Issue 406 of Future Music is out now
The Future of EQ and Dynamics
There has been a lot of talk in recent months about how much ‘AI’ and machine learning is likely to damage the creative industries. There is certainly reason to be worried about how tools like ChatGPT and text-to-audio creators could take work away from the very creatives whose work has been used to train them.
But this focus on the (admittedly, non-trivial) negatives does risk overshadowing how much new technology is also aiding and democratising these industries.
In music, mixing tools are the prime example of this. New plugins and online services are not only speeding up the process of mixing and mastering tracks, but also massively broadening what can be done without access to a high-end studio and expensive gear.
In this issue of Future Music, we’re taking a look at some of these modern tools and techniques.
All print and digital readers can grab all of this issue’s exclusive download content from our download page!
Buy this issue now via:
Apple Newsstand (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch)
Pocket Mags (iPhone/iPad/Android/PC/Mac)
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
In Print: Find FM on your local news stand or order your copy direct from us!
All print and digital copies include access to 18GB+ of exclusive samples and more!
Subscribe now and save!
Interviews
Maya Shenfeld – The electro-acoustic composer plumbed the depths, literally, for her evocative new LP Under the Sun. She tells us more
MGMT – A decade on from their early success, the US duo tell us how they got their mojo back for new album, Loss of Life
Machine Woman – The Russian-born producer on her combination of lighthearted-track titles and serious experimental grooves
Classic Album – Iconic producer Speedy J talks us through IDM touchstone Ginger
Pioneers – We explore the visionary influence of the late Scottish producer Sophie
Technique
The Future of EQ and Dynamics – Get ahead of the curve with our useful guide to the latest compressors, EQ tools and more
Producer's Guide to Pultec EQP-1 – Discover what made this classic EQ famous and learn how to use it (and its many emulations!)
Knowledge – The ins and outs of sidechaining
Reviews
Waldorf Iridium Core
Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave
Boss Delay Machine DM-101
Sennheiser HD490 Pro Plus
Asus Zenbook Pro 16X
L-Acoustics L-ISA
SR Studio 2-Channel Preamp
Austrian Audio MiCreator Studio
Minimal Audio Swarm Reverb
Endorphin.es Ghost
& more
Samples
Ambient Guitars – No picks, no licks – just atmospheric drones and ambient chords created by feeding guitars through long effect chains
Metallic Drums – We get creative with resonance and reverberation to create a pack of distinctive but hard-hitting beats, loops and one-shots
Access the FM sample archive – UPDATE FOR 2024! Download the ‘Archive’ packs and get over 20GB of loops, hits and instruments from our back catalogue of high-quality and royalty-free samples. From vintage synths and drum machines to esoteric instruments and FX – think of it as our best of. All the samples you need to create great music!
Future Music is the number one magazine for today's producers. Packed with technique and technology we'll help you make great new music. All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. Every marvellous monthly edition features reliable reviews of the latest and greatest hardware and software technology and techniques, unparalleled advice, in-depth interviews, sensational free samples and so much more to improve the experience and outcome of your music-making.