After the disaster that was the Linn 9000, why would anyone want to build another combined sampling drum machine and sequencer. Rick Davies has the answer.

Wave goodbye to constant repatching of MIDI cables and problems with the delay-inducing Thru socket using these useful MIDI routing boxes from Quark. Paul Wiffen enlightens us.

First DIY steps to a MIDI sync box for your portastudio.

Not the silliest piece of MIDI software in the world but...

East Meets West

Progress is finally challenging the oldest studio tradition of them all: the use of magnetic tape for recording. As direct-to-disk systems become more desirable and more affordable is it time to revise our attitudes to recording?

Digitar

Full MIDI guitar strumming emulator

Ever wished you could store and recall all the control settings, sounds, drum patterns and sequences used for a song in one fell swoop? Martin Russ turns fantasy into reality using MIDI’s powerful System Exclusive messages.

Largely misunderstood, MIDI's running status protocol can be used effectively to streamline a MIDI system - as long as you know how to take advantage of it. Vic Lennard stretches his legs.

ISLAND LOGIC CBM64 SOFTWARE

The Music System - now for the Commodore 64.

Hints, tips & news from the world of Music Software

Steinberg and Gajits supply the latest news and tips for users of their software.

Getting the Most from... MONO MODE

Only one drum machine has so far been given an implementation of MIDI's multi-timbral Mode 4 - the Sequential Tom. Paul Wiffen reveals how it can be used.

Unveiled at this year's BMF, Roland's MV30 combines a sequencer, multitimbral synthesiser and an automated mixer in a single unit. Simon Trask previews a new direction in synth technology.

Ever wished some manufacturer would come up with a particular gadget? Tell us about it.

keyboard

The simplest way of talking to your QY10/QY20

Rosetti's 12-Channel Studio software for the CBM 64. A comprehensive disc-based package that can turn your MIDI gear into a floppy phenomenon.

Second part of the great build-yourself-a-tape-MIDI-interface thingy.

Getting started on a project to build a MIDI interface for a BBC micro and a DX21 synth

Kendall Wrightson reports from the Mac front line.

Taking onboard the "Vector" synthesis of the Prophet VS, Korg's latest synth offers a fresh approach to modern synthesis. Simon Trask previews Korg's latest synth.

Tips on using Cubase

Software for Atari ST/Amiga

MIDI sequencing software doesn't come much cheaper than Dr T's MIDI Recording Studio. Ian Waugh compares the Atari and Amiga versions of the affordable face of sequencing.