MIDI & Multitrack

Part 10: David Mellor looks at ways of getting the best of both worlds by combining a MIDI system with a multitrack tape recorder.

David Mellor offers advice to the studio newcomer on the original multi-effects unit.

Veteran songwriter Peter Hammill and programmer Paul Ridout have used some revolutionary applications of MIDI technology in the creation of Hammill's latest album. Paul Tingen interviews them, and comes away suitably impressed.

This exciting project from Paul Williams is capable of making even the most dull recordings come to life - it's a pity it can't do anything about duff songwriting though.

In the first of a series, Fred Dellar looks at the chequered career of Gus Dudgeon.

Continuing the tradition that began with their 144 Portastudio, Tascam have created a combined package of mixer and 8-track recorder - the 388 Studio 8 - whose compact dimensions belie its true versatility. Dave Lockwood assesses its performance.

Jay Chapman delves deep into the murky waters of MIDI's often ignored Mono Mode in pursuit of multi-timbral expression!

Interconnect

Less a sequencer more an astonishingly flexible 8-track digital multitrack for keyboards. David Mellor pinpoints the essential differences and judges where the QX5 fits into the Yamaha product line.

Sound Workshop

Yesteryear's Gear: Roland Juno synths

classic analogue synthesizers for today's acid sounds

Are They A Good Mix?

mixing the pop world's most powerful cocktail: should your music have a message?

forming your first band and don't know what to do? Read on...

Continuing our 'How It Works' series, David Mellor lays bare the facts about the applications and workings of the commonest types of microphone.

A step-by-step guide to the workings of a typical mixing console.

Insert Points & Aux Sends

Last minute bargains: Guided tour around typical multitrack desk, stopping at all notable features. Bed, breakfast and evening meal not provided.

How Good Are They?

Over the next two issues Graham Hinton tests five mixer automation systems which all provide control of audio signal level by means of Voltage Controlled Amplifiers (VCAs) and are accessible to some degree by MIDI. This month it's the turn of the Akai MPX820 and Simmons SPM8:2.

Some Thoughts About Contemporary Music

Application of the CEM 3310

VC Envelope Generator

Phil Walsh with some tips on buying second hand gear

Instant multitracking with a pair of stereo tape recorders.

A simple-to-build and inexpensive design capable of powering up to 200 microphones!

Soldering Techniques & Wiring Looms

Part 3: If you are a home studio builder, then sooner or later you are going to have to solder. And unless you like tangled cables, you will need to be able to make up your own wiring looms. David Mellor offers a man-in-the-street’s guide to simple and reliable wiring techniques.

Mixing in the MIDI Age

This two-part feature covers both the art and technology of mixing. The first article on page 48, 'Mixing Essentials', covers audio mixing in general, from a more basic level, and applies to any sort of studio mixing task. The second part, 'Mixing With MIDI’, starts on page 54 and covers techniques made possible by MIDI, specifically automated mixing and sending MIDI instruments direct to your master tape. Craig Anderton is your guide.