SOUND ON SOUND
Moving-fader controllers for computer-based studios are big news at present, and Radikal's SAC 2.2 can be used with a wide range of software sequencers and instruments. Jack of all trades, or master of none? We find out...
It's been some time since Sonic Foundry's powerful and easy-to-use CD-burning application was updated, but this version 5 promises wider compatibility and many new features.
The Vienna Symphonic Library is more than just a sample library — it's a tool that aims to help you create true-sounding orchestral performances of your own music. But are we talking Berlin Philharmonic or Portsmouth Symphonia?
**** Dirt Bag by Simeon promises "hundreds of grungy, fresh and inspiring dance samples", and that's a fairly accurate description of what's on offer here...
5 stars ***** Two audio and two Acid-ready Wave CD-ROMs of drum loops and basic construction kits.
Terratec's new professional division are looking to make a splash with their rackmounting multi-channel A-D/D-A converters, which feature SPL-designed mic amps and close integration with their EWS 88MT soundcard.
A nine-pattern valve mic at a surprisingly low price.
A professional surround monitoring controller for a variety of speaker configurations up to 7.1
When 'close enough' is just not good enough, you need a strobe tuner. Too expensive? Too bulky? Not when it's this palm-sized 'virtual' strobe.
Make the most of Logic's keyboard shortcuts with this dedicated QWERTY keyboard.
Kurzweil bring flexible multi-channel effects hardware within the reach of many more home studio owners.
TC Works were in at the start of the software plug-in explosion back in 1998. We check out their latest update to the Native Bundle suite.
Focusrite's new preamp offers variable input impedance and an optional multi-channel A-D converter board.
Belgian company Lassence are seeking to gain recognition as a small modular synth manufacturer with their new patchable µVentury II system. But there's plenty of competition in the homegrown analogue market these days. Does the µVentury II have what it takes?
4 stars **** Homegrown Sounds have eight sample CD-ROMs available, each offered either in Soundfont format or as a combined NNXT, Halion, EXS24, Kontakt and Wave set.
Five bands of parametric EQ plus useful high-pass and low-pass filters, all for a bargain price.
As musicians rely on computers more and more, we look at an innovative system that isn't so much a studio in a box as a studio in your pocket.
GEM have made all kinds of keyboards, from organs to home keyboards to synth workstations. Their latest incorporates physical-modelling technology, samples of famous instruments, effects, and plenty of real-time control options to form a 320-note polyphonic monster.
The major audio and MIDI recording applications are slowly migrating to Mac OS X, and the latest to arrive is Digidesign's Pro Tools. The upgrade also introduces powerful new project management features, Groove Template functionality and a more powerful LE version.
TC's flagship reverb processor, based on the System 6000 hardware, combines 16 channels of world-beating processing with flexible and lightning-fast operation.