Reviews
ALTERNATIVE INSTRUMENTS
MIDIDraw and MIDIGrid Can't play an instrument but would like to create music? Your wish is granted! With the right software, the humble Atari ST computer can be turned into a ver different MIDI instrument indeed. Martin Russ looks at two unusual graphical music programs with contrasting approaches: MIDIDraw and MIDIGrid.
HOLLIS RESEARCH: System exclusive data; Memory loop/overdub off; selective memory; multi-tasking; C-LAB: Arrange mode parameters; Pattern length; more groove quantise
ROLAND CD5 CD ROM PLAYER
Roland CD5 CD ROM Player Surrounded by sample disks? Swamped by sounds? Paul Ireson takes a look at Roland's new CD5 CD ROM player, the next step up in sound library management for S550 sample owners, and a taste of things to come for everyone else.
Smarter than the average pitch shifter?
Digitech Smart Shift David Mellor assesses the musical intelligence of the DigiTech IPS33 SmartShift intelligent pitch shifter.
THE MUSIC NETWORK: SOS On-line; TMN Conference system
YAMAHA TQ5 EXPANDER
Yamaha TQ5 Expander Stylish or ugly, the TQ5's unconventional casing shouldn't distract you from the fact that with its 8-track integral sequencer and digital effects, this 4-operator FM expander packs a pretty powerful punch for the money. David Hughes reports from his ring-side seat.
YAMAHA V50
Yamaha V50 Paul Ireson explores Yamaha's latest professional keyboard, which integrates FM synthesis, a drum machine, a powerful sequencer and a multi-effects unit into a single package. Could it be FM's finest hour?
| People + Opinion
A CASE FOR QUALITY
A Case For Quality: Microphones Until recently, Bruel & Kjaer was renowned mainly for its expertise in electronic measurements in the fields of acoustics and vibration. However, with the development of their series 4000 range of studio mics, designed originally to respond to the new demands of digital recording, Bruel & Kjaer have earned a reputation as one of the top manufacturers of versatile, high performance microphones. In this article Ralph Dunlop, Bruel & Kjaer's UK sales Manager, makes a case for the use of quality microphones and outlines a useful guide for determining microphone choice and application.
KITARO
Kitaro He's big in Japan, massive in America, and beginning to conquer Europe with his own brand of ethereal synthesized 'mood music'. Mark Jenkins talks to the phenomenon that is Kitaro.
LONDON COLLEGE OF FURNITURE
London College Of Furniture Are you looking for an engineering career in the audio industry? Perhaps a technology course at the London College of Furniture might set you on the right path. Course tutor Tim Orr explains why...
MIDI COMPOSITION VIA COMPUTER
The Transcontinental, MIDI Songwriting Shuffle Projects have a way of getting out of control, and Al Hospers and Craig Anderton ended up going a lot father than they'd expected. Talking about MIDI one day, they realised that they had never read about anyone doing long-distance, computerised, MIDI songwriting collaborations. So they decided to try the concept out, see what worked and what didn't. But being two songwriters on opposite coasts of America, using different computers and different musical instruments, writing and producing a single, without face-to-face collaboration until the final mixdown, is not as simple as it may seem. Al Hospers reveals what happened.
SOUNDING OFF: Is there a Bob in your studio? by Greg Truckell
Technique
EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About System Exclusive: Part 2 Part 2: Martin Russ reveals even more about the uses and applications of MIDI's most powerful function.
HOW TO SET UP A HOME STUDIO
How To Set Up A Home Studio: Part 6: Patchbay Layout Part 6: Possession of a patchbay marks the difference between a conglomeraion of miscellaneous equipment and a versatile working studio. David Mellor explains how to design your own patchbay layout.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR AKAI S1000 SAMPLER: Part 1
Part 1: Taking Your Own Samples Recently voted 'Best Sampler' by SOS readers, Akai's S1000 has quickly established itself as the industry standard 16-bit machine. So who better to reveal the innermost secrets of the instrument and to pass on valuable knowledge than the creator of the new SWM and Workstation sample disks, Akai product specialist Steve Howell. This month he kicks off the series with an explanation of how to take your own samples.
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