Recording - October 2013 - 6

RECORDING MAGAZINE OCTOBER

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Reviews
14 AEA R88 mk2 Stereo Ribbon Microphone.

26

FeatuRes
16 Live In The Studio.

Two R84 elements in one mic housing—with two
Big Ribbons (derived from the vintage RCA 44)
—make for a great update to a classic design.

Why do so many bands absolutely nail it on stage,
only to produce dull, drab studio recordings? Avoid
this common problem and capture the live vibe in
your next session.

REVIEW BY PAUL VNUK JR.

26 Apogee Symphony I/O 8x8 + 8 MP and
Symphony 64 | ThunderBridge.

22

BY ELEANOR GOLDFIELD

22 The Mixing Workshop: Spectral Balancing.
You’ll get better results using eq to help your mix
elements coexist, if you start with a basic
understanding of where in the frequency spectrum
your instruments can be found.

A world-class converter/interface with modular
flexibility and unparalleled sound quality, now with
Thunderbolt connectivity as an add-on option.
REVIEWS BY PAUL VNUK JR.

30 Radial Engineering Gold Digger and
Cherry Picker.

30

These rugged tabletop boxes make auditioning mics
and preamps in the tracking room both easy and fun.

BY SEAN SHANNON

34 Gear Shootouts—A Home-Brewed
Personal Guide.
The best sort of gear shootout is one whose results
you can actually use. So here’s how to perform one
yourself... in your studio, with your gear, for your
applications.

REVIEWS BY PAUL VNUK JR.

32 Echo Digital Audio Echo2.
Much more than just a USB audio interface, this sexy
box combines high-quality preamps, impeccable DI,
and intelligent onboard control in an elegant package.

42

BY PAUL VNUK JR.

46 From Room To Studio.
A seasoned studio veteran designs a new homestudio room from the walls out.

REVIEW BY MIKE METLAY

42 ADAM Audio A77X Powered Monitors.
A dual-woofer design with careful attention to
crossover electronics provides a listening experience
that’s big and honest without being overbearing.
Also reviewed: the IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R430
speaker isolation stands.

BY JESS REPANSHEK

64 Recording Fundamentals. Chapter 22:
Compression—Part 1.
This month’s column kicks off a look at the physics
and practices of dynamics control, by explaining
what compression is and why it’s important.

REVIEWS BY LORENZ RYCHNER

32

44 Plug-In Outlet: Slate Digital Virtual Buss
Compressors.

BY ERIC FERGUSON

68 How To Edit.
Can the principles of editing audio with a razor
blade on magnetic tape really carry forward into
the era of the DAW? Absolutely! Check out these
tricks for natural-sounding edits, even in the
trickiest situations.

These three new software compressors start with
historic circuits and take them into new realms.

16

REVIEWS BY PAUL VNUK JR.

48 iOS Music Tools: iMusicAlbum Audio
Mastering Studio.
14

50

This audio app for the iPad offers handy file
conversion and processing features.
REVIEW BY MIKE METLAY

inteRviews
40 Twenty Questions On Mics And Miking:
A Chat With Shure’s John Born.
Straight answers to questions on mic choice, placement,
and technique, for beginners and more advanced
recording musicians.
INTERVIEW BY MIKE METLAY

50 Talking Acoustics With Peter D’Antonio.
One of the founding fathers of modern studio design
has strong opinions on what works and what doesn’t
in room design... and some of his best ideas won’t
cost you a penny.
INTERVIEW BY MIKE METLAY

BY SCOTT DORSEY

RegulaRs
4

Fade In.

8

Talkback.

10 Fast Forward.
72 Readers’ Tapes.
BY MARTY PETERS

COVER DESIGN BY SCOTT SIMMONDS

80 Fade Out.
Sun Studios—Then And Now.
GUEST EDITORIAL BY SCOTT DORSEY

73 Advertiser Index.
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Recording - October 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - October 2013
