PERFORMING MUSICIAN
 The NEW monthly magazine for performing musicians and PA operators, from the publishers of Sound On Sound. On sale now at WH Smith and all
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Issue 8: May 2008
REVIEWS
JBL PRX515 powered PA speakers
Powered speakers offer a number of advantages over passive models, but there is always a weight premium to be paid, especially in full-range models. If you want the bang without the backache, though, JBL just might have the answer.
MXR '74 Vintage Phase 90 & Carbon Copy analogue delay
Since buying the MXR licensing rights, Jim Dunlop have not only added new models to the original line-up, but have produced various reissues of some of their classic pedals. We take a look at two such additions.
Yamaha EMX5016CF powered mixer
When it comes to live sound systems, there's no doubt that using active speakers is a convenient way of achieving great results. There are, however, times when the simplest and most straightforward setup is your main priority, and in these situations it's hard to beat a powered mixer and passive full-range speakers.
Taylor SolidBody Classic, Standard & Custom
There seems to come a point in the evolution of every acoustic guitar manufacturer when the lure of rock & roll becomes just too much to resist and out comes yet another line of solid-body electric guitars. These SolidBody electrics from Taylor Guitars, however, incorporate some really original thinking.
AKG WMS 450 wireless vocal set with D5 capsule
In spite of the obvious advantages, wireless microphones are still often seen as something of a challenge to the less technically minded. This system from AKG aims to take all the headaches out of the setup process without compromising performance or flexibility.
Clavia Nord C1 combo organ
Clavia's Nord range has been popular amongst gigging keyboard players, and now their dual-manual C1 model offers three types of modelled vintage organ, combined with lightweight construction in a highly portable keyboard.
Squier Deluxe Hot Rails Stratocaster
Fender's Squier Deluxe Hot Rails Strat brings three Seymour Duncan HR-101 pickups to the traditional design, for a fuller sound and immunity to noise right out of the box.
Ahead Black On Brass & Chrome On Brass snare drums
Ahead caused quite a stir in the drumming community when they unleashed their radically different aluminium sticks on us a few years ago, and now this USA-based company are raising eyebrows again, this time with some seriously good snare drums.
Yamaha RBX A2 bass guitar
Yamaha's tried and tested concept of lightweight woods, body tubes and custom pickups is presented in an affordable, well-designed bass.
Books & DVDs
FEATURES
Stage Gear: Eight Legs
Lighting for small gigs
Stage lighting is not just for theatre or arena concerts. With a little bit of thought your stage area can be transformed, making you the focal point of the room.
Jean Michel Jarre: Oxygene Live
Jean Michel Jarre goes back to basics in more ways than one on his most recent tour of the seminal album Oxygene. But as he attempts to do it with all of the original instruments that recorded the work — some 40 pieces of classic gear — reliability issues will surely see the French synth pioneer hoist by his own petard, right? Mais non!
SXSW: playing the USA's biggest
music festival South By Southwest, or SXSW to its friends, has steadily grown over the last 21 years into one of the biggest music festivals in the world. Over 1700 acts, many of them unsigned, now appear on 70 different stages across the city of Austin, Texas, making the event one of the most important showcase opportunities for new talent in the industry.
Preparing backing tracks
For soloists, pre-recorded backing tracks can seem like the perfect way to expand and enhance a live performance, but taking the time to prepare them properly is essential.
Working Pro: Lee Pomeroy
Bassist Lee Pomeroy is what one might call a man of musical extremes, making a name for himself playing with one of the greats of progressive rock, Rick Wakeman, whilst also touring with the hugely successful boy band Take That.
Guitar Tech: John Gaillard
John Gaillard has been bossing the backline side of things since the early '80s, when he bagged a world tour with Frankie Goes To Hollywood. We chew the fat with him about Thin Lizzy's current guitar rigs, keeping things simple and why it pays to be in the right place at the right time.
Tech Notes: How microphones work
Continuing our look at the basic electro-mechanical operation of microphones, this month we examine the fundamental characteristics that result from different operating principles.
A Sound Person's Guide To Lighting
Lighting consoles, otherwise known as lighting boards or desks, have a lot in common with audio mixers. Just as the faders of an audio console control the levels of instruments, the faders of a lighting console control the levels of — you've guessed it — lights.
REGULARS
News
Drum News
USA tour diary
Diary Of A Musician
Pedalboards
Cooper's Column
Loose Strings
Pub Genius
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| Sunday 18th May 2008 |
