Something of a bumper crop of product reviews this month, which is perhaps surprising given that this is the pre and not post-Frankfurt issue. Traditionally, this is a fairly lean period for new products and yet here we are with major new equipment releases from the likes of Akai, Tascam and Yamaha. Does this mark a shift away from reliance on the major international music events for the unveiling of new products? Or is it simply a handful of manufacturers jumping the gun and trying to steal a little of the limelight before it is scattered across a hundred other new products?

I suspect it's a little of both. There can be no doubt that the influence of international music fairs - be it Frankfurt, NAMM or any other - has waned in recent years, possibly because they have come to be seen as the rather wearying events they are. But also, faced with the spiralling cost of R&D, punitive interest rates and intense competition, manufacturers are no longer in a position to 'hold out' on new product releases until the next available international event. And why should they? It's difficult enough gaining enthusiasm for hi-tech products these days without sharing the oxygen of publicity with dozens of other manufacturers.

And thinking about it, this is perhaps no bad thing. A feeling of real cynicism has begun to surround events like Frankfurt. Stories of empty cabinets representing unfinished designs, products 'ready for shipping' which don't materialise for another nine months and others which never see the light of day... these things do nothing for the image of the international music fair as a showcase for the latest and best in hi-tech equipment. Perhaps it's time their influence was diminished.

Despite these reservations, there will, I'm sure, be plenty of interest at this year's show and you can rest assured this will be brought to your attention at the very earliest opportunity. The review of new products remains the backbone of this magazine's coverage and the objectivity we strive to achieve hasn't been compromised at any time during our twelve-year history.

Helping us maintain that unblemished record is our Technical Consultant, Vic Lennard, whose association with the magazine is now some five years old. Vic's uncompromisingly high standards have often made him the target of disgruntled manufacturers, and his virtual retirement from any aspect of human existence which doesn't involve interconnecting MIDI leads does mean that he has become something of a low-priority party guest. But he accepts this with good grace, knowing that where MTs readership is concerned, no sacrifice is too great.

A big hand if you please, for...
The MT Staff - 2 Vic 'Doc' Lennard