Steinberg Pro 16 Sequencer

It’s been a while coming, but now the Commodore 64 has a software package to rival the BBC’s UMI. Simon Trask checks out an incredible MIDI sequencer, and lists what it can do.

Cheap ways of getting your band on the box.

C-Lab Notator/Creator V3.1

The latest update to C-Lab's Creator/Notator adds graphic arranging, support for tape recorder transport control, and a host of other assorted new or improved features. If you still haven't upgraded from a pre-3.0 version, now's the time to do it, says Dave Lockwood.

MIDI Sequencer

As software writers continue to flood the market with sequencing packages, Kawai go dedicated. Dave Bertovic investigates the hardware alternative.

Simon Croft interviews the versatile Gerry Kitchingham whose track record includes work with A-Ha.

Fostex Model 20

Who needs a 3-track mastering machine? Fostex think you do so read all about the Model 20.

David Mellor concludes his guide to this low-cost high-quality console.

Over the last few years musicians have consistently been more excited over the latest MIDI hardware developments than they have over MIDI software. Whilst other micros have come and gone, the Atari ST and Macintosh micros have quietly become the established computers for making music with MIDI. Ed Jones reveals why with a look at Steinberg's Pro-24 (V2.1) and Mark Of The Unicorn's Performer (V2.2) programs.

With more importance being attached to the benefits of a fully-integrated, synchronised studio set-up, Mark Jenkins checks out a new-to-the-UK chase synchroniser package imported by Audio Services of Stockport that is ideally suited to use with Tascam recorders and supports both SMPTE and MIDI.

The big boys of the synchronising world have sat back and observed the appearance of budget systems from Fostex and SMPL over the past six months. Now Audio Kinetics dip their not in considerable toe in the water with the launch of their own low-cost chase synchroniser system, the Pacer. David Mellor checks it out.

A readable survey — the first part covering manufacturers from A to L.

Software for the Apple Macintosh

Few software houses have been in the music business as long as Passport, yet only now have they designed a package for the sophisticated Apple Macintosh. Jim Burgess checks it out.

Apple Mac/IBM PC/Atari ST Software

As technology tears down barriers, people rebuild them. Ian Waugh investigates a composition program that delivers all the traditional elements of music at the touch of a button.

Following on from last month's preview, Paul Ireson provides a thorough rundown of this easy-to-use, 32-track, pattern-based sequencer for the Atari ST.

Atari ST Software

Computer improvisation - genuine inspiration or deep bleep?

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

A large mixing console can have literally thousands of knobs and switches. David Mellor explains how to use every last one of them - almost! Part 1 of 2.

Rhythm Workstation

The drum machine's reply to the keyboard workstation is Korg's S3 Rhythm Workstation. Simon Trask looks at the first of a new breed of drum machine, sequencer and effects processor.

Editing

Presenting the cut and splice of real editing — that's the business with razor blades, tape and good idea

CD ROM Player

Expensive it maybe, but CD ROM storage is one way of making a sampler a much more powerful instrument. And if you're using a Roland S550, it may not be as expensive as you think, as Simon Trask discovers.

Four-track Cassette Machine

It's like a Porta One, but bigger, with more input channels, more features, and a correspondingly higher price-tag. Paul White casts a critical eye.

Multitrack Disk Recorder

Roland's S750 and S770 amply demonstrated their pro digital expertise; now the DM80 offers four or eight tracks of truly cost-effective hard disk recording. Wilf Smarties welcomes Roland's newest techno tool.

Part 2. If you developed a stomach ulcer through reading last month's instalment on the theory of line-up and haven't dared go near your tape machine since, you can stop worrying no was David Mellor tells you exactly what to do to achieve perfection in your recorded sound.