Two software packages that offer a generic approach to sound creation on Yamaha's four-operator FM synths. Ian Waugh boots up Dr T's 4-Op Deluxe and the Soundbits 4X4.

The Multi-Instrumentalist

Taking over where the TX816 left off, this DX7II in a rack is the very latest in a long line of powerful FM synth expanders. Mark Badger puts it in perspective.

Opcode Vision

Sequencing software for Mac

If you're a frustrated synth programmer looking for an outlet to use your talents, you could become a soundtrack writer for computer games. Matthew Vosburgh meets one of Britain's best.

It's British, it works with an Atari ST computer, it gives very high quality sound and it won't break the bank! Ian Gilby presents a sneak preview of this forthcoming 16-bit stereo sampling machine.

For Windows

Walking into Windows

Mixing in the MIDI Age

This two-part feature covers both the art and technology of mixing. The first article on page 48, 'Mixing Essentials', covers audio mixing in general, from a more basic level, and applies to any sort of studio mixing task. The second part, 'Mixing With MIDI’, starts on page 54 and covers techniques made possible by MIDI, specifically automated mixing and sending MIDI instruments direct to your master tape. Craig Anderton is your guide.

Part five of our series on basic MIDI applications turns its attention to MIDI-controlled effects; Bob O'Donnell patches in the 19" rack-mounts with maximum delay.

Anatek SMP16 MIDI/Audio Patchbay

Korg M1 Music Workstation

As Korg prepare an armada of new products to invade the music shops, Tony Hastings investigates the M1 Music Workstation - the flagship that looks set to blow a lot of the competition out of the water.

Rob Beattie harnesses the power of the ever popular LA expander range with this Editor/Librarian package from Steinberg

Hard Disk Recorder

Digital recording takes another step into your living room with this PC-compatible modular package, with four tracks in a 19" rackmounted unit. Bob Walder finds out if Soundscape have got this direct-to-disk business taped...

Programmable MIDI Patchbay

When your MIDI setup starts to look more like NASA's mission control than a music studio, a MIDI patchbay is essential. Vic Lennard tests one of the best.

Korg's very latest keyboard is non other than a touch-sensitive, sub-£1000, 8-voice FM synthesizer! Mark Jenkins managed to catch a sneak preview.

It may sound like something out of a Dr Who plot but this British electronic patchbay system attracted enormous interest from pro studio users at this year's APRS show. David Mellor got hold of a Matrix to find out just what all the fuss is about.

MIDI Patchbay

Audio Architecture's Function Junction range of MIDI patchbays offers up to 16 x 64 MIDI routing with MIDI merging, sophisticated MIDI processing and mother keyboard emulation. Kendall Wrightson investigates.

Ever since the invention of the wax cylinder, listening to recorded music has been a passive experience; now CDs are capable of holding MIDI and other performance data. Bob O'Donnell looks at the changing face of music.

Software for Commodore 64

Dr.T's MIDI Sequencer software for the Commodore 64 has been much applauded in the USA for its versatile real-time and steptime operation. Now that it's available on prescription in the UK, we asked software surgeon Ian Waugh for his diagnosis...

Yamaha's QX1 Sequencer, KX88 Master Keyboard, TX816 Modules

Yamaha's professional FM sequencer master keyboard and FM modules.

Smarter than the average pitch shifter?

David Mellor assesses the musical intelligence of the DigiTech IPS33 SmartShift intelligent pitch shifter.

The Graphic Sequencer

PC music software still has to come some way to catch up with that for the Atari and Mac, but good, graphic, sequencer programs like Cadenza are a big step in the right direction. Peter Cudmore takes a closer look.

Programmable Digital Reverb

...While Simon Trask gets to grips with a more expensive model from America, with more parameters, a remote-control unit, and various other goodies; is it worth the extra?

As your MIDI studio expands, MIDI management becomes more and more important. Vic Lennard investigates an 8x8 MIDI patchbay that could make your music more important than your MIDI leads.

What's new in the world of the Micro Musician

With the novelty wearing off dedicated software synth editors, the race is on to come up with the definitive generic editor. Ian Waugh test-drives Dr T's entry.