Francinstien Stereo Enhancement System

Rhythmcheck

The half of the drum machine that goes 'bok' put in a box. Curtis Schwartz reckons it's not half bad

MIDI Controlled Muting

Paul White evaluates this compact and cost-effective means of adding sequencer-driven mute automation to any mixing console.

Including a special Yamaha news update.

A no-nonsense, standard format split recording console at a sensible price.

Ted Fletcher documents the rise of a talented studio engineer whose recorded credits already include albums by Gary Moore and China Crisis.

David Mellor tries out three new effects units from ADA — a MIDI programmable stereo equaliser, MIDI valve preamp, and a pitch transposer - and finds one that gives his secret studio weapon a run for its money.

Mixing Desk

There’s a 16:8:2 and a 24:8:2, and both have MIDI-controlled automation. Furthermore, Steinberg have written a Cubase-like automation program for your ST, so there’s even less need for any of that awkward stretching. Vic Lennard enters into the Spirit.

Rhodes MK80 Piano

The Rhodes electric piano features on countless classic tracks, and is one of the most imitated keyboard sounds of all time. Now Rhodes are back, with a new keyboard that updates a classic sound with all the benefits of contemporary MIDI technology. Tony Hastings checks it out.

The Mixing Console (2)

Part 6: The mixing console. David Mellor continues his close examination of the recording studio's most complex and expensive piece of equipment.

The Tapeless Recording Market Survey

The tapeless recording revolution is in full swing, as technology that once was available only to the few develops in products that suit a wider range of applications and pockets. Yasmin Hashmi looks at the development of the technology, the current state of the market and how it is likely to progress.

Effectscheck

There is nothing like a Dane, as Dave Burrluck found

The only product round-up that shows you 'in living colour' what's new in the field of music and recording technology.

Marillion's guitarist talks to John Harris about the band's home studio and about getting great guitar sounds on tape...

Stage Monitoring

A practical look at on-stage monitoring for small and awkward gigs.

Another glimpse of forthcoming products from the hi-tech music and recording worlds.

Using the Compressor and Noise Gate

Part 11: Using the compressor and noise gate. The compressor and the noise gate are the most powerful of all the effects in a studio rack. David Mellor passes on some techniques and tricks.

Yet another selection of recently announced new products to whet your appetite!

Thomas Dolby is back after a four year break, without the mad professor image but with an excellent new album in Astronauts & Heretics, his most personal recording to date. Paul Tingen spoke to him about the long road from solo synthesist to globe-trotting collaborator.

20 years of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon

Original engineer on the 'Dark Side Of The Moon' sessions, Alan Parsons, explains the 20th anniversary remastering of this classic album.

Percussion Sounds

Steve Howell investigates conventional drum-kit sounds and how to synthesise them, using even the most basic of instruments.

Explains his complex minimalism