PART 5: In this final installment of the series, David Mellor looks at sophisticated timecode generators and readers in the Fostex range, and at complex timecode systems.

PART 2: Microphones. David Mellor cuts through the mythology of microphone techniques with some practical advice.

Tascam MSR24 24-track 1" Tape Recorder

Ever since the dark ages, prophets and soothsayers have been forecasting the Big One. Well here it is - Tascam's 24-track on one inch tape recorder. David Mellor investigates.

Musical Arrangement For Recording

PART 3: David Mellor looks at arranging tricks and techniques with an eye to achieving a better recording.

4-Track Recording

PART 4: David Mellor takes a first step into the wide world of multitrack recording with an explanation of cassette-based 4-track techniques.

David Mellor takes a day trip to the University College of North Wales in Bangor to visit the first studio in Britain to take delivery of an Akai DR1200 digital multitrack recorder.

MIDI Programmable Graphic Equaliser/Real Time Analyser

The new Peavey Autograph not only analyses your EQ problems, it fixes them too! David Mellor investigates.

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.

Digital Audio Recorder

David Mellor explores the higher echelons of audio technology and finds a machine which is destined to become a classic of its time: Soundstation II from Digital Audio Research.

There may be few instruments in the world that have not yet been sampled, but there is still an infinite number of ways it can be done. David Mellor auditions the Sonic Images sample library volumes 2 and 3.

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.

Digital Audio Production System

Today's high-end tools for the professional are tomorrows affordable tools for the musician in the street. David Mellor explores a Macintosh-based digital recording and editing system from a company best known for their analogue tape recorders.

Is Hybrid Arts SMPTETrack for the Atari ST keeping pace with the front runners? David Mellor upgrades his sequencer package to version II software and hardware.

The Ideal 24-track Partner?

It may not be a new product, but recent events in the world of 24-track recording look like giving the Soundcraft 6000 console a newfound popularity. David Mellor investigates.

The Session

Part 7: David Mellor puts a typical band into a typical studio and looks at the various stages of recording, from initial planning up to instrumental overdubs.

Recording Drums

Part 8: David Mellor explains several techniques for taming that most difficult of instruments to record - the drum kit.

David Mellor unplugs his Atari and tries his hand at sequencing on a PC, using Magnetic Music's 16-track Prism sequencer.

Recording Studio Manager

David Mellor looks at a low-cost suite of Atari-based software applications to make your studio run more smoothly and more profitably.

Recording Vocals

Part 9: The human voice is the most difficult instrument to record, bar none. David Mellor offers some practical guidance.

David Mellor reviews this affordable music printing program for IBM PC compatibles, which is capable of producing very high quality scores.

MIDI & Multitrack

Part 10: David Mellor looks at ways of getting the best of both worlds by combining a MIDI system with a multitrack tape recorder.

David Mellor looks at a 16-track machine which brings a new level of sophistication to the world of 'personal' multitrack.

Using the Compressor and Noise Gate

Part 11: Using the compressor and noise gate. The compressor and the noise gate are the most powerful of all the effects in a studio rack. David Mellor passes on some techniques and tricks.

As the prices of 8 and 16-track tape recorders have come within the reach of more users, synchronisers are becoming familiar, even essential, to an increasing number of people. David Mellor chases Tascam's new machine and midi synchroniser.

Part 12: Equalisation, there are equalisers, and there are equalisers. David Mellor wonders whether some are more equal than others.