Buying & Using: microphones

microphones: how to choose them and how to use them

SPK began by hammering away at anything from the scrapyard but now generate their metal beat on the Fairlight. We investigate the method in the mayhem.

Keyboard Mixer

What's impressive, essential to any multikeyboard setup and normally costs a fortune? Answer: a mixing desk. Tim Goodyer looks at a budget desk with a more-than-budget spec.

ES&CM's guide to MIDI and MOPS.

Wilf Smarties gives a new batch of CDs a spin.

IT's complete news service.

Up to the minute and down to the nitty gritty

An at-a-glance guide to MIDI and MOPS (Music-orientated Peripherals.)

Drum Machine

One hundred 12-bit PCM sounds and comprehensive programmability make the latest addition to the Yamaha RX range of drum machines one to watch. Howard Massey is on the beat.

If you intend to make samples of acoustic instruments or events, you're going to need a microphone - but which one? David Bradwell checks the various types and their uses.

Show Reports

what we saw

Total Percussion Pad

On the trail of Roland's successful Octapads comes the SPD8 - a MIDI percussion controller with a neat line in onboard sounds. Simon Trask says beat it.

Programmable Digital Drum Machine

Few companies make synthesiser debuts as good as the Kawai K3. Now the same company has introduced its first digital beatbox; Simon Trask finds out if they've maintained the standard.

Portable Sampling Keyboard

You want a synthesiser, a drum machine, a sequencer and a sampler, but you've got less than £500 to spend? Home-keyboard buyers are currently being offered just such a package, as Dan Goldstein discovers.

Hairy stories from the USA

Rhythm Workstation

The drum machine's reply to the keyboard workstation is Korg's S3 Rhythm Workstation. Simon Trask looks at the first of a new breed of drum machine, sequencer and effects processor.

Ever wondered what goes on in a commercial 16-track studio once the red light comes on? Roger Jackson of West Coast Music reveals all...

Yet another selection of recently announced new products to whet your appetite!

User Report

An Avalanche of new gear will be hitting the shops soon, following the British Music Fair. MUSIC U.K. brings you a complete look at what's on the way

Musical trends come and go but the hi-nrg beat goes on and on... David Bradwell talks to the hi-nrg production team who've released more records in the last 12 months than Stock, Aitken and Waterman.

Sequential's One Man Band

Paul Wiffen first encountered the Studio 440 sampling drum machine several months ago when he was called in to help Stevie Wonder suss out his! It has since become the mainstay of his own programming armoury. Here he tells why...