Signal Processors

To start off this short series on multi-effects programming, Paul White explores the key building blocks found in today's versatile units.

Paul White tests one of the few-low cost tube enhancers on the market, from a new name in excitement.

Focusrite's new Green processors are enough to make anyone envious, as Paul White discovered when he had to give them back!

Paul White revs up his valves and zooms off to see the big Squeeze.

The first in Drawmer's new budget range of processors aims to give you high-quality gain reduction at a compressed price. Paul White comes to the conclusion that they've got the balance right.

All the warmth of valve circuitry, and it's shiny on every surface too. Paul White tries out a hot piece of kit with tubes that groove.

Richard Waghorn takes ART's new electro-optical compressor into the studio and is genuinely surprised at the result.

Paul White looks at the different ways in which the leading enhancers produce their results, and offer some practical advice on where the various types work best.

The VCS1 goes for the best of both worlds, featuring a valve for warmth and character, and solid-state technology for level control. Hugh Robjohns finds out what the combination has to offer.

Paul White studio tests the new JoeMeek VC1 and finds that nostalgia is everything it used to be.

Analogue filter banks are not exactly a new concept, but this one combines an unusually flexible specification with MIDI control and an affordable price. Chris Carter passes some filter tips...

Paul White tests the latest incarnation of the mysterious Vitalizer, and is non the wiser about how it actually works.

If digital perfection leaves you cold, the Aardscape can lend an analogue quality to your recordings. Hugh Robjohns warms to the idea...

These days a compressor is pretty much an essential purchase if you're recording vocals or non-keyboard instruments. Paul White looks at how they operate, and how they can be used both to control levels and to fatten sounds.

If you're suffering from muddy sounds, BBE's smallest Sonic Maximiser yet could be just the thing to clean them up. Hugh Robjohns puts on his gumboots and wades in.

Ensoniq seem determined to break into the big-league effects market with their highly specified 24-bit DP Pro. Paul White investigates.

Paul White studio tests the Crimson C3021 to see how favourably it compares with its indigo counterparts.

Paul White plugs in the smallest compressor he has ever encountered, and finds that there's nothing small about the sound.

The modest £399 price tag on Yamaha's latest dedicated reverb belies the quality and controllability the unit offers. Hugh Robjohns thinks it's up there with the best.

Paul White puts the squeeze on ART's new baby valve compressor.

The newest member of Digitech's Vocalist family of intelligent pitch-shifters boasts some slimmed-down features from previous models and a 'hands-on' user interface. Paul Farrer warms up with some scales, adjusts his bow tie and takes this powerful module right through the standing ovation and bouquets