SOUND ON SOUND
Lovetone breathe new life into some old favourites. But can their all-analogue handmade pedals still compete with digital multi-effects and software plug-ins?
Although they started off as rugged, assignable control surfaces aimed mainly at Pro Tools, CM Labs' Motormix moving-fader and Dashboard button/jog/shuttle controllers can interface with most digital audio workstations. We put them through their paces.
We test and report on another crop of highly insertable software plug-ins: PSP Nitro • Sony Oxford Inflator • Kjaerhus Audio Gold Series • Luxonix Ravity • Audio Damage Mayhem
Behringer's new digital effects box models the characteristics of well-known high-end and vintage reverberators.
The latest addition to Metric Halo's Mobile I/O range is, like the existing MIO 2882, now available with a powerful DSP option for running audio processing plug-ins.
We check out two more studio essentials: Mixing With Your Mind book (author: Michael Stavrou) and The A/B CD Audio Comparisons CD.
Three years ago, Mark Of The Unicorn were the first manufacturer to bring out a working Firewire interface. Now, they've replaced the 828 with a MkII version offering high sample-rate recording, more flexible clocking, MIDI I/O and better metering — and, what's more, they've cut the price.
Disco DSP's additive synth plug-in offers both high-quality resynthesis, with up to 256 partials per note, and a novel 'spectral display' for editing your sounds.
Combining Focusrite's cutting-edge preamplification and A-D conversion with Sintefex's pioneering convolution technology, the Liquid Channel can mimic the most celebrated mic preamps and compressors ever designed. Could this be the only voice channel you'll ever need?
In the second part of our coverage of Korg's new collection of software instruments, we turn our attention to the virtual MS20, and the MS20-shaped hardware controller. Just how well do these renditions compare to the original?
With fader controllers, you often have a choice of buying something dedicated to one software package, or selecting a generic unit that gives versatility at the cost of tight integration. Digidesign's Command 8 aims to offer the best of both worlds.
Over the last 10 years, Sibelius Software have built a reputation for providing what most musicians consider to be the leading scorewriting software. Now, in version 3, they have teamed up with Native Instruments to provide enhanced playback facilities — but does this upgrade live up to the high standards set by previous releases?
Antares certainly don't believe in the 'less is more' maxim, if this new filtering effect is anything to go by.
This slim mixer has been designed from the ground up to cater specifically for computer studio users. But have Soundcraft got the balance of facilities right?
This new dual preamp from ART combines imaginative valve circuitry with more digital output options than you can shake a stick at!
Appraisals of the latest sample CDs: Alma Flamenco • A Funky Future • Vienna Overdrive • Cuckooland Completely Bonkers.
Although perhaps better known as a leading UK manufacturer of hi-fi speakers, Mission have now launched their first active nearfield specifically designed for studio use.
Two effect pedals from the celebrated synth manufacturer provide serious modulation flexibility within a stomp-box format.
Buying your hardware and software from the same manufacturer is usually a good bet for hassle-free recording. Steinberg's latest package bundles their Cubase SL 2 sequencer with a four-in, four-out USB interface.