SOUND ON SOUND
**** Score = 4 stars. AMG add to their growing Catalyst series of sample libraries with this two CD collection.
The latest Studio Canvas module from Edirol aims to expand the sound palette available to those who need GM and GS compatibility.
We check out these integrated kit solutions to room-acoustic problems in the project studio.
Lexicon update their MPX500 with more editing parameters, extra mastering processes, and more user patches.
**** 4/5. Da Nu Hiphop Era is a two-CD set (both audio) made up of 27 construction kits.
Korg's Electribe grooveboxes presented their analogue-modelling technology in an affordable, dance-friendly format and were a smash success. Now, using the MS2000 virtual analogue synth as a starting point, they're hoping for similar budget triumph with the fun-sized Microkorg...
ST Audio's recording interface provides multi-channel, multi-client audio I/O, as well as MIDI In and Out and full 24-bit/96kHz capability, for a highly affordable £230.
The Platinum Voicemaster Pro updates the original Voicemaster concept, adding new features as well as design improvements.
**** 4/5. Bardstown Audio has collected together nine classic accordions in this two-CD Giga-format collection, and all are sampled from instruments made in the 1950s, when they were hand-made to high standards.
This new version of Line 6's ground-breaking Pod guitar processor combines improved amp modelling with a host of high-quality effects plundered from the company's range of rack processors.
Samson seek a share of the budget microphone market with their highly competitive new large-diaphragm condenser.
Pin-matrix synths, like EMS's legendary VCS3 and Synthi A(KS), are fairly scarce these days, but Analogue Solutions' Vostok revisits the concept in a more affordable form. Is it a vintage-inspired classic, or is it just history?
The latest version of the popular VAZ software synth combines the simplicity and low cost of a preset design with some advanced options from the full-fat VAZ Modular.
Having upgraded their D16 to the D1600, Korg have now revamped the 12-track D12 to the D1200. So where does Korg's latest offering stand in the competitive digital multitracker marketplace?
***** 5/5. Zero-G have reworked the entire contents of their extensive library into a single, three-CD Refill package for use with Reason, providing over 9000 individual samples.
With the addition in version 4 of surround sound mixing, ASIO and VST Instrument support and an expanding MIDI functionality, Sonic Foundry are attempting to move Acid beyond its original role in loop-based music creation.
Dominion is a 'signal modelling device' similar in concept to SPL's highly regarded Transient Designer dynamics processor, embodying characteristics of both compressors and expanders, yet without being either a compressor or an expander in the normal sense.
If you're happy with the facilities of your Yamaha console or recorder, but you just want to upgrade the quality of the A-D/D-A conversion, these two cards from Apogee might be just what you're after.