Akai's latest drum machine attempts to combine the best of programmable and preset rhythm units. Simon Trask assesses this marketing strategy while listening to some dope drum sounds.

Sample Player

RS-PCM Keyboards

Responding to the demand for accessible synthesisers, Roland's Rhodes division has come up with the first of a series of "playable" instruments. Simon Trask checks their performance.

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.

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.

From the Midlands' techno culture comes the hardcore sound of Rhythmatic. Simon Trask investigates one of the bands on the ground floor of Britain's fastest-growing musical movement.

PC Hard Disk Recording System

It's British designed and built, but is it the best?

Fun In The Waves

A chance to catch up on the new products you may have missed at last month's British Music Fair.

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.

Gem S2 Music Processor

GEM's newest synth, with its polished sound and presentation, could be set to dispel the company's homely image. Martin Russ discovers the multi-faceted GEM S2.

Human Rhythm Composer

And the beat goes on - not least with Roland's latest drum machine, the R70. Simon Trask checks the pulse of the company that gave us the TR808, and are now giving it to us again.

The Alternative MIDI Controllers Session

We explain why MIDI isn't just for keyboard players...

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.

Improving Your MIDI Environment

Martin Russ concludes his discussion of MIDI environments with an in-depth look at how to create your own profiles in X-Or and Galaxy.

FRANKFURT REPORT

Trade shows often make the best stage for unveiling new equipment - did this year's Frankfurt show witness any revolutions? Simon Trask brings the news from Germany.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 2: Martin Russ reveals even more about the uses and applications of MIDI's most powerful function.

The Making of an Album

When Julian Colbeck went back to Bach to find musical inspiration, little did he think he'd end up recording a whole album.

Exclusive news from UK Electronica, plus all the latest in the world of MIDI music

For Recording Engineering

Educated sound engineer David Mellor assesses the value of training for a career in recording.

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

Disks, gadgets, samples and bits for the computing musician