Signal Processors

Paul White is transported back in time by the sights, sounds and smells of the new digital Watkins Copicat echo unit.

The Phoenix all-valve compressor is a high flyer when it comes to quality and price. Will it help Thermionic Culture feather their nest?

Paul White tries out TLA's combination of front end and parametric equaliser.

Digitech's RP21D, with its digital output, is aimed at both studio and live use. John Walden joins the digital age...

To mark 35 years in the business of audio design, Oram have launched a special limited edition 'Hi‑Def' equaliser. Hugh Robjohns tries out this attractively priced derivative of the famed HDEQ2.

TC Electronic have upgraded their already impressive Finalizer mastering processor to include a number of new features, most notably 96kHz capability. Hugh Robjohns finds out if it's still at the top of the tree.

Line 6 have released two DSP-based effects pedals that use physical modelling to recreate the echo, delay and modulation treatments of a bygone age. Paul White — who was there first time around — finds out how they measure up to the real thing.

Lexicon's new mid-priced unit strikes a balance between the ease of use of their budget gear and the flexibility and sonic class of their high-end products. Paul White gets an exclusive first look...

Hugh Robjohns tries out a new stereo valve compressor hand-built in Britain, which shines both in the studio and the mastering room.

TC Electronic have an enviable reputation for their high-quality digital effects processors, and have now launched the first of a new line of budget-conscious units. Hugh Robjohns checks out the M One.

Formats: PC DirectX, VST

Reviewed: Mac version

The SPL De‑Esser user...

Paul White goes green with the latest JoeMeek recording channel.

Millennia Music and Media Systems manufacture high-end signal processors with the usual feature of dual circuit paths — solid-state FET and valve topologies running separately, side by side. Hugh Robjohns checks out the company's opto-compressor.

Paul White puts away his expensive toys to try out a couple of low-cost studio effects from Zoom, but does he still have fun?

One of the most exciting developments in sound processing technology this year was the announcement from Sony of a dedicated reverb unit which applied ambience 'sampled' from real acoustic spaces. Now the theory is reality. Hugh Robjohns gets his hands on the DRE S777.

Although the Dbx product portfolio is growing rapidly with new digital products, they haven't forgotten about the sonic advantages of more traditional technology — hence their new Silver series of affordable 'classic' processors. Hugh Robjohns gets to grips with the 566 valve compressor.

Focusrite's latest product is an updated version of one of their '80s classics. Is it even better the second time around?

Paul White foresakes his towering effects rack for a budget processor that looks for all the world as though it would float in the bath!

Nice 4-band equalisers are not uncommon, but this one includes dynamic filtering and equalisation in a bid to lift it above the competition. Hugh Robjohns finds out what 'expounding' can do for your mixes.

Roland's sophisticated, yet highly affordable SRV3030 is the latest contender in the competitive market for dedicated reverb units. Paul White tries it out.

Drawmer are the latest hi-tech analogue equipment manufacturers to enter the digital world of all-in-one mastering solutions. Paul White finds out how well they've pulled it off.