SOUND ON SOUND
Greg D'Alessio of Opcode Systems offers some hints, tips, and advice for Mac users running Vision, Studio Vision Pro, and Overture software.
X is Microsoft's favourite letter at the moment, with ActiveX and DirectX both providing improvements in PC sound. Martin Walker explains all.
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.
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...
Martin Russ goes all virtual this month — with a freeware software synthesizer, plus more on registering shareware.
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.
MOTU software specialist and UK distributor Simon Stock passes on some useful info for users of Performer, Digital Performer, Composer's MOSAIC and Freestyle.
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.
When you've got both hands on the keyboard and you want to add real-time expression, you need an extra limb, an abnormally long tongue, or some practical advice from Martin Walker.
Do you fully appreciate your mixer's capabilities when it comes to using effects and signal processors? Craig Anderton reminds you of a few tricks your desk might have up its sleeve.
Modelling is the current big thing in digital synthesis, and it's being used to recreate the sounds not only of traditional acoustic instruments, but also the analogue synth timbres electronic musicians know and love. So just how are the manufacturers making numbers behave like nose-flutes and maths sound like Moogs? Super modeller Martin Russ provides the beginners' guide.
This month Martin Russ looks at technical support, operating system updates and shareware.
This month's hot topic is processors — lots of them! Martin Walker goes into OverDrive.
After all the political talk in recent years about a return to traditional values, Paul Wiffen kicks off a major new series on synth programming by arguing the Analogue Fundamentalist Party case — that an understanding of the basic elements of traditional analogue synths is essential to fully exploit the various types of synthesis available today.
Derek Johnson gathers together more Atari-related news, products and tips.
Dennis Miller concludes his short series on computer-based synthesizers by looking at some hybrid software/hardware synthesis systems, and introducing the powerful software synth language CSound.
Hugh Robjohns dons his technical head and invites you on a guided tour of what makes an analogue tape recorder tick...
Even the best-regulated computer can suddenly turn nasty. Martin Walker guides you through the ways to recover when you're faced with a blank screen and a frozen mouse.
Just as analogue synths fell temporarily from grace in the face of digital synthesis technology, so analogue tape seems to be succumbing to the digital recording revolution. But David Mellor argues that a wise musician is one who learns the lessons of fickle fashion...
Niels Larsen, Steinberg's Sales and Marketing manager, lets you in on some crafty ways of using Cubase.