Issue No. 69

Consoles/Summing

ATB Series Console

by Toft Audio Designs  |  reviewed by Steve Silverstein

A recording console is arguably one of the toughest pieces of gear to review. Connectivity to other gear, internal routing capability, build quality, ergonomics, and all-around workflow are necessary...

Microphones

M3 small-diaphragm condenser mic

by R0DE Microphones  |  reviewed by Garrett Haines

A lot of people write me asking what kind of small-diaphragm condenser to buy. To quote Craig Anderton, "That's like asking me to pick your girlfriend." But people still ask, so I'm always keeping my...

Recorders

Edirol R-09HR portable recorder

by Roland  |  reviewed by Geoff Farina

The original R-09 was reviewed in Tape Op #63. The new HR version adds 24-bit, 96 kHz recording capability as well as numerous improvements to function and form-factor. It's always a good sign when I...

Wiring

Modular Snake System

by Planet Waves  |  reviewed by John Baccigaluppi

As its name implies, this is a modular multi-channel wiring system. It utilizes an 8-channel "core" cable, available in 5, 10, and 25 ft lengths, with DB25 terminations on both ends, plus various...

Software

SONAR 8

by Cakewalk  |  reviewed by Alan Tubbs

I started using SONAR years ago for work at home. It fit my way of working, and I've stuck with it all the way to the latest version. (Version 6 was reviewed in Tape Op #61.) SONAR remains...

Monitoring

Sub12 subwoofer

by ADAM Audio  |  reviewed by Andy Hong

As I've mentioned in the past, a properly positioned subwoofer can reproduce the low frequencies that the main speakers simply can't due to room geometry and placement constraints. Even if a...

Mic Preamps

Si 500-series mic preamp

by ShinyBox  |  reviewed by Joel Hamilton

Every time I record something, I am thankful that I have the right tools to simply get things rolling for the client. I don't make them stand around for hours, nor do I need the drummer to play the...

Media

Much Ado About Almost Nothing: Man's Encounter with the Electron

by Hans Camenzind  |  reviewed by Garrett Haines

Many Tape Op readers like to tear apart gear, solder, and build things. This book is for all of you (us). Actually, anyone who is interested in a well-written, easy-to-understand explanation of...

EQs, Signal Processors

PEQ-1A tube equalizer

by Amtec  |  reviewed by F. Reid Shippen

I never really set out to "review" gear, per se; it just sits around the studio until it fights its way into the workflow. I'm sure that wears out the guys who send me the stuff, but it's really my...

Software, Virtual Instruments

Drumagog 4.11

by WaveMachine Labs  |  reviewed by Garrett Haines

In some circles, purists scoff at the idea of replacing drums. As a drummer and a microphone addict, I understand. But the fact remains there are times when you need to augment or fix poorly-recorded...

Tools

GrooveTech T-Handle Drum Key & Guitar Player Tech Kit

by CruzTOOLS  |  reviewed by Andy Hong

I first heard about CruzTOOLS from a review of one of their tools published a few years ago in Motorcyclist magazine. They are manufacturers of top-quality tools and tool kits for motorcycles, ATVs,...

Effects

M7 Stereo Reverb Processor

by Bricasti Design  |  reviewed by Joel Hamilton

When you walk into a room that seems like a cool acoustic space, do you clap your hands to hear the decay properties? Do you keep the conversation rolling while part of your brain tunes in to the...

Plug-Ins

SuprEsser plug-in

by Sonnox  |  reviewed by Andy Hong

At first glance, SuprEsser seems to be a straight-laced de-esser with a tidy user-interface centered on an orderly FFT spectral analysis display. But after time spent, you realize that even...

Accessories

Xtra Boom & Jam Nuts

by Latch Lake Music  |  reviewed by Garrett Haines

Pop quiz. Do you record drums? Do you make a living as a recording engineer? If you answered yes to either one of these questions, you need to check out the Latch Lake Music Xtra Boom. Look, I'll warn...

Monitoring

Studio 100 speakers

by ProAc  |  reviewed by Allen Farmelo

The ProAc Studio 100 is a passive two-way monitor sporting a 6.5" bass/midrange driver and a 1" soft-dome fabric tweeter housed in a traditional-looking ported cabinet. The crossover allows for...

Signal Processors

ScaryDrive pedal

by Doc's Custom Amplification  |  reviewed by Mike Jasper

My buddy Steve Bright told me about a spanking-brand-new, hand-made distortion unit crafted in, of all places, Placerville, California-which used to be called "Hangtown" back in them Gold Rush Days....

Software, Virtual Instruments

Analog Factory Experience

by Arturia  |  reviewed by Allen Farmelo

As an integrated system with hardware controller and soft-synth designed together, Analog Factory Experience may just be the first "hybrid synthesizer". The controller is an exact physical...

Media

Ultimate Digital Performer 6 Learning DVD

by MacAudioLab  |  reviewed by Ken Dravis

While working on a project at Click Studio in Stowe, VT, I was introduced to MIDI sequencing through Mark of The Unicorn's Performer in 1991. Even then, the editing possibilities seemed overwhelming...

Software, Virtual Instruments

Addictive Drums 1.1

by XLN Audio  |  reviewed by Will Severin

There's nothing like hiring a great drummer with a quality kit, recording it with a selection of killer mics, and processing the tracks through an assortment of world-class outboard gear....