Vocals

Paul White discusses how to use reverb in the context of a mix, this month focussing on lead and backing vocals.

Introducing a new direction in synthesis from Emu

E-mu's new module heralds a new direction in synthesis. Will it change the face of music?

The cassette 4-track is still the focal point of the home studio, and Marantz have produced a serious challenger to the familiar Portastudio. How does it measure up? How will musicians’ take to it? How does Nicholas Rowland do it?

8-Voice Polyphonic Synthesiser

The most recent polyphonic synth from Oberheim, the OB8 adds even more flexibility to the tried and tested Oberheim formula.

Readers send in their own synth sounds and details of how to programme them. Among the instruments featured this month are the Moog Source, the Roland SH101 and the same manufacturer's Juno 106.

Intelligent Music's M Software

Here's a program that will banish your lack of inspiration forever! Version 2.0 of Intelligent Music's 'M' (for Macintosh and Atari computers) is considerably more than an isochronic pulse sequencer. Ed Jones puts on his thinking cap and delves deeper...

our answers to the common cassetting problems

our cures for common recording complaints

If you've ever wished you could sing a violin or hum a tune straight into your MIDI sequencer, this French "MIDI microphone" could be for you. Debbie Poyser sings something sampled.

Sound On Sound reader Kofi Busia recently released his own independent LP called 'Oh Africa', funded entirely by himself. To encourage others to follow his example, we asked Kofi to write about his experiences. In this the first of three parts, he presents a frank and revealing account of why the record came about, how he came to grips with using modern technology for African music, and why he chose the equipment he used.

Computer Drums

Who says you can't use those hi-fi DIN cables to connect all your MIDI gear together? This month, Jay Chapman takes a logical look at the hardware side of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface.

Paul White discusses the more advanced aspects of compression, and includes a table of useful settings.

Jean-Michel Jarre In Concert

We go backstage at Jarre's recent Wembley extravaganza to see how the show sound was put together.

Bass Playing & Programming

Get in touch with the subculture, courtesy of Simon Trask

Not strictly an instrument review... but a look at an innovative new tuition method for guitar and keyboards.

A synth without a keyboard for the best part of £4000? It sounds unrealistic, but this module is possibly the most versatile currently available. Paul White gives his verdict.

On the Emax Hard Disk Sampler

Unlike some samplers, Emax has stayed the course since its introduction over 18 months ago and has developed into a mature, well groomed specimen. Having released a Hard Disk version of the machine almost a year ago, Emu Systems have recently given Emax yet another lease of life with their Spectrum Synthesis upgrade, which turns the sampler into a powerful additive synthesizer. David Hughes tries it out

to 8-track, what's involved

Performance Sampler

It's been a while in the pipeline but Ensoniq's successor to their popular Mirage sampler is up and running. Simon Trask checks out the latest "peoples' sampler".

Goldsmiths College Electronic Music Studio

The start of a regular monthly column devoted to readers' hints and tips about their instruments, equipment, software, recording and playing techniques.