Alesis S4 Quadrasynth

64-voice Sound Module

Dave Crombie gets to grips with Alesis' Tardis-like synth module and finds out that the inside is a lot bigger than the outside.

Behringer Combinator

Multi-band Compressor

Behringer claim that the Combinator can dramatically compress a signal without introducing any undesirable side-effects. Paul White checked it out on a mastering session.

Black II Black Vol. 1

Sample Library

4.5*

CAD88 & CAD89

Dynamic Microphones

Paul White checks out these American mics and finds they compare very favourably to other popular dynamics.

CP Technology Missing Link MIDI-CV Converter; Intrinsic Technology Plus48 MIDI Port Expander

Widgets

Steve Howell investigates a single-channel MIDI-CV converter whilst Derek Johnson examines a three-way MIDI expansion for the Atari ST.

Digitech TSR12

Studio Reverb & Multi-effects Processor

Is this low-priced brother of the powerful TSR24 destined to find its way into the studio rack of the UK, or simply become part of the EC effects processor mountain? Derek Johnson finds out.

Emu Classic Keys

Sound Module (Preview)

Emu took up the opportunity of a whistle-stop Autumn press tour to announce new products — including their lowest-priced sampler to date — which set the company's agenda for the coming months. Derek Johnson previews the new kit on the block.

Emu ESi32

16-Bit Sampler (Preview)

Emu took up the opportunity of a whistle-stop Autumn press tour to announce new products — including their lowest-priced sampler to date — which set the company's agenda for the coming months. Derek Johnson previews the new kit on the block.

Ensoniq KT76

Workstation Keyboard

Ensoniq take S+S Synthesis with a twist, add a powerful but approachable array of editing options, and throw in some high-quality effects and a well specified sequencer. Is the sucessor to the KT32 their best workstation yet? Julian Colbeck finds out.

Fostex RD8

Digital Multitrack Recorder

The Fostex RD8 digital multitrack combines the Alesis ADAT tape format with a wealth of on-board synchronisation and control facilities. David Mellor investigates.

Korg Wavedrum

Drum Synthesizer

Amongst the black rackmount boxes and sleeky anonymous keyboards, one new hi-tech instrument stands out, as much for what's inside it as for its appearance. SOS brings you the exclusive first look at the latest incarnation of physical modelling technology, korg's adventurous new Wavedrum. Review by Julian Colbeck.

Neil Conti: Funky Drums From Hell

Sample Library

4*

Spirit Folio Lite

12:2 Mixer

Paul White appraises the latest contender in the budget, general-purpose mixer category, and finds that its deceptively simple facade conceals several powerful and unexpected features.

SPL Optimizer

Equaliser

Many musicians are familiar with the SPL Vitalizer. Now the company hope to win a space in the racks of studios world-wide with their new Optimizer. Dave Lockwood finds some unique features behind the company's unconventional approach to equaliser design.

Yamaha FX770

Guitar Effects Processor

Not only does this digital processor produce a wide range of convincing guitar tones, it can also double as a general-purpose studio effects unit. Paul White dusts off his axe and plugs in.

Graham Massey (808 State): Using The Internet For Communication

Interview | Band

808 State have seen the future — and it's called the Internet. You can now contact the group via the net thanks to their new information service, State to State. 808 mainman Graham Massey explains the idea to Matt Bell.

Mitchell Froom: Recording Crowded House & Elvis Costello

Interview | Producer

Despite having produced a string of successful albums by artists as diverse as Crowded House, Suzanne Vega and Elvis Costello, Mitchell Froom still strives for a fresh approach to each new project and refuses to sit back and sink into a formula. Paul Tingen talks to him.

Multimedia & Amiga Falcon

Exploration

Atari's high flyer had top billing as the first ever personal multimedia system. Andrew Wright enters stage left to look at the claim.

Steve Ferrera: Head Of A&R At Echo

Opinion | Music Production (Production Lines)

American producer Steve Ferrera has a problem with most A&R people — and that's why he's taken a job as head of A&R at Echo, the new record label set up last year by Chrysalis group chairman Chris Wright. Artist-friendly labels may be a cliche, but Ferrera is determined that Echo really will be different. Here he explains his Philosophy...

Todd Rundgren: Interactive Music, Recording Adventures In Utopia

Interview | Producer

Probably best know as the producer of Meat Loaf's monster selling 'Bat Out Of Hell' album, Todd Rundgren's wide-ranging career has continually encompassed cutting edge technology. Jimmy Phillips talks to him about his latest ventures: an interactive music CD and interactive stage show.

3D Mixing: Giving Your Mixes More Space

Tips & Techniques

Paul White explains some of the principles behind the 3D sound perception, and shows how you can apply some of these to your mixes using nothing but simple effects and a little EQ.

Basics Of Hard Disk Recording, Part 2

Primer

David Mellor takes a look at the components of a typical disk recording system, and passes on some hints on what to look for when deciding on a setup.
• Read Part 1 (October 1994)

Blue Ribbon & Dr T's KCS

Amiga Notes

This month Amiga guru Paul Overaa takes over the reins on our Amiga Notes pages. What have we let you in for? Read on and you'll see...

Cost Of MIDI Files

Atari Notes

Are MIDI Files too expensive? Vic Lennard investigates...

Getting The Best From Your Leslie Simulator

Tips & Techniques

Using a Leslie no longer means dragging around a large wooden cabinet crammed with rotating speakers. More and more modern units and simulators are now available, and Nick Magnus dons his prog rock mantle to explain how to get the most from them.

Networking On The Internet For Musicians

Tips & Techniques

If you're a musician with a computer, a phone line and a bit of cash to spare, a modem may be all you need to tap into the vast resources of the global computer network called the Internet. Stephen Bennett ventures into Cyberspace to show you how.

Opcode — Behind The Scenes

Apple Notes

This month, in addition to all the latest Apple hardware and software news, Martin Russ brings you a behind-the-scenes interview with the Director of Sales at Opcode...

Using Samplecell II With Sound Designer II

Exploration

David Mellor explains why he abandoned his hardware sampler in favour of Digidesign's computer based sample playback card, and takes a look at what you need to make it into a fully fledged sampling setup.

Windows MIDI Mapper

PC Notes

Brian Heywood finds out where you can go for a PC software demo, checks out the Windows MIDI Mapper, and spends some money via his PC...