FM Synthesizer Module

Is this the FM synth you've been waiting for? Dan Goldstein takes a look at Yamaha's new six-operator, multi-timbral module.

FM Synthesiser

Another member of Yamaha's world-beating FM family; Howard Massey finds this powerful rack-mount right up his digital street.

The Multi-Instrumentalist

Taking over where the TX816 left off, this DX7II in a rack is the very latest in a long line of powerful FM synth expanders. Mark Badger puts it in perspective.

Interested in hi-tech higher education? Chris Kempster reports on the MIDI studios and recording courses available to students at Salford College Of Technology.

The Alternative MIDI Controllers Session

Manual Madness!

Manual madness! Roger Jackson proposes improvements to the currently poor state of some manufacturers' equipment manuals.

By a babbling Brook

Mixing in the MIDI Age

This two-part feature covers both the art and technology of mixing. The first article on page 48, 'Mixing Essentials', covers audio mixing in general, from a more basic level, and applies to any sort of studio mixing task. The second part, 'Mixing With MIDI’, starts on page 54 and covers techniques made possible by MIDI, specifically automated mixing and sending MIDI instruments direct to your master tape. Craig Anderton is your guide.

Composing music for television can be both exciting and frustrating, as Ian Assersohn and Stephen Frost of Sequenza Music Production discovered when they began writing music for a documentary film about India.

The Alternative MIDI Controllers Session

Ex-OMDers Paul Humphreys and Martin Cooper are back with new material and plenty to say on OMD, songwriting, sampling and going independent

Southlands Studio

Paul Ireson goes in search of paradise and finds it in the newly renamed and refitted Southlands Studio in Chiswick, London.

Another old synth makes its comeback. This time it's Steve Howell's much-prized ARP 2600 with its graphic panel layout, modular construction and built-in amplification.

Outcast by the classical fraternity in his native Sweden, Stig Miölssön has come to Britain in search of acceptance for his revolutionary ideas. Tim Goodyer learns about cut-up classics.

From his remixes of dance music through his record releases with LA Mix, Les Adams has specialised in making a lot out of a little equipment. His latest project is a solo LP, as Simon Trask finds out.

Rich Bitch Studio

From rehearsal room to recording complex. David Bradwell tells the story of a Midlands musician who hopes to open a nationwide chain of recording studios.

Acid jazz of the counter-culture

Luca of Snap chats about all things multimedia

Neatly sidestepping the monotonous beats and cliched melodies that typify too many dance acts, this Swiss-American collaboration are making refreshing music. Simon Trask and Heinrich Zwahlen share a technical obsession.

Tracking the progress of a DIY mix that went official

Elka Master Keyboards

With rack expanders forever dropping in price, the concept of one 'master' keyboard capable of controlling all MIDI devices in a system becomes more appealing by the minute. And with the MK88 and MK55, Tony Wride believes Elka have fulfilled the promise of MIDI and produced the ultimate master keyboards, jam-packed with features.

Once the exclusive territory of costly systems like the SSL desk, automated mixing is quickly becoming widely available. Lorenz Rychner looks at an automation system aimed at the budget studio.

From the Midlands' techno culture comes the hardcore sound of Rhythmatic. Simon Trask investigates one of the bands on the ground floor of Britain's fastest-growing musical movement.