A nostalgic look back at 1985 by the people who bring E&MM to you each month. Was it really that bad?

Personal Music System

Casio's curious Rapman is already regarded as a toy by many a music cynic - but it's captivated pros like Manu Katche and Peter Gabriel. Tom Robinson reviews it - and buys it.

What's A Gate?

A gadget that only lets certain sounds through — geddit? Deeper analysis on page 20.

a history of progressive rock - is there a new day dawning for the dinosaurs?

Who you (the readers) voted as best musician, and what you (still the readers) voted as best gear. We shake the world.

Visions of Arcadia

Via engineering and production work with Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson and U2, Daniel Lanois has unmistakenly imprinted his personality on the sound of the Eighties. Recently he released his own solo album, ‘Acadie’; Mark J. Prendergast runs through the tracks.

Britannia Row

A major hire company of legendary status

Polyphonic MIDI Sound Sampler

A real advance in the field of accessible polyphonic sound sampling. Tim Goodyer finds out if the 612's beauty is more than price-tag-deep.

The Additive synthesizer

Once upon a time, 'additive synthesis' was an expensive and little used option on expensive computer music systems. Now, thanks to Kawai's latest keyboard, there is an instrument dedicated to this type of synthesis. Paul Wiffen, long-time advocate of creating your own waveforms, investigates.

Tittle-tattle on the hurly-burly

Paradise Studios

Synth players in search of Heaven need look no further than West London, where a recording studio puts the emphasis firmly on hi-tech musical equipment, but doesn't charge people the Earth to use it. Simon Trusk pays Paradise a visit.

Tips to help you achieve that 'modern' drum sound.

"It's surprising how little you need to imply a great deal."

By Dave Gregory, XTC.

The analogue versus digital argument - as seen by the man at the top.

Or Everything You Need To Know About Buying A Sampler, But Didn't Know Who To Ask. Julian Colbeck is your guide.

Our regular column devoted to readers’ hints and tips about their recording equipment, instruments, software and playing techniques.

Pickups, headsets, guitars...

No time to lose when it comes to odd metres. Nigel Lord takes a look at "difficult" time signatures in this month's instalment of MT's rhythm programming series.

Emu Proteus 3 World

Emu's new Proteus 3 is to hi-tech music what Phileas Fogg is to convenience foods. Nigel Humberstone tries a taste of authentic sounds from around the world.

There has been an enormous upsurge of interest in African music of late. Artists as diverse as Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads and Brian Eno have acknowledged its inspiration on their work. But there is little information around that explains the fundamental concepts behind it and how a musician can incorporate the sounds and ideas into their own work if they wish to. Kofi Busia suggests a few ideas.

Who's recording what where