cheap, programmable, digital, poly...

A hot new discovery from one of Britain's oldest universities threatens to revolutionise music broadcasting. Tim Goodyer's exclusive on a development that could change the world - literally.

David Bowie

Sound On Sound reader Kofi Busia recently released his own independent LP called 'Oh Africa', funded entirely by himself. To encourage others to follow his example, we asked Kofi to write about his experiences. In this the first of three parts, he presents a frank and revealing account of why the record came about, how he came to grips with using modern technology for African music, and why he chose the equipment he used.

Computer Drums

Who says you can't use those hi-fi DIN cables to connect all your MIDI gear together? This month, Jay Chapman takes a logical look at the hardware side of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface.

Paul White discusses the more advanced aspects of compression, and includes a table of useful settings.

Jean-Michel Jarre In Concert

We go backstage at Jarre's recent Wembley extravaganza to see how the show sound was put together.

The cassette 4-track is still the focal point of the home studio, and Marantz have produced a serious challenger to the familiar Portastudio. How does it measure up? How will musicians’ take to it? How does Nicholas Rowland do it?

8-Voice Polyphonic Synthesiser

The most recent polyphonic synth from Oberheim, the OB8 adds even more flexibility to the tried and tested Oberheim formula.

Readers send in their own synth sounds and details of how to programme them. Among the instruments featured this month are the Moog Source, the Roland SH101 and the same manufacturer's Juno 106.

Intelligent Music's M Software

Here's a program that will banish your lack of inspiration forever! Version 2.0 of Intelligent Music's 'M' (for Macintosh and Atari computers) is considerably more than an isochronic pulse sequencer. Ed Jones puts on his thinking cap and delves deeper...

our answers to the common cassetting problems

our cures for common recording complaints

If you've ever wished you could sing a violin or hum a tune straight into your MIDI sequencer, this French "MIDI microphone" could be for you. Debbie Poyser sings something sampled.

The start of a regular monthly column devoted to readers' hints and tips about their instruments, equipment, software, recording and playing techniques.

The Jenkins Method

Argue with six string instructor and cult rock hero Billy Jenkins on the best way of teaching yourself to play.

Boger Brown gets interactive with his phrases

We've now reached Part 4 where Robin Lumley surveys the technology of syncing sound and vision.

Sessionmen Special

Part two of studiotime, with bassist Paul Westwood and guitarist Tim Renwick.

Valve Keyboard Preamp

Bass Playing & Programming

Get in touch with the subculture, courtesy of Simon Trask