Ben Duncan explains this most useful gadget.

Korg M1 Enhancement

Much talked about in the US but still unavailable in the UK, Cannon's Frontal Lobe promises a new lease of life for your Korg M1. Gordon Reid asks "does it deliver?"

In depth.

Casio SZ1

Another sequencer first, this time for Casio, seeking to extend their grip over the budget end of the pro synth market. Simon Trask reckons the foray has been worthwhile.

Digital Signal Processor

The latest signal processor from Yamaha may be aimed primarily at guitarists but the small studio owner might prefer to look at it as an adaptation of the SPX90. Rick Davies finds out it has a few new twists as well as a slimline price tag.

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

News and new products.

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.

Software Surplus

Jazz for the record

Disk Recorder / Sequencer

Mark Jenkins gets to grips with this unassuming dual channel MIDI sequencer from the States and unearths some interesting facts...

Ian Waugh discovers how well this program can create respectable sounds on the Archimedes

The Tapeless Recording Market Survey

The tapeless recording revolution is in full swing, as technology that once was available only to the few develops in products that suit a wider range of applications and pockets. Yasmin Hashmi looks at the development of the technology, the current state of the market and how it is likely to progress.

Rhythm Sound Module

Fascinating rhythm

Bargain Basement, or 'Firewood Special'?

Synthcheck

Jim Betteridge puts the new poly through its paces

The Final Frontier?

Is what digital reverb is all about recreating. But how do the mechanics of reverberation work, and what relation do today's digital techniques bear to the real thing? Paul White reports.