As the world and his wife gets hot under the collar about affordable 16-bit sampling, we wonder if the increase in sound quality is necessary at all.

the average album costs over six quid: where does it go, and why?

The BBC's sound effects records have been the staple diet of many a film, TV and radio production. Now there is a new generation of digitally recorded sound effects available on compact disc which are ideal for sampling. David Mellor assesses their worth.

Fame: Getting It

A quick guide to self-awareness, and some tips on extending your fame beyond 15 minutes

Digital Reverb

Following on from the DRV 1000 and DRV2000, this latest digital reverb cum multi-effects processor is Korg's most sophisticated yet - 16-bit, 20kHz bandwidth, full MIDI control and, for all armchair enthusiasts, an infra-red remote control. David Hughes reports.

The First Single

and sensible use of mixing time

Bootleg synths a killer?, New EX, Alligator PA, More scoops

Build this versatile LED PPM/VU meter project.

Studio Focus

Roadie

Mike Hrano looks at the ups and downs of humping

Guest producer Robin Millar strikes a note of realism on the subject of home recording, record deals, and the size of A&R department waste bins...

Level 42's Svengali gets his comeuppance

Having recently celebrated their first 100 years in the music industry, we thought it opportune to discover what Yamaha have planned for the next century. Paul Gilby investigates.

Busking

The much maligned art in theory and practice. Feature and acoustic guitar by Adrian Deevoy

From the profound to the downright silly, we wind up a year's chit-chat

A Guide to Recording, Electronic Music and Popular Music Courses in Britain

The first ever published guide to all Recording, Electronic Music and Music Courses available in Britain today.

are rock competitions worth their salt? if you fancy your chances, read on...

twenty years after they invented heavy metal the seminal sabbs are back

Do you know why top recording artists like Toyah and Haircut 100 are going digital? Our article explains why.

easy note doodling