A complete guide to all the hardware interfaces for home micros available so far, plus the software that goes with them.

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?'

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.

In the third part of our continuing series on the basics of MIDI, Bob O'Donnell concentrates on sequencers, their capabilities and their place in a typical MIDI studio.

MIDI-To-Tape Synchronisation

MIDI-to-tape sync: why you need it, what it does and how you use it.

In part four of this series Bob O'Donnell deals with rhythm by linking a drum machine into the expanding MIDI system.

Confused by MIDI - or even been hiding from it in the hope it might go away? Your prayers are answered and your fears dispelled by Bob O'Donnell in the first of a series that takes MIDI from the top.

More of the mysteries of MIDI dispelled, as Bob O'Donnell puts MIDI plug into MIDI socket and connects controller to expander. Part two of this new series.

First Steps In Multi-timbrality

Part five of our series on basic MIDI applications turns its attention to MIDI-controlled effects; Bob O'Donnell patches in the 19" rack-mounts with maximum delay.

Syncing Again

That syncing feeling

It's a matter of merging

Cabling a MIDI system

MIDI systems - exclusive!

Another piece of the MIDI puzzle

Still trapped in the MIDI maze? Never fear - Vic Lennard has found another way Out

Beat box basics

Making the switch

Thinking of changing drum machines, adding a new synth to your MIDI setup, or buying a new sequencer? Paul Andreas Overaa outlines some sensible tips to help you remove the need to edit your sequences every time you change your equipment.

info available

a first time guide, and some of the problems that still exist

The recent development of the MIDI standard is designed to enable you to transfer your sequences from one sequencer to another. Anthony Widoff files a report.

MIDI is regularly used to perform tasks as varied as switching notes on and off, storing patch libraries and controlling mixes, but can it control sound itself? Vic Lennard looks at the uses of MIDI noise gates.

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.

UKMA

Now that the UK has its own MIDI association, help and information are but a phone call away. Simon Trask checks out the UKMA and its founder: Vic Lennard.

Taking MIDI Beyond The Music

MIDI has already offered musicians more than anyone foresaw when it was introduced, and now you can even use it to control your light show. Ian Steele explains.