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COLUMNS & ARTICLES Publisher's Page Musician's Gear Reviews Single Slice
ARCHIVED EQUIPMENT REVIEWS Accessories Amplifiers Microphone Preamplifiers Analog Audio Processing Consoles, Mixers Digital Audio Processing DAWs/Peripherals Headphones Interconnects Microphones MI Products Recorders/Players Recording Media Speakers/Monitors Test Equipment
Reviews of the Week Products of the Week
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SUPPLEMENTARY ARTICLES The Pro Audio Review Master Archive List 2005 PAR Excellence Award Winners 2006 PAR Excellence Award Winners
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Archived Equipment Reviews


 
 Accessories view all text items in this section...
  Primacoustic Recoil Stabilizer Nearfield Monitor Platform
Thanks to physics, metaphysics, or both, the Recoils improve acoustic imaging, focus, and depth perception.
by Tom Jung, 5.15.2008
The best way I can describe the piano sound is this: if it was a photograph, the focus just got sharper.
  ION Audio Tape2PC Cassette Archiving System
This inexpensive cassette to digital file hardware conversion system is simple, easy to use, and universally welcoming to users of all stripes.
by Ty Ford, 3.15.2008
Times have changed while listening habits and consumer audio technology have changed even more.
  FURMAN Merit-x Series
2.15.2008
These new rackmountable power conditioning solutions feature a higher joule rating, increased AC noise filtration for a lower noise floor, a more robust chassis and wall-wart outlet spacing to accommodate bulky power transformers.
 
 Amplifiers view all text items in this section...
  Atlas Sound PA702 Power Amplifier
by Roger Williams III, 6.15.2008
The PA702 lends itself to a myriad of installed audio applications.
  Pass Labs XA30.5 Studio Amplifier
Small suites needing low wattage/highest transparency amps should make a pass at these pure Class A beauties.
by John Gatski, 2.15.2008
With fewer and fewer passive speakers being offered to the pros, studios that want to power passives also have fewer pure pro-oriented studio amps from which to choose.
  QSC PL380 PowerLight3 Amplifier
This analog amp offers a powerful 8,000-watt argument as to why QSC is a go-to name in live sound reinforcement.
by David Rittenhouse, 1.15.2008
The PowerLight3 upgrades the PowerLight2 series, adding and refining some appreciated functions. This amp features QSC’s reactive “back EMF,” which recycles the unused energy back to the power supply to produce an AC efficiency of up to 85 percent, keeping AC power demand to a minimum.
 
 Microphone Preamplifiers view all text items in this section...
  FOCUSRITE LIQUID4PRE
11.15.2007
What’s in a name? Well, here it’s everything. If fluid control is what you focus on in a four-channel preamp, look no further than Focusrite’s LIQUID4PRE.
  Core Sound Mic2496 Portable Mic Preamp
This PDA-sized two-channel mic preamp and A/D converter provides convenient location sound recording via S/PDIF input.
by Mike Rivers, 10.15.2007
Location recording media has changed over the years, but front-end preferences for portable recording are still as follows: compact size, battery operation and very good built-in microphones and/or a respectable mic preamp.
  Manley TNT Microphone Preamplifier
Manley’s new “dual-but-different” channel amp equals hours of tweaky and explosive fun.
by Rob Tavaglione, 10.15.2007
The dual-channel Manley TNT is loosely named after its “Tube ‘n No Tube” channels. But I contend that it could also refer to “Tweak ‘n Tweak,” as that’s what you’ll be doing with this $3,000 preamp’s wealth of interesting options.
 
 Analog Audio Processing view all text items in this section...
  Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5033 EQ
This legend-built, super-smooth five-band EQ is beyond reproach...and recommended.
by Dr. Frederick Bashour, 11.15.2007
You always remember your first one; mine was the ITI MEP-230 parametric equalizer, the first commercial product featuring now-classic circuitry designed by George Massenburg as marketed by Burgess MacNeal, who later founded Sontec.
  Solid State Logic E Signature Channel
The classic SSL E Channel is back and built for your rack.
by Rob Tavaglione, 6.15.2007
The production hues of the 1980s are back, so there’s no better time than now to examine Solid State Logic’s new rackmounted version of the classic E Series desks.
  API 5500 Dual-Channel EQ
A well-pedigreed, innovative and versatile equalizer offering world-class results.
by Stephen Murphy, 6.15.2007
The API 5500 is essentially two 550B four-band EQ modules configured in a single-space rackmount chassis with an internal power supply.
 
