Improving your MIDI Environment

In part one of this two-part article, Martin Russ looks at how the right software can make the difference between a studio full of lonely synths, samplers and other gadgets, and a powerful integrated setup.

Mac MIDI Interface/Processor

and MRC MIDI Remote Control

The 'Lexicon sound" for a less than Lexicon price? Matt Isaacson checks out a state-of-the-art reverb unit intended to help make Lexicon a household name.

The MT Software Sequencer Buyer's Bible

The only guide you'll ever need

A colourful bonanza of newly released and forthcoming products unveiled...

With SUPER MRC Software

When Roland's forward-thinking design team made the original MC500 an ‘open’ system, they did users a favour. Built-in obsolescence became less of a fear, provided Roland stuck to their promise of future updates and upgrades. The release of the Super MRC software shows they have. It's available on its own for existing MC500 owners, or packaged with expanded hardware in the guise of the MC500 MkII. Paul Ireson keeps you updated.

Hints, Tips & News From The World Of Music Software

Two jam-packed pages of hints and tips from the world of music software.

Yamaha's DX21 polysynth offers FM sound quality at a low, low price, plus a few features even the DX7 doesn't have. Simon Trask investigates.

Mark Jenkins auditions the latest 16-bit stereo digital reverb with Performance MIDI.

Computer control for MIDI-equipped instruments

Hybrid Arts budget package that thinks big as John Renwick discovers

The Return of the Modular Synthesizer

Digidesign continue to add to their innovative range of synthesis programs which use the flexibility of computers for sound creation and the hardware of MIDI samplers to replay the sounds. Paul Wiffen finds he loves the former but hates the latter.

Programmability has changed the way we make music; but should the music now make changes to programmability? Vic Lennard recalls happy memories.

Atari ST Software

One of software's greatest strengths is its ability to evolve. Ian Waugh looks at the refinements now available in one of the most popular sequencing/notation packages.

Boss DR550 Dr. Rhythm

In 1980, the original boss DR55 Dr. Rhythm gave many people their first introduction to programmable drum machines. In 1990, the new DR550 is set to make musicians on a tight budget equally happy by providing their first taste of excellent 16-bit sampled drum sounds. Paul Ireson beats a path to his local music store's door.

Synthcheck

A remote keyboard and modules with frighteningly good sounds

Tascam 238S 8-Track

Dave Lockwood checks out the first ever Dolby S cassette multitracker in this exclusive review.

MIDI Patchbays

Much has been said about MIDI patchbays and their near indispensability in a modern MIDI setup. Vic Lennard questions their importance and looks at the alternatives.

Exclusive reviews of two avant garde music festivals that saw technology pushed to its creative limits, Ars Electronica at Linz and the International Computer Music Conference at IRCAM, Paris.

Kawai's latest synth comes complete with their latest approach to sound creation: Digital Multi Spectrum synthesis. Ian Waugh checks out some serious competition for FM and LA.

From Canada comes Mandala, the first instrument capable of translating video images into MIDI data - and vice versa. Jim Burgess points some pretty pictures and assesses the implications.

Italian-designed keyboards have received mixed success over the years. Elka's old Rhapsody string synth was a popular instrument in the seventies but their main polysynth, the Synthex, failed to set the world alight. That may well be about to change with the release of their impressive 9-voice, multi-timbral, DX7-soundalike, the EK44, and the 6-voice analogue EK22. Or is it? Mark Jenkins offers his views.