With Sampling Keyboards

Vocal line out of tune? Lead guitarist fluffed his solo again? Craig Anderton reveals some ways of using a sampler to fix these, and other problems, in the mix.

Part 2 sees Roland's SBX-80 Sync Box and SRV-2000 Reverb jump into action as Paul Gilby explains the practicalities of creative mixing with MIDI controlled effects.

Creative mixing with MIDI controlled effects

Paul Gilby takes a look at the first MIDI controlled effect - Yamaha's D1500 which heralds a series on creative mixing with MIDI controlled devices.

Mixing

Leading new wave synthesist Ian Boddy explains the way he uses 'track sheets' when undertaking a recording.

A large mixing console can have literally thousands of knobs and switches. David Mellor explains how to use every last one of them - almost! Part 1 of 2.

How Good Are They?

Over the next two issues Graham Hinton tests five mixer automation systems which all provide control of audio signal level by means of Voltage Controlled Amplifiers (VCAs) and are accessible to some degree by MIDI. This month it's the turn of the Akai MPX820 and Simmons SPM8:2.

Last month we explained the development and requirements of VCA-based mixer automation systems. This month, Graham Hinton scrutinises three retrofittable automation systems - the Twister PAC, MegaMix, and J.L. Cooper MidiMation - and asks 'How good are they?'

The scope of MIDI control has expanded beyond that of simply allowing one synthesiser to control another. Chris Meyer explains how you can now shape a whole mix using the five-pin DIN plug.

In the second part of our series on getting the most from the mix, Paul White offers some advice on using outboard signal processors to their best, er, effect.

Paul White again, with the first in a new series on ensuring your immaculate recording isn't ruined by a mediocre mix. This month: what not to do with mixing desks and outboard processors.

The concluding episode, and Paul White explains how the processing secrets already revealed can be applied to make a complete mix. No more staring at the faders in despair...

A step-by-step guide to the workings of a typical mixing console.

Mixing in the MIDI Age

This two-part feature covers both the art and technology of mixing. The first article on page 48, 'Mixing Essentials', covers audio mixing in general, from a more basic level, and applies to any sort of studio mixing task. The second part, 'Mixing With MIDI’, starts on page 54 and covers techniques made possible by MIDI, specifically automated mixing and sending MIDI instruments direct to your master tape. Craig Anderton is your guide.

A panoramic Paul White explains where sounds should be placed in the stereo image during your final mix.

What the knobs mean on the average desk, and which ones kill.

How to understand those mixer type things that put all the noises through the PA. S'easy.

Mixing in the MIDI Age

This two-part feature covers both the art and technology of mixing. The first article on page 48, 'Mixing Essentials', covers audio mixing in general, from a more basic level, and applies to any sort of studio mixing task. The second part, 'Mixing With MIDI’, starts on page 54 and covers techniques made possible by MIDI, specifically automated mixing and sending MIDI instruments direct to your master tape. Craig Anderton is your guide.

Insert Points & Aux Sends

Last minute bargains: Guided tour around typical multitrack desk, stopping at all notable features. Bed, breakfast and evening meal not provided.

The Input Channel

A guided tour through a typical in-line channel strip.

The Master Section

This month we scrutinise the master section of a typical multitrack mixing console and ponder the meaning of PFL, talkback and that small grey button that goes "neep neep".

Sound Workshop

Paul White takes you on a guided tour of the features and facilities of a typical multitrack mixer.

A Psychoacoustical Viewpoint

A psychoacoustical viewpoint of this interesting topic.