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The magazine for producers, engineers & recording musicians | 07 August 2008


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Reviews > Hardware Effects


 M7
MTM 63

Bricasti M7
With the new M7 reverb unit, Bricasti is attempting to prove that the best-sounding reverb still comes in hardware form. Mark Cousins makes some space.

  StompIO
MTM 62

IK Multimedia StompIO
It’s been a long and winding road for IK Multimedia’s StompIO, but the finished product is finally with us. Mike Hillier finds out if the wait was worth it.

Duende Mini
MTM 61

SSL Duende Mini
The Duende Mini certainly lives up to its name, but there’s a surprising amount of power beneath its bonnet. Mark Cousins weighs up the latest addition to the Duende family...

  TimeFactor
MTM 61

Eventide TimeFactor
The TimeFactor sees Eventide’s studio expertise being ported to stompbox-format pedals. Mark Cousins takes his time...

PowerCore X8
MTM 61

TC Electronic PowerCore X8
With ever faster CPUs in studio computers, is there still a need for outboard DSP? Mike Hillier plugs in to find out...

  Transducer Model 2601
MTM 61

SPL Transducer Model 2601
Recording a guitar amp full-blast is not always feasible, but with the SPL Transducer you can. Huw Price turns it up...

2-LA-2
MTM 59

Universal Audio 2-LA-2
Universal Audio’s latest re-issue is a faithful re-creation of the revered LA2A. Huw Price finds out if it lives up to expectation.

  Echo Verb
MTM 59

Blue Coconut Echo Verb
Does the Echo Verb have the convenience and vintage sound to pull the plug on the plug-ins? Huw Price listens closely.

UAD-Xpander Xpress
MTM 57

Universal Audio UAD-Xpander Xpress
The UAD-1 system has now made the transition to the laptop, but is the UAD-Xpander Xpress a realistic solution for mixing on the move? Mark Cousins goes mobile...

  Earlybird 1.2
MTM 56

Thermionic Culture Earlybird 1.2
Thermionic Culture has given its Earlybird valve preamp a makeover. Huw Price sounds it out...

Tenori-on
MTM 56

Yamaha Tenori-on
Yamaha has a history of innovation, but has it outdone itself with Tenori-On? Hollin Jones finds out...

  Pocket POD
MTM 54

Line 6 Pocket POD
Line 6’s POD family has been augmented by a new, slimmed down member. Mike Hillier pockets the difference...

8803
MTM 48

Neve 8803
Two channels of Neve-quality EQ can be enjoyed for significantly less money than you might expect. Mark Cousins checks out the latest addition to the 88 series – the 8803.

  Portico 5033
MTM 48

Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5033
The Neve sound is the stuff of legend – and its popularity shows no sign of waning. George Shilling processes the 5033.

Konnekt 24D
MTM 47

TC Electronic Konnekt 24D
Boasting built-in effects from the company’s PowerCore platform, TC’s new mid-priced audio interface looks like one heck of a bargain. Keith Gemmell plugs in to find out...

  KAOSS Pad KP3
MTM 46

Korg KAOSS Pad KP3
Korg’s popular KAOSS Pad has had a makeover and boasts a raft of new features. Hollin Jones checks out the KP3.

MX400
MTM 46

Lexicon MX400
With surround capabilities and four processors, can the MX400 raise the bar in the reverb stakes? Mark Cousins gets effected.

  G-Sharp
MTM 46

TC Electronic G-Sharp
Want studio-quality reverb and delay but can’t find a decent pedal? Enter the G-Sharp. Huw Price finds space in his rack.

VoiceDoubler
MTM 44

TC-Helicon VoiceDoubler
TC-Helicon expands its range of vocal processors with the new rackmount VoiceDoubler. Mark Cousins sings out...

  Liquid Mix
MTM 43

Focusrite Liquid Mix
With over 60 emulations of vintage compressors and equalizers, could Focusrite’s Liquid Mix revolutionise software mixing as we know it? Mark Cousins goes with the flow...

