SOS Online

Paul Gilby reports on activities on Europe's new electronic communications system for musicians.

mixed-mode CD tracklist

The words behind the sounds on this month's CD and CD-ROM

Off The Record

Professional photographer David Kirby's fascination with audio resulted in him setting up his own audio-visual studio based around a Fostex A8 recorder and Tascam 133 cassette deck. Here he outlines how he works with it.

The unique demands on the BBC Radiophonic Workshop have placed it in the forefront of developments in high technology music. Their latest development- a new style of MIDI suite - is an innovation not only in terms of the technology that's employed, but also in the geography’ of the working environment. Richard Elen takes an exclusive first look at the new studio.

Vital system updates

He was once the driving force behind Genesis, Yes and King Crimson, but now this brilliant percussionist has turned his attention to jazz - and new technology. Tim Goodyer talks to him.

An evening performance

Kendall Wrightson reports from the Mac front line.

Comments on a new cartridge and active speakers.

The Big Five

Paul Gilby opens our music software special with his thoughts on the 'big five' micros that are currently vying for the musician's money.

Sound Station Sampler

Inexpensive sampling for PC owners

Kevin Hook

Kevin Hook describes his home recording set-up.

Ian Boddy concludes his look at how to take electronic music on the road by examining his own live set-up and how it's put to use in a concert situation.

Darrin Williamson looks at an Amiga sampling package and MIDI interface all in one

Paul Trynka trains a tearful eye on the handful of basses closest to his heart

Lloyd Cole and the Commotions take the high road to Glasgow; Stuart Gillan gets the lowdown

The readers' synth sound page, with patches for SCI Pro One, Yamaha DX7 and Casio CZ 101 instruments, plus reviews of anew DX RAM pack and another collection of sounds for sampling.

Rivalled only by War and Peace for its length and emotional content, this article by our own Neville Unwin presents both sides of the 'blank tape levy' argument.

TOKAI Bass & Guitar in Deja vu trial — where have we met before?

A rundown on the various 'head' formats available on tape recorders and the reasons for their existence.

Pickups, headsets, guitars...

Local community arts centres often house some sort of sound studio, and these can be the only way interested members of the public gain first-hand experience of recording and hi-tech equipment. David Hughes reports on one such North-East based facility.