September 1999 Magazine Contents

Designing analogue circuitry to recreate drum sounds is nothing new, but Analogue Solutions have gone one stage further with their Concussor system — it's modular, making it probably the world's first commercially available dedicated modular percussion synth. Gordon Reid can scarcely control his voltages...

John Walden examines Boss's latest entrant in the crowded guitar effects processor race and considers whether its COSM-based preamp might be just the thing to enhance his performance.

The Quantum from Dbx is the latest entrant into the growing market for all-in-one digital mastering boxes, offering competition to the likes of TC Electronic's Finalizer and Drawmer's Masterflow. Hugh Robjohns finds out how well it stands up in this illustrious company...

'Digital loudspeakers' have been available in the hi-fi world for many years, but Genelec have now brought the technology to the home studio market. Hugh Robjohns tries out their new small active monitors and subwoofer.

Power amps are rarely seen as glamorous, but remain a vital part of the audio chain. Martin Walker tries out a well-specified model from Hafler.

Paul White tries out a JoeMeek product that, for once, isn't entirely green — but finds there's still a lot for the competition to envy.

Some people rage against GM food: hi-tech musicians on the other hand, rage against GM synths. But how justified is their hostility? Nicholas Rowland takes on Korg's latest black box...

The updated compact mixers in Mackie's VLZ range may look the same as ever on the outside — but inside lurk new, high-grade microphone preamps. Hugh Robjohns tries out the new design.

As well as offering a high-quality mic preamp, equaliser, and valve compressor, the MindPrint voice channel can have digital interfacing added at a very reasonable extra cost. Hugh Robjohns does a spot of channel hopping.

Novation's latest synth is a more affordable 'laptop' version of their powerful Supernova, which capitalises on its user-friendly front panel while adding the ability to process external audio signals. Simon Trask discovers new life in the synth universe...

Under hypnosis, Paul Wiffen regresses to an earlier life when he was involved in the development and marketing of what is now regarded as a British classic.

Project Hammerfall is an unusual name for a soundcard — but then RME's new card is somewhat out of the ordinary. Martin Walker enters a world of sample-accurate sync and minimal latency.

There have been Grooveboxes and user -friendly MIDI file players, but it's been a while — nine years, in fact — since Roland last added a full-on hardware MIDI sequencer to their product line up. Now the MC80 seeks to bring the idea bang up to date. Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser take the hard option...

The latest PC version of Steinberg's popular sequencing package incorporates a number of significant new features, including the long-awaited VST 2 and ASIO 2. Martin Walker checks them out.

Most modern digital mixers, like Yamaha's 02R, incorporate powerful built-in effects — but they frequently do this at the expense of their ability to interface with high-quality external processors. Mike Collins explores an alternative way of adding top-notch effects to the 02R...

An inexpensive program from MPEG software veterans Xing makes MP3 ripping and encoding quick and easy. But does it produce worthwhile results? Simon Trask has a ripping time with Audio Catalyst...

This month Martin Walker explores a number of interesting new releases, improves the ergonomics of his desktop, and prepares downloadable demos for the SOS web site.

Explore life's ups and downs with MIDI arpeggiators and step sequencers for your Atari, expanded your horizons with a multi-port MIDI cable, and find out about TOS's French connection. Derek Johnson presents a readers' digest. Electronic Cow MIDI Arpeggiator; Phonic MIDI Arpeggiator; Petri Sinisalo Real Arp

Gordon Reid continues his series on the theory of subtractive synthesis by delving deeper into the amazingly complex world of the analogue audio filter.

John Walden introduces the email discussion list — one of the most valuable resources for information, advice and opinion.

Recording a choir on location presents a number of unique technical and artistic challenges. Hugh Robjohns describes how he approached a recent project.

Martin Russ joins the Blue & Whites and examines the goal of all-software music creation. Steinberg Rewire; MOTU Digtital Performer v2.6.

Many musicians are still debating whether to upgrade to Windows '98. Martin Walker reports back on a year of using Microsoft's latest operating system for consumers.

There are some fine bargains to be had in the second-hand equipment market — but there are plenty of pitfalls too. Debbie Poyser & Derek Johnson offer a guide through the maze.

Many recent singles have had their path onto radio playlists smoothed by an edit from Wise Buddah Music Ltd. Sam Inglis talks to founder Bill Padley about the business of producing and editing music that getss on the air.

Following the success of their recent 'Best Of' album, James first single for over a year was much anticipated — especially as it saw them renew their relationship with production legend Brian Eno. Tom Flint reports

Gareth Cousins talks to Hugh Robjohns about the craft of recording music for film, and his work on the recent British blockbuster Notting Hill.

So, you've made it from dogsbody to tea boy, through tape op and Assistant Engineer... In the last part of this series, David Mellor explains the roles and responsibilities of the recording engineer, and what you ought to do if you like to make engineering a life-long career.

Another SOS reader reveals their personal studio set-up.

Assistant Editor Matt Bell explains why the MP3 revolution will not be televised — at least, not at his house.