Computer / Software

Features like software synthesis, frequency-domain editing and resynthesis seem impressive when modern sample editors incorporate them — but they were the stuff of myth when Steinberg released Avalon nearly 10 years ago. Paul Sellars chronicles an Atari legend.

Computers have always been important in the hi-tech studio for sequencing and, latterly, recording audio. They can, however, be equally useful for publicising and distributing your music, if you're connected to the Internet. Mike Simmons explains the basics of setting up a web site from a musician's perspective.

Downloadable music is on the move in more ways than one, with new developments in portable players and online delivery streaming onto the scene. But what do all these changes mean for musicians? Simon Trask assesses the situation.

What is the best Mac setup for music? Martin Russ tries to give a straight answer.

Most people expect that a digital input or output will simply provide a bit-for-bit copy of the original signal. After all, bits are bits, aren't they? Martin Walker sheds some light on the various things that can go wrong.

Looking into the future is never easy, especially where Operating Systems are concerned. Martin Walker ponders the possibilities.

As much as we'd like to buy all the latest PC software, no-one's coffers are bottomless. Martin Walker looks at some of the many free or low-cost alternatives for the PC musician.

This month, Martin Russ steps back and overviews the Macintosh for any newbies, and revisits an often overlooked bit of routine maintenance.

Derek Johnson reports on Atari shows in Stafford and Germany, and rounds up some more ST and Falcon news.

If you fancy making music on the move, a laptop PC looks ideal. Martin Walker looks at some of the options. Norton Utilities Integrator; USB Tips.

Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser find out how you can use the Internet for promoting, distributing and selling your music, and for getting it heard by the right people.

Is BIAS Peak the natural successor to the ageing Sound Designer II, or can the old dog still show it some tricks? Paul White finds out.

Digidesign's Pro Tools is undoubtedly a powerful system, and a hardware control surface such as the Gallery Production Palette can really help to unlock that power. Mike Collins just loves being in control...

Most MIDI sequencers now include some notation facilities, however, these fall some way short of the needs of the scorewriting professional. Arranger and conductor Mike Crofts checks out one of the few dedicated scorewriting programs.

This month sees Martin Walker meeting the men from Microsoft, burning CDs faster, listening to new SoundFonts and testing out utility software. Does he ever sleep?

Multiple inputs and software-based mixers allow both audio and MIDI signals to travel some convoluted routes inside the PC. Martin Walker untangles his virtual cables to how best to get them out at the other end.

Martin Russ brings you more information about Mac plug-ins, and downloads two Software Development Kits.

Studio management software, Cubase mixer maps, sounds and editor/librarian programs for a range of older synths are all up for grabs as an Atari developer posts his previously commercial work for free on the Internet. Derek Johnson tells you what's available and keeps an eye on the Atari news scene.

Tracking down the information you need on the Internet can be a joy or a nightmare, depending on whether you're idly browsing or desperately searching for a small specific piece of information. In this month's Net Notes, Martin Walker passes on a selection of basic tips to make browsing easier.

Pro Tools owners can now reap the benefits of a stack of vintage guitar amps thanks to a new plug-in from the masters of physical modelling. Paul White tunes up, plugs in and starts cranking up the virtual knobs.

The small and not-so-small time delays between a signal entering and then emerging from a computer soundcard can turn hard disk recording into a frustrating experience. Martin Walker leads us through the twists and turns of latency.