C300
MTM 43

TC Electronic C300
Multi-band compression and expansion TC Electronic-style is now within everyone’s reach. Mark Cousins gets dynamic...

  Duende
MTM 42

SSL Duende
Once the preserve of high-end professional studios, SSL finally brings its hit-making technology to the masses. Mark Cousins unlocks the wonders of Duende...

P38
MTM 41

Ted Fletcher Audio Gear P38
The reign of the much-acclaimed P8 ends with the release of the new P38. George Shilling watches the coronation.

  Portico 5043
MTM 40

Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5043
Industry legend Rupert Neve introduces a compressor to the Portico series, furthering its appeal. George Shilling takes it to the limit.

P10 The mighty Twin
MTM 39

Ted Fletcher Audio Gear P10 The mighty Twin
The man behind the Ted Fletcher brand came to prominence with his ground-breaking Joemeek designs. George Shilling casts an eye over his latest offering.

  Fat Funker
MTM 38

TL Audio Fat Funker
TL Audio’s Fatman series has had a makeover, and this latest offering is a guitar front-end processor with valve compression and EQ. Huw Price meets the Fat Funker...

LA-3A
MTM 34

Universal Audio LA-3A
The solid-state LA-3A compressor superseded the valve Teletronix LA-2A and is the latest in UA’s range of slavishly accurate reissues. Huw Price goes back in time.

  MX200
MTM 34

Lexicon MX200
The hard-to-read LCD screens of Lexicon’s PCM series appear to be a thing of the past, with the MX200 promising a more ergonomic way to that unique sound. Huw Price gets lush.

G-System
MTM 31

TC Electronic G-System
It might lack one fundamental guitar effect, but TC Electronic’s new G-System delivers the very best of the rest. Huw Price plugs in.

  Tube Tape Echo
MTM 30

Fulltone Tube Tape Echo
The Fulltone Tube Tape Echo marries vintage ideas with modern technology – but does it sound as good as the ‘reel’ thing? Huw Price gets delayed.

Jimi Hendrix Experience
MTM 29

Jimi Hendrix Experience
The most influential rock guitarist in the history of the genre gets an official, posthumous signature pedal, as DigiTech expands its Artist range. Mick Taylor stomps on the spirit of Jimi...

  Xone VF-1
MTM 28

Allen & Heath Xone VF-1
As any audiophile will testify, the best filters use only an analogue signal path and a few basic knobs. Mark Cousins gets dark and dirty with the XONE VF-1.

DF-7 Distortion Factory
MTM 27

DigiTech DF-7 Distortion Factory
The humble single-function stompbox is well and truly a thing of the past. Mick Taylor finds heaven in DigiTech’s DF-7.

  K4 Equalizer
MTM 27

Taylor Guitars K4 Equalizer
Taylor’s Expression System was a dramatic development for acoustic guitar amplification – and the new K4 preamp takes the concept further. Huw Price is Taylor made.

Black Box
MTM 27

M-Audio Black Box
Marrying a guitar and computer is a frighteningly technical prospect for many guitarists, but M-Audio aims to make it easy. Mick Taylor delves inside the Black Box.

  162SL
MTM 26

dbx 162SL
Those dynamic dudes at dbx have been busy cramming all their classic compression technology into a new stereo box. Huw Price feels the squeeze...

Eric Clapton Crossroads
MTM 26

DigiTech Eric Clapton Crossroads
Seven tones from the world’s most famous living guitarist, all in one pedal? Mick Taylor takes a new direction...

  GT-8 Effects Processor
MTM 26

Boss GT-8 Effects Processor
Topping the Boss multi-effects line is the all-new GT-8. Mick Taylor marvels as the feature/price ratio becomes ever more impressive.

PODxt Live
MTM 25

Line 6 PODxt Live
Having 36 amplifiers and 24 speaker cabs in your studio would probably leave you short of space – not to mention money. Alistair Lindsay finds an alternative...

  Liquid Channel
MTM 23

Focusrite Liquid Channel
Focusrite’s groundbreaking liquid convolution technology is redefining the fundamental principles of signal processing. Mark Cousins finds out whether the Liquid Channel is a master of all trades.

