Sex and drugs and high technology.

The sampling controversy rages, as an army of letter-writing E&MM readers leaps to the technique's defence.

The new Simmons kits, Music 500 winners, UK Electronica '85, and more. Remember, you'll read it here first.

The world's most awesome analogue polysynth finally gets the attention it deserves, as Simon Trask finds out just what you can do with two Xpanders and a row of black-and-white keys.

An all-British sound-sampling and drum-synthesising MIDI percussion machine with built-in sequencer gets an exclusive preview courtesy of David Ellis - there's even comment from the designers.

There's no point having a mass of electronic keyboards if you've got nothing to mount them on, but how many keyboard stands are available, and what do they offer? Trish McGrath stands up to the lot of them in an extensive survey.

For what was supposed to be a universal interface, MIDI has trouble enough staying in touch with itself, let alone the outside world. Tim Goodyer looks at four auxiliary units that set out to improve matters.

Continuing their fight for pro keyboard acceptance, Casio double the CZ1000's voices and throw in a multitrack sequencer for good measure. Simon Trask casts a critical eye over the results.

The price guide to beat all price guides continues with a rundown of available sequencers, software packages and computer music systems.

A new-look roundup of tapes, records and music in general takes to the air for the first time. You ain't seen nothing yet.

Northern electronic music exponent Ian Boddy answers questions from Tim Goodyer about the recording of his new album, live performance, and music synthesis.

Life on the road with a successful pop band, described in graphic detail by King keyboardsman Mick Roberts. Interview by Tim Goodyer.

Justifiably unwilling to be written off as just another funk act, Loose Ends talk tactics, technique and technology into Tim Goodyer's Walkman mic.

Dave Simmons, the man behind the name on the hexagonal pad, holds forth on the past, present and future of electronic percussion. Paul White listens.

The LFO and its applications are this month's subjects in Steve Howell's story of sound synthesis from first principles.

Well, not quite, but a hardware add-on for the original Powertran DDL that brings it up to scratch in the contemporary world of sound-sampling. Circuit designer Patrick Shipsey reveals all.

Casio's CZ101 joins the ranks of old favourites DX7, SH101 and Poly 800 as the subject of this month's readers' sound patches.