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MIXING IN 5.1
082 Audio-Technica ATM250DE The dream combination of condenser and moving-coil mics arrives in the shape of the ATM250DE. 084 Sonoma WireWorks RiffWorks Standard 2 Loopbased recording makes headway among notoriously technology-shy guitarists... 086 Apple MacBook Pro The MacBook Pro is Apple’s fastest laptop yet, but is it powerful enough for serious audio work? 087 TC-Helicon VoiceSolo VCM-300 A new approach to monitoring that puts control back into the hands of the musician. 089 Mini Reviews David Carbone’s Drum‘n’Bass Masterclass, Lexicon Alpha, Enter Reason! 3, TC Electronic DVR2 TDM Plug-in, Golden Audio Gate GAG-1

REVIEWS
068 Novation XioSynth X25 With portability being its key appeal, does Novation’s latest synth sacrifice anything in the features department? 070 Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro Digidesign improves its already versatile Mbox, incorporating FireWire connectivity and support for 96kHz sample rates. 073 KRK Systems V6 Competitively priced active monitors boasting big bass and plenty of power. 074 Hercules DJ Console MK2 Digital DJ’ing continues to get ever more affordable and accessible. 077 Wave Arts Power Suite 5 Fully featured mastering plug-ins for high-end productions. 080 Mackie Onyx Satellite Equally at home on the road or in the studio, Mackie’s latest audio interface comes with FireWire connectivity.

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NOVATION XIOSYNTH

MACKIE ONYX SATELLITE

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4 December 2006 MusicTech MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2006 CONTENTS

A BUNDLE OF ARTURIA VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS AND ONE OF TWO DIGIMAX FS PREAMPS. SEE PAGES 75 & 85

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FEATURES

CUBASE 4 WORKSHOP

PARALLEL COMPRESSION

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MIC RESTORATION AND MODIFICATION

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026 Mixing in 5.1 Recording and mixing in 5.1 surround sound is a practice that’s attracting an increasing number of professional engineers as well as home recordists. But how do you go about it and what kind of gear will you typically need? Mark Cousins has the lowdown. 036 Cubase 4 Workshop: Track Presets The days of building recording setups from scratch for each new project are gone thanks to the introduction of Track Presets in Cubase 4. Hollin Jones explains what they are and how to use them in your own projects. 040 Ten Minute Master No93: Parallel Compression How and when to use compression in the studio is the subject of much debate, but an approach that’s seeing a growing fanbase is parallel compression. We explain what it is and how to apply it to your mixes. 043 System Optimisation As the heart of the vast majority of modern studio setups, it’s essential that your computer is running to its maximum potential. We explore some of the things you can do to ensure you get the best out of your Mac or PC. 050 Logic Pro 7 Workshop: Creating a Score Getting your compositions from the sequencer to manuscript doesn’t require a degree in music theory – it’s all achievable from within Logic itself. Mark Cousins introduces Notator Logic. 053 Mic Restoration and Modification As revered and undoubtedly well-made as they are, vintage mics are no less susceptible to the effects of ageing as their modern equivalents. Fortunately, much of the work required to bring them back into a serviceable condition can be done at home. Huw Price shows you how. 056 Ten Minute Master No94: Impedance Impedance is a term you’ll inevitably come across if you regularly deal with any kind of studio equipment. Grant Bridgeman explains why resistance is not always futile... 058 Reason 3.0 Workshop: Creating a Surround Mix You don’t necessarily need dedicated 5.1-equipped hardware and software to create a surround mix – it can be done using Reason alone, as Hollin Jones explains. 061 Questions and Answers
006 On your MTM coverdisc 009 News The latest developments in the world of music technology. 022 Rack ’em up New products coming soon to a music store near you. 024 Subscribe to Music Tech Magazine And get a copy of the MTM Ten Minute Masters book absolutely free! 075 Competition Win an Arturia virtual instrument bundle worth £1,100. 085 Competition Win one of two PreSonus DigiMAX FS preamps. 095 Write for reply Your views, comments and suggestions. 097 Back Issues Missed an issue? 097 Next month Next time in MTM. 098 Back Track Neko Case Hold On Hold On

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