SOUND ON SOUND
R3 comprises a five-band, fully parametric EQ design plus switchable-slope, variable-frequency high and low-pass filters.
Finding an affordable keyboard with a good weighted action and a healthy selection of sounds suitable for studio and live use isn't as easy as you might think. Could Yamaha's S08 be the Holy Grail?
Kenton's latest take on their affordable hardware control surface concept eschews the faders of previous Control Freaks in favour of 16 knobs. And it manages to be cheaper than the fader versions...
**** Score = 4/5 stars. A combination of melody lines and chordal riffs which evoke the golden age of soul.
Mackie's new entry-level hard disk multitrack gives you all the convenience of hardware, but also allows you to transfer tracks to your computer via USB for more detailed editing and mixing.
A choice of two stylish and affordable microphones, each complete with hard case, shockmount and wind shield.
A low-cost multi-effects unit with a huge repertoire of effects.
Score = **** 4/5 stars. Cool Vibes consists of a single GIG file containing 80 patches organised into 16 instruments, each with five stereo placements.
FireWire audio and MIDI interfaces are gaining in popularity, as are fader surfaces designed for hands-on control of computer recording packages. Now Digidesign have combined the two.
Host-based programs allowing you to build your own synthesizers from virtual modules have been around for a while. Thanks to DUY, Pro Tools TDM and HD owners can now join in the fun.
Looking to experiment with surround sound but on a tight budget? This new system could provide the opportunity you've been looking for.
TL Audio have updated their popular Ivory-series processors in response to feedback from their user base. We try out two of the updated units to see what's new.
Another product from New Zealand's Buzz Audio gives you two channels of Class-A preamplification with switchable input impedance.
**** Score = 4/5 stars. These 350 rhythmic stereo loops, at tempos between 40 and 180bpm, are designed to be layered behind your own drum programming to add greater depth and ambient interest.
Much more than just an audio and MIDI interface, Edirol's UA700 also incorporates a preamp with DSP effects, microphone and guitar amp modelling.
This innovative VST Instrument from Steinberg and Wizoo aims to take the donkey work out of producing realistic sequenced guitar parts.
BLUE's newest hand-built condenser mic is their most affordable yet, and continues their tradition for striking styling. But does it sound as good as it looks?
3/5 stars. Zero-G continues its range of lower-priced 'Pure' titles with this collection of hip-hop samples of drum loops, scratch loops and turntable tricks...
Despite the obvious advantages of FireWire as an audio interface protocol, MOTU have had the market to themselves. Now, however, Metric Halo's Mobile I/O looks likely to threaten their dominance, offering true portability and built-in DSP mixing.
The sampling world, still reeling from the impact of Garritan Orchestral Strings, faces a full-scale onslaught from a fresh challenger.