Content+

Content+

!"MASTERING: THE QUEST FOR LOUDNESS

!"MASTERING: THE QUEST FOR LOUDNESS

REVIEWS

066 Native Instruments Absynth 4 NI’s semi-modular soft synth gets a makeover,bringing ever more sonic potential to sound designers and composers alike.

068 Roland Juno-GDoes Roland’s latest synth live up to the high standards set by its predecessors?

070 Monome 40hProgrammable 64-button controller for performance and composition.

072 TC Electronic G-SharpStudioquality,guitar-oriented effects – and a very competitive price.

075 Lexicon MX400Lexicon presents a revised and updated look at affordable hardware reverb.

077 Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1NI continues its muchanticipated move into the audio hardware world.

078 Cakewalk Sonar 6 Producer EditionIs the latest version of Cakewalk’s flagship production software the ultimate musicproduction tool? 080 DPA SMK4061Stereo or dual mono mini omnidirectional mic kit for close mic’ing on stage and in the studio. 082 Korg KAOSS Pad KP3Korg updates its popular KAOSS Pad,incorporating a raft of new features and performance possibilities.

085 M-Audio X-Session ProM-Audio’s venerable DJ controller gets a longawaited revamp.

086 Audio-Technica ATM710 Technically accomplished,low-budget live vocal microphone. 089 Mini ReviewsUrban Percussion Loopz,ChineePipa,EZX Drumkit From Hell,TG12413,KRK V12

#$SONAR 6

#$CAKEWALK SONAR 6

#%LEXICON MX400

#%LEXICON MX400

4 January 2007 MusicTech MAGAZINE #$%& ONE OF TWO PAIRS OF KRK SYSTEMS V4 MONITORS WORTH £876.SEE PAGE 87

!)RECORDING A LIVE ALBUM

!"ABLETON LIVE 6 WORKSHOP

*)ONLINE MUSIC PRODUCTION SERVICES *)ONLINE MUSIC PRODUCTION SERVICES

((NI ABSYNTH 4

SUBSCRIBE! Subscribe to Music Techand get a copy of the MTMTen Minute Masters book worth £9.99 absolutely free. PLUS save more than 72% on the price of the next three issues. '! ((NI ABSYNTH 4

("ROLAND JUNO-G ("ROLAND JUNO-G

JANUARY 2007 CONTENTS

FEATURES

026 Mastering: The Quest for Loudness Replicating the sound of a commercial CD in terms of signal levels and sheer in-your-face presence is something that every aspiring mastering engineer would like to achieve,but how is it done? Mark Cousins reveals a few tricks of the trade. 034 Cubase 4 Workshop: MediaBay Part 1 Managing ever-growing collections of samples and presets can be a real headache,but Cubase 4’s MediaBay feature takes much of the pain out of the process.Hollin Jones has the lowdown... 038 Ten Minute Master No95: Data Management As our hard drives continue to swell,data management will become even more important to our working practices.We look at some of the ways in which you can store,back up and organise your files. 041 Recording a Live Album Successfully capturing the raw power of a live gig is no mean feat,but a little know-how,good preparation and a few technical tips will help you get the best results.Huw Price explains how it’s done. 048 Ableton Live 6Workshop: Using Scenes Breathe new life into your live performances by mixing and matching elements of your existing set.Ken Hikaru goes behind the Scenes... 051 Online Music Production Services If you need to find a session player,experienced mastering engineer or a musician with whom you can collaborate,the internet is the first place to look.Mike Hillier seeks out specialist services on the web. 054 Ten Minute Master No96: MP3 Compression Downloadable mp3s are the immediate future for the music industry,but how does its lossy compression affect what we hear? Grant Bridgeman has the lowdown. 056 Reason 3.0 Workshop: Remote Control Setting up your Reason system for live performance with other players may sound complicated,but it’s actually easier than you might think.Hollin Jones shows you how. 059 Questions and Answers

006 On your MTMcoverdisc 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. 024Subscribe to Music Tech MagazineAnd get a copy of the MTMTen Minute Mastersbook absolutely free! 087 Competition Win one of two pairs of KRK Systems V4 monitors. 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 The Cure Last Dance

MusicTech MAGAZINE January 2007 5