In this issue's News and Reviews section we have the latest
news from Hybrid Technology as well information about a new source of AMPLE
music discs.
Hybrid Technology news
Hybrid Technology have recently announced a new software
product - the AMPLE toolbox. Unlike previous software releases which were
either hardware-related or music albums, this software consists of a number of utilities
to be used alongside existing software.
Included in the package are a 'professional' text editor, a 'graphics
image designer', a program compiler, and a utility to allow modules to be
stored in Sideways RAM. Some new commands such as MERGE (which appeared, in
error, in the AMPLE Nucleus Programmer Guide) and SEARCH (to find unused words)
will also be included. The package will cost £39.10 and we will be reviewing it
in the next issue of AMPLINEX.
With the release of its latest two music discs, Hybrid
Technology brings its music catalogue to a total of 14, and it appears that
these may be the last releases for some time.
The first of the two new discs is 'Shivering Again' by
AMPLINEX member Michael Harbour. This disc contains twelve pieces of music with
the seasonal theme of cold. One of the pieces ('For a dying man' from AMPLINEX
007) will be already familiar to members.
There are a variety of styles from slow mood music to fast,
up-tempo pieces as well as a number of quirky, comic numbers. All the
arrangements are well thought out (with 'Frostbyte' and 'Running on Ice' being particularly
successful) the result being an album which emphasises the music rather than
the Music 5000 itself.
The second disc is 'Electricity' by Russell Fray. This
contains ten pieces of music, mainly in the pop idiom, with a strong reliance
on simple repetitive melodies and chord sequences. Although the music itself is
often too weak to demand attention, my interest could have been held by some
interesting arrangements or inspired use of instruments or effects. Sadly, the
music is presented in an unimaginative way with a few over-used instruments and
long repetitive passages with little musical development.
In summary, Michael Harbour's disc is good quality music
thoughtfully presented. The disc from Russell Fray is a disappointment - a
rather mediocre example of Music 5000 music.
An example piece from each disc is included in this issue's
Music section.
In his review of the Music 1000 amplifier in AMPLINEX 012,
Tony Walduck commented that he had received no documentation with the unit and that
he 'would expect the minimum acceptable documentation to give the levels and
impedance of all inputs and outputs, and indicate whether the output is
short-circuit protected'.
We have since received from Hybrid Technology a copy of the
Music 1000 specification which they say is included with every unit. This shows
information about each of the sockets and controls (as outlined in Tony Walduck's
review) and gives the following additional information:
Output power: 8W per channel
Speaker impedance: 8-16Ω (20W minimum rating recommended)
Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz +-3dB
Recommended input level: 100mV RMS
Mix output level: 300mV (100mV at either input)
Input/output connections: Pin 2 0V Pin 3 Left signal Pin 5 Right
signal
Panda Discs
Roy Follett
Panda Discs are the latest in music discs for the Music 500
as well as the Music 5000 and are the brainchild of David King, he of DCT fame.
We were sent a sampler disc for review which has a selection
of tunes taken from the seven volumes currently on sale.
Many of tunes have been written or programmed by AMPLINEX
members - such as Frank Dudley, Bernie Dawson, Andy Knight, and Paul Nuttall.
It is good to see their work being made available in greater quantity than
space in AMPLINEX will allow.
In addition to the seven individual's volumes there is a
further one called 'Children in need compilation Vol 1' whose contents were
donated by the writers. All the profits go to this worthwhile charity. Indeed
there is an appeal for further donations of tunes, in order that a second
volume be produced.
It must be good for AMPLE enthusiasts to have yet another
source of music files, and if you have tunes that you have programmed or
written and which you think are good enough to earn royalties then get in touch
with Panda Discs.
Further details about submission of work and how to purchase
these discs, can be obtained for a SAE from:
Panda Discs
Four Seasons
Tinkers Lane
Brewood
Stafford
ST19 9DE
Four Seasons
Tinkers Lane
Brewood
Stafford
ST19 9DE
See also the Advertisements section of this issue.
Published in AMPLINEX 013, September
1989
