The all-but-forgotten guitar synth is due to return to music shops with a vengeance this summer, in the shape of Roland's GR700/G707 system and a breathtaking new British design, the SynthAxe. Paul White puts both instruments through their paces.

Richard Dean tells how to get all the wires in the right places.

The final part of our professional quality monophonic instrument

Thresholds and ratios explained

The final part of the saga.

Drum Modules

Repackaging a powerful and popular drum machine as a rackmount and adding drum triggers is sure to attract more interest to it. Nigel Lord explores the new Cheetah MD16.

If the sound of your kid sister hitting a biscuit-tin lid is your idea of what a snare drum should sound like, Simmons' new EPROM blower should make your sampling dreams come true. Paul White reports.

Having hit upon the right formula with their successful 1882 mixer, Seck have now introduced a cut-price 1282 version aimed more at the needs of the 8-track user. Paul Gilby monitored its performance.

PA Hire

how to do it, what to avoid

More news of forthcoming new products to tempt you to dig deeper into your pockets.

A surprisingly flexible and easy to use unit that offers first class results.

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

New software, updates, sounds, and samples

Synthcheck

An expansion on the Expander with a free (£1200) keyboard! Paul Fishman goes upmarket

Chris Meyer takes an in-depth look at Oberheim's EPROM burner and reader, and considers its renewed significance in the light of continually evolving MIDI applications.

Tascam Porta Two

This month's cover feature, the brand new Tascam Porta 2. Bristling with features, this 6-channel, 4-track portable studio still falls within an attractive price bracket.

Adam Mosley chats about producing The Plot Thickens

Public Domain Software

As some readers write in to complain about the price of commercial music software, Ian "tightwad" Waugh is busy taking advantage of the software available free in the public domain.

PART 2: Microphones. David Mellor cuts through the mythology of microphone techniques with some practical advice.

Mixers

In this month's article we take a look at the most central piece of equipment in any recording studio; the mixer.

Which Gear is Right for You?

If you've got a serious syncing problem, chances are the new Sync Box will be your best bet for a solution, as Paul White explains.