The Weapon
MTM 23

DigiTech The Weapon
DigiTech has crammed seven of Disturbed axeman Dan Donegan’s signature sounds into one unassuming stompbox. Huw Price puts the pedal to the metal.

  TCS Twin Compressor System
MTM 22

ART TCS Twin Compressor System
Engineers habitually compress vocals, drums, guitars and even whole mixes. While digital effects have conveniently named settings, getting familiar with the arcane controls of a compressor can be daunting, but the TCS compressor’s presets make things

GNX4
MTM 22

DigiTech GNX4
The GNX4 combines digital amp, cabinet and stompbox models with an 8-track mp3 recorder, mic input and drum machine. Is there anything this box of tricks can’t do? Huw Price cranks it up...

  RP583 Compressor
MTM 20

Bellari RP583 Compressor
As autumn gets under way and winter approaches, we may be looking for new ways to keep warm. Alistair Lindsay turns up the heat with the Bellari RP583 Studio Dual Tube compressor.

SQ2 Squeez
MTM 20

Tapco SQ2 Squeez
An entry-level compressor that boasts a few extra features – Hollin Jones puts the Squeez on Tapco’s latest offering...

  DI-1000, 362NR & 882i
MTM 19

BBE Sound Inc DI-1000, 362NR & 882i
BBE’s Sonic Maximizers strive to stamp out the high-frequency delay that can cause subtle phase shifting on some studio monitors. Huw Price stands corrected.

VoiceLive
MTM 19

TC-Helicon VoiceLive
VoiceLive will provide you with onstage backing singers and top-quality effects at the tap of a footswitch – but is Keith Gemmell singing its praises?

  V-Verb Pro REV2496
MTM 19

Behringer V-Verb Pro REV2496
Behringer has built up a reputation for providing value for money, so does the new REV2496 follow in this tradition? Keith Gemmell is all ears.

Magicstomp
MTM 18

Yamaha Magicstomp
For many guitarists, the valve is King and digital modelling is still a no-go area. Jon Griffin gets to grips with 1s and 0s...

  Tube Processors
MTM 17

Phonic Tube Processors
The valve continues its relentless march back into our equipment racks with three new processors from Phonic. Mark Jenkins warms to the idea…

KSP8
MTM 17

Kurzweil KSP8
Kurzweil has taken the basic architecture of its K2500 and K2600 synth effects and packed them into a box with twice the processing power and 5.1 surround. Huw Price is deeply effected…

  MC7 Pickup Mic/ST-5 Studio and Effects Unit
MTM 16

Yamaha MC7 Pickup Mic/ST-5 Studio and Effects Unit
With 32 digital effects, comprehensive practice aids and a clip-on mic, the ST-5/MC7 might just be the ultimate brass and woodwind accessory. Keith Gemmell hooks up his sax...

TPS II
MTM 16

Applied Research & Technology TPS II
Celebrating 20 years in the business, ART must be doing something right, but does the TPS II valve preamp take the cake? Bob Dormon finds out...

  A6100 Enhancer, A6200 Supreme DI & A6600 Supracurev Stereo Graphic
MTM 15

Phonic A6100 Enhancer, A6200 Supreme DI & A6600 Supracurev Stereo Graphic
Does hardware still rule? Mark Jenkins tests out a batch of processors designed to solve those audio problems that software just can’t reach…

Xciter & Punch Factory
MTM 14

Aphex Xciter & Punch Factory
Stomp-boxes that bring the legendary Aphex enhancement to the guitar fraternity and a compressor that packs a punch? Pete Crisp is deeply effected…

  ATC-2 Dual-Channel compressor/EQ/Mic Pre
MTM 13

Toft Audio Designs ATC-2 Dual-Channel compressor/EQ/Mic Pre
Even if you haven’t heard of Malcolm Toft, you will have heard music he recorded and equipment he designed. The Toft Audio ATC-2 promises the best of British, and Huw Price checks it out…

Ivory 2 Series 5060 Preset Valve Compressor
MTM 13

TL Audio Ivory 2 Series 5060 Preset Valve Compressor
Having one of TLAudio’s valve signal processors glowing in the corner of our studio is certainly a tempting thought... Can Bob Dormon resist the new 5060 Preset Compressor?

  i7600 SupraCurve
MTM 13

Phonic i7600 SupraCurve
Looking for an audio problem-solver for studio and stage? Mark Jenkins takes on the Equaliser...

