Kawai's latest 16-voice multitimbral keyboard is packed with features and aimed fairly and squarely at D50/ESQ territory. Its PCM sampled waveforms include drums and percussion, a host of standard and exotic instruments, as well as the best of the additive synth waveforms gleaned from the K5. It also has one ace up its sleeve - its price. Ian Gilby tells it like it is.

More from the world of pine cladding and deep-pile carpet

Mixing Desk

As more mixer manufacturers turn their attention to the home and pre-production studios, the cost-effective quality mixer becomes a reality. Tim Goodyer discovers that there's even room for luxury.

A chance to check out some of the forthcoming new products that might force you to dig deeper into your pockets later this year.

'Ere, did you know that old wossisname is doing so-and-so with a wotchermaccallit.

CD-ROM Sample Player

We test the world's first CD-ROM sampler.

On the Emax Hard Disk Sampler

Unlike some samplers, Emax has stayed the course since its introduction over 18 months ago and has developed into a mature, well groomed specimen. Having released a Hard Disk version of the machine almost a year ago, Emu Systems have recently given Emax yet another lease of life with their Spectrum Synthesis upgrade, which turns the sampler into a powerful additive synthesizer. David Hughes tries it out

More than delicately wrought slivers of hand tooled timber, they are the drummer's er, thing.

Are They A Good Mix?

mixing the pop world's most powerful cocktail: should your music have a message?

AES Show Report

Forthcoming new products from the hi-tech music recording field.

Mike Drane informs us of his clandestine bedroom activities!

Recording Drums

Part 8: David Mellor explains several techniques for taming that most difficult of instruments to record - the drum kit.

Greater reliance on hi-tech instruments in the studio means there's more demand for people able to programme them. Paul Gilby spoke first to Karin Clayton about her recently formed agency that supplies programmers for studio sessions, and then to Fairlight programmer Simon Lloyd about his work.

if your music feels lacklustre, dabble in dance rhythms from the dark continent

To help you get into the festive mood, we asked a few artists and producers, and a handful of our regular contributors, what they'd like for christmas this year... In a hi-tech music kind of way. Paul Tingen collected the wish-lists.

The gossip that's hot from the team that's not

'Noise Gates' are now an inherent part of modern recording practice. We explain their function and provide some practical applications.

Confessions Of A Home Recordist

Confessions of a home recordist. Stephen Bennett on the delights and dangers of bedroom recording.

The Art of Sampling

Part 1: The Art Of Sampling. Keyboard programmer Paul Wiffen offers valuable advice on squeezing the most out of your sampler.

Getting Started

This month film music composer Robin Lumley discloses his own route to fame and fortune in an effort to get you started on yours...

7/4

There is life outside of 4/4. We dissect those funny times like five and seven and quarter past four on a Thursday.

As close to the cutting edge as you can get without needing stitches...