Alesis 3630 Compressor/Limiter & Alesis RA100 Reference Amplifier

Alesis made their name on high-quality, low-cost digital effects units, and their latest products offer the same affordable quality on two basic analogue units — a compressor and an amplifier. Dave Lockwood conducts the field test.

A professional stereo enhancer at a affordable price.

Janet Angus talks to Peter Wingfield about his career as a songwriter and producer.

Over a 25 year period, Tom Hidley has designed and built more than 400 of the world's top recording studios. Recognised as an undisputed 'master' of his craft, his acoustic design concepts have changed the face of studios and the music that is made within their walls. In a rare interview, he talks openly about his design philosophy and his most current 'ground-breaking' project to Paul Gilby.

Key Ingredients For A Happening Dance Track

An insight into the sounds and structures that make up a successful dance record, by Edgar G. Roover.

With Sampling Keyboards

Vocal line out of tune? Lead guitarist fluffed his solo again? Craig Anderton reveals some ways of using a sampler to fix these, and other problems, in the mix.

DJ Mixers

A three-way test of DJ mixers

Richard Niles searching for the source of his inspiration.

Speakers break sound barrier, Fender replace guitar range, Rama amps to shatter prices and more!

Miking Tips

Digital Synthesiser

Although Yamaha are reluctant to call it a workstation, the V50 incorporates FM synthesis, drum voices, and sequencing and effects processing facilities. Dan Rue checks out Yamaha's workst...

High quality sampled bass sounds that you can play from any MIDI keyboard, sequencer or drum machine are offered by the 360 Systems MIDI BASS. Tony Hastings assesses its performance.

Akai S900 Editor for the Atari ST

This comprehensive visual sample-editing package from America could be the answer to many S900 owner's prayers. Vic Lennard says: have ST will travel.

Aphex Dominator

Is this the ultimate limiter?

An exclusive look inside Genesis' private studio retreat deep in the heart of Surrey.

Expander modules may be the modular synths of our age, but are they as good? Steve Howell explores the Akai VX90 and provides some guidance on how it can be used with Akai's range of sampling machines.

Best known for their tape recorders and cassette-based multitrackers, this new generation of mixers from Fostex look like they will make more than a few converts. Dave Lockwood checks them out.

The Rupert Hine Approach to Record Producing

You may be surprised to learn that as a producer, Rupert Hine has some sixty-five albums credited to him, though it is only in recent times that his name has started to mean anything outside of the record business. Something that has come about largely through his successful associations with Howard Jones and Tina Turner. David Etheridge chatted to him in the studio about his career to date and his approach to record production.

with MEH and the roadies of rock's greatest band.

A quick gaze at the crystal ball reveals a new MIDI mixer from Simmons, a digital reverb/effects processor from AKG, a MIDI-CV module from Tantek, and plenty more...

Effectscheck

Dave Burrluck stuffs everything into one box and sets off to find DOD

Simon is both a musician and a producer. This month he talks to Paul White about, amongst other things, his work doing 12" remixes for Nik Kershaw.