It's a sad fact that keyboard players have always had to pay more for the privilege than their guitar or drum playing associates. Tim Goodyer asks what can technology do to redress the imbalance?

An announcement of the winners of copies of Keynote Software's Chameleon librarian in a recent MT competition join the usual selection of hi-tech equipment and music news in this month's Newsdesk.

The musicality of synthesisers, synthesising the sound of an electric guitar and some free advice on using Dr T's X-Or provide the basis for discussion in MT's regular readers writes column.

Choosing studio monitors on a tight budget can be a demoralising experience - unless you're wise to JBL's new Control 1 Plus and its bass-driving partner. Nigel Lord takes control.

Who's in the house? On the Beat is in the house - with a close look at what makes house beats and loops kick. Nigel Lord gets wicked in MT's popular drum programming series.

The most popular post-Minimoog monosynth is still the best alternative for everything from new age to northern techno. Greg Truckell reintroduces an old friend.

Heard the one about the silent metronome? Simon Trask investigates a MIDI-driven metronome that uses light instead of sound to keep you to the beat.

Often criticised for its shortcomings. MIDI is still being developed to meet musicians' needs. UK MIDI Association chief Vic Lennard brings news of the latest updates and their applications.

With Talking Heads on the back burner, keyboard player Jerry Harrison is building a strong following as a solo artist. Nigel Lord talks messages and machinery to a Casual God.

The excessive heat in London's Olympia gave the latest hi-tech gear a run in the "who's hottest" stakes at this year's British Music Fair. Simon Trask sweats it out.

To complement their CM-series modules, Roland have released a Digital Fader and Musical Entry Pad - but anything MIDI has many uses. Vic Lennard becomes an accessory.

A long-time member of the MIDI establishment, Jeff Rona is a musician who gets more mileage out of computers than most. Scott Wilkinson listens in on Mac, PAN, digital editing and Jon Hassell's latest LP.

The term workstation is officially in demise - to prove it, Ensoniq's SQ1 is dubbed a Personal Music Studio. Simon Trask investigates the best-specified workstation to date.

A wide selection of sound libraries from Sound Source Unlimited, Roland and Stiletto come under the scrutiny of the Patchwork reviewers.