LA Synthesiser

Roland's latest keyboard combines two currently important concepts: the workstation and the company's own Linear Arithmetic synthesis. Simon Trask test drives the "multi-timbral linear synthesiser muhitrack sequencer".

Recording Gear

There are bargains in the land of non-new taping equipment, specially if you like unfashionable effects

MicroComposing with Roland

The new MC-202 MicroComposer examined in depth

High quality sampled bass sounds that you can play from any MIDI keyboard, sequencer or drum machine are offered by the 360 Systems MIDI BASS. Tony Hastings assesses its performance.

Guitarcheck

Three of the new breed vetted by Dave Burrluck

Studiomaster IDP1 Dynamics Processor

What is an 'Intelligent Dynamics Processor' and why have it MIDI controllable? David Mellor answers these and other probing questions as he explores the IDP1 from mixer manufacturer, Studiomaster.

Casio RZ1 Sampling Drum Machine

Fancy an Emulator SP12 for £350? Casio have something approaching it in the new RZ1, the world's first 'affordable' digital drum box with onboard sampling facilities. Dan Goldstein says nevermind the quality...

Playing Live

Electronic music live - a special focus

As MIDI begins to make inroads into the studio, Simon Trask examines its fundamental applications.

Once you've got your sequencer up and running you're gonna need some extra sound sources. Paul Wiffen guides us through the MIDI Expander jungle

vintage varmint

Looking for a new synthesizer keyboard or module? Confused? You won't be, after you've read this! Julian Colbeck presents a complete survey of all current instruments, plus a look at the past, present and future of the synth market.

Are 8 bits still viable? Martin Russ temporarily abandons his Atari ST for a look at the latest version of this music sequencer package for the BBC micro.

Prophet 600

While Sequential's Prophet 5 will always be regarded as a milestone in synthesiser technology, their Prophet 600 is almost forgotten already. Gordon Reid attempts to correct the history books.

MIDI-SMPTE Converter

As the price of SMPTE synchronising devices continues to fall, more and more home studios will be availed of their sophistication. Simon Trask checks out the latest breakthrough to find out it's not only cheap but British.

answers from top TV experts

Two manufacturers follow their already established polysynths with keyboardless voice expanders. Trish McGrath puts the Chase Bit 01 and Siel Expander 80 through their paces.

...of which the most fashionable right now must surely be the conga. Here we present facts, not fashion.

The Return Of The Single Effects Unit?

David Mellor looks at an effects processor which can't produce three dozen effects simultaneously. Is this the start of a new trend?

Commodore's Amiga computer is the beneficiary of this impressive - and colourful - sequencing package. Ian Waugh welcomes the illusion.

All the news you can eat. And then some

GuitarCheck

Another feline foray from Aria. Nice one(s) proclaims Dave Burrluck

Copies of Fender Precisions and Gibson Les Pauls perused, praised, panned and punctiliously plucked by our hand-picked panel of perspicacious pickers.