January 2016 Magazine Contents

AKG’s C414 has been a studio favourite for decades. Does this new, more affordable model hit the same spot?

We take Antelope’s latest mastering–grade converter and monitor controller for a spin.

Audio files to accompany the article.

Given the rich ecosystem of music and audio–related iOS apps, it’s not impossible that the usefulness of the Apple Watch in this field will evolve over time.

If the name of this new company evokes an iconic British brand, that’s perhaps appropriate — for Aston design and build all their mics in the UK!

The new features promised in Pro Tools 12 are finally starting to arrive. Can Avid persuade existing users that it’s time to start paying annual fees?

Bandlab encourages collaborative music-making between people in different locations by providing tools for recording ideas, plus a social network within which ideas can be shared.

If you crave the vintage API sound but the budget is a little tight, this might be worth a look...

If you want the vintage Neve 1073 sound but the bank balance doesn’t allow it, this might be worth checking out...

Digital Brain Instruments are carving a niche for themselves producing fun and intuitive interactive audio tools for games...

DPA have long been held in high esteem by classical recordists — and now their recording mic range has been given a major overhaul.

If you crave the vintage API sound but the budget is a little tight, this might be worth a look...

Anthology X makes many of Eventide’s signature effects available in native plug–in formats for the first time. Was it worth the wait?

Fostex have been making planar magnetic headphones since before they were cool. How do their latest models fare?

Shreddage might sound like a Heston Blumenthal recipe involving Shredded Wheat and cabbage, but it’s actually a Kontakt-based sample engine from Impact Soundworks.

Need a go–anywhere sound system for busking, small gigs or simply listening to music on the move? Look no further!

A directory of all media pages that hold the associated media for January 2016 audio examples.

Moog modulars have always been unattainable objects of desire for most of us. But all that’s about to change...

After 10 years with no major updates, Reaktor bursts back into the spotlight with the ultimate virtual modular rack.

Struggle with your strumming? Perhaps NI’s Strummed Acoustic can lend a helping hand.

Novation’s new groovebox, sequencer and performance instrument could be this year’s essential synth accessory.

Our in-depth buyers guide takes you through the world of brass sample libraries and virtual instruments aimed at pop and rock production.

The medieval crusades were a long-running series of military campaigns that took place in the Eastern Mediterranean region...

Is this the ultimate Swiss Army knife for bassists?

Roland have embraced the Eurorack format with their semi–modular System 1m and four Aira effects modules.

These files accompany the Sample Shop articles in the January 2016 issue of SOS.

Harald Bode was perhaps one of the most important audio innovators of the 20th century, but his work is not widely known today...

Sonokinetic’s Tutti Vox is a choral sample library, but it’s not like other choral sample libraries...

I’ve been aware of Sound Radix’s SurferEQ for a few years now but, for some reason, have only recently managed to...

Not all digital delay pedals strike the right balance between convenience and quality. How does this one fare?

Audio files to accompany the article.

Tascam’s updated nearfield monitor offers commendable performance for a very low price. What’s not to like?

Sporting both optical and variable–mu compressors and Pultec–inspired EQ, this German channel strip should make a great recording front end for the modern studio.

Audio files.

The Squeal Killer, from Stella Vee Amplification, is a pedal-sized box designed to sit between a harp mic and a tube amp, with the sole aim of reducing feedback.

Does this modern take on a celebrated console stay true to the original’s heritage?

I don’t know whether it’s just me, but haven’t we seen rather a lot of very good Kontakt-based sample...

Old and new worlds collide as this 1176 clone is treated to remote control via a VST 3/AAX plug-in.

Bus-powered audio interfaces with some additional mixing and monitoring capabilities.

If anyone knows about digital consoles, it’s Yamaha — and their latest range of mixers doesn’t disappoint.

While I’m not 100 percent sure I could define exactly what distinguishes intelligent dance music (IDM) from some other forms of electronic music production, Zero-G’s Cinematic IDM library provides over 3GB of sample material aimed at that genre.

Merging two different creatures didn’t work out so well for Jeff Goldblum and co in The Fly. But what if you could merge the DNA of two different sounds instead?

Extensive side–chain options make Studio One’s mixer the perfect place to experiment with ducking.

In our second workshop on Logic Pro X’s Alchemy synth, we look at its creative sample-manipulation capabilities.

In their conquest of the pop charts, Pentatonix’s only weapons were the human voice — and the skills of mix engineer Ed Boyer.

We pull a problematic live recording back from the brink.

Audio files to accompany the article.

We look at corrective and creative vocal tuning in Reason.

The Dashboard in Pro Tools 12 is the perfect jumping-off point for new and existing projects.

We look at how to get the most from Live’s Electric instrument.

The best engineers thrive on pressure. Which is handy when they’re recording the farewell tour of one of the world’s biggest rock bands, and timecode trouble is brewing...

Our engineer describes a novel and affordable way to mic an acoustic guitar duo in a small space.

Audio files to accompany the article.

Get acquainted with Sonar’s many EQ options.

Make mixing in Cubase Pro 8 that little bit easier with VCA Faders.

Just what should you expect when engaging a professional arranger or orchestrator to work on your own production? We find out from some of the best in the business...

I have two sets of monitors. The first pair are 40 inches apart and the second, outside of these, around 55 inches apart.

Most of the advice I’ve seen about speaker placement suggests keeping them well away from the walls, but I was recently advised to place my monitor loudspeakers directly against the back wall...

I’m an amateur double bass player and eager reader. While playing gigs, I usually record my band with an Apogee Quartet...

It’s rare to pick up a popular magazine these days without seeing photographs of people and products airbrushed to a level that’s arguably beyond perfection.

This month's in-depth video interview features Grammy-winning producer Scott Jacoby. He welcomes us into his own Eusonia studios in New York to show how he created a ‘60s-inspired track for the former Ronnettes lead singer.

Synthesizers: why vintage will always be king.

This month we discuss tracks from Hilary Hahn, Drake, Adele and Rachel Platten. Plus, our Classic Mix: The Kinks 'You Really Got Me' (1964). 

Livingston is one of the oldest recording ventures in London dating back to 1963. Although, or perhaps because, the studio has changed hands and locations a few times, it has remained busy for well over five decades.

It’s easy to ignore the question “Is it any good?” — but job satisfaction lies in keeping it in mind.

Americana is a loosely defined genre, but in terms of studios, it knows what it wants.