Reviews
January 2010 is LAST Issue
Bass amplifier and cabinet Yes, these really are scaled-down versions of two of Ampeg’s most recognisable models! How does this micro system compare to their iconic bigger brothers?
Guitar effects processor This ‘plug-and-play’ guitar processor offers features in spades, and although there’s strong competition in this area of the market, the new flagship of the Boss multi-effects range is certain to find its devotees.
VL2100 head and C412T2 cab Steve Vai’s signature series head is an all-valve, three-channel affair, combining the classic sounds of vintage valve amps with modern features like channel switching and a master volume. Will it make you sound like Steve? Only if you can play like Steve.
Acoustic guitars These two acoustics from Freshman’s Maple Ridge series are taking on a crowded market place as quality mid-level guitars for under 200 quid.
Swede & HJ500 guitars The appeal of the Hagstrom catalogue broadens still further with the addition of the new Tremar vibrato tailpiece to several familiar models.
Multitrack hard-disk recorder From the founder of computer recording pioneers SADiE comes this compact multitrack recorder, which aims to make the process of capturing live performances easier than ever before.
Modelling guitar amp Line 6 launch their most advanced Spider amplifier to date, but will its amp modelling and effects section appeal to serious players?
PA system Founded in Paris in the late ‘70s, Nexo’s mission has always been to provide cutting-edge sound reinforcement solutions, and their PS series of compact PA speakers and speaker-management systems certainly lives up to Nexo’s reputation.
Modelling bass processor 2007 saw the launch of the groundbreaking VG-99 guitar processor, and now Roland’s COSM technology has found its way into an instrument, amp and effects modeller for bassists.
Five-string bass guitar This EMG-equipped, through-neck, five-string from Schecter Guitar Research punches above its weight in both looks and performance.
Vocal effects pedal The latest in TC-Helicon’s range of dedicated vocal processor pedals takes us into the realm of deliberately ‘unnatural’ sounds, such as the ubiquitous ‘Cher effect’, gender changing and vocoding.
Drum mic set A complete drum mic set for under £300? Is it really possible to deliver good audio quality at this kind of price point?
Red Box Compressor, Orange Box Phaser & Gold Box Distortion Looking for an original Phase 45? Searching for a script-logo Distortion+ or Dynacomp? You might want to take a look at these pedals, designed by one of the MXR founders, Michael Laiacona.
Sound Advice
Tech Notes Last month we examined the common output facilities of mixing consoles — group outputs, matrix outputs and VCA control groups. This time we’ll continue by looking at the different kinds of monitoring control facilities found on various types of console.
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Mixing Front of House for Noisettes Having caught the touring bug selling merchandise for the Levellers at the age of 16, Bryony October has developed into a highly skilled sound engineer. PM met up with her at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire to see how she’s getting on in her latest role with Noisettes.
Blues Guitarist Non-stop touring and rave reviews have garnered Davy Knowles some serious Stateside attention. Having collaborated with Peter Frampton on his last album, this young Manxman is understandably starstruck.
Stage Gear This Edinburgh-based trio is a collaboration of three of the folk scene’s most innovative performers. With their feet squarely in the Scottish tradition, Lau’s exciting blend of original and trad music is enhanced by an inventive use of pedals and effects.
Setups and maintenance for the new year
Songwriter Madeleine Peyroux’s 2004 breakthrough album Careless Love saw her feted as an interpreter of other people’s songs, but with the launch of Bare Bones she has clearly become a fully-fledged songwriter. PM caught up with her and producer Larry Klein for the full story.
Bass player & songwriter London-born bass player Phil Soussan has toured and recorded with an impressive array of big-name artists including Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, Steve Lukather and Billy Idol.
Rotosound Probably the best column in the world... Transcribed by Gary Cooper.
PM’s Question Time This month, PM tracks down up-and-coming London indie-rock oufit, Run Don’t Walk. Lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kabir Sheikh tackles the questions.
Tech That PM takes a trip to Belgium to chat to top tech, Wim Daans, about his work in his senior role on one of the biggest live touring events of the European calendar, Night Of The Proms, where rock and pop meet classical.
Technique
The big switch-on: Bicester Christmas lights An outdoor gig in November? Yes, it has to be Christmas related, complete with all the hazards of fake snow and sticky CDs, as PM’s intrepid PA team take on Bicester town centre armed only with 16kW of Nexo rig.
Tips and techniques for safe singing Your vocal folds are the most valuable instrument you’ll ever own, and they can’t be repaired, replaced or upgraded. So it’s about time they got the respect they deserve when you’re not on stage. PM gives you the rules for keeping your voice in shape.
New Interfaces for Musical Expression If you want to be part of an active community of musicians, computer scientists, engineers and artists who design and build new and strange musical instruments, there’s never been a better time than right now. And there’s no better place to be than at the NIME conference.
High-power LEDs LEDs are everywhere these days; they are no longer used purely as a standby light for your telly. With significant advances in technology over the last 10 years — reducing heat production and offering more colour choices — LEDs are now commonly used in stage lighting.
Backstage at the ‘Queen’ musical Since 2002 We Will Rock You has been a major landmark of West End theatre and is seen by over 600,000 people every year. PM meets Head of Stage, Tony Dolan, to learn about the practicalities of putting on such a spectacular music-based stage show.
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