SOUND ON SOUND
To create the MR Keyboard line, Ensoniq could simply have taken the insides out of their MR Rack module and grafted on a keyboard. Instead, they've thought long and hard about what a performing and composing musician really needs from his instrument. Julian Colbeck applauds the result.
Eight true stereo simultaneous effects for £300? In the battle to squeeze the best possible performance from budget digital processors, this charming new multi-effects unit has some serious power nestling in its coils. Paul Farrer 'snakes' a look at the Addverb 3 and jumps out of his skin with delight...
A well respected studio favourite for several years, Audio Technica's cardioid AT4033 has now been slightly updated. Paul White reassures himself that the warm 4033 sound remains unchanged...
A synth's filter plays a major part in defining its sound, and creates the particular character of the best-loved vintage analogue models. Courtesy of its different filter cartridges, the ATC1 aims to be able to change its sound to suit your needs. Paul Nagle plugs in.
Paul White tries out an intriguingly-styled US-built mic and discovers that tonal honesty can occasionally be a very good studio policy.
After finally discovering this little mixer almost lost amongst its own packaging, Paul White puts it to work.
Though it costs no more than last year's TSR24S, Digitech's latest top-line studio processor offers twice the power, an improved user interface, and a digital connections option. Derek Johnson leaps into action.
Tannoy's latest nearfields offer an updated version of their famous dual-concentric technology, while still retaining that distinctive Tannoy sound. Paul White test drives them.
The Joe Meek Pro Channel is priced within reach of almost every studio owner, yet it delivers the same kind of sounds as its bigger brothers. Paul White is introduced to the baby of the Joe Meek range.
Panasonic's latest pro studio DAT is priced to compete with Tascam's established DA30 MkII. Paul White gives his professional opinion on how it measures up.
After months of curiosity-arousing, X-Files-style advertising, Soundcraft's Ghost is here, offering the project studio owner automated 8-buss mixing at a highly competitive price. David Mellor deliberately avoids all jokes about EQ and haunting sound quality.
The budget effects market's looking increasingly crowded, with £199 as the new entry-level price norm. Does Zoom's 1204, which features unusual effects not normally found at this cost, stand out from the crowd? Derek Johnson finds out.
SPL's Vitalizers work in mysterious ways to give added life even to good recordings. Now a new model incorporates valves, compressors, filters, and extra controllability, for yet more audio magic. Paul White opens a box of tricks.
Tascam are known for the quality and reliability of their larger consoles: now they've turned their hands to a super-mini mixer, which will have to slug it out with similar models already on the market. Paul White assesses its chances.
Though Korg's new N-series keyboards aren't completely new on the inside, having much in common with the recent X-series synths, they still have plenty to offer as powerful workstations, with some neat and contemporary embellishments for '96. Gordon Reid sketches out the Korg family tree...
This imposing valve mic from Australian newcomers Rode looks and sounds expensive, but costs a lot less than comparable models from more familiar manufacturers. Jolly swagman Paul 'Bruce' White looks down under, on top, and inside.
Paul White experiments with mind expansion '90s style, and discovers no harmful side effects!
Although much loved by musicians, Boss's SE50 and SE70 effects processors have now been discontinued, and the new SX700 is designed to replace them. Rob Brady decides whether the SX can follow in the footsteps of its forefathers, or whether it is destined forever to walk in their shadow.