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February 2012 Magazine Contents

Reviews

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    AEA A840

    Active Ribbon Microphone

    Passive ribbon mics can be fussy about what they’re plugged into, which is why AEA have made this active version of their popular R84.

    Reviews
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    App Works

    Making Music On The Move

    J G Harding takes a look at the Digitech iPB10 MIDI interface for iPad whilst Mike Watkinson examines the Moog Music Minimoog synthesizer for iPad.

    Reviews
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    ART DTI

    Dual Transformer Isolator

    Probably everyone has suffered from ground-loop hum problems at one time or another — transformer isolators like the ART DTI can help eliminate these problems.

    Reviews
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    ART Pro MPA2

    Valve Microphone Preamplifier

    This two‑channel tube preamp offers a range of useful features, and all for a very modest asking price. Is it too good to be true?

    Reviews
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    Behringer C5A & C50A

    Active Monitors

    Behringer’s take on the classic Auratones won’t break the bank — but will they help you make those crucial mix-balancing decisions?

    Reviews
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    Big Fish Audio | Brush Artistry 2

    Sample Library

    Rock drum collections are plentiful, but as soon as something slightly out of the ordinary is required, such as a comprehensive selection of brush samples, the options die off rapidly.

    Reviews
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    Big Fish Audio | G-Strings

    Sample Library

    Not content with the 'ooh missus!' title, Big Fish have based this new construction-kit library around the playing of a guitarist called Thomas Organ (thankfully, 'Tommy O' to his mates.)

    Reviews
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    Dave Smith Instruments Tempest

    Analogue Drum Machine

    The fruit of the union between synth and drum machine legends Dave Smith and Roger Linn ought to be something very special indeed. Is the Tempest set to take the world by storm?

    Reviews
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    DPA D:fine

    Live Headset Microphone

    The latest headset mic from DPA is designed to offer crystal-clear vocals and a rock-solid, discreet fitting.

    Reviews
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    Focusrite Scarlett 18i6

    USB Audio Interface

    In the new Scarlett range, Focusrite have teamed their Saffire technology with USB interfacing.

    Reviews
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    Hollow Sun | Music Laboratory Machines Series

    Sample Library

    No doubt inspired in part by the wealth of real-world imperfections captured for his historic Novachord library, Hollow Sun's Steve Howell has once again donned his boffin's garb for this ongoing Music Laboratory Machines series.

    Reviews
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    IK Multimedia Black 76 & White 2A

    Compressor Plug-ins

    IK Multimedia are the latest plug-in manufacturers to bring us their take on two iconic compressors.

    Reviews
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    Kenton MIDI USB Host

    MIDI-to-USB Interface

    If you want to connect your USB keyboard to your MIDI gear without a computer, this little box might fit the bill...

    Reviews
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    Korg Monotron Delay & Duo

    Analogue Synthesizers

    Korg’s analogue tribe has two new members, both with little more than pocket‑money prices. Resistance may be futile...

    Reviews
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    LD Systems Maui 28

    Portable Line Array PA

    This portable line-array from LD systems is incredibly easy to use, but does it deliver the all-important sound quality?

    Reviews
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    Lindell Audio 17X

    Mono FET Compressor

    What would happen if you upgraded every component in an 1176 compressor and added all the functions you wanted? One man set out to answer that question...

    Reviews
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    Looptrotter Monster

    FET Compressor & Valve Distortion Processor

    With a FET compressor/limiter and tube-saturation circuit on each channel, there’s plenty here to dirty up your sounds. Get ready to mash with the Monster...

    Reviews
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    M-Audio BX5 D2

    Active Monitors

    M-Audio’s aim for the BX5 D2 was to make a studio monitor that’s compact but doesn’t compromise on sound. Have they succeeded?

    Reviews
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    Novation Impulse 49

    Controller Keyboard

    The Impulse controllers are cost-effective, yet seem generously specified — so where’s the catch?

    Reviews
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    Raindirk Audio Active DI Box

    DI & Reamping Box

    A decent DI box is a must-have in everyone's recording toolkit, and Hugh Robjohns weighs up this offering from Raindirk.

    Reviews
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    Raindirk RM4 & RM6

    Recording Channel Strips

    Raindirk consoles have been used in the past by the likes of Deep Purple, the Who, and even Rupert Neve. Do these new modules live up to the company’s illustrious heritage?

    Reviews
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    RME Fireface UCX

    Audio & MIDI Interface

    Can the iPad really be a serious recording tool? When you add a state-of-the-art audio interface from RME, quite possibly...

    Reviews
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    Schertler Unico Classic

    Acoustic Amplifier

    Schertler’s Unico portable acoustic amplifier is something of a stand-alone PA in disguise.

    Reviews
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    Steinberg UR824

    USB Audio Interface

    Steinberg’s newest interface features USB 2 connectivity and a impressive degree of integration with Cubase.

    Reviews
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    Tascam DR40

    Handheld Four-track Recorder

    Tascam’s new handheld recorder boasts four-track recording capability, but is that enough to help it break through in a very competitive market?

    Reviews
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    TC Helicon VoiceLive Play

    Live Vocal Processor

    The VoiceLive Play offers powerful vocal processing with simple footpedal control.

