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

Last month we followed the career of Dave Meegan as he progressed from studio tape-op to full-time engineer at Trevor Horn's Sarm West Studios. This time Chris Allison discovers Dave's feelings about studio life in the fast lane.

MIDI is regularly used to perform tasks as varied as switching notes on and off, storing patch libraries and controlling mixes, but can it control sound itself? Vic Lennard looks at the uses of MIDI noise gates.

Our regular column devoted to readers' hints and tips about their recording equipment, instruments, software and playing techniques.

Sound module giant test

E-mu Proteus FX, Korg X3R, Yamaha TG300 do battle

Soundcraft Spirit Folio

The Return of the Modular Synthesizer

Digidesign continue to add to their innovative range of synthesis programs which use the flexibility of computers for sound creation and the hardware of MIDI samplers to replay the sounds. Paul Wiffen finds he loves the former but hates the latter.

Outboard signal processors have been sporting MIDI sockets on their rear panels for some time now, but just what can MIDI do for fx and how can you best use it? Vic Lennard patches into processing.

Mark J. Prendergast looks behind the anonymous front of the KLF, riding high on the success of 'What Time Is Love' and '3am Eternal'.

Graham hasn't been idle since his 10CC days. Paul White talks to him about his new musical venture... Wax.

How To Get The Most From Your Sampler

Handel’s Messiah

Diary of Decca’s new recording

A six tap, stereo analogue delay constitutes this month's self-construct module for our 19" rack-mounting effects system.

Who wants a programmable modular mixer and three-band sweep EQ system that offers full MIDI control of channel routing/muting and all fits neatly into a 19-inch rack? "I do!" shouts Paul Gilby. Read why...

Founder of Ars Electronica, this Austrian composer talks about his work on 'Erdenklang' and his own approach to the Fairlight CMI

Space Cadet

Electronic music is one area where independent status is the general rule. Ian Boddy is one of the UK's foremost electronic musicians, with a label he set up especially for his own releases. David Hughes gets the full story.

...Beating like this. We start a major new series on how to make your drum machine - no matter what its spec - sound more interesting, both sonically and rhythmically. Your guides are Chris Meyer and Matt Isaacson.

A monumental meeting?

Drawmer 1960 Dual Valve Compressor

Valves and chips combine to produce a compressor that is flexible, flattering and very friendly. But then it's built in Yorkshire, so it should be.

John started his career as a tape op and worked his way up. He is now a respected engineer and producer as well as being a great supporter of ambisonic recording.

The first of two versatile electronic percussion modules