Recording - April 2021 - 4

publisher:

Thomas Hawley
Brent Heintz

associate publisher:

FadeIn

Welcome to our singer/songwriter issue-if this evokes images of singers earnestly spinning tales with their acoustic guitars and old upright pianos, then think
again. In 2021, the modern singer/songwriter is a much more diverse individual
working in a multiplicity of genres with a myriad of modern tools at their disposal.
As such, our reviews this month cover electronic groove creation, orchestral sample
libraries, cutting-edge controllers and plugins, and even a hard drive to hold and
protect all your hard work. Every songsmith also needs a reliable microphone or
two, and we have those here as well, including a comprehensive look at an entire
line of mics from a single manufacturer.
Our interview this month is with one of my favorite artists on the planet: singer/
songwriter, musician, engineer, and producer Steven Wilson. He and co-producer
Dave Kosten take us inside the creation of Steven's latest electronic-pop masterpiece, THE FUTURE BITES.
This issue is also packed with info on the relationship between singer/songwriters and producers. We look at how to make
high-fidelity mobile recordings, dig into contemporary looping tools, get advice on finishing your
songs, and more.
I hope you enjoy the issue!

On a sad note, this past February, we lost
one of the most iconic gear designers of all
time, Rupert Neve. We have asked his friend
Josh Thomas to say a few words.
In Memoriam: Rupert Neve
There is no name that carries more weight in the
pantheon of analog audio than Rupert Neve. His
creations have been the benchmark to which all
others are compared for over five decades, and
it's hard to conceive of a production that hasn't
passed through one of his designs at some stage.
It's not a stretch to say that anyone who has listened to recorded music has likely been
moved, albeit unknowingly, by the meticulous attention he paid to audio circuits.
I've had the amazing privilege of knowing and working with Rupert for nearly
three decades, and one of the things that struck me time and time again was his
generosity and sharing of knowledge, and his unique ability to convey complex
theories and concepts to others, whether it was a fellow designer or an aspiring
student. He often stated at lectures and presentations that we were made in the
image of the Creator, and part of that meant that we were here to create; be that
a piece of music, a production or an audio design, we all have gifts that should
be nurtured and fulfilled to our greatest ability.
This is the charge with which he left us, and we at Rupert Neve Designs will continue
to live up to the invaluable standards and design philosophies that he taught us over the
last 16 years. We are honored beyond words to be the caretakers of his design legacy.
Rupert loved it here in the Hill Country of Texas, where he and his wife Evelyn settled in
1994. He lived a long, full life, and always remained active and working on design projects.
The world will forever sound better because he was here.
Josh Thomas | Co-Founder and General Manager | Rupert Neve Designs | February 25, 2021
4

RECORDING April 2021

EDITORIAL
Paul Vnuk Jr.
associate editor: Alex Hawley
copy editor: Mike Scheibinger
músico pro editor: Rodrigo O. Sánchez
editor:

CONTRIBUTORS
Joe Albano, David Blascoe, John Czerwinski
Beto Hale, Mark Hornsby, Marty Peters,
Aaron J. Trumm, Marc Urselli
SOCIAL MEDIA
Brent Heintz, Paul Vnuk Jr.
ART & PRODUCTION
Colin Courtney
production manager: Colin Courtney
art director:

PLAYBACK PLATINUM SERIES
Lorenz Rychner

editor/producer:

CIRCULATION
Tiffany Sepe

circulation manager:

ADVERTISING SALES AND MARKETING
director: Brent Heintz
classifieds manager: Colin Courtney
ADMINISTRATION
Thomas Hawley

accounts receivable:

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Thomas Hawley
vice president: Brent Heintz
president:

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RECORDING MAGAZINE
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Recording - April 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - April 2021