, but the march of progress means that a hardware revision is eventually necessary. Does the new Virus C do enough to keep up with the virtual-analogue crowd? Alesis M1 Active MkII Compact Active Nearfield Monitors Alesis update their cost-effective nearfields. Amek DMCL Dual Mic Preamp & Compressor/Limiter Legendary designer Rupert Neve brings us the third in the Amek Pure Path range, a dual preamp and dynamics processor with unusually flexible filtering and side-chain facilities. ANALOGUE SOLUTIONS FILTERED COFFEE Analogue Solutions Filtered Coffee Module Despite the prevalence of digital processing, stand-alone analogue filters continue to have an important part to play in modern production. It's no surprise to find Analogue Solutions releasing one - but the low price might cause a few raised eyebrows... Edirol DA2496 Digital Audio Interface For Mac & PC Edirol are best known for their desktop music products, but they're heading into the professional arena with the DA2496, a high-quality eight-channel audio interface with a PCI card and breakout box. Edirol UM880 Eight-in/Eight-out USB MIDI Interface For Mac & PC Edirol's latest offering is a well-specified multi-port USB MIDI interface which claims to offer excellent timing. Dual-channel Effects Processor Does this preset-based dual-channel multi-effects processor produce a performance that belies its entry-level price? Loop-based Sequencing Software For PC Fruity Loops from Image Line Software is a streamlined sequencer environment designed for dance music production using samples and software synths. Virtual Guitar Amp For PC Line 6 revolutionised the recording of the electric guitar when they introduced the Pod. Now they want to get all technophobic guitarists on-line. Is the Guitar Port the next stage in the search for guitar tone Nirvana? Making Waves v3 Loop Sequencing Software For PC The straightforward but effective Windows-based sequencing package Making Waves has been upgraded to include multi-channel recording, DirectX and MIDI support. Software Sampler For PC & Mac Although Native Instruments' Reaktor has offered sampling options for some time, it's taken the company a while to produce a dedicated software sampler. Can it now make headway in what has become a crowded market? Waves Masters Bundle Waves Masters Bundle; Formats: Mac TDM and all native formats: PC VST, DirectX RTAS and AudioSuite. REBIRTH OF THE COOL: Mellotron The Mellotron MkVI (retro) The Mellotron has had a chequered history, from '60s 'must-have' to '80s has-been, but it's survived bankruptcy and technological progress, and now it's back, in a brand-new, reworked form. We relate the story of this classic instrument, and see how the new version compares to the old. Modelled Analogue Synthesizer The Elevata is a 16-voice polyphonic, eight-part multitimbral modelling synth from UK innovators Red Sound. But with a number of virtual analogue synths available at the same price point, does the Elevata offer enough to distinguish itself? Condenser Microphones For Stereo Recording Do you prefer doing stereo recordings with two separate mics or with one dual-capsule mic? With their NT4 and NT5 models, Rode cater for both techniques. Modelling Bass System Roland's new V-Bass refines the technology developed for the pioneering V-Guitar systems to meet the demands of bass players. Digital Studio Workstation Roland have enhanced the VGA monitor graphical interface of their flagship 24-track recording workstation to make it easier to use, and have also thrown in a few extra features for good measure. Digital Audio Transmission Analyser Digital audio is now very much a part of everyday studio life, but do you ever wonder how well your system is really working? MIDI + Audio Sequencer For Windows Cubase SX is the most ambitious and eagerly anticipated software launch in years. Is this the future for computer-based music production? | People + Opinion
Songwriter/Producer The creative force in the modern pop music business seems, increasingly, to reside with songwriter/producers like Gary Miller, who specialise in getting the best out of artists in collaboration. Sneaker Pimps Dance-rockers the Sneaker Pimps have spent years in the studio together. For their next move, they're going to split up - virtually... The spectacular fall from grace of British music in the US From Triumphant moptops to dismal flops: charting the spectacular fall from grace of British music in the US. By Dave Stewart. Technique Apple Notes There has been an exciting Apple product announcement almost every month this year, but the new Apple 1U rackmount server may be the most exciting yet, especially for touring musicians and studio installations. PC Notes Choosing the right processor is essential for computer-based musicians relying on native processing, especially when it affects the quality of reverb plug-ins that can be used. Multisampling With EXS24: Sampling Yound Modules For UseIn emagic's EXS24 Software Sampler With a software sampler such as Emagic's EXS24, creating multisampled instruments from your favourite patches on your hardware sound modules needen't be a chore. FireWire Drives For Music: 24-bit/96kHz Operation The case for recording audio at 24-bit, 96kHz is being ever more strongly promoted, but operating at high resolution has an impact on the performance of audio-recording computers, hard drives, and thus sequencer track counts. We give you some solid figures... Guide To Setting Up Logic For Writing Music To Picture There's a simple guide to setting up Logic for writing music to picture this month, as well as advice on speeding up your work in the Score Edit window. Plus, there's news of the latest improvements in Logic v5.1.3 and, of course, the usual fistful of useful tips. Practical Multi-band Compression Multi-band compression is one of the most powerful processing techniques available to the recording engineer. However, if you don't know how to apply it effectively it can just as easily ruin the sound of your entire production. OMS: What You Need To Know If you're planning to use a Mac for music, you'll probably need to use Opcode's OMS at some time or other. But what is it, and how can you get it up and running quickly? Digitising & Restoring Tapes & Records On Your PC A PC with CD burner and soundcard provides the ideal means to preserve old tape recordings or transfer your vinyl collection to CD. Creative Uses Of MAS Plug-ins We continue looking at creative uses of the MAS plug-ins supplied with Digital Performer - this month, it's the turn of Trim. We kick off with more data-selection and editing tips. Is it safe to switch all my gear off using one power switch?; How can I get a vocal sound that's dry, but fits in the mix?; How can I measure my soundcard's background noise level?; Can I get away with connecting my keyboard's output to a mic input on my Is it safe to switch all my gear off using one power switch?; How can I get a vocal sound that's dry, but fits in the mix?; How can I measure my soundcard's background noise level?; Can I get away with connecting my keyboard's output to a mic input on my desk?; How can I calculate the frequency of individual pitches?; Will silica gel have a limited life-span in my mic box? Running Soft Synths; HTDM Technology Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques This month, there's more information on running soft synths in Pro Tools, including a look at Digidesign's new HTDM technology and Emagic's host/TDM System Bridge. Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques Last month we looked at the channel-based automation features of Cubase VST and, as promised, this time we're going to explore VST's segment-based automation abilities and ponder their absence in SX. Sonar Plug-in Manager, Rewire Protocol This month there's news of great software to download for use with Sonar - and the best thing is that it's free! Plus we show you how to use Rewire to get Sonar talking to Propellerhead Software's Reason. Steve Graham The SOS team answer a reader's cry for help, and assist him to improve his recordings of guitar and vocals. |
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