New gear revealed. Plus on-the-spot report of how Yamaha in Japan treat the musicianly public.

The Return Of Die Krupps

Akai S900 Editor for the Atari ST

This comprehensive visual sample-editing package from America could be the answer to many S900 owner's prayers. Vic Lennard says: have ST will travel.

Garage Studio

RM reader Martin Smith talks about the trials and tribulations of building a serious home studio in his garage.

Fred Dellar presents a potted history of the people who bring you the 'product' - the record companies.

One for the DIY fans. In this new series, Martin Russ penetrates deep into the heart of MIDI equipment and explores how they work, what chips they use and more...

How much do musicians really earn? The rich ones (ahem) the poor ones (definitely).

With the musical fraternity showing little interest in computer bulletin boards, the popularity of MIDI Song files could be well timed. Ian Waugh explains how to download music over the phone.

Back in the limelight with the 'Play On' album, John discusses his approach to songwriting and his move towards a solo career

The latest scare in the computer world is a series of programs that behave as if they are a human disease. Roly Pickering describes the background to computer viruses and what you con do to protect yourself from them.

The first of our new series on the very live issue of sampling, taking all the technicalities into account. Dom Foulsham begins with an examination of the law as it currently effects all involved. An indispensable guide, if you're concerned about clearance and want to avoid that nasty little rubber glove

Tangerine Dream's rhythm man describes his sequencer set-up

Are record producers losing their touch now they've regained their influence? Are DJs better-equipped to make music that moves? Simon Trask gets the answers from an objective source - one of Britain's top remix DJs.

One man in search of perfection. Dave Burrluck gives his verdict on the state of the axe

The AES Report

America's premier recording exhibition provides Bob O'Donnell with food for thought; the password is "digital", just like the gear.

Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Obscure orchestra leader, Simon Jeffes intrigues Paul Tingen with stories of self-discovery in Japan, and finding music in one note.

The drug culture of the rave scene continues to attract the attention of both the pop charts and the tabloid press. Tim Goodyer talks Ecstasy, agony and technology with one of the genre's heroes.

Dan Goldstein talks to the Can founder member whose current interests include providing the Pope with a backing band, recording with four valve tape machines, and chopping-up bits of Bulgarian folk music.

'What's the Colour of Money?' was one of last year's most inventive hit singles, but since then, little has been heard from Mark Rogers. Tim Goodyer talks to him as the first HB album is released.

An exclusive interview with Rick Wakeman plus music from '1984' for you to play.

Digital Reverb

In the beginning was the Midiverb; the Midiverb begat the Midiverb II and the Midiverb II. Nigel Lord checks the latest incarnation of Alesis' standard-setting reverb.

Best known as a top Flamenco guitarist, Juan Martin has recently released a sensitive album that combines classical guitar with the ethereal textures of Mark Isham's synthesizers. Robin Lumley questions him about this unlikely collaboration and discovers the best ways of miking up classical guitars into the bargain.

Fela Kuti And King Sunny Ade

The King and the President of Nigerian music explain the effect Juju and Afro-Pop have had on white Rock music. Report by Michael Shore

Amplifier

PART 2: Timecode - much talked about but little understood - is of increasing importance to musicians and recording engineers. Whether you are synchronising audio to video, or MIDI to multitrack, at least a working knowledge of SMPTE/EBU is required. In the second part of this series, David Mellor explains what timecode is and how it is used.