Already assured their place in history for inventing the Portastudio, Tascam have also given us a one-inch 24-track machine and now the "Midistudio'. Tim Goodyer visits Japan to find out more about this revolutionary company.

Gasp at the very latest instruments to hit the street plus sneak previews of tomorrow's guitars in Tony Bacon's deadline report from the Frankfurt trade fair.

Then After A Few Years I Think I'll Be A Producer

making a career of knob twiddling

A glimpse of the equipment you could well be buying in the forthcoming year

Direct-to-disk recording explained

MT's guide to the theory and practice of the tapeless studio

The possession and management of information plays a crucial part in our lives. Tim Goodyer raises the confusing issue of the disinformation surrounding information.

Software for Apple II and Commodore 64

Sequencing software aimed at the Apple II and CBM64. Four- and eight-track versions receive expert scrutiny from David Ellis.

new pads and racked modules

Paul White drops in on Mark Gander at the JBL factory in North ridge, Los Angeles in the hope of getting a free tour jacket.

Flora & Fauna of the Patch Cord Jungle

Jaydee Hooligan 85 (with Floyd Rose Trem)

A chance to do some crystal gazing at product developments in the music/recording/visual fields.

THE ULTIMATE SOFT MACHINE

The Fairlight (in its previous Series II guise) was/is probably the most famous computer musical instrument in the world. Everybody knows the name, but few really know what its true capabilities are. Now there is a new breed of Fairlight, far more powerful and far more sophisticated than the old one ever was - the Series III. Richard Elen takes a look at the mind-boggling potential of this Rolls-Royce of sound sampling/synthesizing machines.

Simmons Electronic Drums + Sequencer, Rick Palmer gets switched on

Bass Guitar and how to record it.

If you have one of those oldie but goodie type synths that were pre MIDI fear not you can now link it into your existing MIDI system thanks to Groove Electronics

Tony Hastings begins a new series of valuable hints and tips aimed at helping owners of Ensoniq Mirage samplers get the best from their instruments.

Self confessed synth merchant Dave Stewart reveals how to do away with drummers.

Walking the Dog...

Audio and CV trigger circuits for E&MM's ever-popular digital percussion module. And there's talk of a Syndrom II on the way...

Going Direct

Martyn Maynard tells you how to make your very own DI box.

The Ideal 24-track Partner?

It may not be a new product, but recent events in the world of 24-track recording look like giving the Soundcraft 6000 console a newfound popularity. David Mellor investigates.

An analysis of The Concerts in China double album on Polydor PODV3

"It's surprising how little you need to imply a great deal."