SOUND ON SOUND
Classic studio signal processors such as the vintage Urei 1176 limiting amplifier impart a unique sound while keeping levels under control, but are rare and expensive. Purple Audio have an answer in the form of the MC76 — an old idea revisited. Hugh Robjohns does the time warp again...
One of the most important innovations in recent studio technology is the ability to automatically correct out-of-tune vocals in real time. Antares have had this field to themselves with their Auto-Tune plug-in and ATR1 hardware unit — but now there's competition. Paul White tries out TC Electronic's version of perfect pitch in a box.
Take the sound engine of the acclaimed JV1080/2080, add the data from three expansion boards (plus space for two more), a 5-octave keyboard arpeggiator, 40 multi-effect algorithms and four real-time control sliders and what do you get? Paul Farrer turns (XP)30...
The increased headroom and dynamic range afforded by 24-bit recording can be a boon, but until now its cost has put it out of reach of many. However, this looks set to change with the latest cross-platform release from Gadget Labs. Martin Walker looks and listens to the Wave/8:24 on his PC.
Korg have followed up their diminutive Electribe analogue modelling synth and beatbox with another desktop product aimed at the dance fraternity — a sampling effects box with an innovative real-time control surface. Chris Carter descends into Kaoss...
If you've got a recent soundcard supporting SoundFonts, such as the Soundblaster Live! or Value models, or the Emu APS, then...
Paul White highlights the major features in the new version of Emagic's Logic sequencing software.
The Hafler brand name has been around since the '70s but isn't yet well known in the UK project studio market. All that could be about to change, courtesy of the TRM range of nearfield active monitors and subwoofers. Hugh Robjohns mixes and matches.
Swiss synth manufacturers Spectral Audio continue their journey into retro space with a new analogue monosynth, the Neptune. Sam Inglis finds out if it's out of this world.
The fashionably vintage exterior of this US-made dual-channel preamp is matched by an all-valve interior. Hugh Robjohns gets a retro perspective.
The reduction in the cost of setting up a sophisticated multitrack studio that has taken place over the last few years means...
Recognising that there are millions of synth-hungry guitarists out there, manufacturers have been trying for years to develop products which would appeal to them. Norm Leete traces the history of Roland's innovative GR range of guitar synths and controllers.
Fostex pioneered the project-studio multitrack with reel-to-reels like the R8 and, more recently have also been quick of the mark in introducing digital recorders. Derek Johnson reviews the latest addition to the latter range.
Is it a synth, a sequencer or a sampler? The answer to all three questions is an emphatic 'yes', as Paul White finds out when he takes the E4XT Ultra into his studio.
Originally designed by SOS author Craig Anderton as a DIY hardware circuit, Spectral Design have now turned this into a software plug‑in. Unlike most other distortion effects, it splits the signal into four frequency bands and distorts each one individually.
Derek Johnson looks at a new baby hardware sequencer and GM/XG synth from Yamaha.
Features like software synthesis, frequency-domain editing and resynthesis seem impressive when modern sample editors incorporate them — but they were the stuff of myth when Steinberg released Avalon nearly 10 years ago. Paul Sellars chronicles an Atari legend.
dsTEC's eye-catching new analogue mono is bad — but in a good way. Chris Carter reaps the wages of Syn.