All the new stuff, including a special feature on the soon-come Stepp digital guitar.

Dynamic MIDI control of EQ curves is only one of the creative benefits of this stereo 14-band equaliser, which offers tremendous tone-shaping power to those enlightened enough to explore its functions. Dave Lockwood sees the light and reports back.

Akai's super-sampler carries on where their S612 left off. Paul Wiffen finds its ease of use belies its sophistication.

A look at the new, exciting Musical Instrument Digital Interface

Emu Proteus Master Performance System

Martin Russ continues his in-depth look at Emu's new keyboard.

A colourful bonanza of newly released and forthcoming new products.

After five years at the top of the electropop tree, Basildon boys Martin Gore and Alan Wilder talk tech with Paul Tingen.

A report on this popular annual event.

No doubting the Thomases from Elvis Costello and the Attractions.

Nobody has advanced the application of technology in music more than Peter Gabriel. His pioneering use of the Fairlight CMI helped popularise that instrument and give credence to sampling as a creative recording practice. Yet his music has never fallen prey to the technology trap - his latest album So remains a soulful collection of songs heavily reliant on technology but applied with subtlety. Ray Hammond talks to the great man about the album, new technology, Otis Redding, and his role as musician.

Recording Mixer

Not content with offering most of the Saber's facilities in the highly affordable Spectrum, Allen & Heath have now produced in the S2 an even cheaper fully-featured recording console. Dave Lockwood tries it on for size.

THE ULTIMATE SOFT MACHINE

The Fairlight (in its previous Series II guise) was/is probably the most famous computer musical instrument in the world. Everybody knows the name, but few really know what its true capabilities are. Now there is a new breed of Fairlight, far more powerful and far more sophisticated than the old one ever was - the Series III. Richard Elen takes a look at the mind-boggling potential of this Rolls-Royce of sound sampling/synthesizing machines.

...Beating like this. We start a major new series on how to make your drum machine - no matter what its spec - sound more interesting, both sonically and rhythmically. Your guides are Chris Meyer and Matt Isaacson.

Guitar

Every news bulletin tells us more about "the recession" - but how badly is it affecting the music biz? Ian Waugh reports from the front line at the International Music Show.

Digital Sound Production System

Richard Buskin looks back at the illustrious past of the world's most famous studio and discovers why Abbey Road has remained a front-runner for so long.

Akai S3000 and S2800 Samplers

The Multi-Instrumentalist

Taking over where the TX816 left off, this DX7II in a rack is the very latest in a long line of powerful FM synth expanders. Mark Badger puts it in perspective.

An in-depth interview with this multitalented musician/composer/producer who reveals the techniques used on his new LP and explains how to use the E-bow to best advantage

CD-ROM Sample Player

We test the world's first CD-ROM sampler.

With real acoustic instrument sounds

A nostalgic look back at 1985 by the people who bring E&MM to you each month. Was it really that bad?