David Mellor unlocks the creative power of the reel-to-reel tape recorder.

Percussion Voice Expander

No space left in the rack for another Simmons module? After testing their latest percussion voice unit, Nick Rowland suggests you buy another rack to make room for it.

New Themes, New Dreams.

Valves

the detailed where and how of replacement

The Big Five

Paul Gilby opens our music software special with his thoughts on the 'big five' micros that are currently vying for the musician's money.

lockable wobble

FM Synthesizer Module

Is this the FM synth you've been waiting for? Dan Goldstein takes a look at Yamaha's new six-operator, multi-timbral module.

Roland DEP-5

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.

the truth about touring

Studios And Recording

Studios And Recording; Instruments And Equipment; Etcetera.

Multi Effects Processor

David Mellor samples the delights of a multiple effects unit that can create up to nine high quality effects at the same time.

MIDI sequencer and digital drums

Software for Apple Macintosh

This Mac program from New York sets out to bring the flexibility of computer programming techniques to drum programming. Jim Burgess drums up his enthusiasm.

Perfect Gigs

The Return of the Modular Synthesizer

Digidesign continue to add to their innovative range of synthesis programs which use the flexibility of computers for sound creation and the hardware of MIDI samplers to replay the sounds. Paul Wiffen finds he loves the former but hates the latter.

Mixer Remote Control

In response to suggestions from engineers Yamaha have developed the RTC1, which provides remote control of up to four DMP7, DMP7D and/or DMP11 digital mixers. Terry Holton tries one out.

is written music rock'n'roll?

The eagerly-awaited 16-bit digital stereo audio processing system for the Atari ST has arrived. Scott Gershin checks it out and acquires a new outlook on sound sampling.

David Mellor looks at a 16-track machine which brings a new level of sophistication to the world of 'personal' multitrack.

Human Rhythm Composer

Nigel Lord ruminates over the future of the drum machine as he checks out the budget version of Roland's flagship R8 Human Rhythm Composer. To be human or not to be human, that is the question.