an A to Z of micro talk

Computer Controlled Recorder

One of the prime forces for the 90s is sure to be digital recording and editing - as found in TOPAZ. Simon Trask previews a powerful new system from Steinberg Digital Audio.

Shure 55SH Series II Classic Dynamic Mic

It might look like a prop from Good Morning Vietnam, but underneath the 55SH is a serious vocal mic.

Are 8 bits still viable? Martin Russ temporarily abandons his Atari ST for a look at the latest version of this music sequencer package for the BBC micro.

Passport Music Shop

Ian Waugh examines Passport's new scorewriting program for the Commodore 64, and likes what he sees. If only he could write music...

Does every silver lining have a cloud? Martin Russ looks beyond the 'low prices' at a few facts for potential buyers of the new Apple Macintosh computers.

CD ROM and Removable Hard Disk

Never Ending Storage

Software for IBM PC and compatibles

As scorewriting software increases in popularity, it increases in variety - if you're using an IBM PC and you're on a tight budget, Songwright could be for you. Ian Waugh scores the wright stuff.

Another month's worth of hot products.

Clive Grace reviews KCS - One of the most transported sequencer packages around.

If you've got a serious syncing problem, chances are the new Sync Box will be your best bet for a solution, as Paul White explains.

Yet another selection of recently announced new products to whet your appetite!

What happened when the International MIDI Association talked software, plus more. Newscaster - David Ellis.

Equipment news

Software for the Atari ST

This is the first British pro music software to be released for the Atari ST range of computers, and the first to really make full use of the Atari's GEM graphics operating system, according to the manufacturer. Martin Russ checks out their claims.

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.

Baz Watts looks into the Armadillo sampler for the Arc

Song Position Pointers

Sound On Sound's MIDI Doctor Jay Chapman, returns with a new series that concentrates on specific aspects of MIDI and explores their relevance and use in a musical set-up. This month: the Song Position Pointer.

No project from Tanrak, this month as Paul Williams refuses to leave his R&D lab until next month. The charming and eloquent Dr Simon Bateson steps in to fill the breech with a level matcher that could save civilisation as we know it.

the next part in our comprehensive survey, this month between £650 and £1500

MIDIGrid & MIDIDraw

Can't play an instrument but would love to create music? Your wish is granted! With the right software, the humble Atari ST computer can be turned into a very different MIDI instrument indeed. Martin Russ looks at two unusual graphical music programs with contrasting approaches: MIDIDraw and MIDIGrid.