Computer / Software

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!

Studio wiring may not be the most fascinating of subjects, but a little knowledge can go a long way when it comes to sorting out cable-related problems. Martin Walker rounds up the best of the wired web.

Emagic's Waveburner CD-writing package has grown to incorporate new editing features and powerful plug-in support, but retains its intuitive user interface. Paul White tests the new, improved version.

Martin Walker evaluates a program that bridges the gap between the limitations of typical bundled CD-writing packages and fully fledged audio editors.

Wouldn't it be nice to have two PCs — one for office or games use and the other optimised for music? As Martin Walker explains, multiple booting may allow you to achieve the same effect without splashing out on a new computer...

If you're an Atari owner who would also like to work with other computers, you may not have to lose access to your favourite Atari applications. Derek Johnson offers some platform-crossing suggestions.

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

Martin Walker muses on whether there is really any such thing as a bad soundcard, and extends some helpful advice on how to make sure you get the right one for your needs.

With music professionals at the helm and software from Emagic, Tonos.com is another way for musicians to collaborate online. Mark Wherry makes some connections.

Paul White looks beneath the surface of Sound Diver 3 to discover an immensely powerful and flexible patch editor and librarian system.

Paul White explores Dynamo, a remarkable suite of virtual synths and drum machines from Native Instruments, offering all the tonality of their acclaimed Reaktor software, but without the complexity.

If you're looking for a cost-effective way into MIDI music making, the Atari is still a good option, as Derek Johnson explains.

Martin Walker looks at Intel's new Pentium 4 processor, and catalogues the Cubase 5.02 update debacle.

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.

The advent of digital television has opened the eyes of many more musicians to the possibility of working on music for picture. John Walden trawls the Net to see what advice is available for those who want to score.

Modern software allows you to turn a spare PC into a synth of sampler that's perfectly tailored to the needs of your studio. Martin Walker tells you how.

With its on-the-fly tempo-matching for sample loops, Acid put a new spin on an old way of making music on the PC. Now, at last, there's a similar Mac program. Derek Johnson and Debbie Poyser try out Bitheadz' Phrazer.

Paul Sellars offers some advice on what musicians should look for when choosing Internet audio software, and introduces the best of the current slew of Windows applications.

Industrious Swedish company Propellerhead are well known for their virtual instruments, but now they've made an entire software studio. Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser bolt a few virtual devices into the virtual rack...

When your studio just won't co-operate and there's no-one to turn to, the pool of knowledge and expertise offered by fellow web users can be a life saver. Chris Carter investigates troubleshooting on the open-all-hours Internet.

Many problems encountered when using PCs to record music are caused by MIDI or audio data not being delivered on time, or by its flow being interrupted. Martin Walker outlines some of the most common causes and symptoms, and tells you how to go about eliminating them.