Martin Russ dishes up another concoction of MIDI hints and tips.

MIDI Remote Controller

Lexicon's MRC unit is much more than a fancy remote controller for their PCM70 and LXP1 signal processors - it also provides analogue-like controls for easy editing of DX synth parameters and manipulation of virtually any MIDI controller data. Martin Russ checks out the power behind the buttons.

Martin Russ attends the Second International Computer Music Weekend Conference held at Keele University, 28-29th January 1989.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

Martin Russ kicks off our new series by recapping on some MIDI basics before starting to demystify the secrets of MIDI's System Exclusive commands.

MIDIGrid & MIDIDraw

Can't play an instrument but would love to create music? Your wish is granted! With the right software, the humble Atari ST computer can be turned into a very different MIDI instrument indeed. Martin Russ looks at two unusual graphical music programs with contrasting approaches: MIDIDraw and MIDIGrid.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 2: Martin Russ reveals even more about the uses and applications of MIDI's most powerful function.

Still struggling to programme your drum machine? Wish you could see what your rhythms looked like? Martin Russ thinks this ST program could banish those drum box blues for good.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 3: Martin Russ continues his in-depth explanation of MIDI's most misunderstood messages.

The release of the M1R puts the M1’s hot sounds in a compact rack-mounting package that will undoubtedly appeal to musicians and studios already burdened by a surfeit of keyboards. Martin Russ looks beyond the surface appeal.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 4: Martin Russ provides some solid examples of how to utilise the hidden power of MIDI’s SysEx commands to reprogramme synths on-the-fly and to store snapshots of all your synth and effects patches on disk.

Pollution

Martin Russ worries about software pollution and wonders if we can look forward to 'green' software.

Proving that too much hex isn't bad for the health, Martin Russ explores the numeric world of 16.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 5: Martin Russ delves into the reasons why MIDI Controller messages are able to do what they can do and provides some practical examples.

Offering 256 tracks, direct screen manipulation of events, and the facility to alter any type of data whilst your sequence keeps playing, RealTime looks set to make a big name for itself very quickly. Martin Russ took a real shine to it - will you?

If you’re tired of playing keyboards and want a more imaginative way to create music, then this mouse-driven MIDI controller may prove an ideal alternative. Martin Russ investigates.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

Martin Russ continues his detailed investigation into the inner secrets of MIDI's most powerful messages.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 7: Martin Russ delves deeper into the secrets and applications of MIDI's System Exclusive messages.

If you own more than one MIDI synthesizer and an Atari ST, then this universal editor/MIDI controller desk accessory could revolutionise the way you work. Martin Russ explores ...

System Exclusive Orchestrator

If you have a large number of disorganised patches and an unruly MIDI network, then Xor is made for you. It is designed to make sound management and working with MIDI instruments easier. Martin Russ finds out if the claims are true.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 8: Martin Russ explains the circular nature of parameter editing and data dumps.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 9: Martin Russ continues his mammoth in-depth analysis of MIDI's SysEx codes with an explanation of 'checksums'.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 10: Martin Russ continues his in-depth demystification of these powerful MIDI messages with a look at 'handshaking'.

RCM Synthesizer

The DX7 captured musicians’ imaginations like no other synthesizer before or since. But the legacy of releasing endless variations on the DX theme has turned some musicians away from FM synthesis and into the waiting arms of a new generation of 'sample plus synth' keyboards. Now Yamaha are back with a vengeance, an even more powerful method of synthesis (Real-time Convolution and Modulation), and a spanking new flagship synth. But has the SY77 got what it takes to regain the hi-tech musician's vote? Martin Russ finds out.

Martin Russ checks out this update to the popular ST Replay sampler.

If you're tired of sampled sounds and are searching for a source of non-imitative synthetic voices to balance your repertoire, these low-cost instruments could well deliver the goods. Martin Russ finds out.