Aimed at the higher end of the market, Akai's latest reverb unit forsakes digital clarity in favour of more realistic sound treatment. Vic Lennard goes au naturel.

Noise Reduction System

There are more sources of noise in a studio than recording tape -and a noise reduction unit ought to be able to cope with all of it, right? Vic Lennard thinks he's found one that does.

Reading MIDI Implementation Charts

In spite of MIDI's promise of compatibility between hi-tech musical equipment, few of us have found this to be the case. Vic Lennard takes his second look at MIDI Implementation charts and how they can solve your MIDI problems.

Vic Lennard considers the trials and triumphs of storing your synth patches as SysEx files within the sequences they're intended for, and concludes that MIDI really is your friend after all.

Performance Signal Processor

Now that multi-effects processors are all the rage, Korg go one better by producing a unit which allows you to add extra effects via ROM cards. Vic Lennard discovers the advantages of open-ended signal processing.

Confused about DAT? Vic Lennard guides you gently through the ins and outs, the pros and cons and the whys and wherefores of Digital Audio Tape.

MIDI Tape Recorder Interface

If the prospect of throwing your computer into the back of a Ford Transit and hauling it on stage every night fills you with dread, the new MIDIMan from Musicsoft might well be the solution.

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.

Pocket Filter, Pedal & Merge

What's the size of a fag pocket, comes in enough varieties to ease almost any studio problem and isn't covered by British drug laws? Vic Lennard investigates a new line in MIDI effects.

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?

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.

Never mind Starwars fx, this is the war of the star fx. Vic Lennard patches in Yamaha's latest budget multi-fx unit and likes what he hears.

Ideally every synth and sampler editor would allow you to edit sounds while your sequencer is running. One that does is this desk accessory for the Atari ST. Vic Lennard opens the box.

MIDI controller data can have many uses such as adding "feel" to music after it's been recorded into a sequencer. Vic "Megalomaniac" Lennard explores this and many other applications.

MIDI Control Device

Tired of digital parameter access synth editing, unimpressed by software editors? Vic Lennard looks at a system that allows you to use real sliders to edit your synths.

E-mu's Proteus sample player has been one of the stars of recent trade shows, yet it's been in desperately short supply in the UK. Vic Lennard finds it's been worth the wait.

You've got the perfect S900 snare sample and you've just bought an Emulator III - you either start again or buy Avalon. Vic Lennard looks at a program which could become indispensable for sample editing and management.

MERGING MIDI INFORMATION

Two into one will go - but if you're talking about MIDI datastreams there are a few important rules you need to follow. Vic Lennard explains the Ins and Outs of merging MIDI information.

ALESIS DATADISK MIDI Data Recorder

The latest MIDI data recorder to appear is the Alesis Datafiler SysEx recorder, which allows you to record system exclusive info direct to disk. Filing with Vic Lennard.

This week a new virus appeared on IBM computer - "AIDS" - how long before one appears in your music system? Vic Lennard looks at viruses and how you can avoid them.

MIDI Time Code

MIDI Time Code, an overdue MIDI sync standard or a missed opportunity for musicians and manufacturers alike? Vic Lennard finds out what time it is.

Atari ST Software

Every new synth seems to herald a new generation of software editors - and so with IMS and Dr T's Atari ST editors for E-mu's Proteus. Vic Lennard gets in shape.

Digital Sampler

With two-minutes of sample time, Casio's FZ20M would seem to be an instant contender for any serious sampler's shortlist - but size isn't always everything, as Vic Lennard discovers.

Signal Processor

Eventide call it their Ultra-harmoniser, but is it worthy to follow in the footsteps of their standard-setting model 910? Vic Lennard and technology in perfect harmony.

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.