Electronic Drums

Pick up sticks; the latest electronic kit from Roland doesn't come with its own voices but Nicholas Rowland discovers its MIDI converter may have other uses in the studio.

Noise reduction is an essential part of any professional recording; but there's more than one way of providing it and more than one way of using it. Silence is golden to Vic Lennard.

Eight-track cassette recorder

The four-track cassette recorder revolutionised home recording and significantly changed the recording industry; will the eight-track cassette have a similar effect? Vic Lennard goes on record.

From his involvement in the infamous Frankie Goes To Hollywood sessions, Andy Richards has become an accomplished producer and programmer in his own right. Nicholas Rowland listens to a rationalisation of technology.

Talking Heads keyboard player Jerry Harrison talks to Nicholas Rowland about a forthcoming Heads LP and a solo project he calls The Casual Gods.

JJ Jeczalik

With the title track from the film Dragnet currently on release, the Art of Noise are still newsworthy. Paul Tingen talks to JJ Jeczalik about sampling, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and court cases.

Cross Wave Synthesiser

The successor to Ensoniq's popular ESQ1 expands on the sound and sequencing facilities and adds polyphonic aftertouch to the ESQ's spec. Simon Trask goes in search of the performance synthesiser.

Electronic Piano

Thought you'd seen the last of the electronic piano? Simon Trask rolls up his sleeves and finds out there's life in the old dog yet.

for Roland Jupiter 8 & Juno 6/60

Hands up once-proud owners of a Jupiter 8 or Juno 6/60 who've left their pride and joy to collect dust while they've concentrated on MIDI gear. Tony Wride finds out MIDI can be yours courtesy of Groove Electronics.

Software for the Atari ST

Budget software that sets out to prove that budget doesn't necessarily mean limited. Simon Trask puts the MIDI Recording Studio through its paces with his eye on the "features for ackers" gauge.

Software for the Atari ST

A powerful sequencer for a less than overpowering price? Simon "loadsamidi" Trask discovers the slimmed-down version of Master Tracks Pro might just be Passport's passport to mass popularity.

Music Workstation

This synth/sequencer/drum machine with digital effects is the first instrument in Korg's new workstation series. Simon "Mansell" Trask takes it for a test drive.

Portable Keyboard

Budget polysynth or home organ accessory? Casio attempt to find another gap in the market with Spectrum Distortion synthesis. Nicholas Rowland finds it's not too far from old-fashioned analogue.

Pitch-to-MIDI conversion without the complication of a free-standing conversion unit; Simon Trask finds new freedom in Casio's guitar controller.

Eight-track cassette recorder

When the first Portastudio was launched, it caused a revolution in the recording industry - now you can put eight tracks on the same tape. Vic Lennard punches in.

Rhythm Composer

Beat crazy. As yet another drum machine arrives on the market, Nicholas Rowland wonders if it's time to get away from the present format.

Digital Drum Machine

Competition is fierce in the budget drum machine arena. Nicholas Rowland takes a look at the British answer to the Japanese and American machines that have been in the limelight recently.