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Review: Latin funk music's best and brightest recollector-reissuers Vampi Soul continue to do what they do best with this latest reissue of the debut self-titled album by Zulu. One of the last great albums of the first wave of Peruvian rock,and originally released in 1974, Zulu was infamous for its linking of psych-tinged rock with Afro-Latin American beats and folk pop. The enigmatic Zulu (real name Miguel Angel Ruiz Orbegoso) was best known during his lifetime as a member of the bands Traffic Sound and Los Nuevos Shain, but his only solo album commands a unique aura as a numinous rarity, immediately pre-dating his latter-career immersion in the religious community. Reissued for the first time with the collaboration of Zulu, including extensive liner notes and one extra track, the likes of 'Si en el cielo yo viviera', 'Laberintos' and 'Candela' are pastoral gems of folk-cumbia and salsa, playing back with a level of sensitivity and texture that could only be born of a worthy spirit.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, but product is in excellent condition and in perfect working order***


Zoom's top-of-the-range handheld recording option, the H6essential records up to six tracks via built-in stereo mics and four mic/line inputs. Top quality 32-bit/96 kHz recording quality.

Supplier's Notes:
Zoom H6essential Handy Recorder

The Flagship - Zoom's most robust handheld recorder, the H6essential is a recording powerhouse. With 6 tracks of 32-bit float recording, the H6essential provides unprecedented quality and unmatched versatility.

Features

6-track 32-bit float recorder with Dual A/D Converters
Clip-free recording with no need to set gain
Records up to 96kHZ sample rate
Interchangeable Mic Capsule System 3.0 with 32-bit float support
Included X/Y Mic Capsule captures up to 135 dB SPL
4 XLR/TRS combo inputs with locking connector
Colour LCD Screen
Built-in mixer to adjust each track's audio level
Built-in speaker for quick reference playback
3.5mm headphone output plus 3.5mm line output
Voice Guidance accessibility for the visually impaired
32-Bit Float audio interface for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices via USB-C port
Use as an interface and record to SD card simultaneously
Using the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter, sync with wireless timecode devices via bluetooth
Use the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter to pair with the H6essential Control App for iOS
Record to SD cads up to 1TB
10 hours of battery life on AA battery (2x) or USB-C Bus Power
*Please note: BTA-1 Adapter not included

Outputs you need

Use the line output to connect to a camera and the headphone output to monitor your audio.

Quieter controls

Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for silent operation.

Onboard speaker

Use the improved onboard speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference.

Six perfect tracks

The 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs feature ultra-clean Zoom preamps, and the included X/Y microphones can capture up to a booming 135 dB SPL, equivalent to a jet taking off.

Record and stream

Use the USB-C port to connect to PC, Mac, iOS, and Android device to use the H6essential as a 32-bit float interface while simultaneously recording all 6 tracks to an SD card.

Pair with your iOS device

Use the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter to pair with your iOS device to remotely hit record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings.

Bluetooth timecode

With the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video sync. *BTA-1 Adapter not included.

Specs

Input & output channels

Inputs
Mic capsule: 1
MIC/LINE (mono): 4

Outputs
LINE OUT: 1
Headphones: 1
Built-in speaker (mono): 1

INPUTS
XY mic: XYH-6e: 90O XY stereo format
Directionality: Unidirectional
Sensitivity: -42dB/1Pa at 1kHz
Maximum sound pressure input: 135 dB SPL

MIC/LINE (mono)
Connectors: 4 XLR/TRS combo jacks (XLR:2 HOT TRS:TIP HOT)
Input gain: Adjustment unnecessary (dual A/D converter circuits used)
Input impedance: MIC: 3.8 kO or more, LINE: 39 kO or more
Maximum input level: MIC: +4 dBu, LINE: +24 dBu
Phantom power: +48 V
Channel total: 32 mA or less
Equivalent input noise MIC: -120 dBu or less(IHF-A) @150 O input, LINE: -95 dBu or less(IHF-A) @600 O input

OUTPUTS

LINE OUT
Connector: Stereo mini jack
Maximum output level: +1 dBu
Output impedance: 110 O or less

Headphones
Connector: Stereo mini jack
Maximum output level: 20 mW + 20 mW(when 32 O load)
Output impedance: 10 O or less

