Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

New software, systems, sounds, updates

Compact discs represent a superb source of high quality sounds for the samplist too lazy to sample their own. What's more, products like this D-55T CD player make the task even easier with their programmable auto-loop function. Paul Gilby explains...

From the ashes of the ill-fated Linn 9000, Roger Linn and Akai have brought forth the MPC60. Simon Trask takes a look at this powerful drum machine and sequencer.

As well as being famous for the size of his record collection, DJ Mark is currently one of the major forces in hip hop sampling. The 45 King tells Simon Trask about the biters and the bitten.

Frontline pedals — More for Less?

The sound of an acoustic piano is perhaps the most important single timbre in pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. Julian Colbeck looks at contemporary MIDI alternatives to the real thing.

Performance Sampler

It's been a while in the pipeline but Ensoniq's successor to their popular Mirage sampler is up and running. Simon Trask checks out the latest "peoples' sampler".

From the chart success of 'Bass (How Low Can You Go)' to an album and a 24-track studio in his lounge - Simon Harris talks sounds and samples with Tim Goodyer.

A review of the Desert Island sample library for the Ensoniq EPS joins a selection of readers own patches for the Korg M1, Ensoniq SQ80 and Yamaha TX81Z in this month's Patchwork.

Getting active with the axe

At last - the instrument with a name on everybody's lips receives an in-depth examination of its European version. Man-on-the-spot is Paul Wiffen.

Studiotest

Jim Betteridge finds the Korg SDD-1000 well worth the wait

Musicians & Health

250 players reply to a smoking, drinking and drugs questionnaire

Tangerine Dream give a piece of their collective musical mind to Matthew Vosburgh, who also took the pictures.

Drumcheck

New sounds, new style, new solid set-up

KeyboardCheck

Tony Hastings and Paul Trynka assess the latest entrant into the increasingly competitive sampled piano stakes

Creating music on a computer

music accompaniment player

Auto-accompaniments, yes - but it's a recordable sequencer too. And you can fiddle with it on the train...

The Pros And Cons

Seasoned programmer Paul Wiffen reveals the truth about separate voice outputs on samplers. Are they really desirable or are they just a nuisance? And what happens to the polyphony when you use them? We tell you what no others dared!!

Everything you never wanted to know