One of the nerve centres of any studio is its mixing desk - but how do you choose a mixer which is both affordable and expandable? Tim Goodyer discovers a desk which is built to last and to grow - and cost very little.

Soundcraft Spirit Folio

A quality name, a quality product, an affordable price tag — Soundcraft's new portable mixer seems to have it all. Derek Johnson wants to carry one home.

Ian Gilby pays a visit to TEAC headquarters in Tokyo, gets blown away by Dolby S noise reduction, and learns some little-known facts about a company destined to play a continued part in the development of recording technology.

the birth of loud

baby ford, golden boy of british acid, drops hints on getting the dancefloor moving

Spotlighting Poly Magoo.

New products from the States

Studio Test

Jim Betteridge gives it a damp reception

Multi Signal Processor

'Noise Gates' are now an inherent part of modern recording practice. We explain their function and provide some practical applications.

Studiomaster Power House Vision 8

Powered mixer with effects

The Making of an Album

When Julian Colbeck went back to Bach to find musical inspiration, little did he think he'd end up recording a whole album.

Yamaha SPX90

With the help of new software technology, Yamaha's new multi-FX unit does the job of a half-dozen outboard machines. Paul White gives a rundown of what it can do, and how well it does it.

Recording Vocals

Part 9: The human voice is the most difficult instrument to record, bar none. David Mellor offers some practical guidance.

Take the Fostex X15, restyle it, add new features, raise the price by the cost of a dirty weekend in Blackpool and you've got their new X30 multitracker. Nicholas Rowland finds out if they're on the right track.

3G Mynah Mixing Console

Mike Simmons tries out this cost-effective live sound console and finds it also has home studio applications.

Sansui WSX1 6-Track Recorder

Sansui mark their debut into the home recording market with the impressive WSX1. Incorporating the first ever 6-track cassette recorder, it also combines a 2-track master recorder, an 8-channel mixer, and built-in digital effects in a convenient package. Will it appeal? Dave Lockwood finds out.

Korg Wavestation EX

Korg's Wavestation synthesizer has won a small but devout following since its introduction 18 months ago. Paul Ireson wonders whether new sounds and effects on the updated Wavestation EX will broaden its appeal.

All's Fair in Olympia and war

Cassette Multitracker

When cassette multitrackers were new they said everybody should have one - now that there are machines like the X28 around, everybody can. Nigel Lord says small is beautiful.

Aphex Aural Exciter Type C2

Aural Excitement complete with the new 'Big Bottom' bass enhancer. A veritable feast of sonic titillation.

Acoustic Drums 2

To continue the saga of recording acoustic drums, this month we look at ways of treating the recorded sound.