New products from the music business

Audio Technics Mics ATM41a, ATM63

The story of John Harris and two microphones alone in a darkened room.

Beyer DT159 & DT329

Headset mics

AWM2 Workstation

Yamaha's new SY85 eschews FM technology and instead concentrates entirely on powerful sample-based synthesis. Derek Johnson finds that user sampling, powerful filters, and 'easy edit' sliders are just a few of the tricks that make this far more than just another sample-based workstation.

Take an eight-track tape deck and a 128-track MIDI sequencer and you've got the basis of 2nd Sense studio. Nicholas Rowland visits a studio taking full advantage of what modern technology has to offer.

Tascam DA30II

New version of DAT classic

Sound On Sound's DEFINITIVE guide to DX7 RAM & ROM cartridges

We bring you Sound On Sounds DEFINITIVE guide to all ROM/RAMs available for the Yamaha DX7 in the UK. Over 2500 voices tested and everything you need to know about the products revealed in a comprehensive round-up and table.

Custom Sound Keyboard Combo

Paul White casts an approving ear towards Custom Sound's Cub 60 combo. If you're on the lookout for a cheap way to get rid of your neighbours, this could be for you.

Having been out of the limelight for a while, Robin has again donned his producer's cap and set to work with new artists 3AM and Robin Clark. Here he talks of his involvement with them and his attitude to the home recording revolution.

Instruments & Equipment

Digital Synth & Sampling Interface

Since entering the keyboard market with the DPM3, Peavey have expanded the range and power of their gear. Simon Trask checks out Peavey's "upgradable" philosophy.

Leaders of the new school?

Roland A50 Mother Keyboard

Roland have left the business of making MIDI controller keyboards up to others for at least three years, but have now just released two new models. Paul Ireson gets carried away with Roland's latest mother keyboard, the A50.

Win! Win! Win! Your soaraway IM brings you a wondrous and highly winnable Studiomaster 8:2 powered mixer and two Primo mikes

From his remixes of dance music through his record releases with LA Mix, Les Adams has specialised in making a lot out of a little equipment. His latest project is a solo LP, as Simon Trask finds out.

synth artificial intelligence from the USA

The whizz-kid that made a number one hit out of a spoken-word soundtrack and a sampler with 19' is now The Wizard, courtesy of a new signature tune for 'Top of the Pops'. Tim Goodyer meets the man, the Synclavier, and the passion for new technology.

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.

The BBC's sound effects records have been the staple diet of many a film, TV and radio production. Now there is a new generation of digitally recorded sound effects available on compact disc which are ideal for sampling. David Mellor assesses their worth.

Sound module giant test

E-mu Proteus FX, Korg X3R, Yamaha TG300 do battle

Zoom 9001 Multi-Effects Processor

Big effects, small package — Mike Simmons thinks it must be a Zoom.

Dream Machine: Studiomaster 848r ProLine Mixer

the spotlight falls on the Studiomaster 848R mixer

So You Want To Be A Screen Music Writer?

Producer/composer Robin Lumley continues this series designed to take the mystery out of writing and recording music for film and television.

No hype, no waffle - just tomorrow's products today

Tomorrow’s products previewed