Akai MIDI Mixer

Akai's forthcoming MPX-820 MIDI mixer may not compare with a top-class SSL desk but its fully programmable controls and onboard memories offer the budget-conscious user some of the benefits of a 'total recall' system. Paul D. Lehrman investigates.

The return of Roger Linn, as a member of the Akai team, promises much to the world of musical technology. The ASQ 10, bearing the Linn name, is a heavyweight sequencer in all senses. David Mellor assesses its abilities.

The Additive synthesizer

Once upon a time, 'additive synthesis' was an expensive and little used option on expensive computer music systems. Now, thanks to Kawai's latest keyboard, there is an instrument dedicated to this type of synthesis. Paul Wiffen, long-time advocate of creating your own waveforms, investigates.

Atari ST Software

The latest sequencer from the Dr T's stable takes interactive composition by the horns. Ian Waugh examines the software and the merits of mathematical music making.

The synthesist who knows no parameters discusses his works. Interview by Tony Mills

It's the most oft-quoted specification of them all, yet frequency response is also one of the most confusing aspects of music machine performance. Paul White reveals the facts behind the figures.

Dynamic MIDI control of EQ curves is only one of the creative benefits of this stereo 14-band equaliser, which offers tremendous tone-shaping power to those enlightened enough to explore its functions. Dave Lockwood sees the light and reports back.

David Mellor concludes his exploration of the world's most expensive musical instrument with an interview with a musician who can actually afford one, Simon Franglen.

Voice processor processed

Music Workstation

The problem with building the most popular keyboard in years is having to follow it. Simon Trask test drives the successor to the Korg M1 and likes what he finds.

Acoustics

Sound Absorbers Part 3. The final part deals with acoustic treatment of the studio floor and ceiling.

Although expensive, digital audio workstations are a pointer to the kind of features we can expect to see on the next generation of 'affordable' hi-tech instruments. Craig Anderton takes a look at one of the very latest workstations to appear, the AudioFrame.

A step-by-step guide to the workings of a typical mixing console.

Programmable Digital Drum Machine

Few companies make synthesiser debuts as good as the Kawai K3. Now the same company has introduced its first digital beatbox; Simon Trask finds out if they've maintained the standard.

No television drama would be complete without a soundtrack, but how do you write them? Nicholas Rowland tunes in to the music channel.

Last month we explained the development and requirements of VCA-based mixer automation systems. This month, Graham Hinton scrutinises three retrofittable automation systems - the Twister PAC, MegaMix, and J.L. Cooper MidiMation - and asks 'How good are they?'

Vesta Fire Effects

Unusual names but all used to a good effect. We report on this newest range.

Stereo Digital Sampler

If Roland's S770 super sampler presented too high a target for many of us, the S750 may be the news we've been waiting for. Simon Trask investigates the challenger to the Akai S1000 crown.

Akai S900 V2.0 & ASK90 and Steinberg Soundworks

Already a well-established sampler, the Akai S900 is on the receiving end of a series of software and firmware updates from Akai and Steinberg. Chris Jenkins boots them up.

Vince Hill falls in love!

Synthcheck

The latest in the ridiculously successful FM series gets its algorithms examined by Tony Mills

An intelligent, multi-purpose compressor.