" program), though many keys have been assigned
a function, too. You can load/save songs, samples and shapes
(shapes are means of getting vibrato effects), you can 'compile'
a song (so that you can play it back in your own programs!),
print playfiles (songs) and get e.g. info about free memory and
stuff like that.
It is easy to control, although it may look a bit messy and
incomprehensible at start (especially the shape/sample edit
The Special Commands
In between the musical notes (in the music notation), it is
possible to use special commands. These can function to slow down
playback frequency (thus allowing more time for other programs
running), jump to other measures, transpose, use portamento (one
note 'glides' into another one that's higher or lower) or legato,
or to change the playback speed.
These special commands make the "Soundmachine ST" into a
valuable sound programming tool!
The Beatmachine ST
There's also another program on the disk: "Beatmachine ST". This
program allows you to construct complex samples (e.g. rhythms)
for later use in the "Soundmachine ST". The program is also
mouse-controlled and easy to use.
"Soundmachine ST" comes with a 40-page manual (I got it in
German). It is clearly written, and it also explains (with source
material) how to use the music in your own programs - which after
all is quite important. It is illustrated as well. Technical
terms are evaded, and it starts with explaining the basics of
The "Soundmachine ST" is quite revolutionary (just like Tommy
Software's "Musix32" was at the time of its launch) a sound tool.
It is quite easy to work with, and has really powerful options.
The demo songs on the disk are already quite impressive
(especially PRAELUDE) and really made me sit back and be amazed.
A good product - like we're used from Tommy Software! The
samples that are contained on the program disks really allow you
to experiment to you heart's content - and if you find them
insufficient you can get the additional sound library disks!
Name: Soundmachine ST
Company: Tommy Software
Value for money: 8+
Overall rating: 8
Price: DM 148,--
Remark: Quite unique...
Hardware: Monochrome and color, all memory
Additional soundlibrary disks are available at DM 79.95 each
(there are two available; Soundlib 01 and Soundlib 02).
For info, you should contact Thomas Maier at:
Selchower Str. 32
D-1000 Berlin 44
The text of the articles is identical to the originals like they appeared in old ST NEWS issues. Please take into consideration that the author(s) was (were) a lot younger and less responsible back then. So bad jokes, bad English, youthful arrogance, insults, bravura, over-crediting and tastelessness should be taken with at least a grain of salt. Any contact and/or payment information, as well as deadlines/release dates of any kind should be regarded as outdated. Due to the fact that these pages are not actually contained in an Atari executable here, references to scroll texts, featured demo screens and hidden articles may also be irrelevant.