January 2022 Magazine Contents

The masters of convolution have finally produced a reverb, but it’s far from being a straightforward convolution reverb.

The MPC Studio provides an affordable middle ground between Akai’s software and hardware MPCs.

Apple’s most powerful laptop computer ever has been explicitly designed with music in mind.

Avantone’s newest monitors revive a classic speaker brand and channel the ’70s West Coast studio sound.

The 67A adds some useful features to a nice Altec valve preamp emulation.

This inexpensive Stardust 201 plug‑in borrows features from the original Roland RE‑201 and RE‑301 hardware, including the chorus section and spring reverb.

Bite Harder combines push‑pull EQ with familiar bit‑crushing and sample‑rate reduction functions, though there are further controls to facilitate more creative audio destruction. 

Another of Eventide’s excellent plug‑ins makes the transition to the popular pedal format.

Paul White and Hugh Robjohns look back and chat about some of their favourite gear releases of 2021.

Groovesetter’s developers claim that it offers low‑latency, multitrack collaboration between multiple people in different locations. Does it live up to its promise?

Derived from the custom valve console in Brittany’s famous Kerwax studio, the Replica harks back to a bygone age.

Mojave’s new valve mic pays tribute to a neglected classic.

DP11 might not be any louder than DP10, but it’s got plenty more to offer.

Orchestral Tools’ Baroque collection shines a modern light on a historic sound.

This expansion pack, which has been approved by the Hendrix estate, requires Positive Grid’s Bias 2 FX plug‑in or Spark amp to run and adds the extra pedal and amp models needed to recreate Jimi's classic sounds.

There are now two ways to buy Reason, but whichever you choose, v12 is an essential upgrade.

The reborn Rhodes piano is a stunning showcase for British manufacturing.

Slate have taken the famous OTT effect and added a whole load more control, creating a unique dynamics processor.

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. As a type of tuned percussion, Hang Drum's roots in the steel drums of the Caribbean are obvious but, in the right hands, the sound can be both beautiful and hypnotic.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. Looking for great layering options or want to create an orchestral mix using instruments which are different and folk‑like? Solstice delivers a surprising array of choices...

With the SiX, SSL shrank the large-format console. Now it’s grown again!

SSL Native X‑Echo is a tape‑echo plug‑in that’s inspired by the sound of early hardware units, not least the Echoplex...

Studiologic bring their A‑game with a seriously capable new stage piano.

For their latest SD3 expansion, Toontrack made a pilgrimage to the hallowed ground of Rockfield Studios in Wales.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. Nova is a sample‑based virtual instrument built around a collection of textures, pads and soundscapes.

What would you record with an indestructible microphone?

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. Zero G’s Elements is a Wavetable Hybrid Synth aimed at those working on creating contemporary soundtracks and sound design...

This BS.1770‑compliant loudness meter offers some interesting and original features.

Immersive audio has huge creative potential for music production, but it can be hard to get your head around. Here’s the explanation you’ve been waiting for!

From plucks to pads, Cubase’s Sampler Track makes it easy to design your own sounds.

SOS January 2022

Cubase Workshop: Audio Examples

John Walden

These audio files...

Recalling his favourite sound, LA‑based producer and mixing engineer Tom Syrowski chose the vocal on Incubus’ 2011 track, ‘In The Company Of Wolves’.

Hip‑hop and metal share more in common than you might think, as mixer Ari Morris confirmed when he worked on MoneyBagg Yo’s hit album, A Gangsta’s Pain.

The latest Pro Tools and Eucon updates offer much to both pro- and project‑studio users.

It's more than 20 years since the BBC closed their legendary Radiophonic Workshop, but its spirit lives on in the Radiophonic Room at Manchester's Eve Studios.

We talk you through the various metering options available in Studio One.

Parallel processing while mixing is a common technique — so why not try it with your pedals when recording?

Vocoders are not just for vocals. In this episode, Eddie Bazil talks about the various vocoder plug-in options and demonstrates six creative techniques.

Last month, we showed how to comp a great vocal performance. Now we look at how you can use editing tools to improve both timing and tuning.

Is it common to combine an omni mic for LF extension with one or more directional mics for higher up?

I’m a long‑running technical electronics repair and design engineer working in music for film...

The world of music technology has undergone radical democratisation over the last three decades. So is there still a reason to choose high‑end over budget gear?

Having crafted some of the biggest hits in pop, Adam King Feeney, aka Frank Dukes, built an ambitious sample library to help others do the same.

Spatial audio. 3D music. 360‑degree sound. Call it what you will, immersive audio is a hot topic. And while researching...

J. Wilgoose Esquire, founding member of Public Service Broadcasting, talks about the origins of the band and the surprise success they've enjoyed, and discusses his recording methods, choice of equipment and the technical challenges of performing live.

Having cut her teeth as a studio engineer with a litany of global names, classically trained producer Yang Tan takes our quick-fire challenge.

With your laptop to hand, have a go at performing a rough mix on your headphones whilst the sun is shining. You might be surprised how inspiring it can be!

It's 10 years since Focusrite launched their best-selling Scarlett range of audio interfaces, now into its third generation. CEO Tim Carroll and Will Hoult, Head Of Product at Focusrite and Novation talk to Sam Inglis about what's behind the success of the Scarletts.