Most editing software is more user-friendly than digital parameter access, and more suited to the demands of editing complex digital synthesizers than traditional analogue controls. Greg Truckell investigates.

Part 6. Resident software specialist Jay Chapman clears up some misleading terminology first, then moves on to relate how the MIDI protocol organises such matters as Program Changes in those humble synthesizers we all take for granted.

Keyboardcheck

The Fender Rhodes is re-born. Jim Betteridge gets down to some serious Jazz Funking

Combining some of the best features of Dr.T's KCS sequencer and Tiger editor, along with a handy auto-scoring utility, this 12-track 'entry level' program packs an awful lot of power for its low price. Game warden David Hughes tracks it down.

This long-awaited successor to Roland's evergreen MSQ700 sequencer offers increased song and note capacity, 'microscopic' editing of every single MIDI command and stores both music and rhythm tracks to 3.5 inch disks. Mark Jenkins fills in the details.

Hints, Tips & News From The World Of Music Software

More hints and tips from the world of music software.

MIDI Keyboard Controller

A mother of invention?

ExpanderCheck

It's FM, it's got mono-mode, it's cheap(ish), and it's wonderful. Martin Moody relates to Yamaha's new MIDI expander

Craig Anderton reveals how you can use your sequencer as a MIDI system analyser.

Tascam Porta Two

This month's cover feature, the brand new Tascam Porta 2. Bristling with features, this 6-channel, 4-track portable studio still falls within an attractive price bracket.

More via MIDI

Hybrid Arts budget package that thinks big as John Renwick discovers

Last month we explained the development and requirements of VCA-based mixer automation systems. This month, Graham Hinton scrutinises three retrofittable automation systems - the Twister PAC, MegaMix, and J.L. Cooper MidiMation - and asks 'How good are they?'

Delving ever further into the Computer Musical Instrument from down-under, Jim Grant samples the delights of Page 9's real-time sequencer.

The people who invented the electronic drum introduce MIDI — and a decidedly acoustic sound - with the advent of a new kit, the SDS9. Nigel Lord gives his verdict.

Another instalment of our column devoted entirely to Steinberg software, written and compiled exclusively for SOS by Steinberg's experts.

RhythmCheck

The widest variety of sampled voices for the least money vet — Tony Reed tries out Roland's latest MIDI drum box

Steinberg Cubase Score Sequencing & Score Printing Software For Macintosh

Roll up! Roll up! All your problems solved here...

Human Rhythm Composer

Since the days of the TR808, Roland have set standards for many other drum machines; now they're concentrating on the human angle. Simon Trask tests the "Human Rhythm Composer".

Systemcheck

Strongly recommended to DX owners. Reviewed by Curtis Schwartz

A MIDI Control Program for the Macintosh

Passport were one of the first US companies to offer music software for any computer. Richard Elen wades through the extensive features offered by their first music software release for the Apple Macintosh - a MIDI control program called Master Tracks Pro.

One of the foremost composers of electronic film music, here he talks about his celluloid career and his more recent excursion into the world of popular music producing, and his own Danse Electronique.