Mark Badger sets his baud rate for the heart of the sun and goes 'on-line' to America to interview Perry Leopold, founder of PAN - a unique communications network for hi-tech musicians.

Music Computer and Software

1984's most eagerly-awaited electronic music product is finally making its way into dealers' showrooms. David Ellis has been taking a look at the micro itself, Yamaha's exclusive FM sound chip, the controlling keyboard and the first batch of software.

What goes on behind the apparently calm world of soundtrack-writing, by Steve Howell, who's been through it all himself.

Alphabet Coup

the importance of being alphabetical

Steinberg Pro16 MIDI Sequencer

Tony Hastings takes you through the recording of a song using the facilities of the Pro 16 MIDI Sequencer software from Steinberg Research.

Nomad's first product is a low cost SMPTE reader/generator that allows MIDI drum machines, synths and sequencers to sync to tape easily. David Mellor puts it to the test.

Mike Craig avoids egg-box cliches and tells you how to do it properly.

Digital Wave Synthesiser

Cheetah's latest synth had already been axed and revived before the public got a glimpse of it. Simon Trask gets his hands on one of the cheapest, oddest and most intriguing modules on the market.

Know anything about bias, test-tones or calibration? If you use a tape recorder then you should! In the first of two parts, David Mellor explains the need for tape recorder line-up procedures and unravels the mystery behind this arcane science which can have a profound affect on the quality of your recordings.

Aphex Aural Exciter Type C2

Aural Excitement complete with the new 'Big Bottom' bass enhancer. A veritable feast of sonic titillation.

Hints, Tips & News From The World Of Music Software

More hints and tips from the software manufacturers themselves. This month: C-Lab & Steinberg.

twenty years after they invented heavy metal the seminal sabbs are back

Recording Drums

Part 8: David Mellor explains several techniques for taming that most difficult of instruments to record - the drum kit.

Jay Chapman continues his search through the workings of Yamaha FM synthesis. This month, how to modify DX factory preset sounds.

Wee chap and guitarist-person Charlie Burchill lifts the kilt of his guitar, amp and effects set up.

the birth of loud

Level 42 keyboardsman Mike Lindup takes a break from recording of the next album to talk to Tim Goodyer about Fairlights and Synclaviers, among other things.

Part 4 of our series for FM synth owners, in which Martin Russ gives away even more secrets of FM programming. Operators at the ready!

Chris Thomas & Glyn Johns

producers Chris Thomas and Glyn Johns

The high priest of Pop discusses his solo album, musicianship, songwriting and The Police.

An Australian composer accepts a brief to provide music for an exhibition of pottery - the catch is that all the sounds should be sampled from the exhibits. Sandra McLean talks to the man who makes pottery sing.

Universal Patch Librarian

Tired of rummaging through RAM cards and boxes of floppy disks in search of a particular synth patch? Greg Truckell checks out a far more convenient way to store and recall patches.

Hints, Tips & News From The World of Music Software

More hints and tips from the software publishers themselves. This month: C-Lab; Steinberg; Opcode.