Groove M4CV MIDI-to-CV Convertor

Old analogue synths never die — they just gather dust until you can find a reason to kick them into life again. As Chris Ankin discovers, the Groove M4CV MIDI-to-CV convertor could be just such a reason.

Three jam-packed pages of hot new products.

Electronic Drum Module and Super Pads

To complete their recent flurry of new products, the Cambridgeshire company have come up with a programmable drum synth module and a set of 'Super Pads' specially designed for it. Nigel Lord takes the system for a trial run.

Programmable Rhythm Machines

Yamaha's first-ever self-contained programmable drum machines have PCM-encoded voices and MIDI. Kendall Wrightson gives his verdict.

Alesis Quadraverb Plus and Datadisk SQ

Upgrading your equipment doesn't always mean selling the old stuff and replacing it entirely: new facilities and features may be only a chip away. Tony Hastings looks at updated versions of two Alesis units.

The best music program ever?

Part 1: In the States, Coda's Finale has been hailed as the "the most exciting use of the Apple Macintosh to date" and "the most powerful, most intelligent, most flexible music software available today". In this lengthy two-part review, Kendall Wrightson cuts through the hype to discover whether the claims are fact or fiction.

The second, and final part of Jay Chapman's Monitor program for E&MM's own BBC-MIDI interface. This month's instalment gives the program listing and explains how it was written.

Using Sequencers with Modular Systems

Steve Howell looks at different methods of triggering modular sequencers from click-tracks on tape.

Akai EWI 3020/3030

Wind controller and sound modules

Zoom 9001 Multi-Effects Processor

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

Roland M480 & M240R Rackmount Line Mixers

The competition to squeeze the maximum number of inputs and effects busses into the smallest possible rack space continues, as Kendall Wrightson discovers.

Oberheim Cyclone and Systemizer Performance Effects

Oberheim's two Performance Effects units are something of a new direction for a company associated with classic analogue synths. Paul Ireson tries them out and finds a few surprises in store - not all of them pleasant.

NAMM veteran Craig Anderton with news from the biggest and best music show in the US.

A sampling delay/effects controller from TC Electronics, news of Roland's MKS100 'sampler in a box', a new range of micro effects from Akai, Audio Kinetics' Striper, Studiomaster Series III and Yamaha mixers are amongst the new crop of forthcoming products that you can read about here.

The Mix's terrestrial bulletin board

Musik Messe Frankfurt Report

Every year without fail, hi-tech instrument manufacturers congregate in the huge exhibition halls of frankfurt to show off their very latest creations. Paul Ireson brings you the edited highlights of this year's show.