You are here

Accessories / Gadgets

  • link

    Practical Tips For Setting Up Affordable TRS Jack Patchbays

    Flipping Patchbays!

    Many affordable patchbays come half‑normalled by default, and to change that you must flip the cards inside. It’s easy enough, but there’s a knack...

    Techniques Jun 2023
  • link

    Controlling A Neo Instruments Ventilator II From A Stage Organ

    DIY Cable Solution

    This DIY adaptor cable will fool your organ into thinking a real Leslie is attached.

    Techniques Apr 2023
  • link

    Patchbays In The Modern Studio

    How To Choose The Right One For You

    Even in today’s computer‑based studios, a patchbay can change your life. We help you choose the right one.

    Techniques Dec 2020
  • link

    Managing iLok Plug-in Licences

    Sound Advice

    There can't be many Pro Tools users left who have not had to invest in an iLok key in order to run their favourite plug-ins. But did you know that you can insure, transfer and even buy and sell iLok plug-in licences electronically? Find out more...

    Techniques Nov 2005
  • link

    Useful Utilities For The PC Musician

    PC Musician

    Whether you're running a single PC in your bedroom or a bank of them in a professional studio, sometimes a tiny freeware or shareware utility can make the difference between frustration and elation. We round up some of the best and point you to places where you can find more.

    Techniques Sep 2005
  • link

    Hard Drive Defragmentation

    PC Musician

    Does defragmenting your hard drives, including the ones you use for recording audio, really result in better PC performance? Opinion is divided, so we take a considered look at the subject, as well as testing some of the most suitable 'defragger' utilities.

    Techniques Jun 2005
  • link
    Microsoft Windows XP main screen.

    Windows XP: Is It Suitable For Music?

    PC Musician

    Windows XP is probably the most important PC operating system upgrade since Windows 95, but as always, its new features come at a cost. Should you upgrade your computer? Here's the definitive guide...

    Techniques Feb 2002
  • link

    MIDI On The Road: Part 2

    Preparing The System

    Having looked in Part 1 at how to condense your studio setup for use as a live rig, David Harman concludes this short series with tips on how to prepare yourself and your gear for the rigours of live performance.

    Techniques Sep 2001
  • link

    MIDI On The Road: Part 1

    Designing The Rig

    Being a MIDI-based musician doesn't mean that you can't get out and play live gigs; you just need to plan more carefully than the average pub band. Grizzled live MIDI veteran David Harman explains the pitfalls and outlines some of the preparation you need to take your show on the road.

    Techniques Aug 2001
  • link

    Exploring The Exotic Instruments In GM/XG/GS Sound Sets

    Exploration

    The GM, XG and GS sound specs are frequently derided for imposing boring uniformity on the synth universe — but in fact they contain many unusual sounds. Dave Stewart, a man who knows a gopi-yantra from gankogwe, sheds light on some of the lesser-known instruments in the General MIDID set, and provides some useful playing tips.

    Techniques Dec 2000
  • link

    Digital Audio

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Confused by word clock? When is it best to normalise a signal? Are optical cables a con? Paul White answers these and other questions we're most often asked about digital audio.

    Techniques Aug 2000
  • link

    Buying The Equipment You Really Need, Part 1

    Feature | Tips & Tricks

    We've all lusted after the shiny new gear that appears month after month in the pages of Sound On Sound — but how do you know what will make a real difference to your recordings and what will be an expensive luxury? Paul White picks out the areas where money will be well spent, and the products that will take your sound up a gear.

    Techniques Aug 2000
  • link

    Audio Software Plug-in Roundup, Part 1: Background

    Exploration

    The plug-in compatibility of most audio software means that you can add new effects and processing capabilities — but not all programs support the same types of plug-in, and some require additional hardware. In the first part of a comprehensive roundup, Paul White and Martin Walker look at the different plug-in formats available.

    Techniques Jun 1999
  • link

    The Psychology Of Recording

    Exploration

    Chris Carter offers insight into motivation and stress in the studio and some possible solutions.

    Techniques Nov 1997
  • link

    Hi-fi Tweaks In The Studio

    Tips & Tricks

    Carbon-fibre cables, gold-plated connectors, contact enhancers and spiked, lead-filled supports — not a list of props from a science-fiction blockbuster, but a selection of the many accessories available from hi-fi specialist dealers. Martin Walker enters the twilight zone to sort fact from fiction and discover whether any of this black magic can help you in the studio.

    Techniques Aug 1997
  • link

    Kickstart Your Inspiration

    Tips & Techniques

    Most of the time, inspiration doesn't so much strike as go on strike — so what can be done to coax it back to work? Paul White proffers a few suggestions.

    Techniques Feb 1996
  • link

    Second-Hand Equipment, Part 2

    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.

    Techniques Aug 1995
  • link

    Second-hand Equipment, Part 1

    Exploration

    While the likes of Roland TR909 drum machines and TB303 Basslines sell for inflated amounts, less trendy but often more functional gear regularly appears in the free ad columns at unbelievable prices. Derek Johnson takes advantage of the fickle nature of fashion to help you assemble a budget second-hand system...

    Techniques Jul 1995
  • link

    A Question Of Trust, Part 2: Working With Music Industry Professionals

    Exploration

    Having wondered last month about the reliability of your gear, David Mellor discusses the even less predictable nature of music business people...

    Techniques Jun 1995
  • link

    A Question Of Trust, Part 1: Can You Trust Your Equipment?

    Exploration

    Can you trust your equipment? What will you do if it lets you down? David Mellor offers advice.

    Techniques May 1995
  • link

    How To Treat, Label & Store Tape

    Tips & Techniques

    Paul White explains the APRS tape labelling system and offers a few hints of his own on tape care.

    Techniques Jan 1995

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Accessories / Gadgets