Built-in speaker
Type: 20 mm x 30mm elliptical dynamic speaker
Effective maximum output: 250mW

RECORDER
Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 8
Maximum simultaneous playback tracks: 6

Recording formats:
WAV
44.1/48/96 kHz,
32-bit float mono/stereo
BWF and iXML formats supported

Recording media: 4-32GB cards compatible with the microSDHC specification, 64GB-1TB cards compatible with the microSDXC specification

Display: 2.0-inch full-colour LCD 360 x 240

USB
Connector: USB Type-C - Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.
Audio Interface : USB 2.0 High Speed
Input and output channels: 6 in / 2 out (Multi), 2 in / 2 out (Stereo)
Sampling frequency: 44.1/48/96 kHz (AIF only), 44.1/48 kHz (AIF + onboard recording)
Bit depth: 24-bit, 32-bit float
File transfer: USB 2.0 High Speed

Remote

Dedicated wireless adapter: ZOOM BTA-1

Power

4 AA batteries: Alkaline, lithium or rechargeable NiMH batteries
AC Adapter: ZOOM AD-17 (DC 5 V/1 A) - USB bus power is supported.

Estimated continuous operation times using batteries: 2-track recording (XYH-6e)
Alkaline batteries: About 18 hours
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): About 14.5 hours
Lithium batteries: About 30 hours

48 kHz/32-bit float with phantom power off, no headphones, no LINE OUT, no REMOTE, Power Saving on, Display Brightness Medium
These values are approximate.
Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods.They will vary greatly according to use conditions.

Estimated continuous operation times using batteries: 6-track recording (XYH-6e and inputs 1-4)
Alkaline batteries: About 3.5 hours
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): About 4 hours
Lithium batteries: About 9 hours
48 kHz/32-bit float with phantom power off, headphones used (33O load), no LINE OUT, no REMOTE, Power Saving on, Display Brightness Medium
These values are approximate.
Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods.They will vary greatly according to use conditions.

Power consumption: 5 W maximum

Dimensions
Recorder: 78.1 mm (W) × 160.1 mm (D) × 42.8 mm (H)
XYH-6e: 69.1 mm (W) × 50.8 mm (D) × 43.0 mm (H)
Weight Recorder: 381 g (including batteries)
XYH-6e: 42 g
Note: 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

Review: The 18th album from James, whose career spans over four decades, emerging in the C86 era of indie, coming to prominence as part of the Madchester movement but establishing and holding onto a loyal fan base and critical acclaim with their unique blend of alternative rock and dream pop. The band work in unique ways to keep things fresh and this is no exception, bringing us "the tracks that didn't make it to the next stage" before now. A significant milestone in their musical journey, showcasing the band's continued evolution and creative prowess, it encapsulates a wide range of emotions and themes, exploring personal experiences, societal issues and the human condition. James' distinct songwriting style is evident throughout, with thoughtful lyrics and introspective reflections, while musically, the album features the band's signature atmospheric soundscapes, ethereal melodies and intricate guitar work.

Review: Your Day Will Come is the debut album from Chanel Beads (Shane Lavers), a fresh face and breakout force in the realm of contemporary, dreamy avant-garde music. The New York musician's first LP here follows up 2022 singles 'Ef' and 'True Altruism', and hears him fleshing out his distinctly catatonic and silken sound, achieved by his patented method of layering acoustic and synthetic instruments. A veritable traversal of the fantasy in sound, the album was born of Lavers' experience of lockdown in 2020, during which time the musician found himself reexamining his relationship to music and artistry, in a bid to find his authenticity. A recollection of an early childhood experience of loss followed, an experience which informs on the album's psychic-stylistic meanderings, which span every facet of electronic to punk to dream pop to pysch-funk to neoclassical folk.

Review: Self-described "putrid, drug-fueled gutter rock from the filthy streets of NYC", Couch Slut deal in ugliness, and boy is business a-boomin'! Meshing the most challenging facets of grindcore, hardcore punk, noise rock and black metal, the resulting cacophony is as unpleasant as it is impenetrable, yet the commanding presence of vocalist and primary songwriter Megan Osztrosits demands you suffer the audible torment while she details harrowing depictions of sexual violence, drug abuse and more singular inner-city horrors through subversive, vitriolic and grimly humoured phrases. Working with industrial hardcore manglers Uniform's Ben Greenberg (with previous production credits for Drab Majesty, Portrayal of Guilt, Metz), You Could Do It Tonight marks the fourth overall full-length from the group, and utterly refuses to dilute or smoothen their ethos of audibly healing through pain, or just pain for the fuck of it.

