June 2001 Magazine Contents

Originally planned as a limited edition, the 37-note Virus Indigo virtual analogue keyboard synth surprised even its makers - demand ran so high that it became a separate product. Gordon Reid considers the newest strain of this retro Virus, and the latest v4 OS software revision.

A large-diaphragm Audio Technica condenser mic, with shockmount, for less than £200? Paul White rubs his eyes and believes his ears.

Behringer's take on the desktop amp modeller adds a new twist - rotary shaft encoders with LED displays. Paul White approves...

Paul White turbocharges his Mac in the never-ending battle to load up bigger and better plug-ins.

Fostex's new digital mixer sports ADAT I/O and a feature set which belies its price. Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser trip the lightpipe fantastic.

Emagic's Waveburner CD-writing package has grown to incorporate new editing features and powerful plug-in support, but retains its intuitive user interface. Paul White tests the new, improved version.

MOTU's good-sounding, competitively priced audio hardware has won them a lot of friends in the project-studio and professional arenas. The latest addition to their range is a 12-channel interface that offers 96kHz, 24-bit recording. Robin Bigwood tests the 1296.

Martin Walker tests an inexpensive, high-quality soundcard which uses virtual outputs to allow multiple PC applications to share its hardware outputs.

A new high-specification VIFA speaker cone makes its debut in AVI's latest compact monitors. Paul White puts them to the test.

Paul White evaluates the DS501, which adds a new Peak Punch feature to Drawmer's classic side-chain filter gate design.

Roland followed their first MC303 Groovebox with the well-specified MC505. Now there's the MC307, with a spec more like the 505, a price closer to that of the 303, and more DJ-friendly features.

Is it a home organ-style keyboard? Is it a real synth? Is it a complete crock? Paul Ward explores the Korg Sigma, an instrument with a serious identity crisis...

Cakewalk's Pro Audio range is one of the most widely used sequencers in the PC world, but their latest package has a new name and a new image, as well as lots of new features. Martin Walker tries out Sonar.

It may look somewhat toy-like, but Yamaha's latest desktop synth workstation is actually anything but - it features serious synthesis from the AN1x and a host of performance-friendly controls. Chris Carter gets modelling...

More than 30 years after the original 1176 was introduced, it has been put back into production by the designer's sons. Hugh Robjohns investigates the latest and most authentic reproduction of this classic 1960s compressor.

Last month we looked at how analogue modules can reproduce the sound of a real trumpet. All very well if you own a wall-sized modular system — but what if your means are more limited? Gordon Reid adapts theory to practice with a Minimoog.

The final stage of production - turning your mixes into a finished CD - requires some specialised tools. Martin Walker runs through the options and considers how best to set up and use the necessary PC software.

Martin Walker has had more than his fair share of computer hassles recently, including exploding monitors, audio glitches, and the mysterious death of Word...

Derek Johnson experiences the weirdness that is Dr T's, in the shape of MIDI-Ax, and helps out a reader who wants to use his Atari as a dedicated TX7 editor.

This month's crop of Cubase tips covers the multitude of options available when exporting audio, plus ways of incorporating external MIDI instruments and effects into your mix.

Paul White shows you how to get that massive dance sound. Additional material by Mike Senior.

This month we show you, step by step, how to correct the timing of multitrack drum recordings using the powerful editing capabilities of Logic, as well as showing you how to make the most of your audio storage space.

With a new computer, pumped-up RAM, and a copy of the release version of MacOS X, Paul Wiffen is all set to take you through the first stages of using the new operating system for music — though the only music going on so far is solo organ!

Studio wiring may not be the most fascinating of subjects, but a little knowledge can go a long way when it comes to sorting out cable-related problems. Martin Walker rounds up the best of the wired web.

In the final part of this series, Oli Bell gives you some practical tips and tricks on looping, re-grooving and time-stretching.

SOS's resident MOTU expert Robin Bigwood looks at ways of working with audio loops in Digital Performer, and hands out tips on using Propellerhead's Rewire to interface DP with software synths.

With the advent of the new iMacs with CD‑RW drives, I wondered if it would be possible to run Logic to...

I am having problems controlling all the noise generated by the equipment on my desk. I have two Roland VS1680...

I'm trying to find a diagram of a Schroeder Diffuser but cannot locate one anywhere. I've found references for them on...

I want to get into record producing as a career. So far, I have contacted a local studio that is allowing me to come in...

In Simon Price's recent series [Pro Tools Explained, SOS February‑April 2001], he mentioned that in order to...

I would like to know how sequencers actually work. I am considering buying one, but am not sure which to go for. Initially...

I'm having a bit of trouble with one of the songs I'm working on in Cubase VST, running on a PC with Yamaha...

I need a recommendation, or advice at least on choosing a soundcard. I want to work with both audio and MIDI. At some...

A great lead vocal sound can make all the difference between an average demo and a potential single. Paul White and Mike Senior answer some of your questions on vocal recording.

Video and audio technologies are converging in all sorts of ways: musicians can now consider creating demos on DVD, and developments in digital video may show the way for better ways of recording digital audio. Dave Shapton puts it all together.

After three decades powering the rhythm section of the Rolling Stones, Bill Wyman has gone back to the music he grew up with, with help from the impressive array of talent that is his Rhythm Kings. Sam Inglis hears how their new album Double Bill was made.

You may know Naim as a UK-based hi-fi manufacturer, but they also own a record label, and apply the same esoteric standards to the records they release as they do to their audio equipment. Phil Ward investigates the label's obsession with sound and explains their recording and mastering techniques.

Number one UK hit 'Whole Again' took Atomic Kitten from the girl-band niche to a universal audience, and made an impressive first single release for co-writers and co-producers Bill Padley and Jeremy Godfrey. Sam Inglis hears the story.

Raj Dhamu ang Guruver.

Paul Farrer reveals how he learned to stop upgrading and love the music.

Big George's continuing mission: to seek out new codes of practice and fairer methods of distribution, and to boldly say what no-one has said before...