What sets the iD22 apart from countless other compact audio interfaces I've tried is its big-console feel and sound. And really, it's the most "analog" sounding USB audio interface I've heard! The iD22 has two channels of analog input and six channels of analog output, as...
In a majority of cases, the absolute worst motive for undertaking a DIY electronics project is "cost savings." Gear builds are gratifying for a number of reasons, but factors like economies of scale dictate that you will often end up spending an amount approaching (or exceeding) the cost...
The first thing one notices about Softube plug-ins is that the graphics are kinda stunning. Now, I'm not foolish enough to think that skeuomorphic precision and meticulous shading are going to make the stuff sound better exactly, but the first impression is a good one, and what soon follows is...
In today's boutique audio market, variable-mu designs have become very popular after the rediscovery of such classic units as the Fairchild 670, General Electric BA-5-A, and Gates Sta-Level. What Anthony DeMaria over at ADL has done this time is painstakingly resurrect another lost classic...
At AES, we met with Waves, and they asked us why Tape Op never reviews their plug-ins. "Good question," I said. Then, a bit later at the show, Geoff Stanfield and I started talking about how we had both purchased and were using Waves ADT. "Hey, wait a minute," I said, "This...
Let's paint a picture. If you are new to painting, let's paint by numbers. If you have been at it awhile, let's explore and start mixing our own colors and use more than just a paintbrush to apply it.
Now, in the hands of a novice, even the best paintbrush and the finest oils in the...
If you do any audio processing in the analog domain, whether you rely on a large-format console or just a modest rack of gear, you'll realize quickly how powerful and easy-to- use these half-width, 1RU-height tools from Avenson are when you plug them in. Plus, you'll appreciate how they...
I am a fan of the 500-series format, but each time I see a new module enter the fray of over 200 different modules, I have to wonder what makes this one special. Phoenix Audio produces high quality, Class A circuitry in the heritage of vintage Neve-style designs, and I was eager to check out the...
I've had a pair of ADAM S3-A [Tape Op #33] powered monitors for about a decade at Jackpot! Recording Studio, and they've treated me well. I had been through a number of speakers before them, and in most cases, I either outgrew these monitors' limitations quickly, or I blew out too...
French loudspeaker manufacturer Focal recently introduced the mid-priced Alpha series of professional studio monitors, all of which feature a polyglass cone woofer, double front bass ports, and an inverted dome tweeter similar to the one used in Focal's celebrated CMS line - at about half the...
BreakTweaker is a fantastic new rhythm/drum-sequencing plug-in from iZotope and Grammy-nominated musician, producer, and all-around genius Brian Transeau (better known as BT). Their previous collaborative effort, Stutter Edit, was a really groundbreaking piece of software, in my opinion, and if...
Somehow, a strap-on keyboard can pass as dorky/cool, especially with the rise of "nerdcore." But IMHO, a synth guitar is just... well... dorky, and always will be. Just check YouTube for shredders playing drum kits through their axes, and wince at their geeky outboard retrofits. I can...
I've tried a lot of different iOS software synthesizers, but this app is probably the most enjoyable and best sounding soft synth I've used to date — on an iPad or a computer — and it has ended up on several recent studio projects. Why? Well for one thing, it sounds great! It sounds very...
In 2005, Matt Warshaw, a well-known surf journalist who had written for just about every surfing publication that exists, published The Encyclopedia of Surfing, which became the definitive reference on the subject of wavesliding. With his new book, The Synthesizer, Mark Vail, who has written for...
With the resurgent interest in analog gear, there are tons of new boxes on the market. Most have a straightforward purpose, but there are still some that don't fall into the "normal" categories of preamp, EQ, compressor, etc. The SP1 2UBE processor is a prime example. It's a...
The Sonodyne SRP series is a no-nonsense entry into the sub-$1000 monitor scene, with five different models ranging from 3'' to 8'' in woofer size. Touting an ultra-wide sweet spot with custom waveguides for the tweeters on each model, SRP monitors are enclosed in die-cast...
When I moved my mix setup out of my living room and into a large shared studio space, I sensed that it would be helpful to have a larger pair of midfields for monitoring. Unfortunately, most of the speakers that I admired were prohibitively expensive, until I discovered the Equator Audio Q10....
My head is spinning these days with all of the available options for the 500-series format. As a kid, Baskin-Robbins and their 31 flavors seemed overwhelming. Generally, I stuck with what I knew was going to deliver. (Chocolate Peanut Butter, baby!) Why mess with a good thing? 500-series preamp...
I've been a bit stymied on how to start this review off, so I'll run all three of my potential intros by you:
1. To the guy who got upset by my review of I Dream Of Wires, in which I said all the music in that documentary film sounded kind of boring and too similar to me — I'm afraid...