On the front cover this month is SSL’s new 24-channel mixer, the XL-Desk. Marketed as 'the smart, dumb analogue console' the XL-Desk sports eight mic preamps, four mix buses and can host up to 16 500-series modules, but lacks DAW control or fader automation. Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns takes it for a spin.
It's all about mix engineers in our features this month. We talk rock mixing with Tom Lord-Alge, and interview David Wrench, the mixer behind FKA Twigs, Jungle and Caribou. Then in our video this month, we catch up with Grammy-Award winner Andrew Scheps about getting started in the industry, compression and how not to get kicked off a session (available on iPad and via our YouTube channel).
We bring you in-depth reviews of hotly anticipated gear such as the Pro 2 monosynth from Dave Smith Instruments; the Komplete Kontrol S49 controller keyboard that offers super-tight integration Native Instruments' software; the Focal Alpha affordable nearfield monitors; the Arturia Beatstep hardware sequencer; Ocean Audio's two-channel four-band inductor EQ — the Signature Three; and XLN's virtual drum instrument, Addictive Drums 2.
We also test gear from Angelbird, Apple, Audiowiesel, Chandler, DoReMIR, Dynacord, Mozaic Beats, Munro Sonic, Panda Audio, Ploytec, Positive Grid, Prodipe, Samplecraze, Sonokinetic, Studiomaster, TC Electronic, Telefunken, Thermionic Culture, Universal Audio and Zero-G.
On top of all that, we have regulars such as DAW workshops, Notes From The Deadline and Studio File, which this month focuses on Stockholm's newest high-end recording facility, RMV Studio.
Tablet editions worldwide and UK/Europe print editions are available now. The USA print edition will be available next week and certain other territories may have to wait longer for the physical version due to shipping. If waiting isn't your thing, get the full contents and start reading right now on our website, here: http://sosm.ag/jan15contents
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