Paul White tests a specialised analogue delay unit, designed to emulate the unique warm sound and complex echo patterns of its vintage, tape-driven ancestors.
Version 2 of TC Works' Spark XL stereo audio editing software offers several unique new features and a very fast new Virtual File Engine that should speed up the operation of the program with large files. Paul White fires it up...
It looks like a groovebox, but inside it's a powerful FM synth, fully editable via bundled software. Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser modulate those frequencies...
Clavia's new third-generation Nord Lead synthesizer augments its familiar virtual analogue modelling with enhanced FM synthesis capabilities, and introduces a striking new visual twist to the usual controller-rich Nord user interface. Simon Trask trips the light fantastic with Clavia's new Lead...
Emagic EVP88 Electric Piano Virtual Instrument Plug-In For Logic Audio
More and more vintage hardware instruments are now being modelled as virtual instrument plug-ins. With EVP88, Emagic have turned their attention to electric pianos, producing a Logic-only plug-in which models several different piano types. Paul White discovers that the tines they are a-changin'...
Hoontech Soundtrack Audio DSP24 & ADC/DAC2000 PC Recording Interface
Hoontech may be a new name to most SOS readers, but those interested in affordable multi-channel digital audio cards for Windows platforms may want to get to know them better. John Walden puts their Soundtrack DSP24 and ADC/DAC2000 package to the test.
Four years on from its launch, Sherman have updated their innovative Filterbank analogue filter unit. Paul Nagle checks out all the weird and wonderful new features.
If you need an affordable compact mixer with a decent audio path, a simple to use layout and no unnecessary complexity, be sure to check out this new rackmount model from Studiomaster. Paul White evaluates the 162BP.
Continuing the trend for reinventing the classics, this reworking of the original Trident 'A'-range input module seeks to recreate the sound of the '70s. Hugh Robjohns steps back in time.
Carillon Audio Systems' range of specially designed music PCs has been one of the most ambitious product launches in recent years. But apart from their distinctive design, what do these computers offer that other PCs don't? Martin Walker finds out...
As with any recording system, the first goal of recording on a PC is to preserve as faithful a copy of the source sound as possible. Achieving this, however can be a complicated business. Martin Walker goes back to basics.
Your Atari can connect to loads of peripherals you might not expect it to be able to use, including removable hard drives, DVD-RAM drives, and CD writers. Derek Johnson plugs in.
Ear training - learning to intuitively recognise note intervals, chords and progressions, and even absolute pitches - is something that many musicians could benefit from, although few actually attempt it. Richard Leon explains the skills involved, and rounds up some software which can help you improve in this area.
Do you find that your MIDI tracks lack the magic of real performances? Simon Millward looks at the inner workings of one of James Brown's most famous songs and shows you how the musicians' techniques can be used to improve the feel of your own sequences.
This month, we show you a powerful compression technique available in Logic, as well as describing a workaround which increases the bank range of your Multi Instruments. Also, there are instructions on how to control a large range of Logic's parameters in real time from your MIDI master keyboard's mod wheel.
There are dark mutterings against Steve Jobs on planes, trains and automobiles, as Paul Wiffen continues to struggle with phantom crashes and difficult reboots of OS9.1 since installing OS X on his computer...
Want to write really great songs, sell millions of records and discover that money can't buy you happiness? There are plenty of sites on the web that aim to help you be a better songwriter, but there's also a lot of worthless rubbish out there. Sam Inglis tries not to waste too much time...
More invaluable MOTU-related user tips, including effective mix automation and the use of grouped controls, as well as customised Mixing Board layout editing, plus loop editing and crossfading.
Gordon Reid concludes his attempts to adapt an idealised analogue brass patch so that it can be programmed on real synths. This month, he looks at the Roland SH101 and ARP Axxe.
EQ is a vital tool in modern music production, and an understanding of how each type of equaliser works is important if you are to choose the most effective one for each situation. Paul White and Mike Senior explain the basic principles of equalisation and the different practical implementations.
As technological progress continues to make digital storage devices bigger, RAM cheaper, and processing faster, hitherto outlandish ideas come closer to being realistic possibilities. This month, Dave Shapton thinks about teaching his computer to Name That Tune...
Flightcrank - Joe Morena; Building Leeroy Thornhill's Home Studio
How do you follow 10 years in The Prodigy, one of the most successful bands of the last decade? By recording a solo album in an outhouse adjoining a disused windmill, naturally. Matt Bell meets former Firestarter Leeroy Thornhill and his studio designer Joe Morena to discuss the making of a recording facility in a former double garage.
Best known for his collaborations with Elton John, Gus Dudgeon is one of the most successful British record producers ever. He talks to Sam Inglis about his work.
Over the last three decades Chris Tsangarides has produced some of the biggest names in heavy rock and has perfected the art of capturing the excitement of a loud, live band on record. Tom Flint finds out about some of his trademark production and engineering techniques including his work on the latest Gary Moore album, Back To The Blues.
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