Noise Reduction Systems

An explanation of the most common noise reduction systems in audio use, including Dolby A, B, C, and dbx.

Better Recording

An A-Z of stuff that'll help you to get better sounds

obtaining the best from MIDI sequencers

As the prices of 8 and 16-track tape recorders have come within the reach of more users, synchronisers are becoming familiar, even essential, to an increasing number of people. David Mellor chases Tascam's new machine and midi synchroniser.

'Now the Virgin returns,' quoth Virgil, and who are we to disagree? Mel Lambert takes a colourful look at Richard Branson's new London studio: a Town House for the Lord of the Manor.

Chipping Norton Recording Studios

Chipping Norton Studios.

The Teac 80-8 tape machine, Tascam Model 5 mixer, and dbx DX-8 noise-reduction unit.

Suffering Lack of Creativity - a Doctor writes.

How To Get The Most From Your Sampler

A MIDI User Knocks The Knockers!

A MIDI user knocks the knockers! Simon Sanders of Micromagic puts the case for leaving MIDI users alone to get on with making music.

SMPTE Synchroniser

Still on the sync track... Chris Jenkins sets the pace with a SMPTE/MIDI converter designed to give all the higher functions of SMPTE tape synchronisation without the higher price-tag.

Software for Commodore 64 and Spectrum

He was unimpressed by the same company's step-time MIDI package, but how does Steve Howell rate its real time equivalent?

Another selection of brand new products about to be launched in this country.

Power Amps and Loudspeakers

The songs are good, the band is great, but no-one will be unpressed if they can't hear you properly. David Mellor advises on PA hardware.

Four-track Cassette Recorder

A new mid-price four-track machine from the people Tascam love to hate. Paul White finds it to be elegant, well designed, and startlingly good value.

The Workhouse Studios

The Workhouse schows Schwartz itsch schuperschtudios

Fostex 160 Multitracker

What can I say... it's black, it lights up... they've done it again — another winner.

In the second instalment of our 'How It Works' series, engineer/musician David Mellor focuses on the operational principles of digital audio systems.

Synclavier

The updated Synclavier with new software. We take it for a test run.

Patch Bay Layout

PART 6: Possession of a patchbay marks the difference between a conglomeration of miscellaneous equipment and a versatile working studio. David Mellor explains how to design your own patchbay layout.

Until their recent split, Robert John Godfrey was the keyboard maestro behind The Enid, whose massive underground following throughout Europe made them arguably the biggest cult band outside of the States. Frank Ellis met him to talk about his new residential studio, a solo career, and a new approach to recording.

A Young Person's Guide To Electronic Music

The father of the voltage controlled synthesiser lectures in London, and E&MM reports.