November 2007 Magazine Contents

With unlimited audio tracks, support for VST and Direct X effects, and an intuitive interface, Acousticas Mixcraft offers a lot of recording potential for not a lot of money.

The eighth version of Logic has arguably been the most anticipated music software release of the last couple of years. With a redesigned user interface and some new audio features, can Apple keep existing Logic users happy while broadening the applications appeal?

The biggest Blues in the Blue Sky Range aim to be the best — and they don't disappoint.

After a few years away from releasing new sample libraries, Dan Dean has returned with a brand-new piano library, developed in collaboration with sound architect Ernest Cholakis, that offers an unprecedented level of tonal control.

Beneath this innocent exterior lies a growling analogue beast that can help you create some truly unique sounds...

This powerful MIDI control surface boasts a lot more flexibility than the budget offerings on the market, yet it's still affordable.

Roll out the red carpet, dim the lights and raise the curtains - it's showtime for this big jazzy production from Fable Sounds...

Fishman's acclaimed process for improving the sound of acoustic guitar pickups is now available in pedal format — and with 24-bit converters and 32-bit internal processing, this is a distinctly superior-sounding Aura.

This time we look at one of the most important parts of the guitar: the strings

Phonic's diminutive Firewire audio interface is extremely affordable and it can record at 24-bit/96kHz. Is it too good to be true?

In 2001, Propellerheads Reason broke new ground by virtualising every element of the classic analogue synth studio. Six years on, is the original still the best?

The range of specialist restoration tools available for Pro Tools continues to grow. We find out if the latest are really the greatest...

Once the sole province of the professional, ribbon mics are now more plentiful and affordable than ever before, and this two-part feature aims to root out some of the best.

This neat little mic is incredibly versatile — and it sounds a lot more expensive than it actually is.

In 2003 the original V-Synth represented a bold leap forward in synthesizer technology. Can Roland take the concept further with the new V-Synth GT? Read on...

Sonivox Loop Line Series

WAV, REX 2 & Apple Loops

4

The Sonivox brand...

Softubes guitar amp modelling software is light on fancy features but is claimed to offer unparalleled authenticity.

Why carry two boxes with your mobile studio when one will do? Tascam's FireOne combines a MIDI and audio interface with a control surface, all in one convenient, paperback-sized unit.

These modestly priced small mixers from Yamaha offer plenty of functionality and a good clean signal path.

Cubase's audio warp facilities provide a powerful toolkit for manipulating the timing of recorded audio to fit grids and grooves.

In 1974 Billy Swan walked into Chip Young's Young'un Sound studio and, in two takes, recorded a million-selling single that had taken him 20 minutes to write. This is how it was done...

Logic's built-in EXS24 sampler is a powerful tool for playing realistic instruments, but dig a little deeper and you'll also find unlimited potential for sound design.

Apple renewed their commitment to music this month, both for those who listen to it and those who create it. We examine the latest developments, and take a more detailed look at the new iMac, which could offer enough power to be considered more than just an entry-level machine.

We take a look at how MOTU's new MachFive 2 sampler integrates with Digital Performer 5, explore a DP plug-in that makes it easier to work with MIDI controllers, and round up the customary batch of news and tips for DP users.

This month we tackle one reader's first ever attempt at mixing his own music.

Here are links to the audio files from November 2007's MIX RESCUE article, for those readers who buy the magazine from the newsagent and don't wish to type in all the long URLs.

With Sonar 7 just out, it's time to tweak all our preferences to perfection, before they're transferred over into the latest version of the software.

The challenge: to remix 10 Depeche Mode albums in surround — while recreating the signature sounds created by the band and some of the worlds greatest producers. As Mute Records Head Engineer Kevin Paul explains, it was never going to be easy!

Have you ever had a VST plug-in 'go missing' when you've installed an update, or conflict with another that's been newly added to your system? PC Notes explains why it happens and offers some solutions.

The role of the mix engineer is becoming ever more creative. Jack Joseph Puig explains how his imaginative approach helped shape Fergies smash hit Big Girls Dont Cry.

We help install the equipment won by one of the lucky winners of the SOS and Digital Village prize draw held at Sounds Expo 2007.

Track freezing makes it possible to create much larger projects, and collaborate with other Live users who have different plug-ins, all without cramping your style.

Sometimes you think your mix sounds great one day, but then you listen to it a few days later and it sounds just awful. And...

Hugh: It's strange. A few years ago I used tape machines almost every day, but now it is something of a...

I use Cubase SX v1 and I want to set up a reverb that the vocalist can hear during recording, but that doesn't get recorded...

There seem to be instances where several mics are used to record an instrument, such as a guitar amp or drum kit, but I've...

I was lucky enough to pick up an old Reslo ribbon mic, like the ones you see in old Cavern Club pictures. I wanted to know...

A very short piece of music can earn a very large amount of money if its the soundtrack to a TV ad, but competition for these spots is fierce. The founders of Massive Music, specialists in sourcing music for the advertising industry, explain what it takes to succeed.

CD Of The Month: Kekal The Habit Of Fire

The Habit Of Fire is apparently...

Throw away the rule book!

Our august Editor In Chief, Paul White, wonders why synth presets sound good when auditioned on their own but don't cut the mustard in a song arrangement...