So you wanna record an album? Anyone with a DAT recorder can make what they think is a usable master tape, but it takes a little know-how to do it properly. Mastering engineers Mike Brown and Martin Giles of CTS Studios explain what goes into preparing master tapes for tape, record and CD duplication.

User Report

The Mix

The first of a 2-part series on creative mixing.

Summer Holiday On Stage

Multi FX Processor

With multi-fx processors appearing faster than dissenting conservative back-benchers, the pressure is on to come up with something different. Simon Trask investigates a processor that uses analogue circuitry for its unique character.

Equipment

Mel Lambert takes the Prokit Mixer kit to the ends of the earth (well, Kensington) and finishes up with saved ackers and a useful board.

More and more mixer manufacturers are waking up to the benefits MIDI can offer in a mixdown situation by incorporating MIDI-controlled muting on their products. Engineer/musician David Mellor checks out what the PC can do.

Mixing Desk

As more mixer manufacturers turn their attention to the home and pre-production studios, the cost-effective quality mixer becomes a reality. Tim Goodyer discovers that there's even room for luxury.

£600 (almost) buys you this boxful of MIDI-controlled digital effects processors. But can they be good quality? Ian Gilby dragged himself out of the studio long enough to give us his opinions.

Effects processing is now an integral part of a recording studio - large or small. Aaron Hallas goes back to basics in this introduction to sound treatment.

Simon Croft puts this British built mixer through its paces.

Studiomaster P7 Multitrack Mixing Console

Studiomaster have at last entered the in-line console fray with this well-specified and attractively-priced desk. RM checks it out.

A colourful round-up of what's new in the hi-tech recording arena.

For people with very narrow studios, Boss have introduced a very narrow effects rack... Martin Sheehan investigates.

New products from the States

Instruments & Equipment

The assembled masses of the IM review department wax lyrical over their selected favourites from this year's music fair.

MK 80 Electronic Piano

In its day the Fender Rhodes changed the course of musical progress; now Roland have resurrected and improved Harold Rhodes' classic electric piano. Simon Trask plays on...

Music

The Korg M1 is one of the best and most popular keyboards around. David Mellor explores some of its prime features.

Which Microphone?

Which Microphone? We take eight mics from Shure's successful PE Series and subject them to some rigorous practical tests - with surprising results.

This exciting project from Paul Williams is capable of making even the most dull recordings come to life - it's a pity it can't do anything about duff songwriting though.

Digital Synthesiser

After being quiet for a while, Kurzweil are stirring up quite a storm with their latest synth. MT grabbed one for review only to find it had been sold to New Order - consequently, Nick Batzdorf reports from the US.

Paul Ward

Paul is a key figure in the Surreal to Real independent record company and has achieved success with his instrumental compositions. RM visits his home studio.