Sound Studio looks to be Commodore's best attempt yet at producing a simple-to-use and comprehensive sound and music package. The package on test here is a prototype, but the finished version should be in the shops by the time you read this article.

The package consists of two parts: the sound editor and the sequencer. Once either part has been loaded, the user can flip from one to the other. Whichever part you start with, you get sixty preset sounds to use, with another sixty stored on the disk. The main sound editor panel is laid out in boxes, all relevant functions grouped together within. A large purple arrow operated by a joystick or cursor keys, points to each function in turn for editing. Any of the sixty sounds in memory can be called up and edited, and stored back in memory. Whole sound 'libraries' can be saved to disk for further editing, or for use while composing (more on this later).

Most of the values displayed on the editor screen are represented by graphic sliders that are adjusted with the cursor keys while you are playing. A second editing screen can be called up, and deals specifically with the filters. All in all, the aount of control you have is quite impressive, and you can see at a glance exactly what's going on.

Flipping into the Music editor (takes about two minutes from disk), you are presented with a system of pop-up menus controlled by the function keys. No auto rhythms are available, but a metronome is provided in the top left of the screen to help you keep time.

Recording, both in real time and step time, is accomplished in true multi-track style. In other words, you can record one track while listening back to a previously recorded track. Three tracks are avaiable normally, but if you are fortunate enough to own a MIDI interface and synth, up to six tracks and be programmed. Tracks entered in real time can be edited from step time page, the note information is presented in the form of a downward scroll within a window, and notes can be entered or edited simple and without fuss.

All in all, it's hard to judge an unfinished program, even when it's in the final stage of completion. All the signs point towards a useful utility for just anyone to own. Check this package out before buying, because they're likely to have added lots more bits since this article was written.

Stave notation: no Record modes: step/real MIDI: yes Edit rhythm: yes Load/Save: yes Printer: no Tempo: yes Transpose: no Tuning: yes Edit sounds: yes Graphics: 9 Easy use: 6