Aural Training Software for Atari ST

Can you tell a minor third from a major seventh, or an augmented triad from a diminished triad? - Steinberg have a program to teach you how. Simon Trask lends an ear to a program with a difference.

As musicians demand ever more from their samplers, Akai replace the studio-standard S900 with an enhanced machine. Vic Lennard samples the march of progress.

If you've ever wished you could sing a violin or hum a tune straight into your MIDI sequencer, this French "MIDI microphone" could be for you. Debbie Poyser sings something sampled.

Tense, nervous headache? Then you've probably got a patching problem in your studio. Vic Leonard looks at a cost-effective solution to MIDI-patching nightmares.

MIDI Pad Controller

Roland's follow-up to their successful Pad8 Octapad features expanded memory and enhanced programmability. Simon Trask hits it off with Roland's new percussion controller.

Outcast by the classical fraternity in his native Sweden, Stig Miölssön has come to Britain in search of acceptance for his revolutionary ideas. Tim Goodyer learns about cut-up classics.

Kawai K1: the sequel - Kawai have added onboard effects and a new sound library to their popular K1 synth to produce the K1 II. Ian Waugh likes what he hears.

Digital Space Echo

When Roland made the most popular tape echo unit in the world they called it Space Echo - now they've revived it in digital form. Gordon Reid listens to echoes from the past.

Archimedes Software

The Archimedes computer continues its bid for musical acceptance with Armadeus - a hardware/software package that allows it to sample sound. Ian Waugh goes soft on sampling.

Sampler

Akai's popular S900 sampler has appeared on more records and in more studios than you can name. Simon Trask takes an early look at the S900's successor, the 16-bit, 16-voice S1000.

Digital Metronome

Heard the one about the silent metronome? Simon Trask investigates a MIDI-driven metronome that uses light instead of sound to keep you to the beat.

Sample Expanders

For those without the time or the inclination to sample come two expanders dedicated to sampled horns and strings. Simon Trask finds out if Kurzweil's dedication has paid dividends.

Synth Expander

The latest addition to Oberheim's classic Matrix range offers 1000 analogue-style synth sounds for under £500. Simon Trask investigates the attraction of analogue in '88.

At the time Moog discontinued the Minimoog, they launched the first programmable monosynth to use digital parameter editing. Nick Magnus reflects on a synth that was ahead of its time but overlooked by most players.

Intelligent Pitch Shifter

Most pitch shifters wouldn't know their A minor from their E major, but DigiTech's IPS33 knows a thing or two about playing in key. Simon Trask finds himself in harmony with the Intelligent Pitch Shifter.

MIDI Keyboard Controllers

As MIDI equipment becomes more and more sophisticated, the job of a MIDI controller keyboard becomes more and more demanding. Simon Trask takes the A train with Roland's latest MIDI controllers.

Take two classically trained musicians, a studio full of hi-tech gear and a will to survive in the commercial world of music and you've got WBTM Music. Claire O'Brien learns how to be a musician and eat.

All that was new and all that was interesting at the this year's sojourn into Germany.

If you're looking for the sound of the Minimoog without the limitations of pre-MIDI gear, the MIDImoog could be for you. Tim Goodyer puts the 1989 version of Moog's classic synth through its paces.

how to survive your first gig and maybe even enjoy it!

& a unique survival kit for those first few minutes of glory

Multi-fx Processor

Possibly the most popular budget multi-fx processor currently available, the Quadraverb has just been upgraded and promoted to the rank of 'Plus'. Nigel Lord investigates.