For over a year now Alesis have had the 'budget' 16-bit drum machine market all to themselves, but the release of the Yamaha RX8 provides musicians with an alternative. Besides 16-bit sound quality, Yamaha's new machine boasts a broad range of 43 sounds, flexible MIDI control, RAM card storage, and more. Paul Ireson checks it out.

Jim Betteridge leans on producer David Motion

LA Synthesiser

Roland's MT32 LA synth expander proved so popular with pro musicians, the company had trouble explaining that it was aimed at the domestic market. Now Thomas Clement test-drives the professionals' LA expander.

Is what Roland's TR707 digital drum machine is set to become. Great sounds, great facilities... and a great price.

Could this be the ideal keyboard for computer musicians? John Renwick finds out

Synthetic Percussion Sounds

Steve Howell finishes off percussion sounds and how to go about synthesising them.

Rhythm Sound And Artist Cards

Martin Russ looks at how Yamaha have drummed up card support for their successful RY30 drum machine, with new cards containing the sounds and rhythms of big name drummers.

The business that's been done in the shops

your questions answered by the BBC television experts

Betteridge surfaces again to quiz producer Mick Glossop about his work on Furniture's hit, Brilliant Mind

If the sound of your kid sister hitting a biscuit-tin lid is your idea of what a snare drum should sound like, Simmons' new EPROM blower should make your sampling dreams come true. Paul White reports.

The ADS sampler has the look and feel of a German sports car - expensive, no-nonsense, and high performance. Craig Anderton takes it for a test drive.

Human Rhythm Composer

Roland's R70, their new top-of-the-range beat box, is the first drum machine to feature on-board digital effects. Ian Steele sits in judgement.

A lively Exit by Tony Reed

Equipment

UB40 exclusive... the drums go digital... Plus Dread at the Controls - top producer Mikey Dread dubs it up, and reveals some trade secrets...

Paul White

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 Roland Sound Canvas is far more than a successor to the MT32— it's the first of a whole new generation of MIDI instruments, conforming to the General MIDI standard. Special Agent Paul D. Lehrman investigates.

Shure Beta Green

Rumour has it that the BG prefix on this complete new range from Shure stands for Bloody Good. Our reviewer thinks so.