Are 8 bits still viable? Martin Russ temporarily abandons his Atari ST for a look at the latest version of this music sequencer package for the BBC micro.

Once you've got your sequencer up and running you're gonna need some extra sound sources. Paul Wiffen guides us through the MIDI Expander jungle

Looking for a new synthesizer keyboard or module? Confused? You won't be, after you've read this! Julian Colbeck presents a complete survey of all current instruments, plus a look at the past, present and future of the synth market.

Orinoco Studio

Another studio receives a visit from a roving MT reporter. This time the intrepid Dan Goldstein drops in on South East London's Orinoco Studios.

Aria Straycat bass / Westone Pantera bass

Virtually every synth and keyboard made has passed through the hands of Keyboard Hire's Alexander Skeaping at some point in time, so we sent David Etheridge along to tap his thoughts on the subject of buying secondhand keyboards.

Bass

Sound Workshop

Drumcheck

Bob Henrit draws a line between the Maxwin and the Professional and finds a good-looking, clean-sounding kit

MIDI Processor

This American MIDI processor is possibly the most sophisticated processor currently on the market. Matt Isaacson tries out its bewildering array of facilities.

This exciting six voice polyphonic synth comes under scrutiny.

Guitarcheck

Do we really need more Strat copies? Dave Burrluck ponders the question

(Sometimes)

Just as MIDI has made it as easier to produce great music, so it has facilitated the production of worthless garbage. Paul D. Lehrman explains the problem and how to avoid it.

Visions of Arcadia

Via engineering and production work with Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson and U2, Daniel Lanois has unmistakenly imprinted his personality on the sound of the Eighties. Recently he released his own solo album, ‘Acadie’; Mark J. Prendergast runs through the tracks.

Roland Desk Top Media Press Conference

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

making a career of knob twiddling

Here at last!

for the BBC Micro

The first commercially-developed MIDI software for the BBC Micro is now being manufactured by Electromusic Research. David Ellis analyses its potential.

Everything But The Girl take the Jazz to the Electric Ballroom. Report by Jim Betteridge

Digital Percussion Machine

The Weird and Wonderful World of The Blue Eyed Boys

do you really want to be the next bros?

new pads and racked modules