Computer / Software

Derek Johnson keeps the Atari flag boldly flying with news of a new Atari-based software-only synth, and also checks out a new shareware sample conversion utility...

Martin Russ puts the latest doom and gloom Apple news from the media into context.

A system that knows when you've plugged in a new piece of kit, and which sets it up automatically, sound like a big step forward for PC owners. Unfortunately, that big step is into a chasm for many people. Martin Walker lays down some planks to get you safely across.

The arrival of audio processing software plug-ins for the PC means that the platform can now compete as a viable digital audio workstation, and the latest update to PC audio editor Sound Forge supports the use of several software-based processors. Martin Walker checks them out.

Brian Heywood brings you the latest hard disk recording news from the Soundscape, and gives his PC a thorough medical with Checkit...

Now that CD writers and well-specified CD-burning software are becoming more affordable, you might like to think about the advantages DIY CDs could bring to your studio. Mike Collins explains the benefits and takes you through the burning process using two popular software packages.

Last year saw the proliferation of reliable, fully-featured MIDI + Audio sequencers for the IBM-compatible PC — packages which were previously the preserve of the Apple Macintosh platform. Janet Harniman-Cook takes a look at the three top PC programs in the field to see how their facilities compare.

How do Steinberg's DSP software plug-ins for their WaveLab software, now at version 1.5, compare with the industry heavyweights? Paul White unearths his nastiest recordings to find out.

Paul White tries Emagic's new audio file compression utility while balancing the implications of time and space.

There's never been a better time to burn your own CDs at home, as the price of CD writers and the necessary mastering software continues to fall. Now the Red Roaster bundle is bringing the homemade CD dream within the reach of Pentium PC owners. Janet Harniman-Cook experiences burning desires...

Paul D. Lehrman discovers things he never knew about his recordings...

The DSP-FX is the world's first 32-bit floating point digital effects processing system with a visual interface. It also comes on a standard ISA card for installation in a desktop PC. Dominic Hawken plugs 'n' plays.

Paul White plugs his very real guitar into a virtual amp and gets down to playing some unimaginable music.

Software-based noise removal systems are one way of restoring defective recordings, such as vocal takes ruined by mains hum, or crackly recordings from vinyl — but such systems can be very expensive. The relatively low-cost DART Pro seeks to change all that. Panicos Georghiades and Gabriel Jacobs clean up all round.

This month, MacOS evangelist Martin Russ reports back from the recent optimistic Apple Expo show, and dishes out some more tips on file management.

If you have to decide what to delete on your PC before installing a new program, it's time to consider a bigger disk drive. In the first of this two-part series, Martin Walker explains why size isn't all you have to consider when making your choice...

Brian Heywood studio tests PC scoring/sequencing package Musicator, which has just gone audio, as well as handing out a few PC Notes Awards for '96...

You probably don't realise how noisy your computer studio is until you turn everything off and enjoy the silence. Paul D. Lehrman explains how you can arrange your setup to reduce noise and restore peace to your working environment.

Derek Johnson plugs a Swiss TOS-based computer, reveals plans for more Atari shows, and sets the record straight on Atari hard drives...

The first software release from AudioWorks offers hope to MIDI musicians with limited keyboard skills. Sound2MIDI lets PC users record note-perfect sequences, using only a soundcard and a microphone. Dominic Hawken tests the system.

Paul White explores the budget side of sequencing with Evolution's inexpensive keyboard and PC sequencing software bundle.