SOUND ON SOUND
• Classical * Score = 4 • Modern * Score = 4 • Cinematic * Score = 4 • Rock & Pop * Score = 3
EMES have developed the first studio monitor to use a patented new single-point stereo speaker technology. Hugh Robjohns tests the Owl System and compares it with the conventional Violett HR on which it is based.
If you constantly find yourself playing the same old chord shapes, then the rather nifty Australian Chordwizard...
The Blue Tube preamp accepts both mic and instrument inputs, and lets you add as much tube warmth as you like using real valve circuitry.
Can Steinberg's professional recording package make an impact in the Pro Tools-dominated Macintosh market? Sam Inglis finds out.
Yamaha's RS7000 is a groovebox with a difference. Incorporating a sequencer, sampler and a synth, it claims to offer everything you might need for modern music production.
For 10 years, Yamaha's compact QY 'walkstations' have offered an impressive set of tools for the mobile MIDI musician. Nicholas Rowland checks out the latest, which adds guitar and vocal processing.
Software instruments are now becoming commonplace, but it's still an ambitious software developer who attempts to model an entire studio.
A new wave of dedicated DSP cards is helping computer musicians boost their plug-in power. The latest to appear is Universal Audio's UAD1, which offers recreations of vintage compressors as well as a high-quality reverb.
Those SOS readers that followed up some of the links in the April 2001 Net Notes column may be interested in Jeff...
US mic manufacturers CAD move in on the affordable end of the market with two new large-diaphragm models, one of which offers multi-pattern functionality. Hugh Robjohns evaluates the M177 and M179.
We test a versatile four-bus mixer which provides mic amps and direct outputs for all of its 16 input channels, as well as offering built-in facilities for M&S recording.
Paul White tests Digitech's latest GeNetX amp modelling technology, which includes a Warp control allowing you to morph between amp and speaker models in real time.
The Soundbeam's ability to translate physical movements into MIDI messages, in a sophisticated and customisable way, makes it unique among alternative MIDI control systems.
TL Audio's successful Fat 1 stereo compressor now has a new sibling with its own built-in mic preamp. Paul White delivers the SOS verdict.
The inherent non-linearities and distortions of analogue equipment are sometimes sorely missed in this digital age. Empirical Labs offer their new FATSO Jr as a solution.
In these days of virtual instruments and fully featured software sequencers, why should you even consider spending £2000 on a cumbersome hardware synth workstation? If the workstation is as well thought-out as Yamaha's new Motif, perhaps you should.