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August 2005 Magazine Contents

Reviews

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    AAS String Studio

    Modelled String Instrument

    String Studio uses Applied Acoustics' physical modelling expertise to (in theory) generate the sound of any string instrument. Good or bad vibrations? We find out...

    Reviews
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    Apogee Big Ben

    Master Digital Clock

    Apogee's new master clock includes their latest clock-regeneration technology, which can synchronise to even very poor-quality clock sources.

    Reviews
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    Apple Logic Express

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Mac OS X]

    Buying the Express version of Apple's Logic will save you a cool £500 over the full-blown Pro edition — and you'll still get a mighty powerful sequencer...

    Reviews
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    ART Cleanbox II

    Hum Eliminator

    ART Cleanbox II Hum Eliminator • Book Review: The Guide To MIDI Orchestration.

    Reviews
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    ASS Anarchy Rhythms

    Formats: Windows VST & Stand-alone

    Anarchy Rhythms is a novel VST plug-in/stand-alone application, whose author accurately describes it as "a hybrid between an effect and a drum machine".

    Reviews
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    BSP Cubase Keyboard

    QWERTY Keyboard

    We test another customised keyboard aimed at Cubase users.

    Reviews
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    CME UF8

    88-note Weighted Controller Keyboard

    The price of controller keyboards has fallen sharply over the past few years, but whoever thought that we would see an 88-note weighted-action keyboard with aftertouch for under £500? Enter CME's UF8...

    Reviews
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    ESI Pro ESP1010

    PCI Audio Interface [PC]

    If you are on a tight budget, ESI's new PCI audio and MIDI interface gives you more ins and outs for less money. But how does it stack up sound-wise against its pricier competitors?

    Reviews
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    GForce Minimonsta

    Virtual Analogue Synth [PC/Mac]

    Forget completely flexible software synthesis — what everyone wants, it seems, is emulations of 35-year-old monophonic analogue synths! We check out the latest modelled Minimoog, and see how it compares to the original hardware.

    Reviews
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    M-Audio Ozonic

    MIDI Controller/Firewire Audio Interface

    M-Audio have been producing impressive, inexpensive controller keyboards for some time, and have recently moved seriously into Firewire interfacing. The new Ozonic seeks to combine both capabilities in one product — and all for less money than you'd think...

    Reviews
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    Mackie Tracktion 2

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Windows/Mac OSX]

    Tracktion's designers have given the program a thorough overhaul and added some significant new features. But have they succeeded in retaining its freshness and ease of use?

    Reviews
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    Mackie X200

    Digital Production Console

    Not content with acting as a high-spec control surface and Firewire audio interface for your studio computer, this new high resolution console seems determined to outshine it with its slick touchscreen graphical interface and onboard VST plug-in hosting.

    Reviews
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    Miglia Harmony Audio

    Firewire Audio Interface [Mac OS X/Windows]

    This two-in, eight-out interface is the first audio product from British Firewire specialists Miglia Technology.

    Reviews
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    MXL V6 • 990 • 992

    Condenser Microphones

    Three new large-diaphragm mics from MXL include a model which attempts to recreate the sound of valves using solid-state technology.

    Reviews
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    NI Xpress Keyboards

    Software Synths

    Xpress Keyboards features cut-down versions of NI's B4 tonewheel organ emulation, Pro 53 Prophet 5 emulation and FM7 DX-alike.

    Reviews
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    Roland FANXUP1 & Fantom XR

    OS Upgrade v2 Editor For Fantom X

    The Fantom X is Roland's best-ever workstation, but it has suffered from one or two annoying omissions, such as the ability to import Roland's own sample format. We explore the Fantom Xr rack module and ask if the v2 OS and editing software provide the solutions?

    Reviews
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    Roland VS8F3

    Plug-in DSP Card For VS Multitrackers

    This new card narrows the gap between Roland's VS-series machines and computer recording systems by allowing the use of third-party plug-ins within the multitracker environment. We test the card, its bundled plug-ins, and the first of the brand-name offerings from Universal Audio.

    Reviews
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    Sample Libraries: On Test

    DFH Custom Vintage • ASL • Drops In The Bronx Vol. 1 • Raw Power

    Under review: Toontrack DFH Custome Vintage, Zero-G Analogue Sequencer Loops, Drumdrops Drops In The Bronx Vol. 1,  Loopmasters Origin Raw Power.

    Reviews
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    Tannoy Precision 6

    Passive Dual-concentric Monitors

    Tannoy's new Precision monitors bring their celebrated dual-concentric driver and Supertweeter technology to the project studio market.

    Reviews
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    TFPro P4

    Dual Recording Channel

    In the red corner, weighing in at 0.8kg, is the latest addition to the TFPro range of outboard — a dual mic preamp with integrated dynamics processing.

    Reviews
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    The Guide To MIDI Orchestration

    Book Review

    Although there are plenty of formal text books on the subject of writing and arranging for an orchestra, Paul Gilreath's 700-page book is not only very accessible, but also more likely to appeal to the average SOS reader.

    Reviews
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    Waves L3

    Multi-band Mastering Limiter [Mac/Windows]

    If you want your mixes to go to 11, Waves' new mastering limiter might be the weapon you need.

    Reviews
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    Yellow Tools MVI

    Virtual Instruments [PC/Mac]

    German company Yellow Tools started off as sample library developers, but like many others, they've moved into the world of virtual instruments with the lovingly crafted MVI range. We check out all three...

