No project from Tanrak, this month as Paul Williams refuses to leave his R&D lab until next month. The charming and eloquent Dr Simon Bateson steps in to fill the breech with a level matcher that could save civilisation as we know it.

Session player, freelance producer and 1-Level keyboardist Duncan Bridgeman discusses what it's like to live in a recording studio for 11 months of the year. Interview by Dan Goldstein.

A studio quality stereo Compressor/Limiter with external control option.

In response to reader demand, this month we introduce a regular page of hints and tips for Dr.T's music programs, written and compiled exclusively for SOS by Dr.T themselves.

Control Room

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.

Mixing Console (1)

Part 5: The mixing console is the largest, most complicated, and probably the most expensive item in the recording studio. In this first installment, David Mellor begins his journey through its component parts.

DJ Mixers

A three-way test of DJ mixers

Build this noise reduction project

The second instalment of our new series describing the design and construction of a high quality modular effects rack system. This month: Comp-Lim 2.

The revolutionary Video 8 format has resulted in a new generation of domestic video recorders that offer high quality pictures and up to 6 tracks and 18 hours of stereo digital sound. Francis Rumsey explains how.

Sound Workshop

Sony PCM F1

Introducing the Sony PCM F1 recorder.

The third instalment of our series describing the design and construction of a high quality modular effects rack system.

our answers to the common cassetting problems

our cures for common recording complaints

David Hughes tries out three new low-cost companions to the Alesis Microverb - the Micro Enhancer, Micro Gate, and Micro Limiter. Are they the Accessit range of the Eighties?

SMPTE/FSK Synchroniser

You want to sync your sequencer to tape but the budget's tight and you don't know if FSK code's smart enough or SMPTE code's cheap enough - let Vic Lennard introduce a budget synchroniser that handles both.

Getting active with the axe

Studiotest

Jim Betteridge finds the Korg SDD-1000 well worth the wait

Using Samplers for Vocals

With a creative mind and a decent digital sampler you can work wonders for your music. Brian Howarth provides a sampling strategy for constructing and manipulating vocal arrangements.

User Report

Yet another sleek, black, 16-bit multi effects unit? Or does the new Roland RSP550 have something more to offer? Kendall Wrightson has the answer.

The title says it all...