As musical equipment evolves, so does the music that is made with it. But what of the musicians - how is their evolution determined by a microchip?

If it's news in the world of hi-tech music and technology, you can keep up to date through Music Technology's Newsdesk. No news is bad news.

Is the possibility of digital copying of records a real threat to the future of music, or is the industry over-reacting? This and other readers' points of view aired on MT's letters page.

It's been a while since Yamaha revolutionised synthesisers with the DX7 but now they're making ambitious claims about their SY77. Simon Trask gets a glimpse of Yamaha's latest synth.

While computer sequencing has the power, hardware sequencing had the reliability... Jeff Rona gets a sneak preview of a laptop computer that has the best of both worlds.

One of the most refreshing synths of '89 was Ensoniq's VFX, but how does it fare with a new keyboard, disk drive and a powerful onboard sequencer? David Bradwell looks at Ensoniq's workstation.

Perhaps the fastest-evolving Atari sequencing software is Hollis Research's Trackman which has just reached version II. Ian Waugh gets back on track.

The basis of this month's article on drum programming is swing - the rhythmic basis for music as diverse as jazz and hip hop. Nigel Lord swings out.

Kawai's latest synth comes complete with their latest approach to sound creation: Digital Multi Spectrum synthesis. Ian Waugh checks out some serious competition for FM and LA.

While many of us dream of a career writing music for films, a select few are actually doing it. Lawrence UlIman talks to Gary Chang, a resident Hollywood scorewriter.

While the keyboard player, horn player and guitarist have enjoyed the benefits of the MIDI revolution, the humble bassist has been sadly neglected. Ollie Crooke gets down to (MIDI) basics.

Ever wished you could get some of those rich old analogue sounds working comfortably with your MIDI system? Greg Truckell samples the sounds of the past.

Korg's latest line in synths is the T-series workstations - modestly designed to pick up where the successful M1 workstation left off. Simon Trask climbs aboard the flagship T1.

Well established as sampling innovators, the Art Of Noise have just released their fourth LP. David Bradwell talks to the Art's JJ Jeczalik about Fairlights and fairplay.

You've got the perfect S900 snare sample and you've just bought an Emulator III - you either start again or buy Avalon. Vic Lennard looks at a program which could become indispensable for sample editing and management.

Steinberg Research are responsible for some of the most significant developments in computer music systems in recent years. Nigel Lord talks tech with Charlie Steinberg on a rare visit to Britain.

Tired of swapping Atari disks to edit parameters on different synths - or of paying for a variety of editors? Send for a universal synth editor. Ian "Mr Universe" Waugh flexes Chameleon's muscles.

With multi-fx processors appearing faster than dissenting conservative back-benchers, the pressure is on to come up with something different. Simon Trask investigates a processor that uses analogue circuitry for its unique character.

Turn your Atari ST into a complete software music system for well under a ton. Ian Waugh fires up a new all-in-one music program from an independent British company.