Yamaha SY35 Dynamic Vector Synth

Yamaha's SY35 may be little more than an updated version of the SY22, but new sample ROM and a price tag of under £600 make it an ideal choice for the serious synthesist on a budget. Derek Johnson checks it out.

Which Monitor? An overview of all monitor speakers reviewed thus far in HSR.

More news, views, and a smidgeon of hot gossip!

Category crossing contemporary composer cornered

PC sequencing and notation software

16-track sequencing and notation software for the PC. Especially for those who know the score...

Guitarcheck

Dave Burrluck is your chiming man

Warren Cann looks at the updated version of the MPC60, the most notable result of Roger Linn's collaboration with Akai.

U.K.'s top drummer on skins v. synths

A major new series describing the design and construction of a high quality modular effects rack. This first instalment deals with the Sub Rack assembly, Power Unit and the first module: the Pro-Gate.

Bamboozled by technical specs? David Mellor explains how to 'interpret' audio equipment specifications and also gives the lowdown on that little understood concept, Barkhausen noise.

Janet Angus traces the career of this enterprising sound engineer which ranges from recording Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells' and designing Virgin record stores, to his current pre-occupation with improving the quality of film soundtracks.

In 1985 Propaganda produced a seminal electronic music album - then they vanished. Five years on they've returned to pick up where they left off. Michael Mertens talks to Tim Goodyer about technology and the German tradition.

The Friendly Face of FM

Yamaha’s FM-based synths have incorporated more and more ‘easy editing' features of late in an attempt to make FM synthesis accessible to a broader spectrum of potential users. Yamaha's latest synth, the YS200, takes this approach even further with the inclusion of onboard digital effects, an 8-track sequencer, and large controls! Martin Russ looks at FM in a different guise.

Real World

Real World music

John started his career as a tape op and worked his way up. He is now a respected engineer and producer as well as being a great supporter of ambisonic recording.

(Sometimes)

Just as MIDI has made it as easier to produce great music, so it has facilitated the production of worthless garbage. Paul D. Lehrman explains the problem and how to avoid it.

unbeatable coverage of all the new gear at the year's most important instrument show. Don't buy ANYTHING until you've read it.