Three years ago Paul Wiffen concluded that Akai had brought the concept of the sampling drum machine up to date with the MPC2000. Now he takes a look at its successor to see how much more you get when you XL.
If Cakewalk was a cat, it'd be on its last life by now — but, as Kevin Perry discovers, the long-established PC sequencing package shows no sign of turning up its paws just yet...
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.
Digidesign have forged a formidable reputation in the pro arena for their Pro Tools digital audio workstations. With the new Digi 001 system, they're hoping to capture a substantial slice of the project-studio market too. Debbie Poyser and Derek Johnson provide an exclusive hands on review.
Paul Wiffen made no secret of his fondness for the OSCar in September's issue, and now reminisces about the other great keyboard love of his life — the Elka Synthex, a synth whose reputation and influence far outweighs the number that were ever sold.
Achieving the right balance between quality, size, practicality and price is no easy task, but HHB have hit the nail squarely on the head with their Circle 3 Active monitors.
Guitarists who use sequencers have been waiting many years for the perfect MIDI guitar. John Walden tries the Parker MIDIFly to see if the wait is over.
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.
Waldorf's flagship keyboard synth has been available for months — but until very recently, it was so unfinished that it was scarecely reviewable. Since April, Gordon Reid has stuck with it, painstakingly noting the improvements that have come with each system software upgrade, until finally, with the synth standing at OS version 1.13, enough features are working to justify a full SOS review.
Mike Simmons concludes his serious on designing and cosntructing a web site by answering some of the mant reader queries received in response to earlier instalments.
These days, any decent synth or sampler offers plausable orchestral sounds — but there's much more to creating believable arrangements for orchestra than realistic samples. Keyboardist/composer Dave Stewart offers some guidance, passes on some advice from pros, and explains how orchestral samples were used to create an arrangement for the latest Geri Halliwell single.
Fancy multi-port MIDI operation for your Atari? Derek Johnson looks at a three-way interface that can expand the musical horizons of Atari users and rounds up some more ST news.
Gordon Reid reveals some of the limitations of the 'classic' ADSR envelope with reference to a practical synthesis example, and explains some of the different types of envelopes found on 'classic' analogue synths, from AR envelopes right up to highly flexible digitally controlled EGs.
The facility to construct sophiticated arrangements of virtual faders, knobs and buttons, and use them to control studio equipment via MIDI, is one of Cubase's most powerful features — but also one of its most under-used. Paul Sellars explains how to make Mixermaps work for you.
Of the technical queries received at Sound On Sound, many fall into the 'hardy perenial' category. One common source of these patchbays and their role in the project studio. Hugh Robjohns provides some answers...
Jamiroquai's recent album Synkronized was the first to be recorded in front man Jay Kay's impressive private studio. One of his album's high points, and a hit single, was 'Supersonic'. Bill Bruce talks to its producer Al Stone about how the track was recorded.
Gibson are best known for their good old-fashioned guitar technology, but they're also behind an immovative new standard for connecting digital audio devices — which, if it takes off, will revolutionise the way we connect gear together. Dave Shapton finds out more...
A hugely successful new album marks The Red Hot Chili Peppers' returns to form — and incredibly, it's nearly all in mono. Engineer Jim Scott talks to Paul Tingen about the recording process and the group's refreshingly direct approach to production and mixing.
Most jobbing producers would regard jetting off to exotic locations to spend a year with one of the most famous artists in the world as a fantasy. For programmer and producer Kipper, however, the dream became reality — thanks to Sting. Tom Flint caught up with Kipper in his Surrey home studio.
Paul White talks to designers Greg Mackie, Peter Watts and Bob Tudor about the new Mackie HDR24/96 hard disk recorder, and the company's plans for the future.
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