The copyright arguments surrounding sampling continue, but artistic issues are steadily being eclipsed by financial ones. Tim Goodyer goes toe-to-toe with The Wall Street Journal.

Take a welcome break from Gulf reports and indulge yourself in a little hi-tech news coverage, as the music industry prepares for the annual Frankfurt Musik-Messe.

The reader interchange of information saves a frustrated Matrix 6 owner... the Musicians' Revolutionary Army propose an overthrow of the music industry... in Communique.

Roland's MRM500 software offers unprecedented file compatibility between software sequencers and their MC-series sequencers. Vic Lennard asks if it's too good to be true.

As integration of musical and studio technology grows, the need for units like Anatek's new sync box grows. Synchronisation made easy with Vic Lennard.

Further explorations into the elusive feel of jazz are the subject of this month's drum programming column. Nigel Lord dons his bebop beret and gets hep with technology.

Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's a multitimbral synth module, it's a sequencer, it's an automated mixer... Simon Trask puzzles over Roland's Studio M.

Back in the '60s it was Jefferson Airplane, then it was Jefferson Starship, then it was simply Starship. Brad Leigh Benjamin compares notes with the Synclavier king of one of rock's institutions.

Accusations of replacing "real" musicians have shifted from drum machine to sampler, but there may be other changes upon us. Steve Wright investigates the significance of the sequencer.

One of software's greatest strengths is its ability to evolve. Ian Waugh looks at the refinements now available in one of the most popular sequencing/notation packages.

From their excellent 1984 debut single 'Venceremos', Working Week have charted a unique course between fashionability and credibility. Simon Trask works out with Simon Booth.

Possibly the most requested review in recent years, Cheetah's MD16 drum machine is finally here and ready for inspection. Simon Trask gives it a good beating.

Latest in the SY/TG line of descent, the TG33 module offers post-FM synthesis combined with the vector control pioneered on the Prophet VS synth. Ian Waugh expands on the '33.

Acoustic drum samples from producer Bob Clearmountain rub shoulders with Mega Beats drum machine samples, while SSU sounds for the Yamaha SY77 complete the lineup in this month's Patchwork.

Now in its third revision, the popular Microverb has attained full rackmount status and boasts an incredible 256 effects programs. Nigel Lord is drowning in reverb.