It's a sad fact that keyboard players have always had to pay more for the privilege than their guitar or drum playing associates. Tim Goodyer asks what can technology do to redress the imbalance?

Programmability on synthesisers - a convenience or an essential part of the evolution of electronic instruments and music? Tim Goodyer considers the real implications of something we all take for granted.

From his formative days experimenting with Torchsong, William Orbit has made good through his remixes and a new outfit called Bass-o-matic. Tim Goodyer watches time catch up with a techno-prophet.

Once a recording studio was a large room lined with futuristic acoustic tiles and filled with impressive equipment; now it could be the corner of a bedroom - it's all a matter of size.

An unusual selection of vocals from the Masterbits Climax Collection sample CD and a bargain collection for TX81Z/DX100 from Emis are the sounds featured in this month's Patchwork.

Already assured their place in history for inventing the Portastudio, Tascam have also given us a one-inch 24-track machine and now the "Midistudio'. Tim Goodyer visits Japan to find out more about this revolutionary company.

While we're used to the constantly-changing face of the music industry, it may surprise you to learn of certain changes afoot in the news trade. Tim Goodyer tells a warning tale of the near future.

Mixing Desk

If you can't afford to be without a fully-featured mixing desk but can't afford the usual asking price, it could be that you haven't checked out Studiomaster's Pro Line Gold. Tim Goodyer has...

The possession and management of information plays a crucial part in our lives. Tim Goodyer raises the confusing issue of the disinformation surrounding information.

Portable DAT Recorder

Casio's DA1 and DA2 Digital Audio Tape machines have helped put DAT into many budget studios. Tim Goodyer suggests that the DA7 will see it in a few more.

The copyright arguments surrounding sampling continue, but artistic issues are steadily being eclipsed by financial ones. Tim Goodyer goes toe-to-toe with The Wall Street Journal.

Acoustic drum samples from producer Bob Clearmountain rub shoulders with Mega Beats drum machine samples, while SSU sounds for the Yamaha SY77 complete the lineup in this month's Patchwork.

Within hours of the '91 Frankfurt Musik-Messe closing its doors, this preliminary report was on its way to be printed. Tim Goodyer is the exhausted messenger.

Pro studios are currently closing down at an alarming rate, and much of the blame is being laid at the feet of home studios and dance music. Tim Goodyer discusses progress and paranoia.

Atari ST Software

This ST music analysis program was designed for educational use, but it also has the power to compose music to order. Tim Goodyer discovers one of pop's best-kept secrets.

"People, people who need people are the luckiest people..." goes the old song. But Tim Goodyer argues that people are often the first casualty of today's music technology.

The charismatic singer, composer and lyricist rejoins the former members of Japan for their first LP in ten years. Tim Goodyer talks technology, philosophy and improvisation with David Sylvian.

They began the '80s as Japan, now they're starting over as Rain Tree Crow. Tim Goodyer catches synthesist Richard Barbieri and drummer Steve Jansen for a frank discussion of music and personalities ten years after Tin Drum.

Following on from last month's pictorial exclusive, this account of Europe's largest hi-tech music exhibition fills in the details. Tim Goodyer files the report.

The imitation of acoustic instruments has become an increasingly important role for synths and samplers, but are sounds as important as the way they're played? Tim Goodyer questions the progress of synth design.

Mixing Desk

As more mixer manufacturers turn their attention to the home and pre-production studios, the cost-effective quality mixer becomes a reality. Tim Goodyer discovers that there's even room for luxury.

Riding the ambient house wave, The Orb have released a concept album that mixes dance beats with new age textures. Tim Goodyer tunes in to Alex Paterson and Thrash as they chill out with technology.

One of the basic lessons in life is learning not to fight the inevitable, but it's one Tim Goodyer believes the record companies have yet to learn if their attitude towards DAT and now DCC is to be accepted.

Master Bits Sampling Collection 500, 600, 700 and 800

When your music cries out for the sounds of synths that you haven't got, your sampler can be your best friend. Tim Goodyer samples four CDs packed with the sounds of synths, drum machines and even samplers.

Pioneer of the sampling revolution, Tim Simenon, is back with a new album, a new studio and a refreshing update on what technology has to offer music. Tim Goodyer charts Unknown Territory.