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Your chance to check out some of the new hi-tech and recording equipment launched at last month's Frankfurt Music Fair.

In 1980, the original boss DR55 Dr. Rhythm gave many people their first introduction to programmable drum machines. In 1990, the new DR550 is set to make musicians on a tight budget equally happy by providing their first taste of excellent 16-bit sampled drum sounds. Paul Ireson beats a path to his local music store's door.

There may be few instruments in the world that have not yet been sampled, but there is still an infinite number of ways it can be done. David Mellor auditions the Sonic Images sample library volumes 2 and 3.

Since heralding in a new musical era in 1976 with the release of his innovative synthesizer-based opus, 'Oxygene', Jean-Michel Jarre has gone on to sell almost 34 million records worldwide. Currently embarking on a new album project, as well as planning a series of concerts to welcome in the new decade, Richard Buskin visited Jarre in his home studio to talk about the technology behind his music.

Writing out full scores and individual parts for fellow musicians used to be a slavish occupation for a skilled select few. Now, with the benefit of low cost computers and music transcription programs like this one from DR.T, almost anyone can produce professional results that don't cost the earth. Amanda Stuart explores.

Midi routing systems have come a long way since the humble passive thru box. Kendall Wrightson explores a sophisticated example of the species.

Today's high-end tools for the professional are tomorrows affordable tools for the musician in the street. David Mellor explores a Macintosh-based digital recording and editing system from a company best known for their analogue tape recorders.

Announced over a year ago, the all-American DPM3 has finally landed on our shores. Martin Russ takes the wraps off Peavey's much publicised first foray into the hi-tech keyboard market.

Is Hybrid Arts SMPTETrack for the Atari ST keeping pace with the front runners? David Mellor upgrades his sequencer package to version II software and hardware.

Part 6: The mixing console. David Mellor continues his close examination of the recording studio's most complex and expensive piece of equipment.

Perhaps its because the auto-looping functions on Ensoniq's EPS sampler are so effective that computer-based sample editing software for the machine is so thin on the ground? Matthew Newman checks out Gelva Software's first offering.

More hints and tips from the world of music software.

News of the latest activities on the musician's favourite electronic communications network.

Hi-tech and masculinity: Patrick Dailly wonders why more boys get involved with hi-tech music than girls.