Dbx 'X' Processors

Apart from noise reduction systems, dbx make a studio quality range of 'budget' signal processors. Engineer Gareth Stuart put three of them - the 163X compressor/limiter, 263X de-esser, and 463X noise gate/expander - through their paces.

Drawmer LX20 expander/compressor

Drawmer noise gates and compressors have become the undisputed industry standard in the field of sound recording, and their latest unit looks set to make it a hat-trick. The dual channel LX20 offers comprehensive compression/expansion facilities at a budget price. Engineer Gareth Stuart assesses its performance.

The new range of condenser mics from this respected German firm utilise frequency modulation techniques to achieve a wide, flat response. Gareth Stuart checks them out.

Tascam Porta Two

Gareth Stuart has been bouncing, syncing and generally laying down tracks with Tascam's new mid-priced 4-track Ministudio. Find out what he thought of it.

It took the importing enterprise of Audio Services to bring us a new range of well-priced effect units from Dutch company IQ Systems. Sound engineer Gareth Stuart checks out two of the range: the dual noise gate, and stereo clarifier - a psychoacoustic sound enhancer.

Beyer microphones

Want to know how the electret principle functions? Or the difference between pressure and pressure-gradient microphones? Then read the review, as recording engineer Gareth Stuart field tests the most recent additions to the famous Beyer range.

Gareth Stuart investigates Tascam's latest stereo cassette mastering machine and learns why pro equipment nearly always carries a pro price tag.

The Triple Delay

Engineer Gareth Stuart passes judgement on this high quality digital delay line with a difference. But what difference? You'll have to read our review to find out...

No, this is not the rack-mounting version - it's a robust 14-track (at a push) multitrack recorder/mixer and computer-controlled patchbay rolled into one. Find out whether or not studio engineer Gareth Stuart reckons it could be a viable alternative to traditional reel-to-reel 16-track systems...

Beyer's MCE81 condenser mic is their latest addition to a long line of sturdy, high quality studio and stage microphones. Gareth Stuart finds out just what it records best.

Many people own one and even more would like to, for the E16 is the 16-track tape machine to aspire to. Gareth Stuart finds out why.

Mixing Desk

Not quite a desk in a million - studio owner Gareth Stuart gets to grips with one of TAC's 73 possible variations in their Scorpion mixer range, the 16-8-2+16.

Dbx 563X

The latest addition to the dbx range of half-rack studio processors is the 563X Silencer, a handy device for removing 'hiss' from recordings or even digital samples. Gareth Stuart puts it to the test.

Studio engineer Gareth Stuart puts this new VLM range of microphones through their collective paces.

With 32 inputs available in remix mode, MTR reckon their 16-8-2 mixer has got what it takes to woo customers away from the ever-popular Seck 1882. But is its in-line design as easy to use? Gareth Stuart reports.

Offering 32 inputs on mixdown, four auxiliary sends, flexible EQ and the added benefit of a MIDI-controlled muting option, Studiomaster's ProLine 16.8.16 mixer has a lot going for it. Gareth Stuart checks it out.

Condenser Microphone

Good quality microphones can be a real asset to any type of studio, but if you want the best tools you should be prepared to pay the price for them. Gareth Stuart considers the worth of Beyer's top of the range condenser mic.

Sound engineer Gareth Stuart assesses this budget-conscious range of performance microphones.