Whistle Test

One Two go see the Test.

Wilmslow Audio Volt Studio Monitor Kit

Is building your own monitors a real pig of a job?

can synths do the samba

BassCheck

A Japanese bass with an American background on sale in Britain. Confused? You won't be, as Dave Burrluck explains the whole thing...

on playing live, major labels and the prospect of being famous

A focus on this computer-based band, their home studio and newly-developed sound sampling device that is changing the way they record.

Casio's DA7 is one of the cheapest DAT recorders on the market, yet it is still a suitable machine for mastering. David Mellor reveals its better features and finds ways round a couple of problems.

Volume 1 - Drums

If you're bored with your sampler's factory disks or simply can't find a decent snare drum to sample, then Syndromic Music's 'Star Samples' may well prove the ideal solution. Mark Jenkins assesses their range of sampled sound cassettes.

After three years out of the public eye, Scritti are straight back in the charts with a new LP and single. Green Gartside explains to Tim Goodyer why technology has replaced live performance.

Golden boy of the teeny bop scene a closet guitar hero? It's true, all true. Muso musings captured for posterity by Dave Burrluck and Susan Rookledge.

Are 8 bits still viable? Martin Russ temporarily abandons his Atari ST for a look at the latest version of this music sequencer package for the BBC micro.

So it's a good programme?

David Hughes lends an ear to three well-priced CDs full of synthesizer and drum machine samples.

Studio Designer

Top studio designer talks to Janet Angus.

A Soft Touch

Jay Chapman discovers why this 16 track MIDI sequencer package for the BBC B micro, described as the musical equivalent of the humble word processor, is receiving so much acclaim from studio users.

News of Roland's brand new megasynth, yamaha's latest effects processors, and more — all in glorious colour.

MIDIGrid & MIDIDraw

Can't play an instrument but would love to create music? Your wish is granted! With the right software, the humble Atari ST computer can be turned into a very different MIDI instrument indeed. Martin Russ looks at two unusual graphical music programs with contrasting approaches: MIDIDraw and MIDIGrid.

Picking up the signals from the world of music and technology...

Yamaha's RX21 Drum Machine offers a lot of sound for very little outlay.

Composer and studio owner Guy Fletcher had a dream: 'The European Suite' was the end result. Ted Fletcher details the work that went into its recording.

Who's Where, What's What

A six page feature that shows you how to make music with the aid of the BBC Micro

It's two years since the former japan frontman made his solo debut, but a new double album showcases both Sylvian's unique songwriting and his interest in ambient, instrumental music. Exhaustive interview by Tim Goodyer.