Computer / Software

The audio side of OS X receives a big boost with the release of the first major update, as does Islington's MacExpo, as Apple themselves decide to attend their first UK show for several years.

Upgrading your ageing Mac's processor to extend its useful working life is an appealing concept, and there are plenty of processor upgrades on the market. But what effect do they really have on musical and recording applications? We tested eight of them to find out...

Find out just how long it takes to set up a musical environment on a Powerbook, and welcome the Melodyne pitch and time software to the world of OS X, as well as discovering how Microsoft broke QuickTime and Apple fixed it...

After a slow start, OS X is starting to look quite promising for musicians, judging by behind-the-scenes news from MacWorld and an independent report pronouncing it the 'least latent' OS, especially under pressure. Paul Wiffen reveals all.

Paul Wiffen reveals highlights of the MacWorld Expo, and laments the passing of Apple's earliest UK evangelist while celebrating his permanent contribution to popular culture.

USB latency is reduced by new Mac ASIO drivers, mLAN development activity steps up, and there's more news of MIDI and audio support in OS X. Meanwhile, Paul Wiffen is making a movie...

There are dark mutterings against Steve Jobs on planes, trains and automobiles, as Paul Wiffen continues to struggle with phantom crashes and difficult reboots of OS9.1 since installing OS X on his computer...

With a new computer, pumped-up RAM, and a copy of the release version of MacOS X, Paul Wiffen is all set to take you through the first stages of using the new operating system for music — though the only music going on so far is solo organ!

Paul Wiffen has a sleep problem, sees the mLAN light, and rounds up the best of the Frankfurt launches for Apple musicians.

Paul Wiffen reports on some historic developments for Mac musicians, as Apple announce their official support for the mLAN interface standard, and also comes to the rescue of more readers seeking advice.

Paul Wiffen makes the world a safer place for Mac users, by recounting a cautionary tale from his first brush with the OS X Beta, and joins the faithful on their annual pilgrimage to San Francisco MacWorld show.

Paul Wiffen concludes his investigation into reliable means of audio interfacing on new-style Macintoshes when the traditional PCI card route is not available to you. This month, he tests two more USB audio-only interfaces, and reaches some definitive conclusins about Tascam's US428 MIDI and audio interface.

This month Paul Wiffen takes up residence as SOS's Apple expert. After relating his own Mac history, he turns Agony Uncle and addresses a few readers' problems...

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...

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...

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.

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

Vic Lennard gives the lowdown on the new range of Apple computers and accessories...