September 2011 Magazine Contents

Apogee claim that their new interface is the result of 25 years of research into digital audio — so we have high expectations for it. Find out whether the Symphony lives up to them.

This month, Jules Harding, Hugh Robjohns and Mike Watkinson check out iConnectivity iConnect MIDI Interface for iOS, ElectroDroid Electronics Reference Guide for Android by Demetrio Iero, and Akai Synthstation 25 keyboard and app for iPhone and iPod Touch.

Paul White investigates this passive, eight-point balanced patchbay.

French synth experts Arturia get their groove on with a hybrid software/hardware drum machine. Zut alors!

My first Ethno World 5 observation was "blimey, an actual manual!”. Having a pile of virtual instruments squatting in my...

Blue Sky have earned a strong reputation for their sealed-cabinet speakers, but in their latest model they’ve opted for a ported design. How do the newcomers compare with their infinite‑baffle cousins?

The Neumann U47 is one of the most revered of all studio mics, and while there are plenty of ‘clones’ available, Flea have gone the extra mile in their quest for authenticity.

These audio files accompany the Flea 47 review that appeared in SOS September 2011.

Whether you’re rescuing an over-compressed mix or extracting maximum punch from a drum track, Flux’s innovative multi-band dynamics tool could be just what you need.

Audio files to accompany the article.

Put down your bells, books and candles — this a ghost you do want in your machine...

Hugh Robjohns checks out a wooden-faced master clock made by Dutch engineers Grimm Audio.

Have you ever wished that artists could control their own monitor mixes? With this system they can, whether on stage or in the studio.

Back in SOS October 2008, we raved about the 'high‑quality sonic weirdness' of Heavyocity's original flagship product, Evolve...

The long-awaited version 3 of the GRM Tools suite introduces three new plug-ins, the likes of which have not been seen or heard before!

The Eon range of portable powered speakers evolves further, with new styling, improved output, and more besides.

Paul White investigates a pair of mics that can extend your recording options considerably without depleting your bank account!

At last, the quest to recreate the classic single-coil tone — but without the noise — appears to be over.

Kush have established a reputation for unique‑sounding gear that features idiosyncratic controls, and their Clariphonic is no exception...

If you’re in need of some extremely portable amplification or monitoring, Mackie’s tiny SRM150 might just save the day.

Neve believe that there’s scope to bring classic designs up to date — and that’s exactly what they’ve done here, taking their revered 1081 mic preamplifier as the starting point.

A capacious new European library takes the strain out of programming orchestral string runs.

With API’s 500-series 'Lunchbox' format becoming ever more popular, it was almost inevitable that someone would try to improve on the standard...

Sony’s top-of-the-range dynamic in-ear monitors have a kind voice, with all the volume and extension you’ll need for stage use and on-the-move mixing.

Hugh Robjohns gets to grips with a cable tester from Studiospares that offers great value for money.

Telefunken Elektroakustic’s latest mic is their most affordable large-diaphragm condenser yet. Is its sound worthy of the Telefunken name?

Ueberschall's Ambient Lines is another in their series of Elastik‑based sample libraries.

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As the title suggests...

It's not often that packaging sleeve notes are underwhelming — they tend towards excessive hype — but those of Deep House don'...

Do these closed‑back cans from German company Ultrasone have what it takes to compete with established studio models?

It’s hard not to be tempted by Universal Audio’s mouth-watering range of plug‑ins, but not every Mac has a spare PCI or ExpressCard slot. Now all you need is a free Firewire port...

But for the timely intervention of Mick Ronson, John Cougar’s celebrated portrait of small-town American life might never have existed at all, let alone topped the Billboard Hot 100.

The ‘cloud’ is great for backing up Pro Tools projects — if you know what to upload. We look at a service that can do it automatically.

Does Apple’s controversial product strategy for the new Final Cut Pro X give any hints as to their plans for the next major Logic version?

Is it time to let the Internet into your studio? PC Notes thinks it might be...

If you want to breathe new life into your drum loop library, Cubase has the tools. You just need the know-how! • Read Part 2 • Read Part 3

We explore some of the most common causes of mix failure we’ve tackled in our monthly Mix Rescue column. Banish these demons and you’re most of the way to a devilishly good mix! Here are ten reasons why your mixes don’t work — and what you can do about it!

Audio files to accompany the article.

What better place to start building your mix than the kick-drum and bass parts? Get them to work well together and you’re on your way to a good mix...

Avoid information overload with these advanced techniques for using Reaper’s mixer.

Reason 6 is probably the biggest update in the program’s history. We give you the lowdown...

Use Sonar X1 to slow down your drum loops drastically — and retain fidelity!

Our tireless Editor In Chief tackles some studio acoustics problems while on holiday in Turkey, with a budget of precisely nothing!

Adele’s second album, 21, has broken sales records all around the globe. Mixer Tom Elmhirst and producer Paul Epworth explain how they created its multi‑platinum lead single, ‘Rolling In The Deep’.

Audio files to accompany the article.

From wave sequencing to gated pads and basses — it can all be done with Logic’s ES2 synth!

Audio files to accompany the article.

There’s more to Live’s Vocoder than meets the ear: it can generate all manner of unexpected effects.

We all know music is getting louder. But is it less dynamic? Our ground-breaking research proves beyond any doubt that the answer is no — and that popular beliefs about the 'loudness war' need a radical rethink.

I have two figure‑of‑eight Golden Age ribbon mics that I want to use as overheads for drum recording. I've read about Blumlein...

Having been a bass player for years, I've recently come into possession of an acoustic double bass. I seem to be getting a ...

I play an acoustic baby grand piano and sing in a new bar. The environment fluctuates from being quiet to being 'moderately'...

Excuse the simplicity of the question, but I'm always coming across these terms in the magazine, and I don't know what they ...

This might be a very big topic, but I'm hoping that you can help to clear up some confusion. Side‑chaining seems to be...

I was wondering what the latest and best program is for time-stretching. I purchased Apple Logic 9, but I don't find that...

This column could save your life. And $7.99.

This year’s Glastonbury Festival boasted a recording studio built of straw — complete with 24‑track tape and grand piano. SOS followed Joe Leach’s project all the way from blue-sky thinking to muddy reality.

Prodigy live engineer Jon Burton talks to some of the world’s top sound engineers about the similarities and differences between tour and studio work.

French pop music was once as uncool as you could get, but over the last 15 years, AIR’s distinctive, retro-tinged electronica has conquered the world.

A few years ago, I commented in this very column that, despite advances in recording technology, many of our readers still...

Phat Flavour Crew * Res-Q * Darren Lock * Amphibic

• Dev Featuring The Cataracs 'Bass Down Low' • Wretch 32 'Traktor' • Aloe Blacc 'I Need A Dollar'

You’ve got to be good to get ahead in this game. And not just at mending cookers.

Despite economic uncertainty, Nashville continues to thrive in the music industry. What’s the secret of its success?