MIDI is regularly used to perform tasks as varied as switching notes on and off, storing patch libraries and controlling mixes, but can it control sound itself? Vic Lennard looks at the uses of MIDI noise gates.

New amps, effects and mikes from the States

Choosing Mixers For Live Sound

All mixers are fundamentally the same, aren't they? Dave Lockwood explains the differences between mixers designed for studio and stage.

Studiomaster P7 In-Line Mixer

News of some products to be released at the coming APRS exhibition, Acorn's new low-cost Archimedes computer, Akai's digital multitrack, and more.

Does BBE's new box of psychoacoustic tricks offer a new way of livening up a mix? David Mellor takes his music to the max.

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.

You don't know his name but you'll have heard his refrains. Composer Paul Bliss writes hits for the best of 'em using a UMI-2B sequencer package and several synthesizers. Ralph Denyer finds out how.

'When I Think Of You' by Janet Jackson

One good means of learning your way around the equipment you own is to use it to recreate somebody else's music. That's exactly what Mike Collins did last year whilst working at Yamaha's Research & Development Studio in London. Using nothing but Yamaha gear, he set about reproducing a Janet Jackson hit in full, by himself. Here, he recalls what was involved.

Martin Russ reflects on a cult phenomenon: Kawai’s K5 additive synthesizer.

Akai MIDI Mixer

Akai's forthcoming MPX-820 MIDI mixer may not compare with a top-class SSL desk but its fully programmable controls and onboard memories offer the budget-conscious user some of the benefits of a 'total recall' system. Paul D. Lehrman investigates.

Not so much a budget console as a professional mixing desk at a surprisingly low price.

Playback Alignment

Tape Playback Alignment

Equipment

24-Channel Multitrack Mixer

Fostex's new 24-channel 12-group 2412 mixer packs big console features into a compact frame. Dave Lockwood tries it on for size.

A plethora of new hi-tech products to whet your appetite.

AES Convention 1988

Los Angeles' recent AES convention pointed the way ahead for recording technology. Bob O'Donnell takes a trip to the fair and finds the rides to his liking.

If you thought vocoders were just an obsolete way of making a singer into a Dalek, you've been missing out. Tom McLaughlin explains music technology's most overlooked innovation.

Award MB10 Matchbox DI/EQ/Speaker Simulator

This extremely versatile problem solver can function as a low-noise DI box, guitar preamp and speaker simulator.