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November 2005 Magazine Contents

Reviews

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    Ableton Live 5

    Loop-based Sequencer [Windows/Mac OS X]

    Ableton Live is one of the software success stories of the last few years, with devoted users in fields as diverse as DJing, remixing, theatre sound and music production. Version 5 addresses requests from all these areas, whilst retaining the program's renowned ease of use.

    Reviews
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    Apple Soundtrack Pro

    Audio Sequencer & Editor

    Apple's loop-sequencing application has grown up, with the addition of sophisticated recording, editing and mixing facilities, a powerful waveform editor, and many of Logic's most sought-after effects.

    Reviews
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    Cakewalk Sonar Home Studio

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Windows]

    With Sonar Home Studio, Cakewalk have made the core features of their flagship sequencing application available at a bargain price.

    Reviews
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    Camel Space & DVR2

    Plug-in Folder

    We test two hot new plug-ins: Camel Audio's Camel Space (PC VST & Mac OS X AU) and TC Electronic's DVR2 (Mac/PC Powercore).

    Reviews
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    Crane Song Avocet

    Stereo Monitor Controller

    This monitor controller sets new standards for operational flexibility and sonic fidelity.

    Reviews
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    Digidesign M Box 2

    USB Recording Interface [PC/Mac]

    Digidesign have given the most affordable interface in their Pro Tools range a makeover, with a new case, new preamps and some additional features.

    Reviews
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    EastWest / Quantum Leap Symphonic Choirs

    Kompakt Instrument [Mac/PC]

    Ever fancied arranging 'Oops, I Did It Again' for a full choir? Well now you can, courtesy of Symphonic Choirs, the latest virtual-instrument sample library from East West and Quantum Leap.

    Reviews
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    Kawai MP8

    Digital Stage Piano

    Kawai's last few digital pianos have been finely wrought things of beauty: solidly built keyboards with an amazingly realistic playing action and beautifully sampled piano timbres. But their latest claims to surpass all of those. Can it possibly be true?

    Reviews
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    Korg OASYS: Part 1

    Workstation Synth

    For over 15 years, Korg have produced the world's most successful workstation synths, and the OASYS is their new £5400 flagship, their attempt to take the concept to the next level. In the first instalment of our two-part in-depth test, we assess how they have fared...

    Reviews
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    Lexicon MX200

    Multi-Effects Processor

    Lexicon's latest hardware reverb is designed to be as easy to control from your computer as a plug-in.

    Reviews
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    M&K MPS1611P

    Active Monitors

    These new speakers from M&K let you switch between reflex and infinite-baffle designs on a whim.

    Reviews
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    Rayzoon Jamstix

    Virtual Drummer PC VST Instrument

    Virtual band members are now a regular feature in SOS reviews, but how about a virtual drummer that actually will jam with you? Rayzoon claim Jamstix is able to do just that...

    Reviews
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    Sample Libraries: On Test

    Hot Releases Assessed

    We check out the latest sample libraries on the block: Reason Drum Kits • Beats Working In Cuba • The Giovani Edition

    Reviews
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    SE Electronics Titan

    Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone

    The capsule within this microphone has a diaphragm coated with titanium, rather than the usual gold. We find out whether it makes any sonic difference...

    Reviews
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    SSL AWS900

    Mixer & Control Surface

    With their latest Superanalogue console, SSL bring the sonics and functionality of their flagship SL9000K to studios with smaller rooms and budgets. In the process, they've incorporated comprehensive control-surface facilities for driving computer DAWs remotely. But can the AWS900 really live up to its pedigree?

    Reviews
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    Steinberg Halion Player v3.1

    Steinberg Halion Player v3.1

    Sample Library Player [PC/Mac]

    If you want the sample playback features of Steinberg's Halion sample player, but you don't need its detailed editing facilities, there's now an affordable answer to your needs — and it includes the full Halion sound library too...

    Reviews
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    Waves GTR Guitar Tool Rack

    Guitar Processing System [PC/Mac]

    Software guitar amp modelling has been around for a while, but GTR is Waves' first foray into the field — and as you'd expect, they have made a huge effort to get it right, even hiring guitar maker Paul Reed Smith to design a bespoke preamp.

