Computer / Software

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.

Rather than trying to be a jack of all trades, SAW Plus has made itself a master of one — providing a dedicated multitrack recording and editing environment for digital audio on the PC. Janet Harniman-Cook came, saw, and wrote this review...

Brian Heywood concludes his look at PC soundcards by considering some of the issues involved in using them to record and play back digital audio.

Derek Johnson brings you more news from the platform that wouldn't die... the ST.

AARRGGH! Just as you were about to save your computer crashes, destroying the only record of your latest musical opus. What should be your next step? Before you douse your PC in aviation fuel and set it ablaze, calm down, and hearken unto the soothing advice of Crashmeister Janet Harniman-Cook...

Many people have trouble adding new software cards to a PC. If your slots are full to overflowing, and every card is fighting for its own resources, you will almost certainly encounter problems. Fortunately, Martin Walker is here to lead you through the minefield.

Astonished by the speed of software development, Martin Russ wonders where it's all leading... MOTU Digital Performer.

Brian Heywood discusses the powerful new soundcard from Terratec, plugs a couple of musical web sites, and entreats software developers to stop trying to reinvent the wheel...

There are now more options on the market than ever before for anyone wishing to indulge in hard disk recording and editing. Paul D. Lehrman previews the latest update for the popular Pro Tools system, designed to keep Digidesign on top amidst increasing competition.

One of the PC's plus points is its adaptability to a variety of tasks depending on the extra hardware installed in it — and the soundcard used can make or break it as a musical tool. In this two-part series, Brian Heywood takes a look at the various types of soundcard available.

Ofir Gal and Derek Johnson round up more Atari software and hardware news, and discover a new online Atari magazine.

When your PC soundcard ceases to function, the newly connected external controller very often gets the blame — wrongly. Brian Heywood identifies some possible alternative causes.

Janet Harniman-Cook quite literally takes the lid off the PC, and explains why she thinks it's the best bet for the future of music.

Paul White looks at the components of a PC-based desktop music system, and suggests some helpful ways of using such setups in conjunction with more 'traditional' studio equipment.

The PC-owning community now seems to be split into two camps — those who already record onto hard disk, and those who would like to, but have not yet worked out what equipment they really need. Martin Walker guides you past the pitfalls and perils.