Software for the IBM PC

Somewhere between human composers and sci-fi music systems of the future are the algorithmic composition programs of the present. One of the few such programs for the IBM PC finds favour with Ian Waugh.

Accessorycheck

Taken to task by Dave 'King Wang' Burrluck

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 10: Martin Russ continues his in-depth demystification of these powerful MIDI messages with a look at 'handshaking'.

Dance music with direction

Chris Jenkins and Simon Trask examine the musical implications of Commodore’s 16-bit monster computer. Will it be simply a haven for the gamesters and the accountants, or will it find a place on the shelves of music shops?

Midi Sound Sampler

Rotterdam's master of electronic listening music talks to Simon Trask about presets, sampling, hardcore rave, Warp Records, and the value of spontaneity...

Flushed with the chart success of Close (To The Edit), the 'faceless' trio return with more talk of Art, Empire and Industry. Paul Gilby pushed the record button and monitored the noise levels...

Is Roland's new W30 just another sampling workstation? Paul Ireson checks it out and finds features that allow it to excel both as a stand-alone system and as the heart of a more extensive MIDI setup.

If we can't solve your problem then... er, perhaps someone else can - sorry, this isn't a very good sell-line... sorry

Vocal Effects

The sound of the human voice is one of the most difficult acoustic tones to reproduce electronically, but reading Steve Howell's step-by-step guide should set you on the right track.

A revised version of ex-E&MM staffer Pete Kershaw's electronic percussion system: it uses a hybrid of analogue and digital technology. Review by Paul White.

A quick gaze at the crystal ball reveals a new MIDI mixer from Simmons, a digital reverb/effects processor from AKG, a MIDI-CV module from Tantek, and plenty more...

From the Midlands' techno culture comes the hardcore sound of Rhythmatic. Simon Trask investigates one of the bands on the ground floor of Britain's fastest-growing musical movement.

Their '88 acid house hits took Britain's clubland by storm, but now S' Express are taking their sampling a stage further. Tim Goodyer enjoys the trip.

Software for Archimedes

If you're looking for computer scorewriting, Rhapsody could be what you need - as well as helping to save the Archimedes from musical oblivion. Ian Waugh gets to know Clare and Archie.

The man who brought computers to Frankie and programmed his way to chart infamy with The Art of Noise, fits in an interview before going out to play some very English sport. Paul Tingen fills in the scorecard.

a house music producer who hates sampling and big drum sounds? some mistake, surely?

Linear Arithmetic Synthesiser

Is this the synth to topple the DX7 from its throne? Will Linear/Arithmetic Synthesis become the programmer's new catchphrase? Will Simon Trask die of a broken heart? Find out in our exclusive review.

The only product round-up that shows you 'in living colour' what's new in the field of music and recording technology.

What's the point of hi-fi if you're playing lo-fi recordings? Tim Goodyer compares musicians' attitudes to technology with those of the listener.