Computer / Software

Homebrew software comes to the fore this month, as a Manchester studio decide to make the most of their vintage Atari — by producing their own programs. Derek Johnson gives them a big hand...

Paul White tries out a new range of European software plug-ins with stylish interfaces and innovative features.

The latest version of this popular audio sequencer sees Emagic's answer to competitor Steinberg's VST built-in effects. But there's rather more to this significant upgrade than that, as Paul White reports.

This month, Martin Walker has some chips and a little sauce, as well as investigating some mysteriously disappearing features in Cubase — Cakewalk Home Studio; Cubase VST.

This month, Derek Johnson checks out a couple of new software versions, and finds that Electronic Cow's Sound Chip Synth is moovin' on up...

Storing large PC-based hard disk recording projects can become tricky, especially when you need to make regular backups too. Martin Walker looks at the options available.

There's no gain without pain. Martin Russ experiences the joys and agonies of a new computer — the Apple Power Mac 7300.

Take a powerful PC. Add a clever bit of programming, a soundcard and some samples, and you have the reality software synthesizer. Not a revolutionary concept, but wait until you hear the sounds! Martin Walker picks himself up off the floor.

Cubase VST was the MIDI+ Audio sequencing sensation of last year on the Mac, offering built-in digital effects with no additional hardware required. Now, after much work, Steinberg have succeeded in porting VST to the PC — at the same price, and, once again, with no additional hardware required. Janet Harniman-Cook is suitably impressed.

Why is no-one giving Mac sequencers away for nothing? Martin Russ dives into the sobering world of shareware and freeware.

The mathematical principles that produce beautiful images such as Mandelbrot sets can also generate intriguing music. Derek Johnson looks at a program that could make you go Atari fractal... Fractal Music.

Upgrading is becoming a regular task for many PC owners. Martin Walker gets stuck in once again, looking at hard drives, memory expansions, and faster processors.

Modern PC soundcards can deliver excellent audio performance, but are sometimes held back by the computer itself. Martin Walker shows you how to squeeze out the last drop of performance.

Sonic Foundry's Sound Forge program is renowned for offering more options and features than most users can absorb without a full-time study course! Customer Service Represetative Sean Lee offers some insider hints and tips to help you work more efficiently.

With Sound Studio Gold, Evolution refuse to let budget sequencing mean budget features. Martin Walker examines a grown-up package at a baby price.

Writing audio CDs is getting easier and easier, especially with this new release for the PC from Sonic Foundry. Martin Walker rubs two files together and goes for the burn.

The latest upgrade to WaveLab Verson 1.6 includes CD writing in its arsenal. Martin Walker loeads up and dives in...

Martin Russ feels the need for speed, and reminds readers of the often overlooked benefits of using macros...

Cakewalk's Robin Kelly passes on some hints and tips designed to help users of the popular Cakewalk Pro Audio PC audio sequencing package get the best from their software.

The ST platform is still plentifully supplied with cheap and cheerful music programs. Derek Johnson delivers an update.

Martin Walker dons his white lab coat and explains the advantages of knowing a little more about DOS and the Command Line Interface.