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BMF Report

Article from Electronic Soundmaker & Computer Music, October 1983

The British Music Fair


A Voyage around some of the more innovative stands at this year's British Music Fair

This year's British Music Fair was a trade-only show, but featured many of the new instruments that will be turning up in the shops over the next few months. The general mood was optimistic, particularly in the electronic instrument field where there was a barrage of new and not-so-new products including mono and polyphonic synths, electronic percussion (with or without sequencers), portable keyboards, effects, computer systems, amps and even a computerised mixdown unit. Below we've looked at just a few of these goodies — elsewhere we review, the amazing Prophet T-8 seen in this country for the first time at the BMF — and over the coming months we'll be reviewing in detail many more of the most exciting developments in electronic and computer music.

Sequential Circuits in addition to the T-8 were showing a pair of Prophet 600's linked by MIDI, with their outputs panned to opposite ends of the room for the ultimate in stereo synthesis. Also visible on the sturdy Ultimate Support Stands handled by SCI were the Pro-One (top left) fitted with a UC-1 Digital Sequencer; the Prophet 10, with five-note polyphony on each of two keyboards and the programmable Pro-FX. A MIDI retrofit for the Prophet 5 was shown in addition to the new MIDI/computer sequencer interface.

From JEN came a digital synthesizer modelled on the lines of the American Soundchaser system, with a self-built Apple-compatible computer, disk drives and keyboard. The system is capable of additive synthesis, complex sequencing, keyboard split facilities and complex compositional functions. Real-time performance controls are included and the system will be on sale soon with an English version of the software, which presently is in Italian.


MTR showed a wide range of studio equipment, including the Automatic Fader Control System from Analog Networks. Fully computerised, it gives a vast range of control options over audio and effects levels, and doesn't need a specially-equipped desk to operate.

In the synthesizer field the MIDI-equipped Siel Opera 6, from an Italian company new to the UK, was remarkable for its reasonable price, as was the mighty Elka Synthex for its overwhelming sound potential.

Advertisement Manager Paul Hawksbee and Production/Circulation Director Mel Lewis helped to man the Cover Publications stand, where a dummy issue ES&CM was on show. No prizes are being awarded for the best caption to the photo!

From Korg, a range of effects pedals designed to fit into a 4-unit pedalboard with individual and overall bypass switching. Designated the PME 40-X (Professional Modular Effects) system, there's a choice of Overdrive, Distortion, Compressor, Flanger, Chorus, Graphic, External Effects Loop and Filler boxes, each at an unusually low cost. Korg also have a 25W monitor amp/speaker, the MM-25.



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In The Garden


Publisher: Electronic Soundmaker & Computer Music - Cover Publications Ltd, Northern & Shell Ltd.

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Electronic Soundmaker - Oct 1983

Donated & scanned by: Mike Gorman

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