Review: Brooklyn-based psychedelic soul group Say She She have exploded onto the scene since their debut in 2019. Receiving critical acclaim for their two albums to date, and multiple TV performances, the Nile Rodgers-inspired female trio even got a video message of approval from the legend himself. Organic and authentic are two words that fit the classically trained troupe to a tea and, in the great soul tradition, covers are a necessity. Jim Spencer's 1979 track 'Wrap Myself Up in Your Love' didn't get much attention at the time - his attempt at doing disco wasn't well received - but thanks to the adoration of archive label The Numero Group, the song has seen a resurgence in covers and fans. The original vocal is expressive and powerful against some jangly funk guitars, whilst Say She She's rendition hones in on the sultry aspect of the track. Guitars are muted down to transform the song into a lovemaking slow jam, wind passages are introduced and the vocal is subtly powerful and sexy. This single has both Say She She's cover - as well as the original - on a 7" disc.

Review: Say She She is the psychedelic soul group from Brooklyn that's exploded onto the scene since their debut in 2019. Receiving critical acclaim for their two albums to date, and the pleasure of touring Europe and North America, the Nile Rodgers-inspired female trio even got a video message of approval from the legend himself. Authentic and organic are two words that fit the classically trained troupe to a tea and, in the great soul tradition, covers are a necessity. Jim Spencer's 1979 attempt at foraying into disco 'Wrap Myself Up in Your Love' wasn't received amazingly at the time, but thanks to the adoration of archive label The Numero Group, the song has seen a resurgence in covers and fans. The original vocal is zany and expressive against some jangly funk guitars, whilst Say She She's rendition hones in on the sultry aspect of the track. Guitars are muted down to transform the song into a lovemaking slow jam, wind passages are introduced and the vocal is subtly powerful and sexy. This 7" contains both Spencer's original track and the interpretation by the trio, pressed on white vinyl.

Review: Just when you thought you'd heard Robert Smith and The Cure every which way but bad, we discover more from their huge back catalogue. This time in the form of World War, a compilation of rare demos that takes its name for the band's seminal early single, which appears in a particular raw and unfettered, grinding version on this collection. A sound that defines the overall aesthetic. Rough and ready but packed full of energy, the huge landmark 'Boys Don't Cry' feels more intimate as a result, 'Fire In Cairo' arguably more punk, 'M' more New Romantic, and 'Heroin Face' less compromising than ever before. If all that sounds like bullshit talking, we implore you to take a listen and see what you think - the smart money is on us agreeing in the end.

Review: Goat's World Music offers a captivating blend of Aboriginal, Nordic, psychedelia, acid Rock and tribal influences, exuding strong rock overtones driven by powerful female vocals that command attention with their intensity and strength. Throughout the album, listeners are treated to mesmerizing organ leads that add an ethereal dimension to the music, while abrasive and rash guitar work injects a raw energy into the sound. Tribal percussion rhythms further enhance the album's immersive atmosphere, transporting listeners on a sonic journey. With its diverse range of influences and eclectic instrumentation, World Music defies traditional genre boundaries, making this a listening experience that stands out.

Review: In 1994, legendary hip-hop stoners Cypress Hill took the stage at Woodstock '94 and left an indelible mark on the iconic festival. With their groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and rock, the 'Hill captivated the Woodstock crowd with their electrifying performances and brought all of the raw energy and innovative sounds they are so well loved for. The group's set at Woodstock '94 showcased their ability to command any stage, drawing fans from diverse musical backgrounds as they worked through many of their most well loved hit and in doing so solidified their status as pioneers of the rap-rock genre.

