Intelligent Pitch Shifter

Most pitch shifters wouldn't know their A minor from their E major, but DigiTech's IPS33 knows a thing or two about playing in key. Simon Trask finds himself in harmony with the Intelligent Pitch Shifter.

Why has this top record producer - the man behind Culture Club's phenomenal success on vinyl - given up using the Fairlight in favour of a Steinberg Pro-24 system? Why is he so upset about the myths that surround digital recording? Ralph Denyer went along to Levine's new studio to find out...

Ever wanted to release your own album? Here's the story of one determined SOS reader, Bob Geal, who did just that.

mixed-mode CD tracklist

The words behind the sounds on this month's CD and CD-ROM

Mark Cunningham finds producer O'Duffy in hypnotic mood

PART 3; David Mellor looks at how the requirements of different types of music for TV and film can dictate the sophistication of your synchronising capabilities, and at how machine synchronisation works in practice.

Local community arts centres often house some sort of sound studio, and these can be the only way interested members of the public gain first-hand experience of recording and hi-tech equipment. David Hughes reports on one such North-East based facility.

The secret life of the noise gate

Open your gate and find the key to a better sound

drum pattern editor

Yet more useful kit for PC musicians. Honestly, we're spoiling you...

Glastonbury sound

PA secrets behind one of Britain’s biggest festivals

Mac Audio Utility

The co-producer of Level 42's last two records has also lent his keyboard playing skills to the likes of Grace Jones, Robert Palmer, Mick Jagger and Talking Heads. He discusses his roles as programmer, synth player and producer with Paul Tingen.

The art of writing music for popular television in the last few years may have been single-handedly redefined by Jan Hammer. His upbeat, rocky soundtracks to the hit TV series 'Miami Vice' (along with a few of the chart hits used in the show) have now produced two albums of instrumental music. Ed Jones finds out how they were done.

Demo Tape Discipline

the power behind the button

Back in the '60s it was Jefferson Airplane, then it was Jefferson Starship, then it was simply Starship. Brad Leigh Benjamin compares notes with the Synclavier king of one of rock's institutions.

Breaking The Silence

Brian Eno, is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in electronic music, yet his creative energies have recently been directed into other people's music. Now, with the release of one solo and one collaborative album approaching, he gives a rare interview to Mark Prendergast.

Can't quite stretch your budget to a 688 MIDIStudio? Richard Aaron checks out Tascam's appealingly priced new 8-track portastudio.

A 2-page Paracetamol for your technical headaches.

Steve Jansen & Richard Barbieri

Following a brief diversion in the form of last year's Rain Tree Crow project, Steve Jansen and Richard Barbieri are once more pursuing their creative partnership. Paul Ireson reports on the recording of their latest album.

Educating Teachers

Chris Gander, a teacher and a home recording enthusiast, examines the way technology is influencing music education.

We take a look at all the latest happenings in the world of Micro Music