VU and PPM meters explained.

An in-depth look at what is probably the most well-respected training course for studio engineers: Surrey University's Tonmeister Sound Course.

An Alternative To Tape

From the analogue to the digital era, magnetic tape has been the prime production medium for recorded music for several decades. David Mellor examines new developments in recording and speculates where they might lead.

Hugh Padgham has worked with some of the best contemporary artists - The Police, Genesis, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, and Phil Collins, to name but a few - and has earned his place in the recording industry history books through his sensitive, innovative, and inspired sound engineering and production work. How did he do it? Brian Jacobs finds out...

Hard Disk Recorder

Digital recording takes another step into your living room with this PC-compatible modular package, with four tracks in a 19" rackmounted unit. Bob Walder finds out if Soundscape have got this direct-to-disk business taped...

Actual factuals

Where everything clicks

Your questions answered

Blue Weaver, former Bee-Gee and session musician takes Janet Angus round his new studio.

Want to be a recording engineer? Terry Holton provides an insight into the audio and video production training courses offered by London-based Media Production Services.

Don Larking

The world's best known engineer

Ray Dolby's name appears on almost every recording device imaginable, yet few people outside the industry know much about this most famous engineer. In a rare interview he talks to David Mellor and explains the evolution of Dolby noise reduction.

Music On The PC

Panicos Georghiades and Gabriel Jacobs explain how, with the aid of plug-in sound and MIDI interface cards, you can transform that most unmusical of computers, the PC.

Paul Gilby returns with the series that takes a behind the scenes look at companies and design personnel working in the field of music and recording technology. This month: Marvin Caesar, President of Aphex Systems USA - creators of the legendary Aural Exciter.

Tony Visconti's studio, Good Earth, in the heart of London's West End owes its success to a combination of the right services and good management.

PC sound card with stacks of software

Sound card feature

There's a revolution going on in the high street. People with no musical experience can now write and record songs. All you require is a PC, a sound card... and MT's definitive guide. Ian Waugh is your dealer.

Analogue tape, digital tape or hard disk? All have strengths and weaknesses, some of which are more obvious than others; this comprehensive overview unscrews the inscrutable.

Opcode Studio Vision

Integrated sequencing/d-t-d recording

Sony TCD-D3 DAT Walkman

It is often said that the best things come in small packages — and the new Sony DAT Walkman is no exception to the rule. Simon Sanders takes a look at this miracle of micro electronics and asks, "Can anyone lend me £650?"

Reports of some of the new products unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Music Fair which will be winging their way into the shops over the coming months.

Developments and equipment

PART 1: New England Digital's Synclavier is the world's most expensive musical instrument, bar the odd 300 year old Stradivarius. But more than that, it can be a recording studio, a post-production system, a music engraver, a scientific research tool... and more. The Synclavier is at the leading edge of musical technology. David Mellor sets out on a voyage of discovery.