John Walters, Tom Bailey and Frank Tovey

A simple, twin-pad drum-synth - from the Klone Kit people - put under the E&MM microscope by Geoff Twigg.

Julian Woodford takes us across the sea to bring us a report on the state of MIDI in Canada

Systemcheck

The Greengate goes loopy

double CD player

Double turntables are the DJ stock-in-trade. Can the CD format take the dance floor by storm?

John Renwick gets synchronised with this nifty little device from Radius

RD1000 (Keyboard Version) & MKS20 (Racked Module Version)

Roland's piano power — RD1000 & MKS20 on test

(both with Kahler tremolo systems)

Recording

Where we sort out and explain carefully a set of technical terms: this month, recording gear

Using Sequencers with Modular Systems

In something of a break from tradition, Steve Howell begins a look at how using a modular synth can expand the horizons of the common or garden monophonic sequencer.

Nomad's first product is a low cost SMPTE reader/generator that allows MIDI drum machines, synths and sequencers to sync to tape easily. David Mellor puts it to the test.

Pros & Cons of Backing Tape Formats

Equipment

can synths do the samba

now from Japan

Switched, single rail

A True MIDI Standard?

The non-standard nature of MIDI instruments has become an impediment to MIDI's Use in the home and educational markets, so the instrument manufacturers have come together to create a new standard: General MIDI. Chris Jordan explains what it is and why it is needed.

What's cooking in Bournemouth

Hi-Fi Video

An overview of a new generation of band-friendly hi fi video

The readers' synth sound page, with patches for SCI Pro One, Yamaha DX7 and Casio CZ 101 instruments, plus reviews of anew DX RAM pack and another collection of sounds for sampling.

Tips on miking up drums.

Anthony Braine informs us of his own home set-up.

For what was supposed to be a universal interface, MIDI has trouble enough staying in touch with itself, let alone the outside world. Tim Goodyer looks at four auxiliary units that set out to improve matters.