Hybrid Technology's Chris Jordan, designer of the Music 500 Synthesizer for the BBC Micro, speculates on the future of MIDI and what developments it requires to satisfy the needs of more adventurous users and the promise of more advanced technology.

Ignoring the sunshine and the siestas, this month's On The Beat concentrates on the sounds and the instruments of Brazil. Nigel Lord guides us through the samba Batucada and the Maracatu.

how to liven up your music by being open to improvisation

In part four of this series Bob O'Donnell deals with rhythm by linking a drum machine into the expanding MIDI system.

Martin Russ has fun turning his Atari computer into a multi-function sampler, drum machine and digital effects unit with the aid of Microdeal's low-cost Replay 4.

Richard Mitchell explains his use of electronic music for film.

The story behind the organ behind the Hammond sound

Betteridge back again, with a step-by-step guide to the mysteries of mike technique.

Jay Chapman takes a bold step for novice programmers, as he presents a Pascal program that converts musical note values into a language computers can understand. Don't worry if it leaves you standing.

How To Keep Noise At Bay

MIDI Data Recorder

Latest in the emerging trend of MIDI data recorders is MIDItemp's MIDI Player - a composite 64-track sequencer, MIDI processor and patching matrix. Vic Lennard takes on a temp.

new gear, stuff, objects, items etc

Drum kits

Digital Sequence Recorder

In a world dominated by software sequencers, Rowland Jones finds he still has a soft spot for Yamaha's hardware variety.

ICMC Report

Fresh from his exploits at Steim Studios, Ron Briefel takes a look at what last year's International Computer Music Conference had to offer in the way of new instruments, new music, and new ideas.

Beyond the Groove

The new Human Rhythm Composer goes where no TR808 has gone before, into previously uncharted territories of feel and nuance.

Jerry Wexler, the father of soul

Studio Designer

Top studio designer talks to Janet Angus.

Effects

Part 14: Effects, in the latest installment of his studio cookbook. David Mellor looks at ways to-make your recordings more tasty.

Yamaha DX7S

A story in which our hero, David Mellor, deserts the path of enlightenment and sells his DX7 Mk1 for a rival keyboard. Can the DX7S tempt him back to the true faith? Read on...

The missing sync?

Fostex G24S & Tascam MSR24S Multitracks