SOUND ON SOUND
James Asher made the transition from library music to successful commercial releases by tapping into an underlying demand for world-flavoured, rhythmic new age music. Martin Walker takes a world view...
Hard disk recording is a lot to ask of your PC, and however powerful it is, its overall performance may be limited by just one of its components. Martin Walker pinpoints problems so you can plan your next upgrade.
More and more external devices now plug into the PC serial and parallel ports. Martin Walker explains how to check your settings.
Now that the MIDI outputs of many soundcards are already occupied by playing back high-quality internal synth sounds and multi-channel samples, many musicians are finding that they need to invest in a more comprehensive MIDI interface to service the rest of their synths. Martin Walker provides a little background.
X is Microsoft's favourite letter at the moment, with ActiveX and DirectX both providing improvements in PC sound. Martin Walker explains all.
Sometimes a new PC will be delivered with parts missing, or incorrect ones fitted. Martin Walker breaks down a typical specification into byte-sized chunks, and shows you how to find out what's actually inside the case.
Computers have a habit of attracting more than their fair share of unwanted files. Martin Walker shows you how to clear away the cobwebs, and streamline your PC at the same time.
Using SoundFonts with your AWE32 or AWE64 soundcard makes them totally open-ended — if you want a new sound for MIDI use you just sample one. Martin Walker guides you through the wonders of personalised SoundFont creation.
This month's hot topic is processors — lots of them! Martin Walker goes into OverDrive.
When you've got both hands on the keyboard and you want to add real-time expression, you need an extra limb, an abnormally long tongue, or some practical advice from Martin Walker.