SOUND ON SOUND
Paul White checks out TC Works' Spark, a Swiss Army knife of a Mac editor that takes an entirely new approach to the use of VST plug-ins. It also offers sampler support and MP3 file creation, and its effects section can even run within other VST- and MAS-compatible software.
Software Technology's VAZ Modular promises the authentic sound of analogue synthesis form. Martin Walker tests out their claim.
Active monitor systems which use a subwoofer together with satellite speakers are not particularly unusual in this industry, but the Sirocco Pro from Videologic is sure to stir things up by providing a neat package, with impressive technology, at under £600. Hugh Robjohns tunes in...
The latest upgrade to Wavelab, which takes the program to version 3.0, boasts only one major new feature — but it's a killer. Martin Walker is stunned by the possibilities.
Though the Mac platform is often ahead of the PC for musical applications, it used to lag behind in the race to provide professional MP3 software. Simon Trask tries out a new program which aims to restore the balance.
In Part 1, author Gordon Reid told us how he found one of the world's rarest synthesizers in Australia, and of the trouble he went to to get it home. In Part 2, he explains what it is about the Yamaha GX1 that made it all worthwhile...
TC Electronic have upgraded their already impressive Finalizer mastering processor to include a number of new features, most notably 96kHz capability. Hugh Robjohns finds out if it's still at the top of the tree.
Line 6 have released two DSP-based effects pedals that use physical modelling to recreate the echo, delay and modulation treatments of a bygone age. Paul White — who was there first time around — finds out how they measure up to the real thing.
Capable of handling both mic or instrument signals, TLA's new dual-channel, combined solid-state and valve preamp aims to offer super high-quality preformance at an average price. Paul White assesses their double vision.
British company Red Sound Systems are known for their innovative DJ products. Now, in the shape of the Dark Star, they've produced their first synthesizer. Wing Commander Paul Farrer warms up the engines and takes it out on its maiden flight.
Fancy doing some hard disk recording on your computer without using a soundcard? Martin Walker looks at an intriguing combination of mixer and USB interface that could let you do just that.
The long-awaited Omega 8 promises much, even if its feature-set is not yet complete. Gordon Reid takes a first look...
Until now, the only implementation of Waldorf's wavetable synthesis with a built-in keyboard was their pricey Wave megasynth. Now, however, they've repackaged their more affordable Microwave XT in an attractive keyboard unit.
To mark 35 years in the business of audio design, Oram have launched a special limited edition 'Hi‑Def' equaliser. Hugh Robjohns tries out this attractively priced derivative of the famed HDEQ2.
Digital mixers may have become fashionable in recent years, but analogue consoles still have a lot to offer. Hugh Robjohns takes a look at a high-spec, mid-budget in-line console from newcomers Audient.
Even the most die-hard analogue synth enthusiast must recognise the advantages to be gained by integrating their voltage-controlled gear into a MIDI environment.
Finding it difficult to compile your audio files and regions for CD-burning in exactly the way you want them? Paul White tries Adaptec's Jam, and discovers there's nothing sticky about it at all.
Paul White tries desktop masterifng using the new all-in-one PC or Mac package from IK Multimedia.
If you are short of space, the prospect of fitting a 40-input dual-channel mixer into a 10U rackmounting case will certainly be attractive. Martin Walker follows some leads.
As computer power grows, so an ever-increasing range of studio equipment is becoming available in emulated form, and the latest software instrument to appear is a percussion sampler/sequencer from US company Bitheadz. Nicholas Rowland tests it out.