Computer / Software

More and more external devices now plug into the PC serial and parallel ports. Martin Walker explains how to check your settings.

If you're recording and editing MIDI + Audio on a PC, you'll want to try a piece of the latest Cakewalk. Janet Harniman-Cook reports from the kitchen.

Derek Johnson reports on three covetable programs for sequencing and composition, and urges you to share the ware... Hollis Research Trackman; Roni Music's Sweet 16.

Hard disk recording is a lot to ask of your PC, and however powerful it is, its overall performance may be limited by just one of its components. Martin Walker pinpoints problems so you can plan your next upgrade.

Now that the MIDI outputs of many soundcards are already occupied by playing back high-quality internal synth sounds and multi-channel samples, many musicians are finding that they need to invest in a more comprehensive MIDI interface to service the rest of their synths. Martin Walker provides a little background.

After much ado, it seems MacOS 8 is finally going ahead. Martin Russ brings you the latest Mac-related news and tips.

Almost every recording musician has a great take somewhere that's unrepeatable and marred by hiss, hum or other audio gremlins. Wouldn't it be great if there was some affordable way of restoring such a recording to its former glory? Janet Harniman-Cook discovers that there is...

Cartoons — they're brilliant! And wouldn't you just love to write the music? Big George Webley puts you in the picture...

Peter Ridsdale gives his personal impressions of cult shareware program Cool Edit.

X is Microsoft's favourite letter at the moment, with ActiveX and DirectX both providing improvements in PC sound. Martin Walker explains all.

Sometimes a new PC will be delivered with parts missing, or incorrect ones fitted. Martin Walker breaks down a typical specification into byte-sized chunks, and shows you how to find out what's actually inside the case.

The recent Goodman PDL computer shows proved that music is alive and well in the Atari world. Derek Johnson features a show report, rounds up a bargain shareware collection and generally keeps you up to date with all things in Atari.

Shakespeare had his Dark Lady for creative inspiration, Dante had his Beatrice, Petrarch had his Laura — and you? You've got your PC! Janet Harniman-Cook compares three different interactive composition packages which aim to provide that elusive spark...

Greg D'Alessio of Opcode Systems offers some hints, tips, and advice for Mac users running Vision, Studio Vision Pro, and Overture software.

Martin Russ goes all virtual this month — with a freeware software synthesizer, plus more on registering shareware.

Computers have a habit of attracting more than their fair share of unwanted files. Martin Walker shows you how to clear away the cobwebs, and streamline your PC at the same time.

With impressive improvements in power, speed and flexibility, Digidesign's software upgrade for their flagship digital audio production system keeps them ahead of the pack. Paul D. Lehrman wonders where the catch is...

The Native Power Pack from DSP software specialists Waves gathers together several plug-ins previously only available for Mac-based TDM systems, and makes them available at a Knock-down price, instantly widening the appeal of software based processing. Janet Harniman-Cook plugs in.

Using SoundFonts with your AWE32 or AWE64 soundcard makes them totally open-ended — if you want a new sound for MIDI use you just sample one. Martin Walker guides you through the wonders of personalised SoundFont creation.

This month Martin Russ looks at technical support, operating system updates and shareware.

Derek Johnson gathers together more Atari-related news, products and tips.