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ARCHIVED EQUIPMENT REVIEWS Accessories Amplifiers Microphone Preamplifiers Analog Audio Processing Consoles, Mixers Digital Audio Processing DAWs/Peripherals Headphones Interconnects Microphones MI Products Recorders/Players Recording Media Speakers/Monitors Test Equipment
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 Accessories view all text items in this section...
  ION Audio Tape2PC Cassette Archiving System
This inexpensive cassette to digital file hardware conversion system is simple, easy to use, and universally welcoming to users of all stripes.
by Ty Ford, 3.15.2008
Times have changed while listening habits and consumer audio technology have changed even more.
  FURMAN Merit-x Series
2.15.2008
These new rackmountable power conditioning solutions feature a higher joule rating, increased AC noise filtration for a lower noise floor, a more robust chassis and wall-wart outlet spacing to accommodate bulky power transformers.
  AURALEX ACCOUSTICS EcoFriendly StudioFoam
2.15.2008
According to Auralex, EcoFriendly StudioFoam is the first truly environmentally friendly acoustic absorption material on the pro audio market.
 
 Amplifiers view all text items in this section...
  Pass Labs XA30.5 Studio Amplifier
Small suites needing low wattage/highest transparency amps should make a pass at these pure Class A beauties.
by John Gatski, 2.15.2008
With fewer and fewer passive speakers being offered to the pros, studios that want to power passives also have fewer pure pro-oriented studio amps from which to choose.
  QSC PL380 PowerLight3 Amplifier
This analog amp offers a powerful 8,000-watt argument as to why QSC is a go-to name in live sound reinforcement.
by David Rittenhouse, 1.15.2008
The PowerLight3 upgrades the PowerLight2 series, adding and refining some appreciated functions. This amp features QSC’s reactive “back EMF,” which recycles the unused energy back to the power supply to produce an AC efficiency of up to 85 percent, keeping AC power demand to a minimum.
  Bryston “D Series” Hybrid Zone Amplifiers
12.15.2007
You’re not in the zone on an audio installation until you’ve got Bryston’s “D Series” Zone amplifiers in the signal path. They’re lightweight, compact, super reliable and highly efficient.
 
 Microphone Preamplifiers view all text items in this section...
  FOCUSRITE LIQUID4PRE
11.15.2007
What’s in a name? Well, here it’s everything. If fluid control is what you focus on in a four-channel preamp, look no further than Focusrite’s LIQUID4PRE.
  Core Sound Mic2496 Portable Mic Preamp
This PDA-sized two-channel mic preamp and A/D converter provides convenient location sound recording via S/PDIF input.
by Mike Rivers, 10.15.2007
Location recording media has changed over the years, but front-end preferences for portable recording are still as follows: compact size, battery operation and very good built-in microphones and/or a respectable mic preamp.
  Manley TNT Microphone Preamplifier
Manley’s new “dual-but-different” channel amp equals hours of tweaky and explosive fun.
by Rob Tavaglione, 10.15.2007
The dual-channel Manley TNT is loosely named after its “Tube ‘n No Tube” channels. But I contend that it could also refer to “Tweak ‘n Tweak,” as that’s what you’ll be doing with this $3,000 preamp’s wealth of interesting options.
 
 Analog Audio Processing view all text items in this section...
  Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5033 EQ
This legend-built, super-smooth five-band EQ is beyond reproach...and recommended.
by Dr. Frederick Bashour, 11.15.2007
You always remember your first one; mine was the ITI MEP-230 parametric equalizer, the first commercial product featuring now-classic circuitry designed by George Massenburg as marketed by Burgess MacNeal, who later founded Sontec.
  Solid State Logic E Signature Channel
The classic SSL E Channel is back and built for your rack.
by Rob Tavaglione, 6.15.2007
The production hues of the 1980s are back, so there’s no better time than now to examine Solid State Logic’s new rackmounted version of the classic E Series desks.
  API 5500 Dual-Channel EQ
A well-pedigreed, innovative and versatile equalizer offering world-class results.
by Stephen Murphy, 6.15.2007
The API 5500 is essentially two 550B four-band EQ modules configured in a single-space rackmount chassis with an internal power supply.
 
