Just as musicians have day jobs, so companies in the music industry often have activities outside the field, writes Martin Russ.

You may know what the letters 'AAD' or 'DDD' on your CDs mean, but did you know that you won't be seeing them anymore? And just how much information is relevant or useful to the listener?

Effects made simple: a users' guide to mushing and wanging.

It has come to our attention that some of you have bad back-up habits. You know who you are...

Martin Russ speculates on the end of the music industry as we know it.

20 Things You Probably Never Knew About CD.

Why 16-bit/44.1 kHz sampling doesn't necessarily equal CD audio quality.

Could the arrival of new storage media such as magneto-optical disks change the way we perceive music?

There are more sound options available to today's synthesist than ever before. But should you buy off-the-peg or custom designs?

Sampling clichés and how to avoid them.

Samplers generate their own specialised jargon — so here's a quick guide to help guide you through some commonly used terms.

Even the most advanced of today's hi-tech instruments contain mechanical components that are prone to failure. The trick is to ensure that they just outlast the product to which they're fitted...