October 2016 Magazine Contents

Abstract Data’s Octocontroller crams eight assignable outputs into just 14hp, making it a candidate for the beating heart of any tempo-based Eurorack setup.

The EMS VCS3 (or ‘Putney’) is relic of a bygone age. Along with its suitcase sibling the Synthi, the VCS3...

Arturia have updated their V Collection, and one of the stand-out instruments is a recreation of Farfisa’s classic combo organs.

Audiofile Engineering’s powerful batch processor can really speed up those repetitive tasks for Mac users.

Cinematic Samples take a refreshingly simple approach to the Hollywood orchestral sound.

Can a technology borrowed from digital computers bring anything new to the world of analogue delay?

Some people are happy to drive their DAWs and video editors entirely from a keyboard and mouse. For others, the Contour Designs Shuttle Pro v2 might appeal.

This latest  Drumdrops library of virtual drum instruments is the first to feature a newly-designed interface, with sounds of a 1966 Ludwig Hollywood kit, recorded by producer Phill Brown.

EarMaster is a well-established name in the realm of ear training, having been around for the past 20 years, and the company have now launched a version of their eponymous software for the iPad.

Boasting a novel construction method using traces printed on stacked circuit boards in place of traditionally wound coils, Fluence offers active circuitry, hum cancellation, a choice of two distinct voices and — most surprising of all — convincingly traditional sounds. We explore their newest addition.

Mastering engineers looking for a compressor with a distinctly vintage flavour would do well to check out Roger Foote’s latest creation.

Microphones that include A-D converters, allowing them to be plugged directly into computers or iOS devices, are becoming increasingly popular. IK's offering is built around a large-diaphragm capacitor mic with built-in 24-bit converters that support sample rates up to 48kHz.

Intel’s whole CPU range has undergone a refresh over the last 12 months. We report on the performance of their new processors and their suitability for audio.

Is VocalSynth the natural choice for unnatural vocal sounds?

Where you have lots of passive bypass pedals coupled with long cables, treble loss and compromised ‘feel’ can become a real problem...

How do you follow the best-selling synthesizer of all time?

Lauten’s latest creation is a classy affair with a pleasingly neutral tonality, which should make it suitable for a wide range of sources.

The EQ4M features the same Air Band that put Mäag on the EQ map — plus a whole lot more!

Mackie’s new ProDX range makes phone- and tablet-controlled mixing more accessible than ever.

Make Noise blur the boundaries between the East and West Coast schools of synthesis with this unique semi-modular.

Can NI’s new performance controller preserve Maschine’s status as king of the beat stations?

The Origin Effects SlideRig is a unique compressor pedal designed primarily for electric slide guitarists. 

The classic sound of the ADR Compex is back again — this time in API Lunchbox format!

A guitar overdrive pedal sporting three knobs and a footswitch is not exactly a new or novel concept, but when it is designed and built by Roger Mayer, you have to take notice...

It will come as no surprise that Morphestra 2 is an evolution of a previous product. In this case, it is actually two products: Morphestra and Morphestra Generations.

Swiss acoustic-amplification experts Schertler have entered the compact PA market, with impressive results.

A Noah Bell is a type of Indian bell, traditionally sold by monasteries as a way of generating income. It’s usually necessary to assemble differing-sized bells into a set so that together they form a musical scale, and that’s what Soundiron have done to create this virtual instrument.

The Studio Electronics Tonestar 2600 is a complete analogue synthesizer voice in just 32hp. It consists of a single VCO, a sub oscillator and noise generator processed by a four-pole low-pass filter based on that of the legendary ARP 2600.

For anyone with an interest in the early years of electronic music, Ian Helliwell’s new book (published by Sound On Sound) takes the reader on an enthralling tour of the pioneering British contributors to this genre...

These new TAC modules bring the classic Amek console sound to your Lunchbox rack.

Twisted Electrons offer a new take on the classic acid machine.

We fire up the latest model in Unity Audio’s geologically themed monitor range to find out just how much it rocks!

TwinCussion comprises a pair of analogue percussion voices (A & B), both slightly different and capable of independent operation or cross-patched interaction...

In their latest headphone design, Yamaha have sought to capture the essence of their classic NS10 monitors. Have they achieved it?

We delve into the depths of Live’s effects routing.

After a rocky start, Avid’s Application Manager is now bringing useful features to Pro Tools users.

Give Sonar a makeover with Cakewalk’s new Theme Editor.

Want to incorporate loops into your Samplitude Pro X2 projects? We show you how.

Blink 182’s chart-topping California brought Zakk Cervini his first mix credit on a hit album — but he had to work hard to get it.

We offer six Logic Pro X tips and tricks that you might not know about.

A list of all articles that hold the associated media files for October 2016 audio examples. You will find the ZIP...

How can you enhance a live blues recording when all you have to work with is an MP3 of the mono ‘off-the-desk’ mix?

How should a band prepare for their first session in a pro studio, and what can the producer do to help? We went to Kore Studios to find out.

Studio One doesn’t officially support surround mixing — but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible!

Steinberg’s dedicated app can turn your iPad into a fine control surface for Cubase.

I do a lot of dance music, and have been referencing my mixes against commercial releases. How can I get the fat synth sounds of my references without going nuts with EQ?

I recorded a choir with an ORTF pair and a 40cm-spaced omni pair on a bar, and later viewed these recordings on the Voxengo Span plug-in’s correlation meter. I have read the Span manual but remain confused about what this meter is telling me...

I mostly record vocals and acoustic guitars, but sometimes harmony vocals with groups of two or three singers. However, as my skills improve I’d like to try small folk line-ups too...

The Avalanches’ debut album Since I Left You took the art of sampling to new heights — but it has taken them 16 years to finish the follow-up!

Those of us who grew up with tape machines and mixers can see how most DAWs follow an analogue mixer paradigm, but this might not be quite so obvious to a musician who’s taken the DAW route from the start...

Mastering a little musical craft and applying your imagination will get you a lot further than fiddling around with plug-ins. Use your ears, not your eyes. Use your brain, not your mouse...

Grand Cru was founded as a private studio by Who guitarist Pete Townshend in the late ’70s, and has been in constant operation since then. Recently, it has been made available to the public...

A reputation for competence is vital — and to get it, you need to take every opportunity going.

Studios often fall prey to the real-estate business — but for some people, they present a niche opportunity.

Learning music production the Abbey Road way isn’t cheap — but if it equips you to work in today’s music business, could it be money well spent?

The boom in live music has created a new class of rehearsal space that’s sophisticated, hi-tech, and surprisingly sanitary...

Welcome To 1979 isn’t your run of the mill recording studio. That’s because everyone at the complex is dedicated to ...