Outboard signal processors have been sporting MIDI sockets on their rear panels for some time now, but just what can MIDI do for fx and how can you best use it? Vic Lennard patches into processing.

As your MIDI studio expands, MIDI management becomes more and more important. Vic Lennard investigates an 8x8 MIDI patchbay that could make your music more important than your MIDI leads.

Still largely neglected by the software houses, the Acorn Archimedes is the host machine for the Armadillo sampler. Vic Lennard investigates a powerful sampling package for a powerful computer.

With Digital Audio Tape becoming widely used for mastering, it's important to know how it differs from its quarter-inch predecessor and how it can benefit you. Vic Lennard acknowledges his new master.

When is a MIDI lead not a MIDI lead? Vic Lennard looks at MIDI leads, the problems they can cause and an inexpensive way of solving them - the MIDITest 5.

Sampling Module

After much pre-publicity, Cheetah's first venture into the world of samplers is here. It's 16-bit stereo, reads S900 disks and is reviewed by Vic Lennard.

MIDI Time Code Controller

With sequencing and tape recording becoming equally important to many musicians, any means of integrating the two is likely to be a welcome development. Vic Lennard looks at a unit that allows Fostex' R8 to be operated from within Steinberg's Cubase.

Software for the Atari ST

When it comes to sound editing on today's synth modules, there's no alternative to using a software editor. Vic Lennard explores the benefits of Steinberg's editor for the E-mu Proteus.

Programmable MIDI Patchbay

When your MIDI setup starts to look more like NASA's mission control than a music studio, a MIDI patchbay is essential. Vic Lennard tests one of the best.

Often criticised for its shortcomings. MIDI is still being developed to meet musicians' needs. UK MIDI Association chief Vic Lennard brings news of the latest updates and their applications.

CF10 DIGITAL FADER & CN20 MUSICAL ENTRY PAD

To complement their CM-series modules, Roland have released a Digital Fader and Musical Entry Pad - but anything MIDI has many uses. Vic Lennard becomes an accessory.

Largely misunderstood, MIDI's running status protocol can be used effectively to streamline a MIDI system - as long as you know how to take advantage of it. Vic Lennard stretches his legs.

MIDI Merger

From the humble origins of their Pocket Merge, Anatek have refined a powerful eight-way MIDI merging system that could become essential to the serious MIDI studio. Vic Lennard merges with the elite.

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.

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.

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.

Kenton MIDI Retrofits

With analogue technology enjoying a renaissance, there's a growing demand for MIDI updates to old equipment. Vic Lennard talks to Kenton Electronics about the Ins and Outs of retrofitting.

As integration of musical and studio technology grows, the need for units like Anatek's new sync box grows. Synchronisation made easy with Vic Lennard.

Midi File Converter

Roland's MRM500 software offers unprecedented file compatibility between software sequencers and their MC-series sequencers. Vic Lennard asks if it's too good to be true.

When you put your faith in a software-based sequencer, little can be as demoralising as a computer crash caused by mains fluctuation. Vic Lennard looks at one means of protecting your music.

MIDI Patchbays

Much has been said about MIDI patchbays and their near indispensability in a modern MIDI setup. Vic Lennard questions their importance and looks at the alternatives.

When inspiration strikes and you're out of reach of a sequencer, Anatek's latest Pocket unit can save your soul, if not your life. Vic Lennard picks a pocket.

MIDI Interface

Famed for playing its part in the MIDI Chapman Stick, IVL's pitch-to-MIDI system is now opening the world of MIDI to the pedal steel player. Vic Lennard picks his words.

Atari ST Sampler

If you fancy turning the processing power of your Atari ST to the delicate art of sampling, AVR's Pro-Series 12 could be for you. Vic Lennard soft samples.

Magneto-optical Disk Recorder

Akai's DD1000 Magneto-optical recorder applies state-of-the-art technology to four-track dedicated digital editing. Vic Lennard sees the light at the end of the sample.