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.
Paul White tests one of the first of a new generation of portable multitrackers which utilise SmartMedia digital data storage cards as their recording medium.
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.
In the second instalment of this two-part retro, Gordon Reid recalls FM's finest hour, and describes the heyday of what was perhaps the most successful family of synthesizers ever developed.
Roland's eagerly awaited new flagship VS workstation builds on the success of the VS1680 and VS1880, offering a massive range of features including 24-track, 24-bit and 96kHz recording, a 64-channel digital mixer, up to eight stereo effects processors, 24-voice phrase sampling, and an enhanced graphical output for a VGA monitor.
Paul White tests the solid-state counterpart to Rode's recent NTK valve mic.
The latest in Korg's series of dance-friendly Electribe groove workstations is sample- rather than synthesis-based, but serves up the same beguiling blend of hands-on user interface and cutting-edge sounds and effects as its predecessors. Nicholas Rowland takes it for a spin...