Notes: Inside our brand new issue:

Still House Plants: London's post-post-punk trio use deconstructed songform to tap emotions others cannot reach. By Frances Morgan

FUJI|||||||||||TA: Pulling out the stops with homemade pipe organs. By Antonio Poscic

Cheer-Accident: Thymme Jones's motley crew of Chicago outsiders flip the conventions of the rock band. By Peter Margasak

Lolina: One half of influential duo Hype Williams explores a comic book dystopia in new project Unrecognisable. By Claire Biddles

NikNak: The British musician turns the tables on sound art. By Tayyab Amin

Invisible Jukebox: Kristin Hersh: Will the songwriter and author find her muse in The Wire's mystery record selection? Tested by Emily Pothast

Unlimited Editions: Tripalium Corp

Unofficial Channels: Billdifferen

Ana Lua Caiano: Portuguese tradition made anew by the musician and audiovisual artist. By Shane Woolman

BBBBBBB: The Japanese trio present their scum manifesto. By James Hadfield

Fatboi Sharif: The Garden State Gargoyle raps a dance of the macabre. By Joseph Stannard

Angelica Sanchez: A set of monster jams from the East Coast pianist. By Stewart Smith

The Inner Sleeve: Lee Gamble on Various Artists' Decay Product

Epiphanies: Jlin maximises her creative potential with Philip Glass

Soundcheck: [Ahmed], Ancine, Andrea & Mud, Maria Bertel Et Nina Garcia, Alan Braufman, Anthony Braxton, Kyle Bruckman, Natalia Cappa, John Carpenter/Cody Carpenter/Daniel Davies, Cheer-Accident, Clarissa Connelly, Anastasia Coope, Viv Corringham, Alison Cotton, Couch Slut, Richie Culver, Elkhorn & Mike Gangloff, Phil Geraldi, Carlos Giffoni, Allen Ginsberg, Allen Ginsberg & Youth, Grackles, groundsound, Liz Helman, Julia Holter, Jack O'The Clock, Goran Kajfes Tropiques, Kowloon Spider Temples, Sean Ono Lennon, Magic Tuber String Band, DJ Marcelle, Melvins, Monopoly Child Nightlife, Monopoly Child, Star Searchers, NOUT, Bill Orcutt Guitar Quartet, Organum Electronics, OU, Pye Corner Audio, Quiet Husband, Mikel Rouse, Bianca Scout, sinono, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Ches Smith, Kavain Wayne Space & XT, Guido Spannochi, Malini Sridharan, Luke Stewart Silt Trio, Sunburned Hand Of The Man, Thollem, Thollem & Ka, Thollem/Terry Riley/Nels Cline, tilt, Toadliquor, Alan Tomlinson & Lawrence Casserley, Alan Tomlinson Trio, Kamasi Washington, Larry Wish, Cody Yantis, Zombi, Various Resist Colonial Power By Any Means Necessary

The Boomerang: Amon Duul, As One, Cranes, Curve, Brian Eno, Brian Eno/Holger Czukay/J Peter Schwalm, NRG Ensemble, Pharoah Sanders, Linda Smith, Twelve Cubic Feet, Vile Cherubs, Mars Williams & Hamid Drake, Mars Williams/Darin Gray/Chris Corsano, Bernie Worrell, Bernie Worrell/Cindy Blackman Santana/John King, Various Aceh Punx Compilation, Various Groucho Marxist Record Co.Operative, Various Noise Of Cologne 3, Various Punk KS, Various Trouble Brews: A Belfast Punk Compilation

Print Run: Basta Now: Women, Trans & Non-binary In Experimental Music by Fanny Chiarello; Dream Machines: Electronic Music In Britain From Doctor Who To Acid House by Matthew Collin; Ears To The Ground: Adventures In Field Recording And Electronic Music by Ben Murphy; Ain't It Fun: Peter Laughner & Proto-Punk In The Secret City by Aaron Lange; 20 000 Words: Interviews With Antoine Le Bousse by Sylvain Darrifourcq; Switched On: The Dawn Of Electronic Sound By Latin American Women edited by Luis Alvarado & Alejandra Cardenas; The Future Of Songwriting by Kristin Hersh; Elizabethan Tape Loops by Drew Mulholland; The Notebooks Of Sonny Rollins by Sonny Rollins with Sam VH Reese (Editor)

