Music Tech Magazine - Issue 32

Making music with Open Source software, Ultimate Guide To Compression Part 2, and Liam Howlett interviewed. Plus Yamaha's S90 ES and Waves GTR reviewed.

Publish date: 20 October 2005

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Issue 32 of Music Tech Magazine is out now in newsagents throughout the UK

In the issue

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There are hundreds of free music applications available on the web, but not all of them are made equal. This month John Mulholland takes a look at Open Source music software. Open Source software is often not just free to use, but users can also become involved in improving, updating and redesigning the software to their own specifications. Not all of these applications require Linux either, many run under Windows and Mac OSX, and if they don’t, why not get involved in porting the code to your favourite OS?

The new Prodigy singles collection, Their Law, has reunited the band and re-ignited their enthusiasm for their particular brand of music, and a new album of original material is expected in the near future. We caught up with Liam Howlett to find out what equipment he has in his project studio, and how he used it to create the band’s genre-defining sound.

Also in this issue, we’ve got the second part of Mark Cousins' Ultimate Guide To Compression. This month Mark takes a look at the different techniques for using compression during tracking and mixing. We also return to our focus on Reason 3.0, bringing you the second part of our Reason Tips and Tricks feature.

Alongside all of this we’ve got Software Workshops on Sound-to-Picture in Logic Pro 7, Customising Cubase SX/SL3, and Follow Actions in Ableton Live 5. This month’s Ten Minute Masters look at Wireless Systems and Digital Errors.

Yamaha has fused the best of two world’s with the company’s new S90 ES keyboard, which provides both an expressive digital piano and a cutting-edge synthesizer. We bring you the definitive review of this hybrid performance keyboard. We’ve also got reviews of Creamware Minimax ASB, Tascam FW1803, Waves GTR and an exclusive look at the Antares AVOX voice modelling effects suite.

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On the DVD

MTM Acoustic

This month, we’ve teamed up with sampling powerhouse PMI to bring you an exclusive, royalty-free sampled acoustic guitar. Recorded in 24-bit/96kHz stereo, the dreadnought-style guitar has a distinctive, full-bodied tone.

GigaStudio 3.1 & GigaPulse VST demos
GigaStudio 3 is one of the most powerful samplers available today. Tascam recently updated the software to version 3.1, with new features including iMIDI templates and rules as well as Stack Instrument Selection.
Bundled with GigaStudio 3.1, Tascam’s convolution reverb effect includes microphone modelling, room position and tail extension processing to deliver an unparalleled reverb. Both GigaStudio 3.1 and GigaPulse VST are fully working 30-day trial versions and we’ve included a sample library from Sonic Implants Ensemble Strings, part of the Symphonic Collection to help you test it out.

Waves GTR demo
Give your guitar recordings a professional finish and experiment with 23 different guitar effects and seven classic amp models with this demo of the Waves GTR amp and effects modelling plug-in.

Antares AVOX demo
This bundle includes five effects, one of which is THROAT. This fascinating tool uses physical modelling techniques to alter the characteristics of a vocal performance.

Recent issues...

	Issue 67 The ins and outs of sampling explored and explained, what to look for when choosing a music technology course, and an in-depth look at why acoustic treatment is so fundamental to creating a good recording and mixing environment.			Issue 66 This month’s cover feature explores the black art of recording electric guitar, focusing on the key areas of mic’ing, tracking and mixing. We also go deep inside Logic Pro in the first instalment of Logic Pro Tips & Tricks.
	Issue 65 The art of remixing explored and how you might benefit from recording your band live. Reason 4, Pro Tools 7, Guitar Rig 3 and Cubase 4.1 workshops. Plus: the latest reviews and industry news.			Issue 64 Get the most from your plug-ins folder, improve your workflow by optimising your Windows PC, and find out how spatial awareness affects our perception of sound. Plus: Cubase 4, Reason 4, Logic Pro 8 and Sonar 7 workshops.
	Issue 63 Expert advice on mic'ing, tracking and mixing acoustic drums, how to get creative with glitch sequencing, and an insight into a studio stalwart - reverb. Five software workshops, industry news and more...			Issue 62 Find out how to go beyond your synth’s presets and program your own unique sounds, explore the sometimes wacky world of sound design for film, and learn how to create authentic acid dub. Plus: five software Workshops and the latest reviews.
	Issue 61 The lowdown on achieving better, more clearly defined mixes, up-to-the-minute advice on promoting your music, and how to bring a retro vibe to your productions. Kontakt 3, Ableton Live 7, Reason 4, Cubase 4 Workshops. Plus: all the latest reviews.			Issue 60 Creative uses for distortion, spicing up your live laptop sets, making your own hip hop samples and Ten Minute Masters on contact mics and middle-and-side recording. Logic Pro 8, Cubase 4.1, Ableton Live 7 and Pro Tools 7 Workshops.