So you wanna record an album? Anyone with a DAT recorder can make what they think is a usable master tape, but it takes a little know-how to do it properly. Mastering engineers Mike Brown and Martin Giles of CTS Studios explain what goes into preparing master tapes for tape, record and CD duplication.

Simmons

Computer voltage control for up to eight synths, and much more!

A monumental meeting?

Another colourful selection of new and improved instruments, equipment and software.

Recently voted 'Best Sampler' by SOS readers, Akai's S1000 has quickly established itself as the industry standard 16-bit machine. So who better to reveal the innermost secrets of the instrument than the creator of the new SWM and Workstation sample disks, Akai product specialist Steve Howell. This month he kicks off the series with an explanation of how to take your own samples.

FRANKFURT REPORT

Trade shows often make the best stage for unveiling new equipment - did this year's Frankfurt show witness any revolutions? Simon Trask brings the news from Germany.

Your questions answered

Could you make music using only samples from natural sources? Paul Tingen talks to a band who've done just that in an attempt to draw attention to our environment.

University of Surrey Electro-Acoustic Music Studio

A look at the Surrey Sound electronic and computer music studio, scene of the Tonmeister degree course.

Apple Macintosh Software

As the Apple Mac computer falls in price, attention is being focussed on less expensive software - like Audio Trax. Ian Waugh checks out a sequencer / audio recorder which won't break the bank.

With the development of their Series 4000 range of studio mics, Bruel & Kjaer have earned a reputation as one of the top manufacturers of versatile, high performance microphones. In this article Ralph Dunlop, B&K's UK Sales Manager, makes a case for the use of quality microphones and outlines a useful guide for determining microphone choice and application.

Sampling The Emulator

Share reality with Culture Club producer Steve Levine, the Attractions' Steve Nieve, and keyboard whizz Dave Stewart.

The Yamaha REV1, possibly the most sophisticated digital reverb on the market.

an A to Z of micro talk

Tangerine Dream's rhythm man describes his sequencer set-up

'When I Think Of You' by Janet Jackson

One good means of learning your way around the equipment you own is to use it to recreate somebody else's music. That's exactly what Mike Collins did last year whilst working at Yamaha's Research & Development Studio in London. Using nothing but Yamaha gear, he set about reproducing a Janet Jackson hit in full, by himself. Here, he recalls what was involved.

Marc Almond/Mike Hedges

Collectively 'The Voice Squad'. Hedges reveals how he produces a man whose voice and ideas did so much to change the direction of popular electronic music.

Cedar Audio Restoration

As well as creating sound, digital technology can be used to rescue old or damaged recordings. Gordon Reid looks at a British system that's leading the world in audio restoration.

PART 1

As Fairlight fight for survival the mighty Synclavier undergoes a dramatic upgrade. Chris Meyer takes us on the first of three tours of the new state-of-the-art Synclavier.

NAMM veteran Craig Anderton with news from the biggest and best music show in the US.

Another glimpse of forthcoming products from the hi-tech music and recording worlds.