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April 2004 Magazine Contents

Reviews

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    Acon Digital Media Acoustica

    Audio Editor For Windows

    If the established pro applications are out of your price league, then this highly affordable stereo editor might prove a genuine alternative.

    Reviews
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    Behringer B2 Pro

    Multi-pattern Capacitor Mic

    This entry-level, large-diaphragm mic has enough facilities to grow with your needs, and comes complete with case and suspension shockmount.

    Reviews
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    Camel Audio Cameleon 5000

    Resynthesizing Additive Soft Synth

    Resynthesis promises to combine the realism of a sampler with the flexibility of a synth. A great idea, but no-one has really made it work — until now...

    Reviews
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    Echo Indigo IO

    PCMCIA Audio Interface For PC/Mac Laptops

    Echo's original Indigo was perfect for those who wanted to add a high-quality audio output to their laptop without taking up more space. The new IO version adds a stereo input and multi-client drivers, increasing its appeal even more.

    Reviews
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    Elektron Monomachine

    Multiple-Synthesis Keyboard & Sequencer

    Elektron maintain their reputation for producing unusual, innovative instruments with the bizarrely shaped Monomachine; it features six types of synthesis engine, a versatile sequencer, and effects. Is it refreshingly original, or a step too far?

    Reviews
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    Event ASP8

    Active Studio Monitors

    Event up their game once again with their best-ever design for project-studio monitoring. But have they come far enough to continue to face off the competition?

    Reviews
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    Kirk Hunter Orchestral Brass Ensembles

    10-DVD Gigastudio Sample Library

    Retailing at a paltry nine GBP per Gigabyte, this huge orchestral brass library from the USA appears to offer a big-screen experience at a Blockbusters price. Is there a catch?

    Reviews
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    Latest Sample CDs

    Sample Libraries

    This month's reviews: Atsiã ***** • Blister Pak ***** • Dub Basis **** • Evolution ****.

    Reviews
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    Line 6 Bass PodXT

    Modelling Bass Guitar Preamp

    This updated Line 6 unit combines improved amp modelling, compression, enhanced EQ, and a sizeable repertoire of modelled stomp-box effects.

    Reviews
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    McDSP Chrome Tone

    Amp Simulator & Effects (Pro Tools)

    If you want to trust your guitar sound to a plug-in rather than a real box of valves, there are already plenty of options — but McDSP's Chrome Tone is a little out of the ordinary.

    Reviews
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    Mindprint Envoice MkII

    Valve Recording Channel

    Mindprint have overhauled the electronics in their popular valve recording channel, and have also added extra facilities and an optional USB recording and monitoring interface.

    Reviews
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    Nu Systems Nu-Audio NB Pro

    Laptop Music PC

    Although Centrino laptops have advantages in terms of weight and battery life, standard Pentium 4 CPUs still offer the ultimate in performance, and Nu Systems's desktop replacement machine is a processing heavyweight.

    Reviews
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    Plug-in Folder

    PSP, Soundhack, Universal Audio

    This month PSP Easyverb; Soundhack Spectral Shapers and Universal Audio's 1176LN/SE & LA2A plug-ins are tested.

    Reviews
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    Samson 'S' Series Problem Solvers

    S•Amp, S•Monitor, S•Mix, S•Direct & S•Convert

    Samson's compact 'S'-series boxes solve a variety of studio problems without getting in the way. We check them out...

    Reviews
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    SPL Gain Station

    Mic & Instrument Preamp

    Not only does this little preamp give pure class-leading performance, but it also offers clever dynamics processing on board and an optional built-in A-D converter.

    Reviews
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    Studio Essentials

    Useful Accessories

    Ergonomic Computer Mouse from Designer Appliances QuillBook Review: Emagic Logic Tips & Tricks by Len Sasso.

    Reviews
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    TC Restoration Suite

    Powercore Audio Restoration Plug-ins

    Algorithms that remove artifacts such as clicks, scratches and broadband noise from digital audio require as much processing power as possible. TC's new suite of restoration tools harnesses both the host computer's CPU and the DSP of their Powercore system.

    Reviews
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    Terratec Producer Phase 88

    Mac & PC Multi-channel Audio Interface

    The Phase 88 is the successor to Terratec's popular eight-in/eight-out EWS 88MT PCI soundcard with breakout box.

    Reviews
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    TFPro P8

    Multi-mode Stereo Compressor

    Ted Fletcher's new processor packs four different well-known compression types into a single box.

    Reviews

Techniques

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    Apple GarageBand

    Apple Notes

    We take a look at the newest member of Apple's iLife suite and discover that youthful looks, adolescent attitude and long hair are not required to join this GarageBand.

    Techniques
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    Beat-slicing in DP

    Digital Performer Notes

    The plug-in and inter-application software world grows ever richer for DP users, and a set of new features for the program is announced at the NAMM show mdash; including, at last, a 'beat-slicing' function.

    Techniques
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    Classic Tracks: The Rolling Stones 'Start Me Up'

    Engineer: Chris Kimsey

    In 1981, 'Start Me Up' became one of the Rolling Stones' biggest hit singles. Yet it was actually a reject from a previous session, and only saw the light of day because its infamous co-writers had fallen out...

    Techniques
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    Creative Synthesis With Yamaha XG (Part 1)

    XG Masterclass

    There are lots of XG-format synthesizers in home studios, but their General MIDI heritage discourages many owners from using them. However, there's life in your XG module yet if you're willing to explore its hidden depths.