On Screen: Neo Sora Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus

On Location: Andre 3000, San Francisco, US; Fred Frith & Susana Santos Silva, London, UK; FLEA Presents Random Gear Festival + Rashad Becker + Joanne Robertson + Callahan & Witscher + Nick Malkin, London, UK; Cassie Kinoshi with seed. + NikNak + London Contemporary Orchestra, London, UK; Fortuna 2024, Tokyo, Japan; Charlemagne Palestine, Amsterdam, Netherlands; On An Endless Road: It? Noe And The Women Composers Of Her Time, London, UK; Ustad Noor Bakhsh, London, UK; Glamorous Pharmacy, Shenzhen, China; ML Buch + Astrid Sonne, London, UK; Life After Death, London, UK; Brighde Chaimbeul, London, UK

On Site: Pan Daijing Mute, Munich, Germany; Ginsberg In London, London, UK

Review: The Summits are a beloved fixture on the Soul Direction label and have plenty of fans in the wider soul collecting community. As a result they are now familiar to many and their track 'Window Shopping' emerged from an almost-lost master tape. It has previously been available only in digital format. on the flip, meanwhile, Phillips traverses diverse musical territories spanning from feel-good disco to funky fusion and modern soul. Among the six tracks recovered from numerous tapes, this one, 'People Clap Your Hands' stands out. It has never before been on vinyl and is a lo-fi, funk fuelled gem with soul infused vocals.

Review: "The album was inspired by my many happy DJ nights promoting my club night 'Club Pod' down in Brighton in the 1990s and my love of all things Sixties Freakbeat. I wanted to put as many great tracks as I could on one compilation to hopefully bring across the feeling of sheer joy from spinning these awesome tracks in a club and seeing the place go off," says Mark McQuillan, the man responsible for this expansive compendium to a driving 1960s sub genre of UK and US guitar undergrounds. The Haunted, The Birds, The Wimple Winch, The Remains, The Kinks, The Eyes, The Shadows of Knight, and The Action, all make appearances. As do other bands that don't start with 'the'. For example, Davie Allan & The Arrows, Count Five, and Spencer Matthews Band (just kidding). If you know, you know.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Missing original outer sleeve but otherwise in perfect working condition***


Mikal Asher, a scion of Jamaica's Morgan family dynasty, reunites with Chocolate Star Records here and does so with a collaboration with disco legend Gary Davis. Asher, akin to his brother Denroy Morgan, upholds the family's legacy of righteousness through music. Known as the Binghiman, he crafts captivating tunes with profound lyrics and has recorded in Ghana's Hustle Hard Studios and collaborated with industry pioneers in Kingston and Brooklyn, setting new standards in musical excellence along the way. Here, 'Wicked Ah Fi' transforms into a modern dub stepper, while 'Black Woman' offers a soulful, laid-back dedication to Davis' wife, Sonjia. This 7" also comes with innovative remixes from California-based DJ and producer Knoe1.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight surface marks ***


This album is one of the greatest r&b records ever. That's just a fact. Jill Scott herself has never even managed to surpass what she lay down on this stone-cold classic all the way back in 2002. The production is stylish and warm, seductive and sensual throughout, with jazz, neo soul, funk, r&b and hip hop all carefully infusing each track. The lyrics are empowering as they celebrate blackness and female strength, but also at times witty and playful. It's a go-to date night album for people all over the world and how it missed out on a Grammy for Best Album or Best Vocal Performance when it was first nominated we will never know.

Review: Italian label Roof Club aims to raise both ceilings and roofs, and continue to do so with their latest EP from Guile. Mixing a contemporary minimal approach with classic 90s sounds, this one's a neat fusion of progressive house and trance, with sprinklings of cheesy freestyle and acid thrown in for good measure. The jokingly titled '90's Generator' is the real highlight, with its orchestral hits and licky leads.

Review: Tarja's What Lies Beneath, originally released in 2010 showcases her versatility as an artist. The album seamlessly blends genres, from symphonic rock to Europop, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Tarja's powerful vocals take center stage, soaring effortlessly over the dramatic orchestration and infectious beats. The lyrics delve into themes of love, loss, and personal growth, resonating with listeners on an emotional level. Standout tracks include the anthemic 'Until My Last Breath' and the haunting 'Falling Awake.' The album's reissue in 2024 is a testament to Tarja's artistry and her ability to connect with audiences through her music.