The Time Matrix is a new digital reverb and delay system just released from Electrospace Developments.

The unit is a user programmable multi tap digital delay with delay times up to 1600 milliseconds and three selectable modes, Delay, Reverb, and Echo.

Each of the eight taps on the Time Matrix contain stereo switching which can also be used to create a wider stereo delay by introducing a time difference between the left and right channels of a stereo signal. Each tap can be programmed individually and in the Delay mode there is a 100 memory capacity - 20 of them pre programmed to show the capabilities of the unit, but these can be re-programmed by the user. The Reverb mode has a further eight taps and a further 30 memories. After the feedback mix of echo/reverb level control, high and low slope filters allow 'progressive' filtering effects to be introduced.

The delay time is set using an echo/time slide display, and an up/down switching system.

The technical features of the Time Matrix include 12 bit digital conversion, full 17kHz bandwidth (giving full bandwidth at maximum delay), digital displays on each of the eight taps and a master display for time slide and echo display. Bypass of the Time Matrix is through a full system bypass. Connectors are all balanced XLR inputs and outputs. The cost is £1,200 + VAT.

Details are available from Musimex, (Contact Details)

Technics Organ Division recently announced the release of the SX-E66 as the top model of their new PCM range.

Pioneers in the world of digital applications in organs, Technics have added a wealth of new innovations using this technology to the PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) range, allowing facilities such as digital solo voicing and bass.

There are six models in the PCM series, with prices starting at £899.99 for the SX-E11L. The SX-E66 is the first organ to incorporate stereo digital reverb/echo, and also contains a microprocessor controlled display function, which allows the player to see at a glance the features of the instrument which are in use at any time via LCD displays. The SE-E66 will retail for £3,299.99 and an added benefit of the PCM range is that all models can be folded for transportation or storage.

Details are available from National Panasonic (UK) Ltd, (Contact Details)

Bass guitarists worried at the rising cost of strings for their instruments have some relief in the release of the Kaman Stage Series bass strings. Billed as 'Electronic Bass Strings' they are available in long or extra long scale, are roundwound, and allow bassists with even the smallest budget access to the very brilliant sound of roundwound design. The Kaman Stage Series are priced at £9.99 per set.

Details from Rose Morris & Co. Ltd., (Contact Details)

The difficulties of getting a stage sound from a guitar amplifier at low volumes have produced quite a few problems in the past, but now Excel Electronics have taken a logical look at the difficulties and have produced the Hotbox. The unit, which is a slim 'effects size' box with wire mesh casing, is connected between the amplifier and the speaker cabinet(s) allowing the guitarist to set the amplifier at the required levels while the actual volume is attenuated to fit the playing surroundings. With obvious applications in rehearsal (a separate headphone socket is also available) and on the stage where high volume backing sound interferes with the monitors, the Hotbox can also be used in the studio, cutting down the need for separate guitar booths or acoustic screens.

The Hotbox works by taking the electrical energy produced by the amplifier and dissipates this as heat (which is the reasoning behind its mesh casing).

Impedance mismatch is eliminated by a constant impedance design which holds the impedance levels for any setting of the attenuator. Suitable for both valve and transistor amplifiers, the Hotbox is available via mail order at £49.95 inc. VAT and postage.

Details available from (and orders to) Excel Electronics, (Contact Details)

After over five years of popular acclaim, and with only minor modifications during that time, Teac are now to supplement the 'C Series' with three new cassette decks called the 'Z Series'.

There are three models in the new range, designated Z-5000, Z-6000 and top of the range, the Z-7000. Prices, inclusive of VAT, are £575, £945 and £1,100 respectively.

All the models feature Dolby B, Dolby C, and dbx noise reduction systems, and the Z-6000 and Z-7000 models also allow a disc input to the dbx, allowing it to be used as a decoder for dbx encoded records.

The Z-7000 and Z-6000 models utilise three heads integrated into a single housing, three independent motor drives, and a dual capstan loop system to minimise flutter and modulation noise. The Z-5000 has two motors (one DC for reel only) and a single capstan system with an extra motor for accurate head loading.

The Z-7000 also features an automatic calibration system which sets the machine to the correct bias, level and equalisation for the tape used. This can then be programmed into the machine and stored. Variations from the normal bias can also be programmed for complete versatility. The Z-6000 and Z-5000 models offer manual calibration with preset reference levels.

A host of other functions make the new Z range some of the most comprehensive and versatile cassette recorders available.

Full details from Harman (Audio) UK Ltd., (Contact Details)

Roland have introduced two new facilities to their Piano Plus 300 and 400 models, in the form of the PR-800 Digital Piano Recorder and the PB-300 Rhythm Plus.

The Digital Piano Recorder memorises whole performances by the Piano Plus, and can also be utilised for the recording of instructors lessons, and for double tracking where the musician can play over a recorded track. A digital counter displays time status, tempo and count, while there is also an indicator for damper. Pre-recorded performances can be processed through the tempo control.

The PB 300 Rhythm Plus, when interfaced with the Piano Plus, provides automatic complementary chords, bass runs and arpeggio. There are 16 rhythms to choose from, and the unit can be controlled either automatically with sync start, or via a footswitch which can also control the 'fill' function.

Both the PR 800 and the PB 300 have the MIDI interface, linking to the Piano Plus directly and allowing the connection of the Jupiter 6 or JX 3P synthesizers and any new units Roland produce in the future. Prices are £385 for the PR 800 and £299 for the PB 300.

Details from Roland UK, (Contact Details)