    Reviews

Techniques

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    Classic Tracks: Jimi Hendrix Experience 'All Along The Watchtower'

    Producers: Chas Chandler, Jimi Hendrix • Engineer: Eddie Kramer

    With his searing version of 'All Along The Watchtower', Jimi Hendrix set a standard for Dylan covers that has rarely been equalled. Eddie Kramer was behind the glass as the sessions moved from London to New York.

    Techniques
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    Digiworld 2005; Pro Tools 7

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Once again, there's a bumper crop of news from Digi-world to report, including the long-awaited jump to version 7 of Pro Tools.

    Techniques
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    Emu's Patchmix DSP Demystified...

    The Mixing & Routing Engine

    We demystify the powerful internal routing and mixing engine within Emu's recent popular range of computer audio interfaces.

    Techniques
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    ESX24 Sample Manager

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    More tips and news from the world of Apple Logic.

    Techniques
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    Fixing DP & Rewire Glitches

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    We've got news of some interesting new plug-ins this month, and the solution to one of those software compatibility problems that can drive you bananas...

    Techniques
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    iPod Nano; Motorola ROKR; .Mac

    Apple Notes

    We round up a month of small, yet interesting, product releases from Apple, as well as looking at how the company is making it easy for Linux developers to port audio software to Mac OS X.

    Techniques
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    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
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    Mastering Reason 3 Mixes

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason 3 has several new tools for pumping up final mixes and creating that 'finished product' sound.

    Techniques
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    Pointing Devices For The PC Musician

    PC Musician

    If you've had enough of chasing a mouse around your desk, there are many other ways of controlling the on-screen pointer of your music software. We examine some options.

    Techniques
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    ReBirth & Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    ReBirth is dead. Long live ReBirth! We discuss the decision to discontinue this pioneering software and discover how Reason users can keep its spirit alive.

    Techniques
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    Sonar Notes

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    When the version number's most significant digit increments, you know something big is going to happen — what's inside Version 5?

    Techniques
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    Sonar's Dreamstation Soft Synth

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    This modest little soft synth has been bundled with Sonar since version 1.0 and is very kind to your CPU resources, yet many Sonar users are still unaware of just how much you can squeeze out of it. We present some evidence.

    Techniques
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    Studio SOS: Improving Your Workspace

    Bella Saer

    In another exciting installment of our studio 'makeover' series, the team rotate Bella Saer's entire setup through 90 degrees in search of a more effective working environment.

    Techniques
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    The Lost Art Of Sampling: Part 4

    Part 4: Looping & Time-stretching

    If you want to artificially extend your instrument samples, or make entire backing tracks from one rhythmic snippet, you'll need to know about looping and time-stretching. And then there's keygrouping... We explain these fundamental sampling processes, and more.

    Techniques
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    User Accounts; Documents & Settings

    PC Notes

    We explore the relevance of User accounts and the vital contents of the Windows Documents and Settings folder.

    Techniques
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    Using Hardware Controllers With Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Not everyone can afford to invest in a dedicated high-spec hardware controller such as Logic Control. However, you can use even the most humble of MIDI devices to control your mixer, software synths, and plug-ins instead.

    Techniques
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    Using V-Racks In Digital Performer 4.6

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    One of the most exciting and unexpected new features unveiled in Digital Performer 4.6 is V-Racks, and, like many of the best things in life, it's something you probably didn't realise you needed until it came along...

    Techniques
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    Working With Video In Cubase SX/SL

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Since its SX reincarnation three years ago, Cubase has once again become one of the most flexible tools for writing music to picture. Let's investigate...

    Techniques

Sound Advice

People

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    Leader: Happy 20th Birthday SOS!

    Paul White

    As SOS starts its 21st year, Editor In Chief Paul White casts an eye over the past 20 years.

    People
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    Manu Katché

    Session Drumming & Music Technology

    He is one of the most famous drummers in the world, having played on more than 200 records. His CV reads like a Who's Who of English, American and French popular music, and even if he prefers not to lose himself in computers, he always takes a PowerBook with him, to write songs, at home or on tour. Meet Manu Katché, drummer extraordinaire.

    People
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    Sounding Off: Make Time To Listen

    Stephen Bennett

    In a desert of noise, the personal MP3 player is an oasis of quiet...

    People
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    The Go! Team: Recording Thunder, Lightning, Strike

    Gareth Parton

    The Go! Team's debut album, a glorious pile-up of mangled samples and lo-fi home recordings, is now attracting widespread acclaim — but its path to Mercury nomination and commercial success has been anything but smooth.

    People
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