oddball ID

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

New software, updates, sounds and samples

Ben Duncan dons his oil filled gumboots and stands on a pile of dry newspaper to give us an in depth report on this popular power amplifier.

After inspiring a generation of experimental musicians to explore synthetic soundscapes, Tangerine Dream found new relevance in 1990's ambient house movement. Simon Trask enters the Dream state.

Atari ST Software

Without UK distribution, Hybrid's Atari sequencers have almost been forgotten. But now they're back with a Gold update to shout about, as Vic Lennard finds out.

All that was new and all that was interesting at the this year's sojourn into Germany.

...Is one of Britain's most inventive jazz keyboard players, with a myriad of different strings to his performing bow, and an unusually open-minded approach to new technology. Simon Trask listens to what he has to say.

Synthesiser

A versatile mono/poly combination keyboard from the Siel stable comes under examination.

Following on from last month's pictorial exclusive, this account of Europe's largest hi-tech music exhibition fills in the details. Tim Goodyer files the report.

Mark Jenkins' system

The best music program ever?

Part 1: In the States, Coda's Finale has been hailed as the "the most exciting use of the Apple Macintosh to date" and "the most powerful, most intelligent, most flexible music software available today". In this lengthy two-part review, Kendall Wrightson cuts through the hype to discover whether the claims are fact or fiction.

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

piano module

A piano for every occasion - and a few more besides

Rhythm Composer and Digital Keyboard Recorder

A matching analogue/digital drum-machine and digital keyboard recorder come under the gaze of Dan Goldstein and Geoff Twigg.

A Concerted Effort

Etcetera

By way of introduction to better coverage of recording studios and the technology within them, we look at the current state of the recording art and report from London's recent APRS studio show.

Kurzweil K2000

Kurzweil's new keyboard offers genuine innovation: versatile synthesis, an unparalleled user interface, and up to 64MB of user sampling are only the start of what sets the K2000 apart from other sample-based instruments. Craig Anderton explains why it will turn the head of even the most jaded technophile.

Commander C80 MIDI Master Keyboard

Roland SDE330 Dimensional Delay

All You Need To Know About Making Your Own Records

Some musicians and bands decide to take their future success into their own hands, by putting money into producing their own records. Tony Batchelor and Sue Silutoe take the mystery out of making your own CD, vinyl or cassette release, from initial Session Tape to final product.

Tony Bacon longs to talk to some Rich Kids' ghost, but ends up with the decidedly solid Rusty Egan and Glen Matlock.

If no news is good news this is baaad

What is 1¾" high, has 31 voices, plays the piano, vibraphone and sax, and has its own library? Simon Trask checks out Roland's latest PCM sample module.