Says it all really

The new heir to the ST sequencer throne?

After a change of name and a long wait, Steinberg's successor to Pro24 is finally here. Has it been worth the wait? David Hughes thinks so...

the next generation

How to funk up your drum patterns

Over the last few years musicians have consistently been more excited over the latest MIDI hardware developments than they have over MIDI software. Whilst other micros have come and gone, the Atari ST and Macintosh micros have quietly become the established computers for making music with MIDI. Ed Jones reveals why with a look at Steinberg's Pro-24 (V2.1) and Mark Of The Unicorn's Performer (V2.2) programs.

Hints, Tips & News From The World Of Music Software

More hints and tips from C-Lab, The Digital Muse and Steinberg.

News from the front

the news for now

Another instalment of our column devoted entirely to Steinberg software, written and compiled exclusively for SOS by Steinberg's experts.

A plethora of new hi-tech products to whet your appetite.

Another selection of excellent drum patterns appear in this month's edition of the definitive beatbox programming series. Nigel Lord hands put a good beating.

If you've got problems with your power supply, you've got problems with your MIDI setup - you've probably got problems you never imagined. Mark Burletson plays at megalomania.

This month David Mellor presents a guided tour of Steinberg's ubiquitous sequencer program.

Part 1 looks at early keyboard instruments

Apple Macintosh Software

One of the leading Macintosh sequencing packages has recently undergone another of its periodic face lifts. Ian Waugh checks the state of the performing art.

Roland JV80 & JY30 Synths

Is Roland's new JV80 their best keyboard since the D50? Julian Colbeck thinks it is, as he puts the company's two newest synths to the test.

Following on from last month's preview, Paul Ireson provides a thorough rundown of this easy-to-use, 32-track, pattern-based sequencer for the Atari ST.

Soaking your drum voices in reverb effects gives great sounds but it makes programming drum patterns much harder. Nigel Lord explains how to fit larger-than-life drums into a song.

Software and Hardware

Newer, cheaper models have brought the Apple Macintosh within the reach of an increasing number of musicians. Tim Tully presents an overview of hardware and software products for the computer that pioneered the Graphical User Interface.

Atari ST Software

Multitrack Disk Recorder

Roland's S750 and S770 amply demonstrated their pro digital expertise; now the DM80 offers four or eight tracks of truly cost-effective hard disk recording. Wilf Smarties welcomes Roland's newest techno tool.

The science of the drum machine.

A Series By Warren Cann. Part 3.

This month: hints on creating more exciting song arrangements.

Paul Ireson beats a path to the door of Roland's new flagship drumbox and finds a groovy kind of love.

Dr.T's Keyboard Controlled Sequencer - Level II V3.0 for the Amiga

One music software house that showed greater awareness and belief in the Commodore Amiga from the outset was Dr.T. David Ellis checks out version 3.0 of their top-of-the-range sequencer to see how it rates against the growing competition.

Akai S900 Editor for the Atari ST

This comprehensive visual sample-editing package from America could be the answer to many S900 owner's prayers. Vic Lennard says: have ST will travel.