Human Rhythm Composer

Roland's R70, their new top-of-the-range beat box, is the first drum machine to feature on-board digital effects. Ian Steele sits in judgement.

MIDI Disk Recorder

Meanwhile, Elka have called their CR99 a MIDI Disk Recorder rather than a MIDI sequencer. Vic Lennard goes on record with a MIDI sequencer with a few surprises up its sleeve.

A look at some forthcoming products from the world of hi-tech music and recording.

Digital Rhythm Module

If you've ever wanted to trade some of your drum machine's sequence memory for sound memory, the DRM1 could be the beat box for you. Matt Isaacson sounds it out.

Digital Drum Machine

Following hard on the heels of the R100, this junior beat box from Kawai threatens to outshine its big brother, as Simon Trask finds out.

Getting the Most from... MONO MODE

Only one drum machine has so far been given an implementation of MIDI's multi-timbral Mode 4 - the Sequential Tom. Paul Wiffen reveals how it can be used.

The man who brought computers to Frankie and programmed his way to chart infamy with The Art of Noise, fits in an interview before going out to play some very English sport. Paul Tingen fills in the scorecard.

Electronic Percussion Buyer's Guide

If you can hit it or make it sound as if you have, you'll find it listed in E&MM's exclusive rundown of what's available in the world of drum machines and electronic kits.

Musik Messe Frankfurt Report

Every year without fail, hi-tech instrument manufacturers congregate in the huge exhibition halls of frankfurt to show off their very latest creations. Paul Ireson brings you the edited highlights of this year's show.

Paul Ireson reports from Frankfurt on Europe's biggest music fair.

At home with Chris Hughes

The former Tears For Fears producer invites us in for a cuppa

Software for the Atari ST

If you're currently using a software sequencer you'll almost certainly remember the days of drum machine programming as sublimely simple. Ian Waugh investigates a program that returns to basics.

Total Percussion Sound Module

From the R8 Human Rhythm Composer comes the Total Percussion Sound Module "humanising' without a sequencer? Simon Trask investigates Roland's latest beat box and a selection of sound cards.

NAMM Winter Market, Anaheim

Paul Wiffen, hotfoot from California, reports on the machines that made headlines at the US music industry's winter shindig...

As the sequencer comes of age, the role of the drum machine is brought into question: why have a sequencer in your drum box if there's already one in your computer? Simon Trask investigates what may be the next step for the beat box.

Rhythm Workstation

With its synthesizer-like voice editing functions, built-in stereo signal processing, 8-track sequencing and SMPTE sync options, can Korg's new top-of-the-line drum machine justify its title of rhythm workstation? Richard Aaron finds out.

Flushed with the chart success of Close (To The Edit), the 'faceless' trio return with more talk of Art, Empire and Industry. Paul Gilby pushed the record button and monitored the noise levels...

Will the new-look ABC find success as easy as 1-2-3? Or will their latest Lexicon of Love lose something in the translation? Philip Bashe finds out.

In part four of this series Bob O'Donnell deals with rhythm by linking a drum machine into the expanding MIDI system.

Prick Up Your Ears

Stephen Bennett offers his views on the quality of recordings, studio monitoring, and domestic hi-fi.

E-mu Ultra Proteus

The pre-eminent Proteus

Digital Percussion Synthesiser

The ability to modify its selection of drum and percussion sounds is the strong suit of this expander from Kawai. Vic Lennard reports on the continuing beatbox boom.

The most comprehensive review of Europes biggest Music Fair

Cult masters of industrial funk talk hi-tech sounds, performance CDs and popular commerciality to Nicholas Rowland; the code of the '80s.