Oberheim Xk

Oberheim's first master keyboard has a load of clever facilities, but a price-tag high enough to give it some stiff competition. Simon Trask files his report.

Upcoming systems music composer chats to Simon Trask about modern technology, Renaissance music and Belgian pop.

MIDI routing, filtering and syncing are all handled by this new British 'black box'. Simon Trask checks it out.

The PF10 and 15 proved how well FM voicing is suited to the electronic piano. Now those instruments have been updated, and Simon Trask has been listening to the results.

Casio CZ101, Yamaha DX21 and Korg Poly 800 feature in the readers' synth sound page. Plus a review of Skyslip's latest DX7 ROM cartridges.

Software for Commodore 64

Do we need another German software package for the Commodore 64. The C-Lab company think we do, and after playing with their first system, Simon Trask finds himself agreeing.

Simon Trask somehow finds time to examine the most sophisticated MIDI event processor of the lot. Are its facilities usable?

Roland JX10 Polysynth

Put two JX8P synths in one box, add a few new facilities, and you have a giant of a synthesiser that harks back to the polyphonic instruments of old. Simon Trask (again) tests a glorious anachronism.

Long sample times and astounding sound quality characterise Bel's range of mid-price delay units. But as Ian Waugh discovers, there are some important omissions, too.

A Matrix 6 in a rack-mounting box. Simon Trask investigates the multi-timbral delights of Oberheim's latest offspring.

Simon Trask gets a sneak preview of this German organ manufacturer's first venture into the pro-synth market.

Software for Sinclair Spectrum

Music software for the Sinclair Spectrum is alive and well. Simon Trask reports on a ten-track sequencer package from Swedish company 10 Systems.

AHB Keymix

Simon Trask takes an in-depth look qt a computer-controlled modular mixer. Does MIDI programmability represent the future of the mixing console?

Akai MIDI FX

Simon Trask again, with some more MIDI outboard gear in the shape of Akai's new ME30P programmable patchbay and ME25S note separator.

Yamaha MCS2 Control Station

Missing performance wheels on your MIDI instrument? Yamaha's MIDI Control Station could solve your expression problems, as Simon Trask reveals.

UK Fresh '86

Simon Trask leaves all that MIDI jargon behind to check out Britain's first major live hip hop event. How are the DJs and the rappers making technology tick?

Steinberg Pro24 Software

Simon Trask looks at one of the first multitrack MIDI recording packages to be made available for the Atari ST series of computers. How does it compare to dedicated sequencers?

Kaleidophon Studios

Simon Trask travels to North London to visit one of Britain's longest-established synth studios, and to talk to its creator, electronic composer David Vorhaus.

Following in the footsteps of their successful budget CZ models, Casio add touch-sensitivity for the professional user. Simon Trask evaluates the results.

...Is one of Britain's most inventive jazz keyboard players, with a myriad of different strings to his performing bow, and an unusually open-minded approach to new technology. Simon Trask listens to what he has to say.

Polyphonic Synthesiser

Simon Trask follows up our earlier preview of Wersi's first polyphonic synth, with a full review that delves deeper into the possibilities of additive synthesis. Is it too complex to use?

MIDI Master Keyboard

With an ever-expanding range of hi-tech music equipment, Akai seem intent on carving out a sizeable market niche for themselves. Simon Trask checks out their first MIDI controller.

Signal Processor

A sophisticated approach to multi-effects processing comes from a new British company. Simon Trask finds out if it matches up to the stiff Japanese competition.

Another MIDI controller, this time from the people who brought you the Bit One synth. Simon Trask uncovers one or two tricks up the Italian designers' sleeves.