    Reviews
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    Ueberschall | Looptool

    Sample Library

    Ueberschall tend to design their products so that they serve a very specific genre of music. Looptool is rather different, in that it covers all genres by sampling the content of a huge number of Ueberschall libraries.

    Reviews
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    Waves Bass Rider

    Automatic Level Control Plug-in

    Achieving a smooth, even bass part in a mix can require hours of tedious automation — unless, that is, you cheat!

    Reviews
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    XILS Lab Synthix

    Software Synthesizer

    XILS Lab continue to trawl the depths of obscure synth history, this time with an emulation of that rarest of beasts, the Elka Synthex.

    Reviews

Techniques

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    Auto Filter

    Ableton Live Notes

    Live’s outwardly simple Auto Filter has a lot more to it than you might think...

    Techniques
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    Classic Tracks: Sinéad O’Connor ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’

    Co-producer & Engineer Chris Birkett

    Recording Sinéad O’Connor’s breakthrough hit was easy in some ways, but difficult in others — for example, all compression was forbidden...

    Techniques
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    Dae Bennett: Recording Tony Bennett's 'One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)'

    Inside Track | Secrets Of The Mix Engineers

    Tony Bennett’s continuing success showcases the value of old-school recording techniques — and the talents of his engineer son Dae.

    Techniques
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    Flanger Management

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Take Sonar back to the ’60s with this vintage-style tape-flanging effect!

    Techniques
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    Keyboard Editing Shortcuts

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools lets you edit audio from the keyboard, without even touching the mouse. Here’s how.

    Techniques
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    Layering Using Environment

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Lift the bonnet on Logic’s Environment and open up some complex layering possibilities.

    Techniques
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    Mix Rescue: Sambasevam Shanmugam

    Mixing & Recording Advice

    In working to perfect a Bollywood mix, our engineer found that there were plenty of lessons that could be drawn from it and applied to mixes in most genres.

    Techniques
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    Mix Rescue: Sambasevam Shanmugam | Media

    Mixing & Recording Advice

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques
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    Multitrack Comping

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase’s new comping facilities allow you to assemble the perfect multitrack recording from several takes.

    Techniques
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    New Windows Store

    PC Notes

    The Windows Store is due to open in late February, but will over-zealous security measures lessen its appeal?

    Techniques
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    Reason 6: Alligator, Gates

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason 6 has upped its game on the gating front, adding per-channel gates and the snappy new Alligator...

    Techniques
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    Recording The Cajon

    Tips & Techniques

    This quirky instrument's versatility is making it popular — but how do you best record it?

    Techniques
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    Studio SOS: Bill Price

    Your Studio Problems Solved

    This month’s challenge was to turn a heap of boxes into a fully working studio!

    Techniques
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    Understanding & Recording Guitar Speakers

    Tips & Techniques

    Of all the factors that go into a great recorded guitar sound, the loudspeaker is the least well understood — but the right speaker can make all the difference.

    Techniques
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    Understanding & Recording Guitar Speakers | Media

    Tips & Techniques

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques
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    Vocal Production

    Contemporary Mixing & Processing Techniques

    Just how do you achieve that extra bit of professional polish for your vocal parts? Find out with our in-depth guide...

    Techniques
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    WALTER: Customisation In Reaper

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Customise your controls and layouts in Reaper, with our beginner’s guide to the WALTER interface engine.

    Techniques
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    What Does Logic Studio App Mean For Musicians?

    Apple Notes

    Not only is Logic Studio now on sale at the Mac App Store, but its price has been massively cut, making Logic Express redundant. What does it all mean for the Logic musician?

    Techniques

Sound Advice

People

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    Paul White - Editor In Chief

    All You Need Is Live

    Leader

    We've been running a small amount of live sound gear coverage in the mag for a few months now. On the whole, it has been very well received...

    People
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    Dallas Simpson & Swimming: The Binaural Gig

    Interview | Live Engineer

    Why would a rock band play live at talking volume, and in a separate room? To give their audience the unique immersive effect that only binaural sound can provide...

    People
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    J G Harding: Does it sound better... or different?

    Sounding Off

    Does it sound better... or different?

    People
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    Mixing Live Legends

    Paul Boothroyd: Engineering Shows For The Stars

    With a stellar client list that now ranges from Sir Paul McCartney to AC/DC, Paul Boothroyd has risen to the top of the live sound industry.

    People
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    Playback

    Readers' Music Reviewed

    District Myths * The Shed * The Destructors * Mick Nolan * Three Cane Whale * Henderson/Oken * Pepe Deluxé * Cyrion

    People
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    The Mix Review | February 2012

    Analysing Commercial Productions

    • Maroon 5 'Moves Like Jagger' • James Morrison 'I Won't Let You Go' • Coldplay 'Paradise'

    People

Music Business

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    Notes From The Deadline

    TV Music From The Inside

    No matter how ridiculous a line may be, it’s the media composer’s role to toe it — even if the fate of the world is at stake.

    Music Business
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    Dan Daley

    Off The Record

    Music & Recording Industry News

    Atlanta’s hip-hop community has thrived in the last decade, but it seems that not all local studio owners are thrilled about it.

    Music Business
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