 Consoles, Mixers view all text items in this section...
  API 1608 16-Channel Analog Console
A Classic Console is Reborn
by Stephen Murphy, 4.15.2008
These vintage workhorse consoles continue to hold a great deal of value and demand.
  Toft Audio Designs Series ATB Analog Console
Ok kids, gather around while I tell you the tale of The Little Console That Could...
by Stephen Murphy, 4.15.2008
It has great potential to reinvigorate the semi-stagnant eight-bus market with its unique personality.
  ALLEN & HEATH ZED-12FX, ZED-22FX Mixers
3.15.2008
Zed may be the last letter of the alphabet, but when you’re talking mixers Allen & Heath’s ZED range is a frontrunner.
 
 Digital Audio Processing view all text items in this section...
  CEDAR DNS3000 Dialogue Noise Suppressor
3.15.2008
Features include onboard scenes with simple, intuitive recall, automation to timecode, flying faders, sample rates to 96kHz, and all the I/O you have grown to know and love.
  CEDAR Cambridge Server
11.15.2007
Studios are a lot like restaurants in that there is a front and back of the house that must work together. So as much as a facility needs its cooks, it also needs its servers.
  SSL Duende DSP Accelerated Plug-ins
This console-grade 1RU module’s 32 mono channels of proven, presence-boosting EQ and dynamics make ears smile.
by Dan Wothke, 10.15.2007
Audio engineers all over the globe, and of all stripes, took notice when SSL introduced Duende about a year ago, because now anyone could buy 32 mono channels of SSL EQ and compression for around $1,500 street.
 
 DAWs/Peripherals view all text items in this section...
  TASCAM X-48 Digital Audio Workstation
by Russ Long, 4.15.2008
Dedicated hard disk recording and DAW capabilities embody SaneWave-designed workstation.
  Digidesign Mbox 2 Micro
This USB dongle-based system makes Pro Tools a truly on-the-go, pro-level DAW.
by Russ Long, 3.15.2008
In my experience, something this big plugged into a laptop’s USB port runs a high chance of getting broken off; thankfully, Digi has thought ahead and includes a short USB extension cable to eliminate this risk.
  EUPHONIX MC Control/Mix DAW Controllers
2.15.2008
Euphonix collaborated with Apple, Steinberg, MOTU and Apogee Digital on the effort, and features include varying touch-sensitive rotary knobs, motorized faders, Ethernet port, footswitch jack, automation keys and high-res OLED displays.
 
 Headphones view all text items in this section...
  AKG K171 MKII Headphones
3.15.2008
Revamped with upgraded aesthetics and ergonomics, AKG headphones are as comfort-driven as they are sonically pure.
  ULTRASONE HFI-580/780 Headphones
2.15.2008
When some people don headphones they want to tune out the world. Others, meanwhile, want to enter a whole new world.
  Shure SE Series Sound Isolating Earphones
This new line proves even consumer earphones can provide the budget-conscious engineer with professional sound quality.
by Rob Tavaglione, 12.15.2007
I’ve been onboard with personal monitors since 1998 with my first Shure wireless system. The RF portion still sounds great today, but there is a real, significant difference in the monitors themselves.
 
 Interconnects view all text items in this section...
  LIGHTVIPER Shadow Fiber Optic Transport System
4.15.2008
The 2.5-GHz system will handle a variety of media, including audio, intercom, Ethernet, RS422/232/485 control, composite video (EIA-250C) and TTL data.
  Audio Ltd. RMS 2040 Series
Versatile enough for stage and studio applications.
by Ben Burns, 3.15.2008
Each rack includes active antenna distribution with two BNC inputs and outputs, allowing two antennas to be shared between two racks (eight channels in 2U of space).
  TC Electronic Studio Konnekt 48
Ambitious and feature-packed, TC’s latest aspires to be the “Danish Army Knife” of FireWire interfaces.
by Stephen Murphy, 2.15.2008
In addition to the software mixer/control panel interface, the SK48 is endowed with an inclusive set of hardware I/O and control features that, for most users, will leave little to be desired.
 
