Welcome to issue one of Micro Music. Had a chance to flick through it yet? What do you think?

I know you've heard it before but we are genuinely interested in what you'd like to see in the mag - what we're doing right, what we're doing wrong, what we're not doing at all that you feel we should.

The aim is, as I'm sure you're aware, to cover everything that, in some way, uses a computer or computer technology to make music. From the simplest of BASIC programs to the most complex of MIDI products across all formats of micro, we'll be first with the information.

In the next issue we'll be launching our free Classified pages and a Letters/Help/Advice section, so if you've got any gripes or praise about the industry, hints and tips you feel might be of use to us or you feel that you've got what it takes to be an MM contributor then please drop us a line. The address is on the contents pages.

So, what about next issue? Well, we'll be looking at Steinberg Twelve, MIDIGrid, plus we'll be starting a series on home recording and incorporating music into commercial software. Plus our first big prize competition but more about that next ish.

Issue two will be available on the 12th of May so don't miss out, make sure you let your newsagent know you want a copy.

Hot Poop from Argents

If you have a sampler you may well have seen the Digidesign Universal Sound Designer which allows Mac or St owners to load in samples, edit them and add digital effect processing before loading them back into your sampler. Up till now the package sold for well over £300 but the last stocks of this will be selling for considerably less than that by the time you read this.

The reason is Digidesign are to change their UK distributorship and Argents would like to clear a bit of shelf space before that happens.

One of the things they're clearing space for is the 360 Systems Audio Patching System. A 16 in 16 out patchbay that reroutes audio signals under software rather than messing about with a rats nest of patch cords. Furthermore the unit is equipped with MIDI so complete system configurations can be set by a single MIDI program change. Just imagine being able to rewire all your effects between verse and chorus.

The patching system is available now at £550 plus VAT, look out for a review in the next issue. The Universal Sound Designer price is available upon request. Just give Argents a ring on (Contact Details).

Made to Order

Who says big Japanese companies aren't receptive to the whims of us humble users!

As you may recall Casio launched the AZ-1 remote keyboard a couple of years ago. It didn't really shake the music world at the time and was discontinued.

But now they've suddenly become quite fashionable and are cropping up on a lot of Pop videos for artists like Bobby Brown and Sheena Easton.

All this media exposure has caused a little spurt of demand for the aforementioned product.

As a result the guys at Casio UK have manufactured a small supply of 200 which will hopefully go some way to meeting the renewed demand.

The AZ-1 has a full-size, three octave, touch sensitive keyboard, can access up to 64 voices over all 16 MIDI channels and has three continuous controller wheels; one of which is fixed as a pitch bender, the other two are user assignable.

The cost will be £299 which 'aint a bad price really for a master keyboard.

To get hold of one of these just ask your local Casio Pro-Tech dealer to order one. Tell 'em Micro Music sent you.

Interactive Aegis

Two new departures from California-based software house Aegis this month.

Firstly they have released Sonix soundtrax Vols one and two, which are a hi-tech equivalent of backing tapes. Each disc contains a selection of songs made up of Sonix sample that you can play along to. These should sell for between £15-£20.

Of greater interest is the Bulletin Board which Aegis have set up offering technical support, product new, chatlines to programmers etc for anyone interested in Aegis products. The catch is that it is based in the states however you can get hold of them on (Contact Details). The system runs at 300, 1200 or 2400 baud. Your comms package needs to be set to eight data bits, no parity and one stop bit.

U-110 Sounds

Roland have released the first seven ROM Cards for use with their popular U-110 Sample player.

The initial releases cover a wide range sounds from Drums to Orchestral faves. Up to four of these cards can be plugged into the U-110 at any onetime.

The cards contain the following...

- 1. Pipe Organ & Harpsichord
- 2. Latin & FX Percussion
- 3. Ethnic
- 4. Electric Grand & Clavi
- 5. Orchestral Strings
- 6. Orchestral Winds
- 7. Electric Guitar

Recommended Retail price for each of these cards is £44 including VAT and they're available from your local Roland dealer.