The coming of age of the Digital Audio Workstation has implications that go far beyond being simply another item of interest to electronic musicians. Craig Anderton brings us up to date on what’s happening at the top-end of the professional recording world and how it will affect us mere mortals.

Do you live in peace with your cassette recorder? Or is your life full of mangled tape misery and longings for lost high frequencies? Confirmed reel-to-reelie David Mellor explains the problems that bedevil the cassette format, and offers some advice to make the medium work for you rather than against you.

Abbey Road Studios

Chris Maillard leaves his shoes off and crosses the zebra to Abbey Road

(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.

There are more sound options available to today's synthesist than ever before. But should you buy off-the-peg or custom designs?

A chance to look behind closed doors into one of our reader's studios.

This month we scrutinise contracts, paying particular attention to the sanity clause.

People, Gear, Events, Gossip

happening people, gear, events, gossip

What is it with audiences these days?

One day, all PA columns will be like this... Jim Betteridge checks out Simple Minds' little bash at the Milton Keynes Bowl

condensed quotes, addresses

The once and future Goths attract the attention of Paul Henderson

Brave Brave Baldies

Famous rock star people will go a long way to conceal their gleaming domes. These are the tricks, follicle fans.

The BMF Goes Up In...

Read today the Bob Dylan story a friend will tell you in the pub next week.

A list of "classic" analogue synths could not be complete without Oberheim's OBXa. Peter Forrest reminisces about an instrument that won the hearts of many musicians.

If Led Zeppelin were active today, they'd be forgiven for recording 'The Songs All Remain The Same'. Tim Goodyer looks at technology and the singer.

New England Digital: A Company Philosophy

Most people have heard of the Synclavier but little is known about the company that produces it: New England Digital. Paul Gilby met up with its Vice-President, Brad Naples, who supplied us with a fascinating insight into the philosophy behind the development of this highly advanced digital recording system they call 'the Synclavier'.

News on the forthcoming invasion of MSX home computers, the International MIDI Association, the Decillionix system and the Kurzweil digital keyboard.

Later with Jools Holland

Behind the scenes at TV’s premier music show