Computer / Software

Loop-based sequencing can involve heavy-duty time-stretching and pitch-shifting, but Sonic Foundry aim to change this with Acid, which allows you to mix multiple sample loops while changing their pitch and tempo in real time. Martin Walker applies the Acid test.

Unlike the vintage equipment it emulates, Rebirth is getting more sophisticated all the time. Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser catch up with the latest version.

In a market already awash with software plug-ins, it takes something special to stand out. Martin Walker investigates a filter that is poles apart.

Waves are rightly renowned for their full price plug-in suites for both Mac and PC, but can they achieve the same reputation at the entry level end of the market? Martin Walker wonders just how easy it is.

Paul White revisits his old analogue synthesis days via Bitheadz's Retro AS1 — but can a computer screen ever be as friendly as all those knobs and faders?

Since Microsoft released Windows 98 at the beginning of June, some PC musicians have held back to see how stable it is, while others have taken their chances. Martin Walker crosses his fingers and jumps the latest hurdles form Bill Gates.

Atari users with CD-ROM drives can take advantage of a new disc crammed with MIDI and audio bits and pieces, for just £25. Derek Johnson gives it a spin.

The iMac has been shrouded in mystery since its announcement by Apple — and some of the puzzles just won't go away, even now the first machines have shipped. Martin Russ investigates.

Martin Walker is the first to take the chair in our new regular column on Internet based resources for the hi-tech musician. This month, he looks at sites that aim to help you improve the sound of your studio.

This month sees a major upgrade of the PC variety, as Martin Walker invests in a faster, more powerful machine, as well as installing Windows '98. Things will never be the same again!

If you have ever been faced with an error message that prevented you loading in an entire track of WAV audio, you will be extremely interested in Wave Safe. Martin Walker explores a world of corruption.

Studio Vision has been offering digital audio recording for an amazing eight years, making Opcode a pioneer in this field. Martin Russ sets out to discover whether successor Studio Vision Pro is still keeping up with the times, and finds it visibly improved...

The upgrade of Cubase to version 4.0 sees the software comprehensively overhauled — and it's available in an optional 24-bit version for the first time. Martin Walker temporarily changes platform for the next stage of the Cubase journey.

Derek Johnson checks out two ST freebies that could help you to tame your synths..

Although you can go 'under the bonnet' and put together your own PC suitable for MIDI + Audio recording, buying a complete system could prevent many potential problems. Martin Walker gets bundled up.

This month, Martin Walker finds that it's good to talk, and uses a PC utility to burn his Akai-formatted hard drive sample collection onto Akai-format CD-R disks.

Martin Russ looks at some of QuickTime 3's new features, and considers why the 'computer-as-complete-recording-studio' approach isn't always the best one...

Emagic have slicked up the popular Logic sequencer line with a few coats of metalic paint and some sparkly new features to match. Paul White goes Platinum with the top of the range.

PC owners who fancy a full modular synth for less than £200 need look no further. Martin Walker connects more virtual modules than you can shake a patchchord at.

Nick Howes of Yamaha's European Music Software Division shows you how to get the best out of XG soundcards.

Good news, good news and more good news. Martin Russ just can't believe his luck.