MIDI interface, audio interface, effects processor, hardware control surface for software MIDI + audio sequencers... Edirol's USB-based U8 promises to be all of these. John Walden investigates.
Computer-based MIDI + Audio sequencers have been popular for several years now, but some people have never been entirely happy using a digital rodent to control their main recording hardware. John Walden looks for ways out of the mouse trap by using key commands in Emagic's Logic.
If you want to get started with audio recording on your computer, but don't fancy opening up your PC to install an internal soundcard, the new USB Audio Canvas from Roland subsidiary Edirol may provide a welcome alternative. John Walden takes the UA100 for a test Drive.
Guitarists who use sequencers have been waiting many years for the perfect MIDI guitar. John Walden tries the Parker MIDIFly to see if the wait is over.
John Walden examines Boss's latest entrant in the crowded guitar effects processor race and considers whether its COSM-based preamp might be just the thing to enhance his performance.