MIDI Controller

16 channels of MIDI data at the push of a slider. Vic Lennard just loves being in control.

On the face of it, Dynacord's MCC-1 looks a worthwhile investment for those who wish to by-pass the Spaghetti Junction of MIDI cables in the studio. But it faces stiff competition from other manufacturers' products. Paul Gilby fathoms its depths and draws his conclusion.

Thinking of changing drum machines, adding a new synth to your MIDI setup, or buying a new sequencer? Paul Andreas Overaa outlines some sensible tips to help you remove the need to edit your sequences every time you change your equipment.

MIDI Synchroniser

And on a less spectacular scale, Korg introduce a synchroniser that won't break the bank, though it'll still crack a lot of problems, as Trish McGrath finds out.

Two New Developments From Sycologic

We take a brief look at two new bits of hardware - an analogue-to-MIDI interface and an expansion board for the DX7 - from Syco Systems' research wing, Sycologic.

And following on from that, David Ellis takes an in-depth look at how the MIDI system works, and the sort of potential it encompasses.

Back To Basics

Jay Chapman continues his 'back to basics' description of the technicalities of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface for the many new readers who have picked up on the series since it first began.

MIDI to CV/Gate Interface

The missing link between the powerful MIDI instruments of today and the characterful analogue synths of yesterday is the MIDI/CV interface. Tim Goodyer looks at a budget converter.

Chris Jenkins gets to grips with the first multitrack MIDI recording package for Atari's hi-spec, hi-tech home computer. Does it deliver the goods?

Is MIDI Finally Out Of The Closet?

Freelance programmer, musician, and SOS author Mike Collins wonders whether MIDI has gained genuine acceptance in pro studio circles or not.

A look at the new, exciting Musical Instrument Digital Interface

A complete guide to all the hardware interfaces for home micros available so far, plus the software that goes with them.

Back To Basics

Jay Chapman takes a side step from his regular foray into MIDI and presents this 'back to basics' article especially for the many new readers who have picked up on the series since it first began.

MIDI Synchroniser

As tape synchronisation becomes an indispensable part of modern music making, the demand for cost-effective sync boxes grows... Simon Trask discovers that it takes more than Tipp-Ex on the tape to throw the MTS30 off the track.

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.

Howard Jones was the first keyboard player to successfully exploit the new technology to the full by regularly performing solo concerts with nothing but MIDI instruments as his backing band. In this rare interview, Brian Jacobs talks to Howard about his music, recording, his decision to produce most of his new album himself, and his growing admiration for an instrument he once said he would never use.

General MIDI - what is it and where did it come from? Vic Lennard, who is also known as General MIDI having worked his way up from humble Private, explains all with some maps, a codebook and a sharp, pointy stick.

Effectscheck

Curtis Schwartz gets affected by Akai's latest

The marriage between MIDI and SMPTE is now complete, but the burning question remains: how will musicians and engineers benefit from it? Chris Meyer traces the link from its source to its users.

MIDI Master Keyboard

With an ever-expanding range of hi-tech music equipment, Akai seem intent on carving out a sizeable market niche for themselves. Simon Trask checks out their first MIDI controller.

MIDI interface

MIDI to analogue converter