STUDIO
SPECIAL There are a few steps in between getting that sound you’ve conjured up in your head out into the ears of the world, and the most important steps are made in a little old place we call the studio. These days, a studio can be defined as a lot of things – from basic bedroom setups to worldclass professional spaces. Either way, you’re going to need quality gear to get your sounds in a tangible format. Our massive Studio Special covers the whole spectrum, whether you need a barebones system to capture demos and ideas, or something to appease your major audiophile tendencies. Whatever your budget or recording needs, there’s sure to be more than enough options in microphones, interfaces, outboard gear, monitors, headphones, hardware and anything else you need to get the best possible sound on record. Our expert team of writers have put a huge range of products to the test, ensuring you have an informed account of what gear best suits your recording needs. If you need inspiration or that little something to help you get closer to capturing that sound, look no further. It doesn’t matter if you do it loud or do it soft, just hit record and do it. Good luck!
SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY
For your chance to win the Blue Microphones Multi-Pattern Reactor Condenser Microphone as reviewed visit pg. 6 for entry details
RADIAL ENGINEERING MC3
RRP: $399
PRODUCT TYPE: STUDIO MONITOR CONTROLLER DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY
RRP: $1349
PRODUCT TYPE: CHANNEL STRIP DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY RECOMMENDED FOR: This is just the tool for anyone who understands high quality recording and wants a dedicated front end channel strip that doesn’t compromise on quality, tone or flexibility. Really, everyone should be using one of these.
RECOMMENDED FOR: The project studio in need of some assistance in sorting out monitoring options. If you want to run more than one set of headphones or a couple of pairs of monitor speakers, the MC3 allows you to do this.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The classic SSL console tone is faithfully reproduced in the XLogic Alpha channel for amazing clarity and control over your signal on the way into your DAW. There are plenty of options with the comprehensive EQ and filter section able to be fully removed from the signal path if desired.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The components are of the highest quality giving you an unsurpassed audio path. It is not going to compromise you audio signal, but simply improve the flexibility in which you are able to listen to it. USABILITY: The MC3 is easy to set up and gives you instant access to headphone monitoring and the ability to split your signal between multiple sets of monitor speakers. Some handy features like a dim switch and mono button round off the features nicely. CONSTRUCTION: Being made by Radial, this little unit is an absolute tank. You just can’t fault the build quality of any Radial product. All the controls are recessed for protection within the casing, which is made from tough folded steel.
PG. 36 MIXDOWN NO. 221
SOLID STATE LOGIC ALPHA CHANNEL
USABILITY: So simple, yet so concise. If you have ever used any decent analogue console, this will make complete sense to you in an instant, but getting to know how all the options work allows you to pull an even better sound. OVERALL: This is a great option for increasing your monitor control within the studio without taking up too much space. High quality audio routing doesn’t have to cost the earth and shouldn’t affect your signal. The MC3 gives you all this.
SEPT 2012
CONSTRUCTION: It’s an SSL. It is made in the UK. It doesn’t spare any expense in construction and quality. You know you are buying some of the best gear in the world when you get the SSL logo into your studio.
OVERALL: Most of us don’t have the space or money to be able to put a K Series console into our studios, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the SSL sound. A neat, single rack unit device, the Alpha Channel goes right to the top of my want list.