Computer / Software

The idea of a virtually silent, compact and portable PC recording workstation has obvious attractions, and it is possible to build such a system around a laptop PC. Martin Walker explains the options available and how to avoid some of the many potential pitfalls.

Dave Shapton explores part of the MPTEG4 specification: Structured Audio, which allows music to be streamed with absolotely no loss of quality at extremely low data-rates. Is this the way that all media will be encoded in the future?

A Swedish soft synth is on the way, a New Zealand developer plans to introduce the Atari to the wonders of Ethernet, and US company Dr T's finest hour becomes shareware. Derek Johnson goes global.

Having explained some of the audio and MIDI interfacing problems facing owners of new-style Macs, Paul Wiffen looks at practicalities, testing one USB MIDI and one USB MIDI + Audio interface to see what pitfalls await the unwary...

Vic Lennard signs-off as SOS Apple Notes columnist with a look at VM.

This month Vic Lennard has a first look at Mac OS X and the public preview of QuickTime 5...

The MbooM commercial VST-compatible Mac sequencer is creating a bit of a buzz at the moment, but did you know that it originated on the Atari and is now a free download for the platform. Derek Johnson finds out more...

Last month, Paul Wiffen explained how to get MIDI into and out of your new-style Macintosh. This month, he turns his attention to the tougher problem of audio...

Your PC can be a hugely powerful tool — but if it's not set up properly, the number of hoops you have to jump through before you actually get to do any recording can be intimidating. Martin Walker explains how to smooth the path.

Martin Walker finds out what's new in Windows Millennium edition and explores the latest version of Native Instruments' Pro-five VST Instrument, renamed the Pro52.

This month Martin Walker improves his aural skills and reports on progress with Cubase 5.0.

Part 1 of a 2-part Net Notes in which Dave Shapton explores the theory and the practice of broadcasting your audio and video on the Internet.

Derek Johnson gets into the groove with an 'emailware' rhythm-creation program and goes analogue with an updated step-sequencer...

This month Vic Lennard looks at the practical implications of DirectConnect and possible problems when using the wrong system updaters...

The recent G3, G4 and iMac computers are fast and attractive to musicians, but they present various dilemmas when it comes to connecting your MIDI and audio interfaces. In part 1 of this short series, Paul Wiffen looks at the various ways to get MIDI data flowing reliably in the absence of ADB and serial ports.

Soundcard and computer technology has advanced to the stage where even modestly specified PC systems can make recordings of incredible clarity — and DSP algorithms now allow us to add in the warmth that is characteristic of analogue recordings. Martin Walker explores the options.

The Atari goes back to the future with the help of the Electron SidStation, and Derek Johnson finds out why it's hip to be square...

When it comes to MIDI files on the 'net you have two options: either trawl through the myriad of illegal pirate sites or deal with a professional. Paul Farrer separates the pros from the cons.

This month Martin Walker seeks out the suppliers of products aimed at reducing noise from your PC.

Proofing music with MP3 and SoundJam MP Plus is on the agenda for Vic Lennard this month...

Business advice for those aspiring to a career in music does not always come cheap. John Walden trawls the 'net to see if he can find a free lunch.