Memorymoog

Intended to be their finest moment, Moog's "ultimate" polysynth proved problematic and unreliable - yet it won many devotees. Steve Howell recalls the sound of analogue.

If you are serious about electronic music, then you'll appreciate this study report.

It's been available for well under a year, but already, Roland's latest MicroComposer is establishing itself as something of an industry standard. Steve Howell gives a comprehensive user's eye view...

In contrast with the main feature we take a look at one of today’s modern commercial, electro-music bands.

A Re-Review Of The Roland MC4 Microcomposer

...But let us not forget what went before. Steve Howell again, on the machine that introduced the world to recording music by punching in a set of numbers. It's still usable today.

Not only did Roland's Super Jupiter make a worthy replacement for the Jupiter 8, it is still a sought-after instrument today, as Steve Howell is happy to report.

Recently voted 'Best Sampler' by SOS readers, Akai's S1000 has quickly established itself as the industry standard 16-bit machine. So who better to reveal the innermost secrets of the instrument than the creator of the new SWM and Workstation sample disks, Akai product specialist Steve Howell. This month he kicks off the series with an explanation of how to take your own samples.

Another old synth makes its comeback. This time it's Steve Howell's much-prized ARP 2600 with its graphic panel layout, modular construction and built-in amplification.

Sample Editing & Manipulation

PART 2: Akai product specialist Steve Howell passes on more useful tips to help you make the most of your new S1000 sampler.

MIDI Programmable Mixer

A programmable mixer that will find a good home in a home studio.

Multiple Loops & Timestretch

In this final part of the series, Akai product specialist Steve Howell explores sample editing using multiple loops, and the S1000’s new timestretch feature.

Using Sequencers with Modular Systems

Steve Howell looks at different methods of triggering modular sequencers from click-tracks on tape.

Oscillator Modulation

Bass Sounds

Sequencers

Sequencer Anatomy

A prolific American synthesist interviewed

Producing String Sounds

A new in depth look at building up complex patches

Sample and Hold

Continuing our series for the complete newcomer to electronics in music, Steve Howell takes a look at the VCO, the synthesiser's heartbeat.

Voltage Controlled Filters Part 1

Software for Commodore 64 and Spectrum

He was unimpressed by the same company's step-time MIDI package, but how does Steve Howell rate its real time equivalent?

Voltage Controlled Filters Part 2

Steve Howell continues our beginner's guide to synthesisers by describing how sounds are shaped by amplifiers and envelope generators.