SOUND ON SOUND
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.
The Nord Modular offered a classic blend of flexible software and well-designed hardware in 1998. But can the improved G2 keep up with the soft synths of 2004?
As the name suggests, FXpansion's utility allows VST effects and Instruments to be used in Pro Tools, but how well does it really work?
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.
Evolution's new class-compliant MIDI keyboards are a cinch to use with computer-based sequencers. But do they perform as well as their spec suggests?
Tannoy's latest-generation Ellipse technology has been combined with DSP processing from TC Electronic, creating a versatile and powerful high-resolution monitoring system.
Most of the major Windows sequencers now support dual processing, and if you want the ultimate performance, machines like Red Submarine's dual Xeon PC could be the way to go.
Multi-gigabyte sample libraries offer unprecedented realism and lots of potential for confusion. Redmatica's neat OS X utility allows Emagic EXS24 users to tame their unruly sample collections.
We review: Cimbalom **** • Jazz/World *** • Neo Soul **** • Vienna Concert Guitar *****
We test and report on another crop of highly insertable software Plug-ins: PSP Master Q • TLL Everyphase • Fabfilter Fabfilter One • Cranesong Phoenix • Audiorealism BassLine • Sonic Charge µTonic.
It's another multi-DVD orchestral library! Does it merit a thunderous introductory timp roll or a feeble tap on a vibraslap? Find out...
NI have taken the technology behind Kontakt, and used it to build a sampler that's all about loops.
This impressive mic from SE Electronics uses two valves instead of the usual one. But does it actually make any sonic difference?
This recording workstation is the most affordable and portable of the VS series, but it still lets you record, mix, and master all in the one box.
Now that Korg's Legacy Collection is properly complete, we follow up last month's preview with the first instalment of our three-part in-depth review. This month, we focus on the Korg Wavestation plug-in...