October 2020 Magazine Contents

There is no denying that 'utility' modules get a bad rap and are seen by many as uncool. But I see them more as...

Arturia's KeyStep Pro puts sequencing and performance front and centre.

Arturia step into the big league with their most ambitious instrument yet.

This feature-packed channel strip pairs a vintage mic preamp design with a Pultec-style inductor EQ.

The Nord Wave 2 is a Jack of all trades and master of, well, really quite a lot!

Delving into multiband distortion territory, God Mode offers three types of overdrive that can be dialled in at the same time.

Not all algorithmic reverbs work in the same way.

If lush, smooth, shimmer reverb and freeze effects are your thing, look no further than ShimmerVerb.

While capturing the sound of the original hardware and controls, IK have added several useful features that today's DAW user should appreciate.

The name IO-Instruments was new to me when a box of intriguing-looking modules arrived on my doorstep. They are a ...

Josephson's newest design sounds as classy as it looks!

The 529i offers eight, fully isolated, rechargeable 9V DC pedal power outputs: 2 x 500mA and 6 x 300mA.

Does Neumann's first standalone mic preamp live up to their enviable reputation?

Have Neve succeeded in creating a compact desktop mixer with large-format console functionality?

An A-list Hollywood composer joins forces with Orchestral Tools to create a major brass library.

We put PreSonus' entry-level studio mic to the test.

Can Steinberg recreate the Cubasis DAW experience on Android?

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. This compelling massive multi-instrument library combines the sound of Mongolian and Chinese ethnic instruments into a collection of 50 instruments and 100+ individual patches.

Unisum boasts a unique array of advanced parameters, but achieving good results isn't as daunting as you might think.

This robust folding Laptop Stand is ideal for studio, live and office applications — and is not just for laptops.

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. Built around a virtual eight-string guitar, Carbon offers a stylistic take on modern metal and rock.

Though more affordable than high-end parent brand BAE, UK Sound's gear certainly isn't bargain-basement stuff!

Unity are known for their uncompromising approach to studio monitoring, and their latest design doesn't disappoint!

This innovative sample library launches the electric guitar into new sonic territory.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. VSL have added six new brass and strings libraries to their ambitious Big Bang Orchestra series.

This debut mic from Voyage Audio combines the power of Ambisonics with the convenience of direct USB connectivity.

The STVC is much more than just a string synth.

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. Zero-G suggest Ignition is aimed at those with an interest in scoring sci-fi themed cinematic material.

Moving to Live from another DAW? We've got you covered...

Get to grips with Pro Tools' powerful beat manipulation tool.

The title track of Steely Dan's Aja is legendary for many reasons, including the spectacular work of Steve Gadd. Who, it turns out, almost didn't make the cut in the album's planned 'rotating list of drummers'...

Thinking of collaborating with other musicians/engineers? Here's how to prepare and share your Cubase project data.

Kevin Grainger has developed a unique approach to dance mixing — and, as Joel Corry's 'Head & Heart' proves, a highly successful one. We break down this hit track.

We show how iZotope's popular restoration package can deliver cleaner audio for your music projects.

Get to grips with Logic 10.5's cells and Scenes.

Without a firm grasp of these three ‘core concepts’ of mastering, you’ll always struggle to get great results. In Part 2 of his series for SOS, mastering engineer Ian Shepherd describes his “Three Ms of Mastering”, and why he thinks they’re so important.

In this six-part video tutorial series, produced in association with Steinberg, well-known mastering engineer Ian...

With live music on hold and lockdown persisting, social media is your best bet for connecting with fans. We offer some tips for recording music videos remotely.

Mixing can be a creative as well as a technical role, and the right production effects can transform a track.

Mixing can be a creative as well as a technical role, and the right production effects can transform a track.

...

In this episode, Mike Senior demonstrates several ways spill can actually improve the sound of your productions.

Studio One makes working with MIDI drums a breeze.

It's often claimed that expensive mic preamps will take your recordings to the next level. But is that really true, or are you...

I want to connect my synths and drum machine to a computer DAW and actually make a song, but don't yet have the computer...

One input on my Peavey PV10BT mixer is running hot and clipping. Yet, when I hit the Solo button it sounds perfect on the headphones. What is going on?

There are many ways to record an album — and former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker has tried them all...

Mark Mynett, Senior Lecturer in Music Technology and Production at Huddersfield University, talks about selecting the right course and the vital importance of real-world experience and networking in order to develop a successful music industry career. 

Nainita Desai chats about her distinguished career, from her beginnings as a foley artist right through to becoming a busy and successful award-winning composer.

Romance isn't a concept often associated with music technology, but it definitely has a role to play. Only a ...

Over four decades, Vince Clarke has helped shape the sound of electronic music. We talk to him about how his working practices have changed, from early Depeche Mode to the new album from Erasure.

When a studio also has helpful staff, talented engineers and clued-up assistants, the whole experience is a joy.