As musicians demand ever more from their samplers, Akai replace the studio-standard S900 with an enhanced machine. Vic Lennard samples the march of progress.

SMPTE/FSK Synchroniser

You want to sync your sequencer to tape but the budget's tight and you don't know if FSK code's smart enough or SMPTE code's cheap enough - let Vic Lennard introduce a budget synchroniser that handles both.

The pro-standard SMPTE sync code is now working itself down to many semi-pro and amateur studios - but even the best systems bring their problems. Vic Lennard presents a SMPTE troubleshooters' guide.

ATARI/P&G/CONTRIVER/MCS/MARCONI/KRAFT Trackballs

When you entrust your music to the sophistication of a computer and software, you may find yourself needing something more reliable than a mouse to control it. Vic Lennard has the balls - track balls.

Macintosh MIDI Interface

The new line of cheap Apple Macs sees them Ending more music applications; now the search is on for a cost-effective MIDI interface. Vic Lennard checks out a strong contender.

Akai S900 Editor for the Atari ST

This comprehensive visual sample-editing package from America could be the answer to many S900 owner's prayers. Vic Lennard says: have ST will travel.

Software for the Atari ST

Good news for you Roland D10, D20 and D110 owners comes in the form of this Atari ST editing software. "I could do with a D", says Vic Leonard.

New fast automatic knob twiddling

Mixing Console

Mix your Spirit - and stay in control

Eight-track cassette recorder

The four-track cassette recorder revolutionised home recording and significantly changed the recording industry; will the eight-track cassette have a similar effect? Vic Lennard goes on record.

MIDI Patch bay

Do you need a MIDI patchbay in your studio? Or a MIDI merger? Or both? Vic Lennard discovers that the XR400 solves more problems than he suspected. How's the software-reviewers elbow, Vic?

System Exclusive messages promised to make MIDI a flexible and powerful communications standard; instead it seems to have caused MIDI havoc. Vic Lennard takes an Exclusive look.

MIDI Data Recorder

Latest in the emerging trend of MIDI data recorders is MIDItemp's MIDI Player - a composite 64-track sequencer, MIDI processor and patching matrix. Vic Lennard takes on a temp.

Atari ST Software

Without UK distribution, Hybrid's Atari sequencers have almost been forgotten. But now they're back with a Gold update to shout about, as Vic Lennard finds out.

Software for the Atari ST

A generic patch librarian from a familiar American company. Vic Leonard looks at a convenient way of solving the problems of patch storage and organisation - provided you've got an ST.

Software for the Atari ST

If your music's been demanding a Steinberg sequencer but your pocket's been denying you Pro24, this new budget package could be your salvation. Baby talk: Vic Leonard.

Akai the new...

Software for the Atari ST

The latest in Dr T's Caged Artist series of editors is an Atari ST program for Roland's popular D110 synthesis mdule. Vic Lennard takes his L/A the easy way.

Atari Editing Software

Digital and analogue technology meet face to face in this editing software for the Oberheim Matrix 1000. Vic Lennard explores the possibilities.

Digital Parametric Equaliser

The advantages of programmability and the power of MIDI spread further into the studio environment. Vic Lennard checks out Roland's programmable parametric equaliser.

Proteus Expansion

With the success of E-mu's Proteus sample reader assured, Invision are offering a hardware upgrade that's likely to see the Proteus' use become even more widespread. Vic Lennard explores the logic.

MIDI Time Code and MIDI Clock - what's what and which should you use? Vic Lennard investigates alternative approaches to MIDI synchronisation code.

MIDI Synchroniser

It's not the cheapest synchroniser money can buy, but it's sophisticated and flexible enough to become one of the most popular. Vic Leonard gets in sync.

Noise reduction is an essential part of any professional recording; but there's more than one way of providing it and more than one way of using it. Silence is golden to Vic Lennard.