Instruments & Equipment

Wendy Carlos still loves digital synthesis. Through her pioneering soundtrack work on movies like Tron, and her synthesised interpretations of the classics, she has done as much as Jarre, Kraftwerk and Eno in making synthesisers both respectable and popular. She also used to be Walter Carlos. Daniel Rue investigates

The third instalment of our series describing the design and construction of a high quality modular effects rack system.

In the same job for seven years and Sax man Brian Travis is still employed playing that sweet dole music for the DHSS's longest-running success story. Marking his card: Paul Trynka

The largest event of its type in Europe, Frankfurt is the showcase for all that is new and innovative. This three page preview looks at some of the products that will be there.

Pete Harris, engineer, producer and programmer talks to Paul White about working in the Zomba empire.

MicroComposing with Roland

The new MC-202 MicroComposer examined in depth

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

MIDI Programmable Mixer

A programmable mixer that will find a good home in a home studio.

An Introduction to the Art Form

Producer/jingle composer Robin Lumley commences a new series that explores the role and function of music in the visual world.

How To Keep Noise At Bay

Soundcraft Spirit Folio

A quality name, a quality product, an affordable price tag — Soundcraft's new portable mixer seems to have it all. Derek Johnson wants to carry one home.

RTL Event Sync Box

It's that man again! David Mellor enters the mysterious world of timecode and stalks one of its new inhabitants - the Event timecode/MIDI processor from Real Time Logic.

INPUT: computer analysis/Fairlight/Emulator/PPG/Synclavier/edit and compare/explain FILE FOUND: guest reviewer/Tom Dolby... ASSIGN

Transport Synchroniser

Dave Lockwood checks out Tascam's ATS500 which is ideal for semi-pro musicians with an eye on the field of audio-for-video.

Having hit upon the right formula with their successful 1882 mixer, Seck have now introduced a cut-price 1282 version aimed more at the needs of the 8-track user. Paul Gilby monitored its performance.

"It's Cruel To Make A Computer Work This Hard..."

Digidesign, pioneers of low-cost professional digital audio tools, have broken the multitrack barrier, pushing the Macintosh to its limits to offer four to 16 tracks of (relatively) affordable hard disk recording. Paul D. Lehrman can hardly believe his eyes...

Steve Hall bandies about words like involvement, commitment and encouragement as he argues that the engineer should take a more active role in the everyday process of recording.

Hansa Berlin

Hansa Berlin can produce quality demos on a Yamaha MT-44. Martin Moody got right on the case

Label Owner.

Jim Betteridge on how to sign yourself up

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.

Ensoniq ESQ1 Polysynth

The Mirage people announce a synth that uses analogue and digital technology, throws in a multitrack sequencer, and costs just over £1000. Paul Wiffen checks it out.