Vesta-Fire FX Pedals plus D-1X Digital Delay & L-1 Low Frequency Oscillator

New pedals on test

TX816 Rack, QX1 Digital Sequencer, KX88 Master Keyboard

At last, a detailed appraisal of Yamaha's state-of-the-art MIDI system. FM rack, digital keyboard recorder and master keyboard come under David Ellis' careful scrutiny.

PART 1: Ace programmer Greg Truckell begins a power user’s guide to this popular LA synth expander.

Programmable 12-Voice Multi-timbral Polysynth

The world's most awesome analogue polysynth finally gets the attention it deserves, as Simon Trask finds out just what you can do with two Xpanders and a row of black-and-white keys.

Software for the Atari ST

When the conventional approaches to composing music wn't deliver the goods, this Atari ST program may help provide the inspiration. Ian Waugh investigates computer-generated music.

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.

Still suffering from a dearth of software, the powerful Acorn Archimedes computer has yet to gain acceptance in music circles - will this sequencer help it on its way? Ian Waugh checks it out.

PART 2: Timecode - much talked about but little understood - is of increasing importance to musicians and recording engineers. Whether you are synchronising audio to video, or MIDI to multitrack, at least a working knowledge of SMPTE/EBU is required. In the second part of this series, David Mellor explains what timecode is and how it is used.

Brian Heywood reports on the latest PC developments.

Polyphonic Sampling Keyboard

Put six S612 modules in a box, stick a keyboard on it, add some new features, and you've got Akai's contender in the budget sampling keyboard stakes. Simon Trask takes notes.

PART 2: Microphones. David Mellor cuts through the mythology of microphone techniques with some practical advice.

The Enduring Appeal Of Classic Synths

Archimedes Software

It's been a long time coming, and there have been problems along the way, but there's now a pro sequencer for Acorn's Archimedes. Ian Waugh opens Pandora's box.

Double-Manual Organ

FM Sound Generator

Yamaha's preset synth expander offers a multitude of FM sounds for reasonable money, and also boasts MIDI Mono Mode for multi-timbral recording. David Ellis gives his verdict.

Looking at Mixers

16/8/2 mixer review

Guitar Amp Simulator

With packaging similar to the MTS-30, Tascam's latest gives us a decent attempt at getting a guitar amp sound in a box.

The latest buzz from the computer world

Korg i3 Interactive Music Workstation

When is a home keyboard not a home keyboard? When it's Korg's new interactive music workstation.

You can always get more out of your equipment if you know more about it. David Mellor begins a new series that explores the innermost workings of various studio devices. This month: the Tape Recorder.