The first of an innovative new series on musical applications of your home micro

Now making a huge impact in the north of Britain, Detroit's techno music owes its roots to a handful of far-sighted pioneers - amongst them Derrick May. Simon Trask discusses the future of electronic music.

Paul White and Geoff Twigg delve deep into the mysteries of one of the world's most expensive keyboard instruments, and uncover some fascinating developments.

Guitarcheck

Dave Burrluck discusses the virtues of the new axe with the man himself

Digital Wave Filtering Sampler

Yamaha's first sampler has been a long time a-coming. Chris Meyer puts it to the test to discover if the big "Y" have learned from other manufacturers' mistakes.

12-page pull-out: all you need to know

With SUPER MRC Software

When Roland's forward-thinking design team made the original MC500 an ‘open’ system, they did users a favour. Built-in obsolescence became less of a fear, provided Roland stuck to their promise of future updates and upgrades. The release of the Super MRC software shows they have. It's available on its own for existing MC500 owners, or packaged with expanded hardware in the guise of the MC500 MkII. Paul Ireson keeps you updated.

If you make extensive use of MIDI keyboards, drum machines or MIDI controlled effects, this flexible package revolutionise your studio.

Every Current Model Reviewed

All you need to know about choosing a cassette multitrack, plus concise reviews of every current model on the market.

From a new British company comes a new Atari ST software sequencer that looks set to rival Notator and Cubase for power and versatility. The virtuous Nigel Lord boots it up.

From the first all-electronic record label to the first ARS Electronica concert, Hubert Bognermayr has been one of electronic music's pioneers. David Bradwell makes the Austrian connection.

Roland D20 LA synthesizer

With its 8-track sequencer, rhythm composer, digital reverb and built-in disk drive, Roland's latest multitimbral LA synthesizer would be better described as a budget 'music workstation'. Paul Ireson reveals why ...

Use the Sinclair ZX Spectrum to create sophisticated digital envelopes.

Jealousy Green...

An everyday story of prize-winning folk. Who won our May competition? What were the answers?

Alesis BRC Big Remote Control for ADAT

Does the BRC make multiple ADAT working a real joy? Read our in-depth test to find out...

Turn your ZX Spectrum into an echo machine with sound sampling capabilities using this month's unique project

Yamaha SPX90

Is it a reverb? Is it a sampler? Yes and no; it's Yamaha's new digital Jack of all trades and it offers surprising value for money.

The first of three personal views of a nation that's revolutionised the development and manufacture of hi-tech musical equipment. Hugh Ashton checks out the gear and the music.

Ibanez SDR1000 Reverb

State of the art reverb performance with a few other effects thrown in for good measure. A very serious product and one that is destined to become a standard.

May/Day - things of import, and another strange guitar ready to stick on your studio wall.