    Techniques
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    DSP-assisted Audio Effects & Latency

    PC Musician

    Extra DSP assistance to help your PC's processor cope with effects treatments used to be the province of the pro. Now there's a wide range of DSP-equipped cards to fit all budgets — but many people don't realise the latency issues that might be involved in using some of them.

    Techniques
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    From Analogue To Digital Effects

    Synth Secrets

    When synthesizing sounds, the effects you place after your synth's output are often as important as the synth itself (just think of last month's Leslie). As we near the end of Synth Secrets, we consider how a digital effects processor works.

    Techniques
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    Logic: Working To Picture

    Logic Notes

    This month we continue our advice on working to picture in Logic with tips on how to work around your visual hit points.

    Techniques
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    Macs On The Move

    Using Apple Laptops For Music

    It's been possible to make music on Apple laptops for many years now, but creating a working mobile system is harder than it looks. Fortunately, one SOS contributor has years of experience to pass on...

    Techniques
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    Multi-channel Architecture

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    As more musicians and audio engineers begin to explore the potential of surround sound in project studios, we take a look at Cubase SX 2's revised multi-channel architecture, which gives it advanced surround capabilities.

    Techniques
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    Pro Tools Plug-ins & Rewire • Gated Effects • Bouncing

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Public service time in Pro Tools Notes this month as we respond to user queries on recording via plug-ins and Rewire, creating gated effects, and bouncing.

    Techniques
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    Resolution!

    Cutting Edge

    At a time when audio quality is supposedly getting better, compressed formats are dominating consumer digital devices and services. Cutting Edge takes issue with the trend away from full-resolution playback.

    Techniques
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    Sonar and Multi-processor PCs

    Sonar Notes

    The latest Sonar update optimises the software for multi-processor PCs, as well as adding new operational features. Read on to find out what they'll mean to you, and explore another crop of tips and techniques.

    Techniques
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    Studio SOS: Attic Studio Problems

    Chris Brockis

    Chris Brockis had been having trouble mixing in his attic home studio, so he enlisted the help of the trusty SOS team.

    Techniques
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    Tonewheel Organ Implementations Compared

    Software vs Hardware

    The tonewheel organ is back in vogue, aided by various recent 'virtual' renditions of the real thing, and Hammond's release of the New B3. But how faithful does the software sound? We look at two contenders...

    Techniques
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    USB Vs Firewire PC Drives

    PC Notes

    This month we not only compare the hard-drive speed performance of USB and Firewire, but also take a look at a MIDI latency-testing utility and see how a handful of MIDI interfaces measure up.

    Techniques

Sound Advice

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    Q. How can I address the uneven bass response in my studio?

    I've been encountering some problems with standing waves in the room were I do my mixing. The bass response is very uneven and I'm considering investing in some acoustic treatment, but I don't really know were to start. What are my options?

    Sound Advice
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    Q. How can I get rid of clicks and pops from my soundcard?

    I've recently upgraded to an M-Audio Audiophile 2496 soundcard, and I'm having some problems. Firstly, I cannot change the level of the line input. So if the CD player outputs audio at too high a volume, I get clipping and distortion, no matter where I set the sliders in the Delta control panel applet...

    Sound Advice
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    Q. How do I get more polyphony from Roland D-series synths?

    I'm considering buying a second-hand Roland D-series workstation to get those classic D50-type sounds. I recently borrowed an old D-series synth from a friend and was using it in multitimbral mode, hooked up to my computer sequencer, but I  experienced some problems with the sounds, so I'd like to get your advice before I shell out any cash.

    Sound Advice
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    Q. What kind of headphones are right for me?

    I'm considering the purchase of two sets of headphones: the AKG K240DF (flat response) for mixing, and the K271 (coloured response) for musicians to wear when monitoring their own signal, giving them the best sound for inspiration and encouragement. Would these models be suitable for these applications?

    Sound Advice
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    Q. Where should I put my subwoofer?

    I want to add a subwoofer to my monitoring system, but how do I work out where to place it in the room?

    Sound Advice

People

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    Autechre

    Recording Electronica

    In producing their complex, abstract electronica, Autechre have taken the idea of the studio as an instrument to new extremes...

    People
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    Business End

    Readers' Recordings Commercially Assessed

    Another group of Music Producers Guild members proffer their constructive comments on the recordings of more SOS readers...

    People
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    Demo Doctor

    Reader Recordings Analysed

    Another batch of lucky SOS readers' demos wait nervously for the Doctor's prognosis. What is the verdict? Listen while you read on...

    People
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    Paul White.

    Identity Crisis?

    Leader

    Editor-in-Chief Paul White suggests that non-conformity and individualism might be one recipe for longterm musical success.

    People
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    Readers' Feedback

    Crosstalk

    Another batch of reader's correspondence.

    People
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    Recording Metallica's St. Anger

    Bob Rock

    Bob Rock has been responsible for some of the biggest rock and metal albums of the last 20 years, including nearly all of Metallica's output since 1991. Last year's St. Anger saw band and producer reinventing the genre with a savage, thrash-oriented sound that has divided fans and critics.

    People
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    Recreating New Order's 'Blue Monday' Live

    Roger Lyons

    In 1983, New Order sold over three million copies of their 12-inch single 'Blue Monday' and it has remained a classic. SOS spoke to producer, musician and New Order fan Roger Lyons, to find out how he helped the band bring the track back to life.

    People
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    Sounding Off: More Than Just Gear

    Ethan Winer

    An expert in acoustic treatment argues that a proper recording studio is much more than a collection of great gear.

    People
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