Signal Processors

This dual-channel compressor combines valve circuitry with an opto-compressor design. But does it deliver the best or the worst of both worlds?

I record guitar using a Line 6 Pod Pro going into a Roland VMC7200 mixing desk via S/PDIF. While the guitar is plugged in, every so often a little audio spike comes through the monitors. Can you tell me what this noise could be and how to stop it?

SOS talks to a British designer who thinks audio in the 21st century is still best served by tube.

Mindprint have overhauled the electronics in their popular valve recording channel, and have also added extra facilities and an optional USB recording and monitoring interface.

Ted Fletcher's new processor packs four different well-known compression types into a single box.

AMS Neve have reissued one of the most revered of the '70s Neve designs, but can it still compete in the 21st century?

Do you use a software studio with plug-in effects but crave the effects quality that your favourite hardware processor used to provide? Well, you can have the best of both worlds... as this article explains.

Brief appraisals of another selection of software Plug-ins from Disco DSP, Cutter Music, Kjaerhus Audio and PSP.

This versatile effects processor has not only been designed for guitarists and bassists, but also for the home studio owner.

Roger Linn Design have updated their versatile instrument processor, which still produces an array of unusual effects not normally available from a single box, but is now claimed to be easier to use.

Could you explain (slowly!) the basic principles of how a compressor works, and what each control does, the ratio control in particular?

Line 6 give their PodXT the Pro treatment, adding comprehensive I/O and flexible output configurations to their successful modelling processor.

This Voice Modeler plug-in is designed to change the character of a recorded vocal, adding breathiness, chest resonance and 'growl', and allowing you to modify inflection and vibrato.

The biggest music technology manufacturer in the world has stuck to hardware — until now. Do Yamaha's first plug-in processors have what it takes to compete with the big names in Mac and Windows software?

One of Yamaha's most well-known studio products receives a makeover for the 21st Century.

As well as a bundle of 50-plus effects plug-ins, Quantum FX provides all the tools you need to design your own.

Version 2 of Celemony's revolutionary pitch- and tempo-shifting software includes new features, better sequencer integration and an improved interface.

We check out two more useful plug-ins, one for Powercore and one for PC VST/Direct X.

A range of affordable third-rack units designed to cover a variety of studio tasks without compromising on quality.

I have a compressor with inserts to access the side-chain. What is the side-chain and what would you use these inserts for?