Cheak out Tape Op. It's very cool and DIY. It's also thin and only comes out every other month, but it's free.

tapeop.com

They all have something to offer, it's just a matter of finding your way through the fluff. I currently receive around 7 recording mags right now. 'Recording' is usually the shortest read
:( (I'm talking minutes). 'EQ' sometimes has some cool interviews and tidbits :cool: , 'Mix' is past its glory days I think :roll: , 'Tape Op' is great...wish it had some funding. I couldn't imagine what it would be like if they could afford to triple it's size and put it out every month with the same vibe. :w:

Tape op all the way. I get new ideas everytime I read on issue (even though they aren't big on hip-hop/R&B)& get all giddy when I pull it from the mailbox.

EQ & Tape Op.

EQ is more hip with the alt rock recording

Tape Op is great but is at it's best when it's overblown worship of Steve Albini is supressed to tasetfull levels....

The latest issue looks to be amazing..

But - you need them all!

Jules

I find that most of the mags are filled with propaganda. As far as the reviews are concerned. They are good for getting specs on new gear. Ocassionally someone has a negative comment about something. Sometimes there are interesting articles on different perspectives of the business. They are usually entertaining. Don't get me wrong there are many legitimate writers. But you have to sift through the shit more or less.
Tim

I agree. While most articles are well written, they're too formulaic and end on a positive note.

What I jump right to are the interviews with engineers and producers. Speaking of which, has anyone read Howard Massey's "Behind the Glass?" I was a little disappointed when I realized I'd already read half of the interviews in various Mix's, but overall I guess it's okay.

I get EQ and MIX. It's annoying how they both review the same equipment in the same month.

After I stopped reading the advertisements, I found that I could read the magazines cover to cover in about 30 minutes. :(

Hmm. I guess I like EQ more because it occasionally has articles on mixing / recording technique which are useful.

Jules

Any tips on where to pick up American music mags in London?

btw are you going to AES/will you do a live reportage?

Renie

Hello,
I page through most of the magazines at the bookstore, but the only one that shows up in my Mailbox is Tape Op. And I would subscribe even if it wasn't free. Tape Op is inspiring. Interviews and articles with people who are making great records with much less gear than I allready have.
And you get quotes like......
"Just use a 57, no one can tell the difference."

simonsez

TAPE OP is the only rag for me. recording for the everyman, like most of us guys without grammys, platnium records, etc. lots of decent stuff/tips/interviews to read that are interesting to me at least.

comparitively speaking, MIX is rather un-inspiring. every issue seems to be a bunch of glossy SSL-mega-console wank-off material. MIX is pretty to look at, but there's not much going on inside to keep me riveted...

I think Audio Media is a pretty good substitute for MIX, lots of industry news, reviews on gear that most anyone can afford, etc...and the fluff-to-useful content ratio is not out of whack.

my 2 useless cents.
(why I bother posting escapes me)

Hey guys, thanks for the kind words on Tape Op magazine. As its editor, I have to say some comments are right on and others a bit funny to me. Look for plenty of articles coming up that will surprise anyone who thinks we don't cover hip-hop! Mario C is in the January issue! As far as blowing smoke up Albini's ass, he gets mentioned a lot but isn't he one of the best known engineer/studio owners in America at this point? Plus he is outspoken in his viewpoints and that's always a blast for getting conversations started. That I dig. Wait for his "keynote" speech at the Tape Op conference next year! Thanks!

Tape Op is definitely the most fun and inspiring I also get a script to Sound on sound from Mr Standen's homeland...It can be great at times and fluffy(often in the same issue)they usually do nice product reviews.
Rivers

Hey, us guys with platinum thingy's like Tape Op too! It's definitely the highest content/fluff ratio of all the current recording zines. (The Mix is nothing like it used to be, IMO.) Keep up the great work Larry!

WallyJoe-
Behind the glass was a disappointment. Just like you said. It does however make good bathroom reading.
Tim

I agree with the votes for TapeOp, but there are a couple of others worth checking into:
#1) Studio Sound - from England, expensive in the US but the BEST of the commercial mags by FAR. Also has a very good website INCLUDING full access to the current issue!
#2)damn, I guess that's it. I get Mix and Audio Media for free fortunately and I've just about given up on EQ, I have given up on Recording.

sorta off topic, but.....
Unless you are only into the latest, greatest most cutting edge new thing, you might find some of the best info is available in OLD mags. Any good sized library will have back issue archives of the AES Journal, dB and RE/P magazines. all three of these seem remarkably better than the current crop of magazines. Even AES Journal, which currently reads like a digital audio math textbook, formerly was stuffed full of DIY articles. Amazing stuff, available for free. And if you have any interest in older analog gear, the old issues of dB and RE/P make great reading.

"Jules
Any tips on where to pick up American music mags in London?"

Tape Op - Tower Records Camden (got to be quick!)
EQ mag - Same
Mix Mag - Borders Books (fucking £7 in Tower!! :)

"EQ & Tape Op.
EQ is more hip with the alt rock recording"

I meant EQ is more hip THAN MIX magazine (!)
Tape Op is, of course, ALL ABOUT alt rock... long may it reign..

THE NEW TAPE OP IS HERE!!!!
THE NEW TAPE OP IS HERE!!!!
I'M SOMEBODY!!
Well not really sombody...........yet.
It looks like a doozie of an issue too (nov/dec)
Rupert Neve / Malcolm Toft / Rolling Stones recording of Brown Sugar / My Bloody Valentine....

Should I savor it for a few days or blast right through it?.....decisions, decisions.
simonsez

1. Studio Sound
2. Audio Media

Thanks for the tips Jules

Selfridges ground floor magazine dept has some US music mags too btw.

Renie