SOUND ON SOUND
Why is no-one giving Mac sequencers away for nothing? Martin Russ dives into the sobering world of shareware and freeware.
Using a sampler without some sort of hard drive is just not an option these days, which means that some understanding of SCSI is necessary. Devoted Akai samplist Paul Farrer explains some of the pitfalls that can befall the unwary user of SCSI'd up samplers, and examines some of the other cross-platform issues that can complicate sampling.
Associating sounds with MIDI datafiles is not difficult, but does require some initial setting up. If your sequences never seem to sound the same as they did last time, Martin Walker may have the answers.
Last month Paul White covered gates and compressors; this month it's up to enhancers to justify their existence...
If you're burning CDs at home, you'll obtain the best quality if your audio data is at its highest possible average signal level. Most people yawn at this and reach for the normalisation button on their audio editor, but, as Craig Anderton explains, unless you're careful, you could be doing your material a disservice...
The mathematical principles that produce beautiful images such as Mandelbrot sets can also generate intriguing music. Derek Johnson looks at a program that could make you go Atari fractal... Fractal Music.
Sonic Foundry's Sound Forge program is renowned for offering more options and features than most users can absorb without a full-time study course! Customer Service Represetative Sean Lee offers some insider hints and tips to help you work more efficiently.
Big George looks at arranging for strings, brass and horns.
Modern PC soundcards can deliver excellent audio performance, but are sometimes held back by the computer itself. Martin Walker shows you how to squeeze out the last drop of performance.
Upgrading is becoming a regular task for many PC owners. Martin Walker gets stuck in once again, looking at hard drives, memory expansions, and faster processors.
Chris Carter offers insight into motivation and stress in the studio and some possible solutions.
Paul White concludes his series with an exhortation to unleash your creativity...
Martin Walker dons his white lab coat and explains the advantages of knowing a little more about DOS and the Command Line Interface.
Martin Russ feels the need for speed, and reminds readers of the often overlooked benefits of using macros...
Paul White offers a little practical advice on the application of signal processing during recording and mixing.
Great songs are 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Big George mops his brow and takes it to the bridge...
This month's clutch of software and hardware problems are mainly of the SCSI variety. Martin Walker deactivates a few suspect devices.
Cakewalk's Robin Kelly passes on some hints and tips designed to help users of the popular Cakewalk Pro Audio PC audio sequencing package get the best from their software.
Paul White looks at how MIDI can be used to turn static effects into dynamic ones.
Throughout the '80s, additive synthesis was the Holy Grail for synth purists; many machines aspired to it, but only one achieved it successfully. Paul Wiffen explains how additive works and looks at the various implementations, including the newly updated Kawai version.