Asymetrix Mediablitz

Multimedia Authoring

Wanna delve into multimedia without breaking the bank? Tim Frost assesses this low cost multimedia authoring package for PCs.

Datafile

Sample Library

4* (VFM)
2.5* (S)
2* (F)

Emu Ultra Proteus

Synthesizer Module

Imagine a synth which is a cross between the best of Emu's Proteus and Proformance modules, and also includes the Z-plane filters of the Morpheus. No further need to imagine; it's here, in the form of the new UltraProteus. Julian Colbeck checks out this impressive multitimbral module.

Hallelujah

Sample Library

5*

Marantz PMD720

Personal Recording Studio

Marantz's first cassette multitracker made quite a stir on its launch last year, with its eye-catching retro styling and round VU meters — and it sounded good too. Derek Johnson takes a look at its lower-cost brother and finds it shares much of the same appeal.

Power Master Hard Disk Drive System; Cubase Power Users Guide

Widgets

Paul White investigates the capabilities for music production of the Power Master, while Derek Johnson looks at a book aimed at Atari ST and Falcon-based users of Cubase V3.

Quasimidi Quasar

Synth Module

Is it an analogue synth? Is it an FM synth? Is it an S+S or even an additive synth? Quasimidi claim that their new Quasar module is all of these. Paul Ward checks out the hype and the reality, and is pleasantly surprised.

Tascam M-2600

Recording Console

Paul White checks out Tascam's latest contender for the 8-bus crown and believes that, despite fierce competition, it's in with a fighting chance.

Waldorf EMES Blue

Nearfield Monitors

Paul White rearranges his control room yet again, this time to test Waldorf's nearfield monitors plus the optional, and enigmatically named, Blue Boost.

Yamaha MT120S

Multitrack Cassette Recorder

Yamaha's popular cassette multitracker now benefits from a selection of hardware improvements, including double speed operation, and adds an S to its name. Shirley Gray checks out MT120 Version 2.

Yamaha QY300

Music Sequencer

The Walkstation grows up! After causing a stir with their 'pocket-sized' QY10 and QY20, Yamaha have produced the 'Big Brother' of the range, the QY300. Martin Russ discovers to his delight that it's not just the size that's increased...

Future Sound Of London: Broadcast, TV & Radio Musicians

Interview | Company

Future Sound of London aim to infiltrate broadcasting and permeate TV and radio, rejecting the traditional roles of studio musicians to fashion themselves into a complete 'broadcast system' with control over every aspect of the audio/visual mix. Nigel Humberstone discovers what it's all about.

Mike Stock: The Future Of British Pop

Opinion | Music Production (Production Lines)

Mike Stock, once one third of production giants Stock Aitken and Waterman, ponders the future of British pop...

Paul Ward: Surreal To Real

Interview | Artist

Paul Ward plays a key role in the thriving Surreal To Real record company, is about to release his second solo album — and still holds down a day job. Paul White caught up with him backstage, after his impressive live performance at the EMMA festival, to find out how he does it.

Trevor Horn: Recording ABC, ZTT, Yes, & The Pet Shop Boys

Interview | Producer

In the UK exclusive on the 10th anniversary of Trevor Horn's ZTT label, Richard Buskin talks to this renowned producer, whose Midas touch has transformed artists as varied as Frankie Goes To Hollywood, ABC, Yes, the Pet Shop Boys, and most recently Seal.

Ground Loops Explained

Exploration

Few things can be more frustrating than having a recording system plagued by hum. Paul White explains the causes of hum-inducing ground loops, and offers practical advice on how to avoid them.

Meridian, Softwood

Amiga Notes

Paul Austin brings you the latest Amiga news, starting with an update on the Commodore takeover situation...

Performing Arts Network & Hard Disk Recording

PC Notes

Brian Heywood surveys the latest in software and hard disk recording developments shown at the APRS exhibition and reveals how you can go deeper into cyberspace with the Performing Arts Network...

Philosophy Of Mixing: Views From The Pros

Exploration

When it comes to mixing, there are no rules, and all engineers and producers have their own preferred approach. We kick off this 'Mixing It' special feature with a look at how the professionals mix it.

QuickTime v.2.0

Apple Notes

Martin Russ dishes up the latest Apple news, explains how to make your own aliases, and even casually prophesies the death of MIDI. But first, he sets the record straight concerning QuickTime v.2.0...

Retro Look At Sequencer Packages

Atari Notes

This month, Vic Lennard takes a short trip down sequencer memory lane...