If it’s news, you’ll read it here first.

Another dip into the E&MM postbag.

The critic under criticism.

At last - the instrument with a name on everybody's lips receives an in-depth examination of its European version. Man-on-the-spot is Paul Wiffen.

Two manufacturers follow their already established polysynths with keyboardless voice expanders. Trish McGrath puts the Chase Bit 01 and Siel Expander 80 through their paces.

Following the Drumtraks in vocation and the MAX in appearance comes TOM, Sequential’s latest. Simon Trask finds out if reverse drum samples really do have a use.

A British-built additive synthesis instrument with multiple keyboard splitting and overlaying, and up to 16 voices at its command. A dream come true? Simon Trask has the answer.

Korg’s latest digital delay looks like any other - but it offers comprehensive MIDI-controlled sound-sampling facilities. Tim Goodyer checks it out.

This month’s Checklist turns its attention to the world of electronic drum kits and drum machines. Price guides will never be the same again.

Record reviews, readers’ tapes, gig and video reviews - they’re all here as E&MM’s new music feature expands its critical horizons.

Patrick Moraz and Bill Bruford, two of music’s best-established virtuoso players, talk about their two-year relationship and a new LP. Interview by Dan Goldstein.

Level 42 keyboardsman Mike Lindup takes a break from recording of the next album to talk to Tim Goodyer about Fairlights and Synclaviers, among other things.

German producer Zeus B Held - the man behind the name - shares sampling secrets and delaying tactics with Tim Goodyer.

A sneak preview of what you can expect to see at this year’s British Music Fair - the first to open its doors to the public for years.

An insight into the problems and pleasures of constructing electronic music kits - by Godric Wilkie, who’s built hundreds.

The readers’ synth sound page. This month, ever more resourceful patches for the Yamaha DX7 and Roland Jupiter 8 polysynths.

Steve Howell puts sex, murder and intrigue to one side to make way for a study of modulation in its many and various forms.