SPX2000
MTM 11

Yamaha SPX2000
Yamaha’s SPX processors have always bucked the trend, but how will its latest offering fare in a world dominated by software effects? Mark Jenkins does it the hard way…

  P5
MTM 11

TFPro P5
Optical compressors have a charm of their own that TFPro is happy to exploit. With the P5 you get no fewer than five processors in a single box. Charm personified? Bob Dormon finds out…

Kosmos Pro
MTM 11

Peavey Kosmos Pro
The rack-mounted audio sweetener has been making its presence felt for years, but what does the latest technology offer? Brian Heywood explores the Kosmos…

  Valvetronix ToneLab
MTM 11

Vox Valvetronix ToneLab
What better way to model classic guitar amps than to use a real valve? In his quest for authentic sounds, Pete Crisp checks out the new ToneLab from Vox…

Ivory 2 Series 5052 Stereo Valve Processor
MTM 10

TL Audio Ivory 2 Series 5052 Stereo Valve Processor
The TLA 5052 combines preamp, compressor and EQ processing and uses valve stages to sex up the signal. Bob Dormon ponders the delights of thermionic emission…

  KAOSS Pad Entrancer
MTM 09

Korg KAOSS Pad Entrancer
Korg hits the unchartered waters of video effects with its latest KAOSS – but is the new Entrancer solely for video jocks? Mark Jenkins turns on and tunes in....

Bass POD XT Pro
MTM 09

Line 6 Bass POD XT Pro
Line 6 has given its bass guitar and amp modeller a makeover. Pete Crisp looks beyond the aesthetics...

  TwinTrak Pro
MTM 09

Focusrite TwinTrak Pro
It’s a Class A preamp, a mid-scoop EQ, a compressor, a DAC, and it’s got the name Focusrite on the front... But is that enough to impress Dan Duffell?

Ultra-Curve Pro DEQ2496
MTM 08

Behringer Ultra-Curve Pro DEQ2496
The new Ultra-Curve Pro boasts an on-paper spec to match any professional mastering processor. Dan Duffell tries to spot the differences…

  AdrenaLinn II
MTM 08

Roger Linn Design AdrenaLinn II
The original AdrenaLinn’s pairing of guitar FX and drum machine confounded some but delighted many. Will the updated version get Brian Heywood’s pulse racing?

C-Class Processors
MTM 05

Samson C-Class Processors
Samson’s new C-Class processors stack up the possibilities for desktop recording. Pete Crisp scales new heights…

  Quintet
MTM 04

TC-Helicon Quintet
If you’re tired of working with dodgy backing singers you’re gonna love this offering from TC-Helicon. Bob Dormon unbuttons his shirt…

Kosmos
MTM 03

Peavey Kosmos
Peavey’s Kosmos processor aims to impress by adding earth-shaking bass and upper-end clarity and width to your sound – but does it have a place in the studio or is it purely a live sound effect? Simon Trask goes cosmic...

  Micro Range
MTM 03

Phonic Micro Range
Six micro processors all in compact, one-third rack units? Daniel Duffell finds out if less really is more...

MaxxBass 101
MTM 01

Waves MaxxBass 101
Waves’ MaxxBass plug-in has a legion of fans who swear by its ability to add low-end drive to music. Does the new hardware version pack a similar punch? Max Greenfinds out.

  VoiceWorks
MTM 01

TC-Helicon VoiceWorks
If you want multi-part harmonies and pitch correction wrapped up in a dedicated voice channel could TC-Helicon’s latest processor be the answer to your prayers? Pete Crisp tunes in.

 




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