Keyboard Hire recently held a seminar at Trevor Horn's new studios, SARM West, to introduce the three major computer systems available for hire from them and to discuss some of the latest additions to the systems. Synclavier expert Craig Harris flew in from Los Angeles specially for the occasion, and demonstrated the Winchester drive based sampling system and editing facilities. The next developments for the Synclavier are an interface to the Roland guitar synth, allowing complete playing, composing and programming facilities (including transcription of music) from a readily available guitar. The designers NED then hope to develop polyphonic playback of samples and a Z80 interface, while new stereo sound cards are already available.

Gary Moberley demonstrated the Fairlight system with particular emphasis on the Page R rhythm software, which despite its name can assign pitches as well as beats to enormously complicated passages of music. The Music Composition Language (MCL) is even more versatile but requires very close description of each note to be played. Finally Adrian Cook demonstrated the PPG and Waveterm, including a piece with the system linked to the Fairlight and to an Oberheim DX drum machine. Overall, a fascinating display which showed to the full the creative potential for adverts, films, records and sound effects of these three systems to the full for a wide-ranging audience from all parts of the music media.

Further information from Keyboard Hire, (Contact Details).

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New from Frontline, a compact Handclap pedal with a wide variety of control options and sound effects. The clap sound can be tuned to simulate different 'Hand Sizes', the decay can be controlled and single or multiple claps can be selected. Sound can be triggered from the noiseless FET foot-switch, from an audio level signal fed into a conventional jack socket, or from a sequencer or drum machine pulse fed into a rear panel miniature socket. This input can be over-ridden to return the clap to manual or audio control, and the output level is variable. The device uses a single 9V battery and has an RRP of £59.95. Details from Strings and Things,(Contact Details).

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Soundout Labs are reportedly pleased with sales of their Soundtracs mixers, which are now distributed in 30 countries. One top seller is the 16-8-16, which can also be used in 32-2 or 24-8-2 modes. Each input has equalisation, phase reverse and fader reverse and it's possible to have 16 track recording with simultaneous monitoring. An 18-way meter bridge features LED ladders in two colours and power is external (as with all pro mixers to minimise hum) and capable of providing phantom power to microphones. Further details and prices from Soundout Labs Ltd, (Contact Details).

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Synth manufacturers Oberheim have come up with a power amp specially designed to handle the wide range of frequencies and volumes involved on keyboard music. The Model 700 gives 350W RMS/channel into 4 ohms and THD is stated as 0.1 % from 20Hz to 20kHz at full output — impressive indeed, particularly since the maximum claimed frequency response is in fact 10Hz-40kHz, well beyond the audio spectrum. Thermal protection circuitry cuts down output level in emergencies rather than disconnecting the output altogether, with LED's indicating clipping. Recommended price is £599 but contact The London Rock Shop, (Contact Details) for latest price.

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Transmusic is a touring educational show with emphasis on synthesizers, microcomposers, mixing and amplification and live performance. It's the brainchild of Andy Claxton, a classically trained musician with wide experience of youth-oriented jazz bands and electronic music. The present format is a one-hour seminar which can be tailored for any audience from primary schools to sixth forms, and the instrumentation largely consists of Roland equipment with acknowledgements to their MD Brian Nunney. Further details from Transmusic, (Contact Details).

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Electronic Product News is a free periodical summarising the latest introductions in the European electronics industry. The October 83 issue, for instance, contains information on fast op-amps, IC switching relays, new EPROMS, development systems and general components. A product card given with each issue brings more detailed information on any product — company application form copies to (Contact Details).