Fostex RD8

Assessing the alternative ADAT

Exclusive guide to recording electronic music

SMPTE/FSK Synchroniser

You want to sync your sequencer to tape but the budget's tight and you don't know if FSK code's smart enough or SMPTE code's cheap enough - let Vic Lennard introduce a budget synchroniser that handles both.

If you've the tenacity to take on and beat the (ex-)GLC, then putting together an upmarket 24-track studio is a piece of cake! Tony Hastings visited this South London studio to glean the details of how it came to be and what it offers.

The second instalment of our new series describing the design and construction of a high quality modular effects rack system. This month: Comp-Lim 2.

The whole music industry sliced into Twiglets

The Dawning Of A New Era?

The impact of new technology has brought many changes to the recording industry. It has equally brought problems. Why, for instance, are some studios failing to attract enough business to survive, whilst others seem to be flourishing? One West London studio that has foreseen the writing on the wall and implemented changes is Berwick Street Studios. So we checked them out.

Nobody ever seems to think much about the art of disc-cutting: yet in reality the cutting-room is the final link in the chain that can really make or break your recording quality-wise. Ralph Denyer, therefore, takes some time out to talk to Strawberry's top cutting engineers, in an effort to demystify this vital area.

Tape Machines

at five

Jean Michel Jarre is about to stage the world's biggest ever concert in the London Docklands. David Bradwell finds out about the technological dark age and the art of showmanship.

Studio Test

Could this be the Megaportastudio. Jim Betteridge went forth and recorded

The synthesist who knows no parameters discusses his works. Interview by Tony Mills

Category crossing contemporary composer cornered

Part 5. Tidying Up

Co-designer Tim Orr takes us through the mechanical construction and front panel controls of the MIDI Controlled Sampler.

Multi-tracking and Overdubbing

This month we examine basic multitrack techniques including overdubbing and drop-ins, and explain about sync.

A sampling delay/effects controller from TC Electronics, news of Roland's MKS100 'sampler in a box', a new range of micro effects from Akai, Audio Kinetics' Striper, Studiomaster Series III and Yamaha mixers are amongst the new crop of forthcoming products that you can read about here.

Digital 8-Track Recorder

Recording acoustic instruments is a fine art, but electronic instruments present their own set of problems. Craig Anderton explains how to do it properly.

Etcetera

MIDI-SMPTE Converter

As the price of SMPTE synchronising devices continues to fall, more and more home studios will be availed of their sophistication. Simon Trask checks out the latest breakthrough to find out it's not only cheap but British.

If no news is good news this is baaad

With Digital Audio Tape becoming widely used for mastering, it's important to know how it differs from its quarter-inch predecessor and how it can benefit you. Vic Lennard acknowledges his new master.