 Consoles, Mixers view all text items in this section...
  Yamaha MG124cx Small Format Mixer
Yamaha offers high-quality, low-cost mixer with built-in digital effects … and a lot more.
by Richard Alan Salz, 5.15.2008
Let me be honest: I love high-end, boutique electronics. On the other hand, while those aspects of big-ticket products are nice, they’re hardly necessary for functionality.
  APB Dynasonics H1020
This may be the king of the mid-priced/rack mount mixer class.
by Andrew Roberts, 5.15.2008
For every job I have using a 32-channel or larger-frame console, I probably have 10 that are suitable for a small-frame board of 16 channels or less.
  Henry Engineering SixMix Broadcast Console/USB Interface
Henry steps out from behind the curtain in a big (yet diminutive) way with this feature-packed micro-broadcaster.
by Stephen Murphy, 5.15.2008
The thing that unquestionably sets Henry Engineering’s SixMix apart from the popular micro-format mainstay mixers is that the SixMix is designed explicitly for broadcast use.
 
 Digital Audio Processing view all text items in this section...
  CEDAR DNS3000 Dialogue Noise Suppressor
3.15.2008
Features include onboard scenes with simple, intuitive recall, automation to timecode, flying faders, sample rates to 96kHz, and all the I/O you have grown to know and love.
  CEDAR Cambridge Server
11.15.2007
Studios are a lot like restaurants in that there is a front and back of the house that must work together. So as much as a facility needs its cooks, it also needs its servers.
  SSL Duende DSP Accelerated Plug-ins
This console-grade 1RU module’s 32 mono channels of proven, presence-boosting EQ and dynamics make ears smile.
by Dan Wothke, 10.15.2007
Audio engineers all over the globe, and of all stripes, took notice when SSL introduced Duende about a year ago, because now anyone could buy 32 mono channels of SSL EQ and compression for around $1,500 street.
 
 DAWs/Peripherals view all text items in this section...
  Waves SSL 4000 Collection
The most important sound ever is now available as a plug-in.
by Alex Oana, 5.15.2008
As the de facto popular mixing standard since its introduction in 1977, the SSL 4000 has trained generations of listeners and engineers what a record should sound like.
  Solid State Logic Pro-Convert V5 Audio Project Translation Tool
This well-appointed conversion solution from SSL puts the Holy Translation Grail within reach.
by Stephen Murphy, 5.15.2008
Pro-Convert aims to be a one-size-fits-all tool that acts as a go-between for a variety of popular DAW and NLE platforms.
  INNOVASON FM-8VB Effect Module
4.15.2008
Compatible with the range of the company’s audio racks, FM-8VB has four effects engines installed between each pair of I/Os, all of which are configurable to receive the algorithm of choice; all the I/Os are accessible via the patch grids within Sensoft.
 
 Headphones view all text items in this section...
  AKG K171 MKII Headphones
3.15.2008
Revamped with upgraded aesthetics and ergonomics, AKG headphones are as comfort-driven as they are sonically pure.
  ULTRASONE HFI-580/780 Headphones
2.15.2008
When some people don headphones they want to tune out the world. Others, meanwhile, want to enter a whole new world.
  Shure SE Series Sound Isolating Earphones
This new line proves even consumer earphones can provide the budget-conscious engineer with professional sound quality.
by Rob Tavaglione, 12.15.2007
I’ve been onboard with personal monitors since 1998 with my first Shure wireless system. The RF portion still sounds great today, but there is a real, significant difference in the monitors themselves.
 
 Interconnects view all text items in this section...
  AVIOM 6416m Mic Input Module
5.15.2008
Each channel on the 6416m has a continuously variable gain setting, multi-segment signal level LEDs, and individual channel on/off switches.
  Mackie Onyx 1200F FireWire Audio/MIDI Interface
This comprehensive, great-sounding I/O offers a dozen nifty Onyx preamps, four stereo headphone amps, 30 inputs and 34 outputs of all sorts, etc., etc — all for a darn good price.
by Mike Rivers, 5.15.2008
One of the touted features of the 1200F is its ability to function as a standalone mixer when not connected to a computer.
  LIGHTVIPER Shadow Fiber Optic Transport System
4.15.2008
The 2.5-GHz system will handle a variety of media, including audio, intercom, Ethernet, RS422/232/485 control, composite video (EIA-250C) and TTL data.
 
