Drum Machine

With more machines appearing every month, there's no denying that it's boom-time for the beatbox. Simon Trask rocks to the rhythm of this latest offering from Alesis.

Digital Sampling Workstation

After a recent change in UK distribution, Ensoniq look set to increase their popularity with this upgraded version of their EPS sampler. Simon Trask likes what he samples.

From their excellent 1984 debut single 'Venceremos', Working Week have charted a unique course between fashionability and credibility. Simon Trask works out with Simon Booth.

Music Production System

Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's a multitimbral synth module, it's a sequencer, it's an automated mixer... Simon Trask puzzles over Roland's Studio M.

Drum Machine

Possibly the most requested review in recent years, Cheetah's MD16 drum machine is finally here and ready for inspection. Simon Trask gives it a good beating.

World music's elder statesman puts aside his many saxophones to talk musical styles, modern technology and old-fashioned emotion. Simon Trask catches him onstage and off.

Arriving on the world stage, the Dream Warriors' unique musical style is giving Canadian hip hop American-style exposure. Simon Trask talks musical sentences.

Music Sequencer

The phrase "size isn't everything" could have been written for this pocket-sized sequencer and synth expander. Simon Trask predicts big things.

Digital Stereo Sampler

Having set the music industry standard in sampling with their S1000, Akai are now taking moving pictures into their stride. Simon Trask gets frame-accurate on the S1100.

Neatly sidestepping the monotonous beats and cliched melodies that typify too many dance acts, this Swiss-American collaboration are making refreshing music. Simon Trask and Heinrich Zwahlen share a technical obsession.

Drum Expander

More than a beatbox, less than a sampler, the Percussion Sample Player appears to be a unique rhythmatist's instrument. Simon Trask looks at the pros and cons of a dedicated drum sampler.

Digital Synthesiser

Roland's latest synth combines the power of digital synthesis with the interactive approach of analogue programming. The pleasure of synthesis returns to the player and to Simon Trask.

Performance Synthesiser

If you'd begun to believe that you needed a degree to use any modern synth, think again: think JX1. Simon Trask discovers the truth behind the Japanese "Think SynX Concept" adverts.

The line between man and machine is blurred; today there exists an entity whose purpose is to make music. Simon Trask discovers that its sights are locked on the dance charts and it absolutely will not stop.

Drum Machine

As the drum machine goes from strength to strength, Yamaha give it a new dimension by adding a synth-style "bend" wheel. Simon Trask wonders if the beatbox will ever be the same again.

Eccentric Swiss pioneers Yello follow 1989's Flag with another long playing sound fantasy. Simon Trask talks to Boris Blank about his old Fairlight and his new Baby.

Turning their backs on pop notoriety to meet electronic experimentation head on, Sheffield's LFO are taking dance music into new areas. Simon Trask gets a new perspective on nostalgia.

Digital Synth & Sampling Interface

Since entering the keyboard market with the DPM3, Peavey have expanded the range and power of their gear. Simon Trask checks out Peavey's "upgradable" philosophy.

When you come across a hi-tech band who won't even use commercial synths for fear of being imitated, they must have something special to protect. Simon Trask pays a visit to Leeds to check out the mysterious Nightmares on Wax.

Interactive Drum Pattern Sequencer

If your drum patterns sound uninspired it could be because you lack the subtle touch of the human drummer. Simon Trask looks at an electronic aid to drum programming.

Performance Signal Processor

Korg's A5 series of effects is aimed to offer a variety of effects to a variety of musicians. Simon Trask test drives them and discovers guitar distortion works for drum machines.

Maximum Percussion Module

Having set standards with their Proteus sample reader and their Pro/formance piano module. E-mu are trying again. Simon Trask beats up the new Pro/cussion drum expander.

AFM/AWM Synthesiser

On from the revolutionary DX7, on from the souped-up DX7 II, on even from the mighty SY77, comes the SY99. Simon Trask takes the new Yamaha flagship on her maiden voyage.

If you can't imagine how Steve Hillage, Derrick May and The Orb would sound making music together, you can buy their forthcoming LP and find out. Simon Trask talks to the man behind the guitar and the project.

Keyboard to Guitar Chord Converter

Latest in Oberheim's Perf/X series is a unit designed to bridge the gap between keyboard and guitar. Simon Trask perfects his Jimi Hendrix impression.