What makes one recording engineer better than another, and how can you improve your recording engineering skills? In this introduction to a new series on recording techniques, David Mellor outlines an engineer's role in the studio, and explains why a good engineer is so important.

Programmable digital drum machine

Following the Drumtraks in vocation and the MAX in appearance comes TOM, Sequential’s latest. Simon Trask finds out if reverse drum samples really do have a use.

Software for the Atari ST

A new sequencer program for the Atari ST from British company Hollis Research sets out to be powerful and friendly without breaking the bank. Ian Waugh reckons it's on the right track (man).

Korg DSM1 & E-mu SP1200

Are the latest samplers from Korg and E-mu Systems really new instruments, or are they simply updates on old machines? Lorenz Rychner counts the bits and checks the clocks.

10-Track Recording Package

Combine two 6-track cassette recorders, one synchroniser and a 12:6:2 mixer, and what have you got? A rather appealing multitrack demo studio from Sansui. David Lockwood reports.

Synchronisation Explained

Many hi-tech musicians see tape synchronisation as a necessary evil. Dave Lockwood ponders the pitfalls and muses on the mysteries of timecode.

Marantz PMD740 Cassette 4-Track

Can this stylish-looking cassette multitracker find a niche in an already crowded market? Check out our review...

Tascam 238S 8-Track

Dave Lockwood checks out the first ever Dolby S cassette multitracker in this exclusive review.

Fostex XR-5 & XR-7

Stylish personal multitrackers

SSSH... From You Know Who

Following last month's review of the Tascam MSR24S, Dave Lockwood turns his attention to Fostex's new one-inch 24-track with Dolby S: The G24S.

8-track Recorder

The 8-track war hots up. Now Tascam have an 8-track cassette to compete with the Toa MR8T. We know that eight tracks on compact cassette are possible, but who does it better, Tascam or Toa? David Mellor decides.

Cassette Multitracker

Policemen look younger, you start to disown parts of your record collection and, just as surely with the passing of time, entry-level cassette multitrackers sprout more inputs and features. Dave Lockwood tries to keep up with the Fostex X28.

Ministudio

Is there still room for a little old style analogue technology? Tascam offer evidence for the defence

The Alternative

So far, affordable 16-track has been a one horse race and all the money has been on Fostex. But now the odds are getting more interesting as a lively young thoroughbred from the Tascam stable enters the starting stalls. David Mellor assesses the form.

In these space-conscious times, Fostex have developed a diminutive new 8-track tape recorder you can store out of sight and control fully from its detachable front panel remote control/autolocator. David Mellor takes it for a spin...

Later with Jools Holland

Behind the scenes at TV’s premier music show

The 8-Track Challenge

The 8-track challenge: with the release of a new Tascam machine and the recent price cut on the Fostex E8, we thought it opportune to compare the two models. David Mellor adjudicates in the battle of the budget 8-tracks.

Tascam MSR24 24-track 1" Tape Recorder

Ever since the dark ages, prophets and soothsayers have been forecasting the Big One. Well here it is - Tascam's 24-track on one inch tape recorder. David Mellor investigates.

4-track Cassette Recorder

Yamaha's new MT120 cassette 4-tracker improves further on their successful MT100, offering excellent features including 5-band graphic EQ; Dave Lockwood boldly goes where even the manual hasn't gone before.

Fostex X18 Cassette Multitracker

Following in the footsteps of Fostex's X15, their new X18 offers the cheapest and simplest entry to 4-track recording. Dave Lockwood puts it to the test.

Your chance to check out some of the new hi-tech and recording equipment launched at last month's Frankfurt Music Fair.

Dave Lockwood takes a shine to Tascam's new top-of-the-range Portastudio, the 464.