 Microphones view all text items in this section...
  Samson VR88 Active Velocity Ribbon Microphone
Old-school ribbon sound in a new-school package
by Rob Tavaglione, 6.15.2008
In a crowded field of affordable ribbon mics, it was wise for Samson to add a full complement of accessories where their competitors sometimes include nothing more than a stand mount.
  Berliner U77 Multipattern Tube Microphone
The U77 is an admirable choice as your one and only truly high-end tube microphone.
by Dan Wothke, 6.15.2008
Overall, this is a very well designed and constructed mic with no low dollar Asian components.
  Heil Sound PR-22 Handheld Microphone
by Karl Bader, 6.15.2008
The latest from Heil maintains the great clarity of the PR-20 with reduced handling noise.
 
 MI Products view all text items in this section...
  Taylor T5 Thinline Koa Custom
by Jerry McPherson, 3.01.2006
Taylor Guitars has been building and acoustic guitars for the last 30 years. In all that time there has not been a single electric guitar offering from Bob Taylor and company - until the T5 Thinline Five-way was introduced in 2005
  TC Electronic G-System
by Russ Long, 1.01.2006
The TC Electronic G-System is a floor-based multi-effects processor that allows the simultaneous use of up to nine internal effects. It also includes four switchable mono loops and one additional loop/insert point dedicated for preamps for the easy integration of the player's current equipment.
  Martin CF-1 Jazz Guitar
by Joe Beck, 9.01.2005
As I reviewed one of Martin's new premium jazz guitars, the CF-1, the words "simplicity" and "irresistible" came to mind.
 
 Recorders/Players view all text items in this section...
  ZOOM H2 Portable Digital Recorder
by Bruce Bartlett, 4.15.2008
This recorder is simple, well equipped, sounds good, and — best of all — priced right.
  Sony PCM-D50 Portable Linear PCM Recorder
This affordable PCM-D1 baby brother has created a niche within the crowded handheld field recorder market.
by Russ Long, 2.15.2008
Several other manufacturers have recently released affordable field recorders, but I can safely say that none have met the Sony tradition of solid craftsmanship and great sound.
  M-Audio MicroTrack II CompactFlash Stereo Recorder
This 24-bit/96-kHz micro recorder maximizes the potential of sub-$400 models.
by John Gatski, 1.15.2008
Despite the plethora of more expensive (and flashier) CompactFlash-based stereo recorders, and a few lower costs ones as well, the M-Audio MicroTrack continues to be a favorite among recordists and musicians.
 
 Recording Media view all text items in this section...
  Quantegy GP9 Magnetic Tape
by Russ Long, 1.01.2000
Since its release in fall 1998, Quantegy GP9 tape has taken the analog world by storm.
 
 Speakers/Monitors view all text items in this section...
  KRK Rokit G2 Powered Studio Monitor Series
The budget-priced redesigned Rokit Series offers significant improvements in imaging and accuracy.
by Dan Wothke, 6.15.2008
According to KRK, by curving the baffle and corners of the cabinet, the diffusion associated with boxy cornered cabinets is drastically minimized, which results in a wider sweet spot.
  Avantone Active Mixcube Studio Reference Monitors
The Active Mixcube combines the ubiquitous single-driver, full-range studio reference of old with a built-in amp and a plethora of mod updates.
by Rob Tavaglione, 6.15.2008
Without the mids being split up by crossovers and multiple drivers, these critical frequencies are trustworthy and honest, clearly affecting vocal and melodic instrument mix decisions.
  Legacy Studio HD Passive Monitors
by John Gatski, 6.15.2008
Today, in a speaker world awash in powered monitors, the latest version of the non-powered Legacy Studio is a rare choice for studios.
 
 Test Equipment view all text items in this section...
  NTI Minirator MR-PRO
The MR-PRO is a significant upgrade for NTI’s well-received Minirator audio measurement tools.
by Mike Rivers, 12.15.2007
I love neat gadgets; so, when the Neutrik Minirator MR1 was introduced at the Fall 1998 AES show, it was love at first sight.
  AudioControl Industrial Iasys Audio Analyzer Version 3.0
This installer/operator-friendly digital audio analysis assistant is better than ever.
by Roger Williams III, 9.15.2007
Thirty years ago, Washington State’s AudioControl Industrial began creating audio test devices for the pro installer/operator. They now manufacture distributed audio components to both pro and consumer audio markets.
  Kaltman Creations Spectran HF4040 RF Spectrum Analyzer
7.15.2007
Nothing interferes with work more than interference.
 
 Reviews of the Week view all text items in this section...
  ALESIS iMultiMix 9R
8.15.2007
When your iPod meets an industrial-grade mixer, there’s no limit to what you can make happen.


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