SOUND ON SOUND
Setting up your gear for low noise and minimum distortion needn't be a nightmare. Martin Walker gudes you through the process, and shows you how to stand tall, even without headroom.
If you liked the look of last year's Minidisc-based digital 4-track machines, but need more tracks, look no further. The Yamaha MD8 manages 8-track recording and palyback, but is still priced at just under a thousand pounds. Martin Walker suddenly finds less need to bounce.
If you're the proud owner of a new PC, and want to make music, there are plenty of ways to get started, and you may be surprised at just how good the results can be. Martin Walker makes sure your shopping list is short but sweet.
With a feature list longer than most people's arms, the EWS64 XL has whetted plenty of appetites. Martin Walker dismantles his PC once again in the search for the ultmate soundcard.
Hard disk recording always strtches any computer to the limit, and if you want eight simultaneous tracks or more you'll definitely need help. Martin Walker finds out whether the V8 system can come to the rescue.
There are now several PC MIDI + Audio sequencers available that provide real-time EQ and effects via plug-in software — but it can be difficult to assess just what works with what, and whether your PC is powerful enough to run the plug-ins you'd like to use. Martin Walker investigates.
Many musicians now have digital audio in their studios, so Midiman have decided to help them interface cleanly to the outside world, with the bizarrely named Flying Cow. Martin Walker thinks it cud be a winner...
If you want to move the heady heights of true multitrack recording on your PC, there are plenty of rival systems on the market. Martin Walker looks at what you need to consider in making your purchase decision, and rounds up the alternatives.
There is an element of magic in any audio design, but the Allen & Heath MixWizard series may have more than most.
Just when most of us have finally optimised Windows 95 for hard disk recording, Microsoft release the Beta version of Windows 98. Martin Walker sticks his head in the sand.