Computer Music issue 280, released in early 2020, is a landmark edition for producers looking to streamline their workflow and improve sonic clarity. This issue, centered on the theme "Make a Track in an Hour," provides a high-quality roadmap for rapid music creation without sacrificing professional standards. Core Feature: "Make a Track in an Hour"
The standout tutorial in issue 280 guides producers through the high-pressure environment of rapid production. It breaks down the process into actionable segments:
Workflow Optimization: Techniques for setting up templates and presets to avoid technical hurdles during the creative spark.
Efficiency Tools: Using focused plugins and high-quality sample selections to make quick, definitive sonic choices. Extra Quality Sample Content
Each issue of Computer Music is known for its "CM Suite" of software, but issue 280 includes a particularly robust selection of 100% royalty-free samples aimed at professional-grade production: computer music issue 280 extra quality
Echo-Based Samples: 526 specialized samples from Cyclick Samples and Groove Criminals, including 77 delayed beats and 14 guitar chord echo one-shots.
Partner Packs: Eight additional packs from industry leaders, including Loopmasters' Latin Afro 2 and Ghost Syndicate's Journey, which focuses on minimal and atmospheric Drum & Bass. Producer Masterclass: Jansons
A significant part of the "extra quality" content in this issue is the exclusive video masterclass featuring the producer and DJ Jansons. Known for the hit single "Switch," Jansons provides a track breakdown that reveals:
Professional Arrangement: How he structures tracks to fit commercial and club radio playlists like BBC Radio 1. Computer Music issue 280, released in early 2020,
Mixing Secrets: Insights into how to maintain clarity and impact in a busy mix. Key Reviews and Tech Focus
The issue also provides critical evaluations of new gear and software that contribute to "extra quality" sound in a home studio:
Focusrite ISA C8X: A feature on bringing the legendary ISA preamp to modern audio interfaces for improved input quality.
Plugin Evaluations: Unbiased reviews of the latest VST/AU software to help producers choose tools that offer the best signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion. Computer Music’s publisher (Future plc) sells back issues
For those looking to access these resources, back issues and digital downloads are often available through platforms like Pocketmags or MusicRadar.
Report: Computer Music Issue 280 (Extra Quality Analysis)
Date: October 23, 2023 Subject: Content Overview and Technical Assessment of Computer Music Magazine, Issue 280
While standard issues include preset banks, the 280 EQ version included minimum-phase EQ presets for bass design. Users reported that these presets translated better to club sound systems because they preserved transient integrity—a hallmark of "extra quality" engineering.
The issue provided step-by-step guides for creating professional soundscapes. Here are the core methodologies:
Even though you want deep bass, the issue advised High-Pass Filtering almost every track at around 30-40Hz.