Converting domestic instruments into professional ones. Plus an invitation to join the staff here at E&MM.

A selection of readers' letters - poison pen, scented and otherwise.

The products and events that'll make January's headlines.

At last, Casio come up with the pro keyboard goods. Paul Wiffen tests the first of a whole range of synth gear from the calculator people, and concludes that it's 'probably the best Casio of all time.'

If the sound of your kid sister hitting a biscuit-tin lid is your idea of what a snare drum should sound like, Simmons' new EPROM blower should make your sampling dreams come true. Paul White reports.

Paul White puts five sturdy and powerful keyboard combos to the test - stand by, all at Ohm, Marshall, Carlsbro, Roland and HH.

The X30's a typical example of how organ manufacturers are applying today's technology to traditional instruments - but will the new-found features make it as popular among 'serious' musicians? Paul White finds out.

They call it a computer peripheral and MIDI expander, you'll probably think of it as a preset version of the SixTrak. Exclusive review of SCI's new baby by Dan Goldstein.

We first looked at the Digisound in July, but now the Dutch sampled-sound percussion machine has some new features and a new distributor. Paul White checks out the new version.

The words Siel and MIDI have gone hand in hand throughout 1984. Trish McGrath looks at what happens when the former puts the latter on a budget personal keyboard.

Another year, another host of hardware to look back on. We take you through the goodies and the baddies that came out during '84, just in case you missed any of them.

In which five of E&MM's writers pick their fave things of the year. If your personal preferences aren't there, don't take it out on us.

Just because we missed the column for a month, doesn't mean our readers have stopped sending us demo tapes. Ask Chris Heath, who's been sifting his way through the latest mountain of C60s.

Messrs Smith and Orzabal explain how it can take a year to make two singles but only two months to make an album, among other things. Bits in between the chat by Dan Goldstein.

Tony Mills thinks Neuronium's curious blend of electronics, guitar-strumming, and psychedelic art could be just the thing to break the musical jelly mould in 1985. See if you agree.

Tim Orr on how to test your MIDI Controlled Sampler once you've put it together: tips and diagrams aplenty.

Steve Howell and a simple footpedal controller for the Roland SH101. Plus a solution to The Case of the Missing Theremin Parts List.

We start a new series on synthesis for the complete beginner. Steve Howell is the man at the helm.

Our monthly bring-and-buy sale for readers' synth sounds. January's models include the OSCar, the Moog Prodigy and Yamaha's ubiquitous DX7.

Your chance to have your say on what E&MM does, how it does it, and what could be happening but isn't. Speak now or forever hold your peace.

Having trouble syncing your sequencer to your drum machine or vice versa? Steve Howell (probably) has the answer.

We've covered a lot of ground in the last 12 months - and that's why we've listed every article, one by one, in this unique month-by-month rundown.