 Microphones view all text items in this section...
  CASCADE AUDIO Vive Surround Microphone
4.15.2008
Mounts easily to camcorders to record in true surround sound in a single step.
  Brauner VMA Large-Diaphragm Microphone
With the flip of a switch, the VMA becomes one of two distinctive and truly high-end Brauner Microphones.
by Russ Long, 3.15.2008
The VMA achieves each of its individual sounds through unique circuitry and biasing, not with filter networks.
  LAUTEN AUDIO LT-381 Microphone
3.15.2008
It is an exquisitely crafted work-of-art and a remarkable fusion of form and function.
 
 MI Products view all text items in this section...
  Taylor T5 Thinline Koa Custom
by Jerry McPherson, 3.01.2006
Taylor Guitars has been building and acoustic guitars for the last 30 years. In all that time there has not been a single electric guitar offering from Bob Taylor and company - until the T5 Thinline Five-way was introduced in 2005
  TC Electronic G-System
by Russ Long, 1.01.2006
The TC Electronic G-System is a floor-based multi-effects processor that allows the simultaneous use of up to nine internal effects. It also includes four switchable mono loops and one additional loop/insert point dedicated for preamps for the easy integration of the player's current equipment.
  Martin CF-1 Jazz Guitar
by Joe Beck, 9.01.2005
As I reviewed one of Martin's new premium jazz guitars, the CF-1, the words "simplicity" and "irresistible" came to mind.
 
 Recorders/Players view all text items in this section...
  ZOOM H2 Portable Digital Recorder
by Bruce Bartlett, 4.15.2008
This recorder is simple, well equipped, sounds good, and — best of all — priced right.
  Sony PCM-D50 Portable Linear PCM Recorder
This affordable PCM-D1 baby brother has created a niche within the crowded handheld field recorder market.
by Russ Long, 2.15.2008
Several other manufacturers have recently released affordable field recorders, but I can safely say that none have met the Sony tradition of solid craftsmanship and great sound.
  M-Audio MicroTrack II CompactFlash Stereo Recorder
This 24-bit/96-kHz micro recorder maximizes the potential of sub-$400 models.
by John Gatski, 1.15.2008
Despite the plethora of more expensive (and flashier) CompactFlash-based stereo recorders, and a few lower costs ones as well, the M-Audio MicroTrack continues to be a favorite among recordists and musicians.
 
 Recording Media view all text items in this section...
  Quantegy GP9 Magnetic Tape
by Russ Long, 1.01.2000
Since its release in fall 1998, Quantegy GP9 tape has taken the analog world by storm.
 
 Speakers/Monitors view all text items in this section...
  JBL LSR4312SP Linear Spatial Reference Powered Subwoofer
by Rob Tavaglione, 4.15.2008
Room control, low frequency performance make LSR subwoofer ideal for studio use.
  KRK Systems Exposé E8B Powered Monitor
High-end offerings from KRK offer superior accuracy, imaging and power.
by Rob Tavaglione, 4.15.2008
The Exposé E8B is KRK’s top of the line, near-to-midfield monitor, boasting impressive specs, an eye catching look.
  ADAM AUDIO A5, Sub7 Powered Monitors
3.15.2008
There’s no science for the perfect mix, but there is an ART – the renowned Accelerated Ribbon Technology folded tweeter in these compact monitors.
 
 Test Equipment view all text items in this section...
  NTI Minirator MR-PRO
The MR-PRO is a significant upgrade for NTI’s well-received Minirator audio measurement tools.
by Mike Rivers, 12.15.2007
I love neat gadgets; so, when the Neutrik Minirator MR1 was introduced at the Fall 1998 AES show, it was love at first sight.
  AudioControl Industrial Iasys Audio Analyzer Version 3.0
This installer/operator-friendly digital audio analysis assistant is better than ever.
by Roger Williams III, 9.15.2007
Thirty years ago, Washington State’s AudioControl Industrial began creating audio test devices for the pro installer/operator. They now manufacture distributed audio components to both pro and consumer audio markets.
  Kaltman Creations Spectran HF4040 RF Spectrum Analyzer
7.15.2007
Nothing interferes with work more than interference.
 
 Reviews of the Week view all text items in this section...
  ALESIS iMultiMix 9R
8.15.2007
When your iPod meets an industrial-grade mixer, there’s no limit to what you can make happen.


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