As the new Yamaha SY family of synths grows, so does its diversity. Simon Trask checks out a junior member with some interesting tricks up its sleeve.

If Roland samplers have previously been under-recognised by the music industry, the S770 may be about to straighten things out. Simon Trask returns to Roland's super sampler to "delve deeper".

Digital Sampler

In the final instalment of this three-part review, Simon Trask takes a look at the most important aspect of Roland's super sampler - the sampling itself.

Super LA Synthesiser

The latest addition to Roland's D-series synths is its new flagship - the D70. Simon Trask puts the "Super LA" synth through its paces and discovers its new Analogue Feel facility.

Meeting the music business and business of making music on their own terms saw one London band building a studio as well as a reputation from the ground up. Simon Trask gets in deep with Double Trouble.

Advanced Vector Synthesiser

In their days at the top, Sequential pioneered an exciting form of sound generation called Vector Synthesis. Simon Trask witnesses its revival in Korg's Wavestation.

Digital Metronome

Heard the one about the silent metronome? Simon Trask investigates a MIDI-driven metronome that uses light instead of sound to keep you to the beat.

Personal Music Studio

The term workstation is officially in demise - to prove it, Ensoniq's SQ1 is dubbed a Personal Music Studio. Simon Trask investigates the best-specified workstation to date.

BMF REPORT

The excessive heat in London's Olympia gave the latest hi-tech gear a run in the "who's hottest" stakes at this year's British Music Fair. Simon Trask sweats it out.

Unveiled at this year's BMF, Roland's MV30 combines a sequencer, multitimbral synthesiser and an automated mixer in a single unit. Simon Trask previews a new direction in synth technology.

Piano Module

E-mu Systems' latest expanders are dedicated to the sounds of the piano - drawing on samples from the popular Proteus, how can they fail? Simon Trask tinkles the ivories.

Digital Drums

Intriguing cries of "hit me" from the recording studio have been traced to Yamaha's new DD11 percussion controller. Simon Trask asks, can it be beaten?

Designer of the revolutionary Prophet 5, prime mover behind MIDI and now one of Korg's chief designers, Dave Smith's career is unique in hi-tech music. Simon Trask conducts the exclusive MT interview.

Now making a huge impact in the north of Britain, Detroit's techno music owes its roots to a handful of far-sighted pioneers - amongst them Derrick May. Simon Trask discusses the future of electronic music.

In the second part of this exclusive MT interview, the man behind the Prophet 5 and MIDI discusses MIDI, user interfaces and programming. Simon Trask listens in on the thoughts of Korg's R&D.

Total Percussion Pad

On the trail of Roland's successful Octapads comes the SPD8 - a MIDI percussion controller with a neat line in onboard sounds. Simon Trask says beat it.

In keeping with the ideals of the hip hop movement, the Stereo MCs new LP sees ingenuity and talent used to wring the most out of a minimum of equipment. Simon Trask elevates his mind.

The release of Jason Rebello's first LP shows him to be more than the tasteful performer the jazz circuit already recognises. Simon Trask talks to one of Britain's leading jazz keyboardsmen.

Rhythm Workstation

The drum machine's reply to the keyboard workstation is Korg's S3 Rhythm Workstation. Simon Trask looks at the first of a new breed of drum machine, sequencer and effects processor.

Having pioneered the Micro Composer in the '70s, Roland reaffirm the position of the hardware sequencer in 1990 with the MC50. Simon Trask is fatally attracted.

After inspiring a generation of experimental musicians to explore synthetic soundscapes, Tangerine Dream found new relevance in 1990's ambient house movement. Simon Trask enters the Dream state.

UKMA

Now that the UK has its own MIDI association, help and information are but a phone call away. Simon Trask checks out the UKMA and its founder: Vic Lennard.

Rhythm Workstation

In the final part of this review, Korg's new Rhythm Workstation reveals the secrets of its sequencing and fx-processing. Simon Trask looks at the future of the beatbox.

Having helped to create Britain's Northern techno scene, Unique 3 claim it doesn't actually exist. Simon Trask listens to this and other enigmas from one of the country's most creative dance outfits.

From Charlie Parker to writing his own software, jazz saxophonist and technophile Steve Coleman has a unique insight into music. Simon Trask tunes in.