Fostex MTC1 Sync Box

Take Fostex's R8 tape deck, Steinberg's Cubase sequencer and an MTC1, and what have you got? Total creative freedom! Richard Aaron discovers the missing link in the recording chain.

Says it all really

They've been a mainstay of electronic music for over 20 years, they're less expensive than ever before, and they still make sounds the digital machines can't. Analogue synthesizers have been receiving some digital assistance of late, but at heart they're still analogue synthesizers - and if you want to make them perform magic, you need to speak their language. Craig Anderton is your interpreter...

With its ability to manipulate sounds and music, the digital sampler has probably caused more arguments than any other musical instrument to date. Peter Ridsdale takes an alternative view.

Sampled Percussion Performance Module

What is it about programmed drum parts that make them sound programmed. Paul Wiffen goes in search of the secret of realistic drumming, and finds it in the Emu Procussion.

Drum Machine

The latest in Boss' Dr Rhythm series drum machines sees affordability crossed with the sort of quality reserved for Roland's R8 flagship. Simon Trask asks if you can beat it.

Andy McCluskey

Andy McCluskey reveals his dislike for synth programming and his penchant for the classics.

64-Note Polyphonic Synth Expander

C.F. Martin Interview, Profile

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.

In which five of E&MM's writers pick their fave things of the year. If your personal preferences aren't there, don't take it out on us.

At last - the instrument with a name on everybody's lips receives an in-depth examination of its European version. Man-on-the-spot is Paul Wiffen.

Fun In The Waves

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.

E-mu Emulator

These days a few hundred pounds will buy you technology that once cost thousands. Gordon Reid looks at an early sampler and discovers there's more to it and its manufacturer than you might have known.

Music Workstation

This synth/sequencer/drum machine with digital effects is the first instrument in Korg's new workstation series. Simon "Mansell" Trask takes it for a test drive.

Is the hard disk about to crash? Kendall Wrightson looks at the latest developments in mass storage technology, and discovers an optical future.

Cedar Audio Restoration

As well as creating sound, digital technology can be used to rescue old or damaged recordings. Gordon Reid looks at a British system that's leading the world in audio restoration.

Part 1: Introduction To PA

Crate, Hughes & Kettner, ART Guitar Preamps

We take the H&K Metal Master, ART Powerplant, and Crate TDP recording guitar preamps into the studio in search of that elusive valve sound.

The first of three personal views of a nation that's revolutionised the development and manufacture of hi-tech musical equipment. Hugh Ashton checks out the gear and the music.

Fostex DCM100 & Mixtab Mixing System

Made possible by the revolution in consumer microchip design, this low-cost system automates virtually every control on the mixer, including EQ.

Ben Duncan goes on at length...

Founder of Ultravox and owner of The Garden Studio, John Foxx talks about all aspects of his recording methods and highlights the technological changes that have caused him to rethink the way he composes.