RCM Synthesis explained

In this second part of our in-depth review of the SY77 synthesizer, Martin Russ delves into Yamaha's ultra new synthesis method: Real-time Convolution and Modulation.

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.

Tips & News From The World Of Music Software

More hints and tips from the world of music software.

This month's colourful round up of new products to tempt and tantalise.

Acoustic drum samples from producer Bob Clearmountain rub shoulders with Mega Beats drum machine samples, while SSU sounds for the Yamaha SY77 complete the lineup in this month's Patchwork.

Apple Macintosh Software

As the Apple Mac computer falls in price, attention is being focussed on less expensive software - like Audio Trax. Ian Waugh checks out a sequencer / audio recorder which won't break the bank.

The techno punk duo on U2, sampling theft, virtual reality, CDI, and getting the machines to rock.

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.

Rudi Cazeaux explores the nature of sound and presents some basic guidelines for synthesizing the various standard groups of acoustic instruments.

Hints, Tips & News From The World Of Music Software

More hints and tips from the world of music software.

As close to the cutting edge as you can get without needing stitches...

Yamaha's family of synths and expanders has a new member: a module counterpart to the SY22 keyboard. Nigel Humberstone celebrates the happy event.

With the novelty wearing off dedicated software synth editors, the race is on to come up with the definitive generic editor. Ian Waugh test-drives Dr T's entry.

Where everything clicks

Your questions answered

Michel Huygen/Neuronium

This Spanish synthesist explains the working methods and motivation behind his psychotronic musical landscapes.

Steinberg's flagship sequencer, Cubase, has seen two major revisions since we first reviewed it. David Hughes looks at what's new.

Cheetah MS6 Multitimbral Analogue Synthesizer

Seems like everyone has been waiting to get their hands on this low-cost 6-voice, multitimbral, analogue synth expander. Martin Russ looks at the affordable face of technology.

MT fans and stars of the underground rave scene, Bizarre Inc regularly party down with high technology. Simon Trask meets the men and discusses hardcore issues.

LA Synthesiser

Roland's latest keyboard combines two currently important concepts: the workstation and the company's own Linear Arithmetic synthesis. Simon Trask test drives the "multi-timbral linear synthesiser muhitrack sequencer".

Calum Malcolm: Going to Caledonia

Most editing software is more user-friendly than digital parameter access, and more suited to the demands of editing complex digital synthesizers than traditional analogue controls. Greg Truckell investigates.

You can't discuss the Manchester dance movement without A Guy Called Gerald. Simon Trask talks success and setbacks to one of Britain's most influential young artists.

It began with an illicit remix of Suzanne Vega and it's already earned them their own album release. Simon Trask tracks down the elusive DNA musical partnership to ask who, how and why.

Korg M1 Music Workstation

As Korg prepare an armada of new products to invade the music shops, Tony Hastings investigates the M1 Music Workstation - the flagship that looks set to blow a lot of the competition out of the water.

Yamaha SY22 Dynamic Vector Synthesizer

If you're one of those musicians who recall the Prophet VS synthesizer with misty-eyed affection, then you'll probably welcome Yamaha's decision to resurrect vector synthesis on this latest addition to their SY range. Paul Ireson checks out this blast from the past.