SOUND ON SOUND
When Björk sang "it's oh so quiet", she probably wasn't referring to her PC — however, this month we survey the current options in the world of computer silencing, report on the release of a generic ASIO driver for WDM-compatible audio devices, and enjoy Rightmark's Audio Analyser 5.
Which PCI slots you use for your expansion cards can make the difference between a music computer that runs flawlessly and one plagued by clicks, pops, crackles and interference.
It's been some time since Sonic Foundry's powerful and easy-to-use CD-burning application was updated, but this version 5 promises wider compatibility and many new features.
As ever, Creative Labs' latest PC soundcard promises a lot of features for £200. But does it deliver the kind of performance that musicians need?
This month we look at why MIDI interfaces aren't always to blame for your MIDI timing problems, and report on the latest news regarding Yamaha's Open Plug-in Technology.
We look at how Windows' multi-user accounts can be used as a potential alternative to setting up different versions of Windows on multiple partitions.
It's been 12 months since we first evaluated Windows XP as a music platform, and it now seems to be the OS of choice for most manufacturers. So should musicians who have been holding back now take the plunge and upgrade?
WaveMachine Labs' sophisticated DirectX plug-in allows you to replace the sounds of individual drums with samples, while keeping the human feel of a performance.
The latest version of the popular VAZ software synth combines the simplicity and low cost of a preset design with some advanced options from the full-fat VAZ Modular.
We transform the humble and inexpensive games joystick into a simple but effective MIDI controller, and find a word processor that will have minimum impact on the clean music partition of your PC.