A major new series, beginning this month, that helps readers take their first steps into the world of recording. First off is a comprehensive glossary of recording terms.

Yamaha MT44D Recording System

The first in a major series of articles describing the design, construction and applications of the Programmable Digital Sound Generator, a music hardware add-on for the BBC Model B. Introduction by Alan Boothman.

A Guide to Computers and Communications for the Musician.

Believe it or not, your computer can do considerably more than just go wrong! The burgeoning world of telecommunications offers the musician access to international 'electronic mail' and 'bulletin board' systems, free music software, information databases, help and sound advice. Richard Elen begins a new series that explores how today's top musicians are taking advantage of such systems and tells how you can join in.

Akai DR4d Hard Disk Recorder

Offering 4 tracks of instantaneous cut-and-paste, Akai's £1600 digital recorder looks like being a real winner.

Roland SRV330 Dimensional Space Reverb

Can Roland's latest gizmo really add another dimension to your recordings?

Studio Sound Techniques

The lowdown on Compressor-Limiters, and how to use them.

Direct-to-disk recording explained

MT's guide to the theory and practice of the tapeless studio

Roland JV1000 Music Workstation

Does Roland's flagship workstation live up to its promise?

The all-but-forgotten guitar synth is due to return to music shops with a vengeance this summer, in the shape of Roland's GR700/G707 system and a breathtaking new British design, the SynthAxe. Paul White puts both instruments through their paces.

Alesis 3630 Compressor/Limiter & Alesis RA100 Reference Amplifier

Alesis made their name on high-quality, low-cost digital effects units, and their latest products offer the same affordable quality on two basic analogue units — a compressor and an amplifier. Dave Lockwood conducts the field test.

Four Track Cassettes

A survey of all the popular machines including TEAC, Fostex, RSD, Clarion, Yamaha and Cutec

Akai MIDI Mixer

Akai's forthcoming MPX-820 MIDI mixer may not compare with a top-class SSL desk but its fully programmable controls and onboard memories offer the budget-conscious user some of the benefits of a 'total recall' system. Paul D. Lehrman investigates.

Fostex RD8

Assessing the alternative ADAT

Shure Microphones

We gathered together five different types of microphone from the current Shure product range and gave them to sound engineer Dave Lockwood to test. Read his report in this issue.

No, this is not the rack-mounting version - it's a robust 14-track (at a push) multitrack recorder/mixer and computer-controlled patchbay rolled into one. Find out whether or not studio engineer Gareth Stuart reckons it could be a viable alternative to traditional reel-to-reel 16-track systems...

A Basic Guide to Audio Recording

Not only do 3M produce a useful booklet explaining tape and recording so that the veriest dolt could twig it, they give it away free! Then they wonder if we'd like to serialise it... where's the catch?

Our series continues with the voice, whether synthetic, sampled or the real thing.

10-Track Recording Package

Combine two 6-track cassette recorders, one synchroniser and a 12:6:2 mixer, and what have you got? A rather appealing multitrack demo studio from Sansui. David Lockwood reports.

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 waxes lyrical in his own immortal style.

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.

Multiple output devices like drum machines and sequencers are placing new demands on mixer manufacturers to come up with increased input channel desks. One of the first to respond are Soundtracs with a new range of recording consoles. Dave Lockwood tries out the 24/8/2/model.

This month’s Checklist turns its attention to the world of electronic drum kits and drum machines. Price guides will never be the same again.