March 2022 Magazine Contents

AKG’s new multi‑pattern USB microphone proves its worth on both instruments and vocals.

It can’t turn you into Bob Clearmountain, but this plug‑in can certainly help you create some beautiful effects!

Objeq Delay is not a typical delay plug‑in. Yes, it can generate repeats with adjustable feedback and tempo sync, but the way it treats them, using some ingenious acoustic filtering, really sets it apart.

Austrian Audio turn their attention from studio to stage, with an intriguing new vocal mic aimed at live performance.

Ever wondered what AI technology might bring to the tape‑emulation party?

If you’re a fan of early 1970s guitar tones, this evamp of the classic Colorsound Power Boost pedal might be one you’ll enjoy...

The latest pedal in Boss’ SY series offers expressive synth sounds without the hassle.

Donner’s Island Delay is a multimode delay pedal with a maximum delay time of 1.2 seconds and 10 delay types on offer...

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. Hosted by either the full or free Player version of Kontakt 6.4 or later, Quantum is a two‑layer instrument dedicated to producing pad and drone sounds.

Empress’ compact, powerful and versatile ZOIA is part multi‑effects unit, part modular synthesizer...

Barcelona‑based developers Endorphin.es have finally ironed out the folds when it comes to their contender for a system‑driving controller and sequencer. Has it been worth the wait?

Can a pedal really replicate the classic studio sound of a tweed‑era Champ?

With its unusual method of applying gain reduction, the Hazelrigg VNE is no ordinary compressor.

JBL’s powerful new PA system takes the compact column format and packs it with pro features.

How do you make a great monitor even better? By integrating Sonarworks’ acclaimed SoundID Reference room correction system!

This classy console emulation from newcomers KIT puts Blackbird Studios’ Neve in your DAW.

KRK’S latest cans offer quality sound, value for money and good isolation.

The latest version of Krotos’ Concept adds granular synthesis and an impressive modulation engine.

Now in its fourth decade, Kurzweil’s celebrated K series continues to evolve.

Lewitt’s new flagship hybrid microphone could be the last vocal mic you ever need...

Martinic take Akai’s long‑neglected AX73 ball and run with it.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. Built from detailed sampling of chromatically tuned metal discs, Alloy Vol I's tones are reminiscent of chromatic orchestral percussion, hang drums, steel drums and tubular bells...

NI and Sonuscore take assisted string arranging to another level with Action Strings 2.

Want to get started with scoring? Don’t worry, today’s super‑intelligent sample libraries have got your back.

Orchestration Assistants Audio Example 01.mp3

This example features UJAM’s Striiiings. The audio example demonstrates...

External storage becomes so fast and so small it might as well not be external at all!

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. Contemporary Colours’ designers describe the sounds as being rooted in contemporary classical and theatrical styles that combine instrumental and electronic music.

Retrokits’ RK‑006 is a tiny but incredibly versatile hub for MIDI, USB and modular.

sE’s latest mic booster offers much more than just a bit of extra gain...

This powerful new EQ plug-in aims to encourage you to make better mix decisions.

Sonokinetic’s Orchestral Strings is as playable as it is high quality.

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. If you like big synth drones, The Stack will not disappoint...

TC Electronic’s AEON String Sustainer has been out for a few years now, but we recently got our hands on one for the first time...

This homage to a famous console compressor is keenly priced and offers some thoughtful extra features.

Quantum is similar in concept to Eventide’s Physion, in that it can split sounds into attack transients and sustain components...

These audio examples accompany our Cubase workshop in SOS March 2022.

Cubase's stock MIDI plug‑in collection includes some unsung heroes...

Asked to nominate his favourite sounds he’s created on record, the Tangerine Dream leader picks a track composed for the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto V in 2013.

It was just another session for producer Peter Nappi, but Gayle’s ‘ABCDEFU’ would become one of the most listened‑to tracks of 2022.

A virtual declutter will massively improve your Logic experience!

We talk to the people who are creating real‑world Atmos content, starting with Canadian super‑producer Greg Wells.

We all know you can score a movie or compose a symphony from the comfort of your DAW, but what can orchestral sample libraries do for other genres of music?

Writing lyrics is often said to be the hardest aspect of songwriting. Berklee College of Music Professor Pat Pattison has been teaching people to do it better for decades. Read his advice...

We explore the value offered by Avid’s subscription and support plans.

We dive into the newly improved and expanded Combinator.

Mastering and MIDI get a welcome boost in Studio One's v5.5 update.

Our tame engineer describes a new approach to mixing that helped him to get the best out of an EP that was recorded remotely during lockdown.

With hundreds of products crowding the marketplace, choosing an orchestral library can be a daunting experience. Sound On Sound's Buyer’s Guide aims to help you find a way through the maze.

I’ve got a 19‑inch rack setup which currently houses six units and I’m wondering if it’s time that I considered powering it in a better way?

Elbow reacted against lockdown and their own tried and tested methods by hiring Brighton’s Theatre Royal as an improvised studio space.

Ask anyone in the know about trends in music technology, and the reply will probably contain the word ‘democratised’. DAW...

Sarah Angliss talks to Caro C about her route into Electronic Music and how she utilises sub-frequencies, robotics, and her own effects in her compositions and live performances.

South African artist/producer Angel‑Ho creates joyous and very danceable music, combining synths, samplers, Afrobeat influences and pop sensibilities.

How a setback forced the writer to question and freshen the way he had been doing things...

Los Angeles’ Noise Engineering have in just a few years established themselves as one of the most exciting developers on the modular stage.

CEDAR Audio has led the world in audio restoration and noise suppression for over three decades. We find out more about their ground-breaking technologies.

Paul White and Hugh Robjohns engage in a lighthearted discussion about what peeves and annoys them about today's music software and recording hardware.