Analogue Systems FB3

Filter Bank

Analogue Systems continue their crusade to bring pre-MIDI devices back in studios everywhere with their new CV-only filter bank. Paul Ward checks it out.

Emu Systems E64

Digital Sampler

Hot on the heels of the ESI32 and EIV samplers comes Emu's latest mid-price unit. We sent Paul Wiffen to find out how the E64 differs from its siblings

Fostex D5

DAT Recorder

Paul White takes a look at the smallest of Fostex's 'D' range of pro DAT recorders.

Freekee Jack Swing

Sample Library

4*

Kat trapKAT

MIDI Percussion Controller

Following their flagship drumKat MIDI percussion controller, KAT Inc have released the new trapKAT, designed with 'real' drummers in mind as well as rhythmically-minded MIDI musicians. Paul White gets that groovy feline...

Kenton GS8

MIDI Guitar Switcher

David Mellor goes all gooey about Kenton's new MIDI guitar switcher, designed to put a stop to all the embarrassing onstage effects pedal swapping that goes on in the dark between numbers.

Korg Trident

Polysynth (Retro)

Vintage synth collector and self-confessed Korg fanatic Alex Clarke waxes extremely lyrical about the early '80s Trident — a hybrid of polysynth and string machine.

NHT 1.3A

Nearfield Monitors

Paul White tries out a pair of West Coast hi-fi speakers from the USA, and finds that they are much like Californian wines — a hint of presumption with no breeding, but you'll be amused by their impertinence.

Novation BassStation

Rack Analogue Synth

Novation have squeezed the innards of their successful BassStation analogue bass synth into a 1U rackmount model, throwing in some handy new features along the way. Jonathan Miller gets lost in bass...

Philips DCC730

Digital Recorder

Most home recordists would love to own a stereo digital recorder, but the relatively high price of DAT and MiniDisc has kept this desire a pipe dream — until now. Paul White tries out the very attractively priced Philips DCC730 digital recorder and discovers what could be a new standard in affordable digital mastering.

Soundtracs Topaz

Macro Mixer

Paul White lends a discerning pair of ears to this hauntingly familiar little mixer and discovers a practical blend of quality, usability, and value for money.

Spirit Protracker

8-channel Mixer

Paul White goes live armed with just an 8-track recorder and Spirit by Soundcraft's new ProTracker.

Synclavier S Link 2.0

Audio File Format Conversion Software

Most new software arrives in a blaze of publicity, but Synclavier's incredibly useful Mac utility dropped unannounced onto the SOS desk. Paul White checks it out.

Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1

Guitar Amp Simulator

Paul White plays axe hooligan for a day with the Sansamp PSA1.

The Bass Appetiser

Sample Library

5*

Widgets

SKB Pop-Up Mixer Flightcase; Adams Chord Systems

Jonathan Miller investigates the pop-up mixer case designed to house flat-bed rackmounting consoles, whilst Paul White's on the trail of an ingenious low-cost tool that helps you learn chords.

Workstation Vol. 2

Sample Library

3*

Yamaha CS80

Polysynth (Retro)

Richard Clewes explains his fascination for this hernia-inducing sound machine from days of yore.

Yamaha Rev100

Digital Reverb

Paul White tries out Yamaha'a new easy-to-use digital effects unit, and finds it brash rather than bashful.

Alex Paterson: The Orb, Legal Battles & Orbvs Terrarvm

Interview | Artist

The Orb survived a barrage of legal wrangles, financial upsets and personnel changes to deliver their latest collection of Ambient musical adventures. Mark J. Prendergast gets the word from the group's founder, Alex Paterson.

Andy Pickford: Terraforma, Replicant & Blade Runner

Interview | Artist

A relative newcomer to the UK electronic music scene, Andy Pickford is giving the likes of Mark Shreeve, Ian Boddy, and John Dyson a run for their money. Jonathan Miller witnesses the new kid on the block in action at Derby Cathedral.

Making It In The Industry: Landing A Record Deal

Tips & Techniques

Anthony Graham passes on some valuable advice to help maximise your chances of landing that elusive recording/publishing deal.

Michael Brook: World Music

Interview | Producer/Guitarist

Having recently completed two new World Music albums, one for Indian electric mandolin player U. Srinivas, the other with legendary Pakistani Qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Canadian producer/guitarist Michael Brook never wanted to confront music technology ever again! Paul Tingen explains why...

Michael Errington: Composing For Film Scores & Soundtracks

Interview | Composer

Michael Errington started his career selling pianos, but now he's living in LA and writing scores for Hollywood movies. Paul White discovers what happened in between...

Peter Jones: Relationship Between Producer & Artist

Opinion | Music Production (Production Lines)

According to successful freelance engineer and producer Peter Jones, the marriage between the producer and the artist is far too important to be left to chance. Here he argues the case for a more targeted approach that would allow for some interesting cross-fertilisation.

Master Keyboards & PC Multimedia

PC Notes

Brian Heywood explains what a busy month his PCs have had, and takes another look at the PC's potential for multimedia.

MIDI Files & MCPS

Atari Notes

Vic Lennard considers the current plight of the humble MIDI File Library.

OctaMED

Amiga Notes

There has been plenty happening on the Amiga scene this month — not least final confirmation of Commodore's buyout. Paul Overaa explains...

OMS, QuickTime & Alternatives

Apple Notes

After 'QuickTime and OMS with everything' last month, Martin Russ seeks an alternative view of MIDI on the Mac.

Planning Your First Home Studio, Part 5

Tips & Techniques

Nothing dampens creativity more than a studio full of 'spaghetti' cabling. This month, Paul White explains the virtues of installing a patchbay to banish cable clutter once and for all.
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Sampling Analogue Synthesizers

Exploration

Given the outrageously high asking prices of so-called classic analogue synths, it can often pay to hire them and sample the sounds yourself. Paul Ward passes on a few tips.

Second-hand Equipment, Part 1

Exploration

While the likes of Roland TR909 drum machines and TB303 Basslines sell for inflated amounts, less trendy but often more functional gear regularly appears in the free ad columns at unbelievable prices. Derek Johnson takes advantage of the fickle nature of fashion to help you assemble a budget second-hand system...
• Read Part 2

Soundproofing Tips For The Home Studio

Tips & Techniques

Not everyone can justify building an acoustically treated, soundproof studio, but with a little effort and ingenuity, you can often make significant improvements to the room you already have at very little cost. Paul White presents a few ideas.