Nemesys' Gigasampler proved that a fast PC could compete with the latest hardware samplers, and provided some features they simply couldn't match — such as sampled instruments many gigabytes in size. Now the company has updated the range to include two new products. Martin Walker asks if rackmount samplers have finally met their Nemesys...
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.
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.
Paul White evaluates the latest Logic Audio update and discovers that as well as a host of new features, Windows users also get a brand-new audio engine.
PC users have had to wait almost two years for many of the improvements which graced version 4 of Steinberg's popular sequencing package on the Mac platform. Now, however, they've leapfrogged straight to version 5, a major upgrade which incorporates all of those improvements and more. Martin Walker finds out if the wait was worthwhile.
TC have come up with a new twist on the analogue synth emulation theme by providing modular oscillator, filter and envelope blocks that can be combined with VST effects. Paul White tries a few variations.
The root of PC problems can often be found in incorrect or incomplete software installations. Martin Walker shows you how to avoid pitfalls when upgrading and adding to your existing applications.