    Reviews

Techniques

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    64-bit Info, Updates & Tips

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    This month more about 64-bit computing and details of a Mackie control-surface update for Sonar users — and we offer handy tips on taming mute tools and MIDI notes.

    Techniques
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    Classic Tracks: The Bee Gees 'Stayin' Alive'

    Producers: The Bee Gees, Albhy Galuten, Karl Richardson • Engineer: Karl Richardson

    Disco was an American phenomenon, but its greatest hits were recorded in France by an English band who were trying to play R&B...

    Techniques
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    Comparing Audio Restoration Plug-ins In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We line up three of the most popular audio restoration packages available for Pro Tools. Which gives the most natural results, which is easiest to use, and how do you get the best from them?

    Techniques
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    Cubase SX/SL 3.1

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We investigate the major and minor new features on offer in Cubase SX/SL 3.1.

    Techniques
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    Discwelder Bronze DVD-Audio Trial

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    More news and ideas from the DP scene — as well as some good old-fashioned rumour-mongering...

    Techniques
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    Electromechanical Refill Updated

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    On the menu: Tiger tussles with Reload, Propellerhead's Akai sample-management software, the excellent free Electromechanical Refill gets an update, and quick tips.

    Techniques
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    Logic v7.1 Stability Issues

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    We take a look at some of the stability problems still lurking in v7.1 under Tiger, and also reveal a couple of extra plug-ins tucked away in the new OS upgrade.

    Techniques
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    M For Mobile...

    PC Notes

    The Pentium M processor has various desirable qualities, not least its very low power requirement, which leads to a reduced need for cooling and a quieter life for musicians. However, it has always been confined to use in laptops, with corresponding limitations — until recently.

    Techniques
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    Macs With Intel Processors?

    Apple Notes

    Apple users are used to transitions, having moved from 68k-based Macs to Power PC processors, and the classic Mac OS 9 to Mac OS X. Now it's time for the third and most shocking transition of all: the move to Macs with Intel processors.

    Techniques
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    Making The Most Of EQ In Sonar v4

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    When is an EQ not just an EQ? When it's the Sonar v4 Producer Edition Sonitus EQ and you use it for some of the amazing processing tricks we're about to explain!

    Techniques
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    Practical Groove Quantisation In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    This month's Digital Performer workshop aims to help you get into the groove more effectively, through the use of the program's sophisticated quantisation facilities.

    Techniques
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    Recording Electric Guitars In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Find out how to record a great electric guitar sound into Logic, and which of the plug-ins have the most impact at the mixdown stage...

    Techniques
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    Recording Piano & Harpsichord

    Gordon Giltrap

    Recording acoustic keyboard instruments in a home environment can be pretty demanding, but with a little care you can still get professional results.

    Techniques
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    Replacing Drums In Cubase SX

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    You've recorded a real drummer, but the drum sound just doesn't cut it. Is there anything you can do to rescue things?

    Techniques
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    Spreading Your Music Across Networked Computers

    PC Musician

    Networking computers is now more straightforward than it used to be, there's a good choice of connection protocols, and Macs can get in on the act alongside PCs. The benefits for musicians can be considerable, as we discover...

    Techniques
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    Studio SOS: Carpeted Walls!

    Brett Taylor-Holmes

    The intrepid SOS crew answer a call for help from a drummer whose studio requires a monitoring and acoustics makeover...

    Techniques
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    The Lost Art Of Sampling: Part 1

    Techniques & Technology

    Most modern musicians use samples, even if only in Sample & Synthesis-based keyboards or virtual instruments. But sampling itself has become something of a lost art. In the first part of a short series on rediscovering this skill, we look back at how the technique and the technology developed.

    Techniques
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    Using The Malström Synth In Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    The Malström device can certainly be used as a conventional synth, but behind its slightly bizarre green front panel lies a powerful graintable sound engine begging to be exploited to the full. We show you how...

    Techniques
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    Waves DSP • Editor's Keys • Mac OS 10.4 Compatability

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    News of a new hardware DSP system from Waves; a mini-review of a keyboard sticker set for Pro Tools from Editor's Keys; the latest information on compatibility with Mac OS 10.4, and plug-in news.

    Techniques

Sound Advice

People

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    Business End

    Reader Tracks commercially evaluated

    Business End enables you to have your demo reviewed by a panel of producers, songwriters, musicians and managers.

    People
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    Crosstalk: Your Feedback

    Response to your letters, emails and calls

    Replies from the editorial team to more of your valued feedback.

    People
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    Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds

    5.1 Surround Remix & Remastering Project

    Jeff Wayne's classic musical adaptation of H.G Wells' novel The War Of The Worlds was a technical tour de force and an enduring commercial success. 27 years after its release, it has undergone a complete rework for 5.1 surround using Pro Tools.

    People
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    Paul White - Editor In Chief

    Paul White's Leader

    SOS DVD 001

    To celebrate our 20th anniversary, the UK/EU edition of SOS August 2005 comes with a free cover-mounted SOS DVD, featuring over 2.5 hours of SOS-created video tutorials and demos. Find out why it has taken SOS 20 years to find its 'voice'...

    People
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    Peter Freedman • Rode Microphones

    The Wizard Of Oz

    Australian manufacturers Rode started off making their mics with imported Far Eastern components, but as SOS's Editor In Chief found out on a visit to Sydney, these days their products are entirely conjured up in the land down under...

    People
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    Sounding Off: The Answer Is 'Yes'

    Big George

    In music for TV, the solution is to not be a problem.

    People
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