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.

Brass Sounds

Creating and playing brass sounds.

A fresh look at the production model of the Akai S612 MIDI controlled sound sampler by Steve Howell.

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.

Percussion Sounds

Steve Howell investigates conventional drum-kit sounds and how to synthesise them, using even the most basic of instruments.

Steve Howell and a simple footpedal controller for the Roland SH101. Plus a solution to The Case of the Missing Theremin Parts List.

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.

Synthetic Percussion Sounds

Steve Howell finishes off percussion sounds and how to go about synthesising them.

We start a new series on synthesis for the complete beginner. Steve Howell is the man at the helm.

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.

Woodwind Sounds

Woodwind sounds - from both the Western and non-Western worlds - are the subject of this month's missive from Steve Howell.

Having trouble syncing your sequencer to your drum machine or vice versa? Steve Howell (probably) has the answer.

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.

A User Report on the Yamaha DX9

Almost entirely overshadowed by its immensely popular elder brother, the DX9 deserves a better deal. Or at least that's what Steve Howell claims in this special user report.

If you're a complete newcomer to the world of synthesisers, this is the series for you. Steve Howell takes a beginner's look at filters.

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.

Vocal Effects

The sound of the human voice is one of the most difficult acoustic tones to reproduce electronically, but reading Steve Howell's step-by-step guide should set you on the right track.

More on filters and envelopes from the educational pen of Steve Howell.

Using Sequencers with Modular Systems

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