Simon Allen, Author at gearnews.com

Simon is an internationally recognised Professional Sound Engineer/Producer with over a decade in the industry. Working mostly in music, his reputation as a mix engineer continues to reach new heights. Sound Engineer (Studio & Live) Freelance Record Producer Pro Audio Specialist / Consultant Pro Audio Journalist Pro Audio Trainer

Rupert Neve Designs’ Shelford Channel now available

03 Nov 2016 in Studio

Rupert Neve has finally been persuaded to re-design and release a modern version of the famous 1073 mic pre-amp: The Shelford Channel has arrived.

MOTU UltraLite MK4 audio interface side view

MOTU ships UltraLite Mk4 interface

02 Nov 2016 in Studio

When it comes to choosing an audio interface, feature set can be one of the biggest deciders. MOTU's UltraLite Mk4 seems to offer everything you might need.

Focusrite Clarett interfaces now with Windows drivers

Focusrite finally release Windows drivers for Clarett Interfaces

29 Oct 2016 in Studio

From the 10th November, Windows users will benefit from drivers for the Clarett range of Thunderbolt interfaces. Great news, even if it's quite late.

Apple’s MacBook Pro Touch Bar: A new audio production tool?

28 Oct 2016 in Studio

Apple's new MacBook Pro has been announced, featuring a new Touch Bar. We take a look at the interactive possibilities for DAW's.

Does McDSP’s new AE600 Active EQ offer too much power?

25 Oct 2016 in Studio

The AE400 'Active' EQ from McDSP receives an update, adding even more control with a crazy amount power. Is the AE600 a case of "too much of a good thing"?

Waves build new Greg Wells’ ToneCentric plug-in

24 Oct 2016 in Deals, Studio

Greg Wells describes his latest ToneCentric plug-in for Waves as a "homage to the great analog gear that leaves a wonderful sonic footprint on your sound". Is this new effect genuinely useful or just shameless ...

Focusrite publish free iOS Control App

20 Oct 2016 in Studio

Recent Focusrite audio interfaces can now be remotely controlled via a free iOS Control App. These interfaces just keep getting better.

Can Warm Audio land a Christmas number 1 with the WA-412?

20 Oct 2016 in Studio

Warm Audio have done it again, emulating another piece of classic hardware. Will these 4 'API-style' mic pres be on the top of your Christmas list?

Cakewalk give away their CA-2A, for FREE!

17 Oct 2016 in Deals, Studio

The LA-2A is one of the most emulated compressors ever. Cakewalk's CA-2A is one of the best emulations, and now you can get it free for a limited time!

DESTRUCTOR! Blue Cat’s suitably named distortion effect plug-in

16 Oct 2016 in Guitar, Studio

Blue Cat Audio promise their new distortion plug-in Destructor will go to 11, and everywhere in-between. And it features guitar amp simulation, too.

Acustica release SSL-modelled plugin bundle: SAND FAB4

16 Oct 2016 in Studio

Acustica has again applied its sample-based CORE9 processing to emulate a classic British mixing console EQ, dynamics and control features.

Elysia’s “compressor from the future”: Mpressor 500

12 Oct 2016 in Studio

The well-respected compressor from Elysia is now available as a mono 500 series module. The Mpressor 500 also has a unique new saturation feature.

Ocean Way RM1-B ribbon mic reaches 25kHz!

11 Oct 2016 in Studio

Is this the beginning of a new era for ribbon microphones? Ocean Way Audio's new RM1-B has high-intensity magnets to deliver a full-bandwidth.

Turning heads: KLANG:fabrik 3D binaural in-ear mixing

09 Oct 2016 in Live, Studio

Based on 3D binaural processing, this new in-ear monitoring system has caught our attention. Fabrik by KLANG is a whole new experience.

PreSonus takes on the X32 with StudioLive 32

07 Oct 2016 in Live

Finally the PreSonus teaser reveals more details. Introducing the StudioLive 32, a new small format digital recording console - with motorised faders!

Soundelux U195 Microphone (on the console)

The Soundelux U195 Mic with ‘FAT’ switch is back!

06 Oct 2016 in Studio

This is the third time the U195 by David Bock has been brought to market. Now with an improved capsule, the U195 retains it's famous 'FAT' switch.

JBL 7 Series: A powerful new passive monitor – for music production?

04 Oct 2016 in Studio

With lessons learnt from their flagship monitors and live sound products, JBL announced their new 7 Series at AES this weekend. But is this passive speaker solution also suited to music production?

AES 2016: API large-format Legacy AXS Console

03 Oct 2016 in Studio

API announced the new Legacy AXS console at AES 2016 this weekend, the latest large-format analogue console to the API range.

AES 2016: Avid unveil new HD interface Pro Tools MTRX

02 Oct 2016 in Studio

Avid have announced a new interface for Pro Tools HDX and HD Native platforms, which is effectively a rebadged version of the DAD AX32 interface.

AES 2016: Waves Abbey Road Vinyl Plug-in

30 Sep 2016 in Studio

Waves have partnered with Abbey Road again, this time emulating a model of their vinyl cutting and mastering gear, to add some vintage warmth to your mixes.

Apogee Element Series Thunderbolt Interfaces

29 Sep 2016 in Studio

Is this round 2 of the Apogee vs Focusrite Thunderbolt 'inter-face-off'? These new Element Thunderbolt interfaces almost mirror the Focusrite Clarett range.