Wilf Smarties gives a new batch of CDs a spin.

The omnipresent Steve Howell passes on a few tricks of the trade. This month he examines ways in which you can transform a dry, lifeless synth sound into something soft and manageable.

Software for the IBM PC

System Design Associates' Promidi Studio System is a powerful sequencing package for IBM and compatible computers that records straight to disk. Ian Waugh checks it out.

Alesis Quadraverb 2

New version of multi-effects classic

Nobody ever seems to think much about the art of disc-cutting: yet in reality the cutting-room is the final link in the chain that can really make or break your recording quality-wise. Ralph Denyer, therefore, takes some time out to talk to Strawberry's top cutting engineers, in an effort to demystify this vital area.

Composer and studio owner Guy Fletcher had a dream: 'The European Suite' was the end result. Ted Fletcher details the work that went into its recording.

Producer of Howard Jones' best-selling album, 'Human's Lib', talks about the making of the record and his approach to production.

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.

Chas de Whalley meets legendary Folk Rock svengali, Joe Boyd

Advice on what to look for in a commercial studio when considering your first recording venture.

Bokse SM-9 Timecode Event Controller

How do they manage to pack so many wonderful facilities into a 19" box? Paul Gilby sets the tempo, stripes the tape and explains why this MIDI/SMPTE synchroniser is a godsend to any studio.

Newcastle CAT School of Music

A personal view of the School of Music at the Newcastle College of Arts and Technology, by one of its students, Paul Evans.

Digital Effects Processor

This sophisticated processor is more than just a new digital reverb.

Stephen Delft improves his guitar routing box

Stereo Effects Processor

It's slim, dark and sexy, flashes alluringly in a rack and has multiple uses - it's Yamaha's latest sound processor, the EMP700. Derek Johnson opens up the black magic box.

The Making of an Album

When Julian Colbeck went back to Bach to find musical inspiration, little did he think he'd end up recording a whole album.

A readable survey — the first part covering manufacturers from A to L.

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

Disks, gadgets, samples and bits for the computing musician

In the fourth part of this series, David Mellor looks at the Fostex 4030/4035 synchroniser system, and how it is set up and operated.

Digitech TSR-12

Multi-effects, sampler and more!

all the singer needs to know, part 2!

Synthesizer Module

Software for the Atari ST

The elite of ST scorewriting software is C-Lab's Notator and Steinberg's Cubase; their prices reflect this status. Ian Waugh makes the French connection and finds a cost-effective alternative.