Another round-up of new products, plus news from the world of hi-tech music.

Roland's R70, their new top-of-the-range beat box, is the first drum machine to feature on-board digital effects. Ian Steele sits in judgement.

Mark Of The Unicorn's Mosaic succeeds Professional Composer as their pro notation program for the Mac. Mike Collins looks at how it stacks up against the competition.

Following a brief diversion in the form of last year's Rain Tree Crow project, Steve Jansen and Richard Barbieri are once more pursuing their creative partnership. Paul Ireson reports on the recording of their latest album.

Time travel by synthesizer: David Mellor takes a look at the classic Moog MiniMoog.

Educated sound engineer David Mellor assesses the value of training for a career in recording.

The Musical Instrument Digital Interface has revolutionised the way we write and record music. Martin Russ delves deep into MIDI's 10-year history, explains its many recent changes and additions, and looks ahead to see what the future will hold.

Michael Brook, inventor of the Infinite Guitar, is a guitarist, composer and producer with a good deal of talent and a taste for the unusual. Paul Tingen met him to talk about his forthcoming Cobalt Blue album.

The latest keyboards in the Korg dynasty offer a little more than remade and remodelled technology. Julian Colbeck experiences Korg's sonic edge.

Tascam's compact and versatile new M1516 desk is aimed squarely at the semi-pro 8-track market. The not-so compact but even more versatile Dave Lockwood checks it out.

Dave Lockwood takes a shine to Tascam's new top-of-the-range Portastudio, the 464.

1000 timeless analogue sounds ready to go!

Newer, cheaper models have brought the Apple Macintosh within the reach of an increasing number of musicians. Tim Tully presents an overview of hardware and software products for the computer that pioneered the Graphical User Interface.

Serious rock'n'roll! Your chance to win a 6-string classic!

Warren Cann continues his series on drum programming.

Martin Russ takes his monthly look at the world of ST music...

...while Kendall Wrightson tackles the Mac...

... Brian Heywood pores over the PC...

...and Paul Austin stays friends with his Amiga.

Wilf Smarties kicks off our regular look at new sample CD releases.

Paul Ireson gets to grips with a mini master keyboard that's just right for QY10 users.

Martin Russ looks at one of the current rash of fractal music programs and finds it anything but chaotic...

Martin Russ files his report on a MIDI accessory which could fill a big hole in your musical life.

Dave Lockwood checks out Tascam's ATS500 which is ideal for semi-pro musicians with an eye on the field of audio-for-video.

More hints and tips from the software publishers themselves. This month: C-Lab; Steinberg; Dr. T's.

There are more sound options available to today's synthesist than ever before. But should you buy off-the-peg or custom designs?