Visual context for July 2018 issue out now.
As mastering engineers, keeping our fingers on the pulse of the latest developments in recording technology, hardware design, and industry-standard workflows is fundamental to delivering top-tier masters. With the july 2018 issue out now of Sound On Sound, the world’s leading publication for recording technology, we are treated to an absolute goldmine of analytical reviews and production insights. At SM Mastering Audio Articles, we always emphasize the importance of understanding the recording process, and this month’s release provides invaluable case studies that help bridge the gap between initial multitrack tracking and the final master.
Deep Dive into the July 2018 Issue Out Now
The front cover features a thorough examination of the Sound Devices MixPre-10M. For engineers looking for a compact, highly portable multitracker capable of seamless overdubbing, this unit represents a massive leap forward. It packs world-class preamps and acts as a fully functional USB audio interface, prompting many to ask if this is the ultimate portable studio tool we have been waiting for. From our perspective at SM Mastering, clean preamps and reliable conversion at the tracking stage are paramount; a track tracked poorly can never be fully rescued during mastering. This is why the release of the july 2018 issue out now is so critical for modern hybrid producers who track on the move.
Beyond hardware, the issue delves into music history with a look at the classic track “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics. Producer Dave Stewart shares the technical and creative hurdles of recording a track that ultimately defined an entire era of synth-pop. This serves as a vital reminder that great masters begin with bold, creative production decisions.
We also see a stellar lineup of reviews of cutting-edge production tools. Below is an overview of the key pieces of gear and software featured in this issue’s reviews:
| Name | Use | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Devices MixPre-10M | Multitrack Recorder & Interface | $1,499 | 4.8/5 |
| Waves Scheps Omni Channel | Hybrid Channel Strip Plugin | $149 | 4.7/5 |
| Analogue Solutions Fusebox | Monophonic Analogue Synthesizer | $1,299 | 4.5/5 |
| Mackie MP Series (MP-240) | Professional In-Ear Monitors | $199 | 4.4/5 |
Practical Studio Workflows: Lessons from Vance Powell
One of the standout features of this release is a video and masterclass article detailing how legendary engineer Vance Powell tracked a complete surf rock record in just a single day. This “fast tracking” philosophy teaches us several crucial workflow lessons that can improve your production quality:
- Commit Early and Often: Don’t leave every decision to the mix or master. By committing to sounds during tracking, you maintain creative momentum and force yourself to make definitive artistic choices.
- Leverage Quality Channel Strips: Using a versatile plugin like the Scheps Omni Channel from Waves allows you to sculpt your sound dynamically with preamps, EQ, de-essers, and saturation within a single, cohesive interface.
- Understand Your Monitoring: Utilizing dependable in-ear monitors, like the Mackie MP series, ensures accurate spectral balance during tracking sessions.
As detailed in the july 2018 issue out now, mastering engineers benefit immensely when mixing engineers maintain this level of sonic discipline. High-quality analog synthesis from units like the Analogue Solutions Fusebox and modern processing from Elektron’s MKII hardware line further provide rich, dynamic audio signals that require minimal corrective processing during the mastering stage.
Conclusion
Whether you are tracking a full band live in a day, experimenting with 500-Series preamps featuring DIYRE Colour modules from Big Bear Audio, or programming intricate patterns on Magix Acid Pro 8, having the right knowledge is key. Exploring the resources in the july 2018 issue out now will definitely elevate your technical understanding and streamline your studio operations. Ensure your tracks are prepared to industry standards, and remember that professional mastering is the final step to polishing those efforts into a commercial masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the July 2018 issue of Sound On Sound?
The issue focuses heavily on portable multitrack recording (featuring the Sound Devices MixPre-10M), fast-paced live tracking workflows with Vance Powell, and classic track breakdowns like “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics.
How does the Waves Scheps Omni Channel benefit hybrid workflows?
It consolidates the expert processing chain of Andrew Scheps into a single CPU-efficient channel strip, featuring flexible routing, saturation, gating, EQ, and compression options suitable for both tracking and mixing.
Why are 500-series modules like those from Big Bear Audio popular?
They offer modular flexibility in a compact footprint. Big Bear Audio’s modules allow users to swap out DIYRE Colour modules, offering customizable analog saturation and tonal coloring directly at the preamp stage.
Written by SM Mastering
Official content on sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and advanced electronic production by SM Mastering.