Software for Yamaha DX/TX and Atari ST

Why spend hours slaving over a hot DX7 trying to find new sounds, when there's an Atari ST program that does all the hard work for you? Simon Trask puts his feet up and takes a look.

Digital Multitrack Sequencer

The latest in Yamaha's family of sequencers returns to cassette storage, but offers eight tracks with features not even found on the prestigious QX1. Simon Trask puts it through its paces.

Sampling Keyboard

Simon Trask again, this time experiencing the simple delights of the budget Roland sampler. It's easy to use, but has the low cost brought too many compromises?

SAS Electronic Piano

Structured Adaptive Synthesis (SAS to you) comes to a piano that costs less than £2000. Simon Trask combs the area for compromises.

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.

The Phase Distortion people breathe new life into the remote strap-on MIDI controller. Simon Trask wonders if up front keyboard-playing will catch on this time.

While other manufacturers dabble in new resynthesis technology, Korg stick with multi-sampling for their new digital piano. Simon Trask puts fingers to ivories to find out if their approach works.

Roland's latest MIDI controller is certainly an improvement over their previous efforts, but the competition has got tougher, too. Simon "Chops" Trask gives the new MKB the once-over.

Programmable Digital Reverb

...While Simon Trask gets to grips with a more expensive model from America, with more parameters, a remote-control unit, and various other goodies; is it worth the extra?

It's new, it's one of the cheapest MIDI switching boxes available, and it's designed and built in this country. Simon Trask assesses the argument for buying British.

Linear Arithmetic Synthesiser

Is this the synth to topple the DX7 from its throne? Will Linear/Arithmetic Synthesis become the programmer's new catchphrase? Will Simon Trask die of a broken heart? Find out in our exclusive review.

Programmable Digital Drum Machine

Few companies make synthesiser debuts as good as the Kawai K3. Now the same company has introduced its first digital beatbox; Simon Trask finds out if they've maintained the standard.

TechTalk: Kim Ryrie

In an exclusive interview, the co-founder of the Fairlight company and father of the CMI talks about the machine's development, and outlines his plans for the future. Simon Trask pops the questions.

At last, a keyboard that presents FM programming in a more accessible way, and at an accessible price. Simon Trask previews the great new hope of digital synthesis.

TechTalk: Kim Ryrie

Second and final part of our interview with Fairlight's co-founder. Simon Trask listens to what he has to say about the future of musical technology.

In the second and concluding part of our review, Simon Trask gives the D50's sound potential a more in-depth listening, and has a go at programming, LA-style.

Are record producers losing their touch now they've regained their influence? Are DJs better-equipped to make music that moves? Simon Trask gets the answers from an objective source - one of Britain's top remix DJs.

Digital FM Synthesiser

After last month's preview, Simon Trask gets to grips with FM's friendlier face. Can simpler programming compensate for the deficiencies of four-operator sound?

MIDI-SMPTE Converter

As the price of SMPTE synchronising devices continues to fall, more and more home studios will be availed of their sophistication. Simon Trask checks out the latest breakthrough to find out it's not only cheap but British.

Software for the Atari ST

The first release from a British company called System Exclusive is a 128-track sequencer for the Atari ST. Simon 'ST Trask (and his assistant, 'Mouse') find it both powerful and flexible.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's a MIDI Performance System. Simon Trask investigates the truth behind the intriguing advertising campaign.

Studio or stage? As technology advances, the traditional distinction between "recording technology" and "keyboard technology" becomes more and more confused - as this years recording show displayed. Report by Simon Trask.

Digital Drum Machine

Following hard on the heels of the R100, this junior beat box from Kawai threatens to outshine its big brother, as Simon Trask finds out.

Britain's biggest, busiest and noisiest music fair is over for another year. So what did we get for our money and our aching feet? Report by Simon Trask.

Tired of scoring out your music by hand? Simon Trask investigates a computerised alternative and discovers it may try to muscle in on the composition.