Drum Modules

Repackaging a powerful and popular drum machine as a rackmount and adding drum triggers is sure to attract more interest to it. Nigel Lord explores the new Cheetah MD16.

Greater reliance on hi-tech instruments in the studio means there's more demand for people able to programme them. Paul Gilby spoke first to Karin Clayton about her recently formed agency that supplies programmers for studio sessions, and then to Fairlight programmer Simon Lloyd about his work.

The fourth module for our 19" rack-mounting modular effects system. Full design and construction details supplied.

from Banshees to Creatures

19 ways to the top: exclusive

Software for the Atari ST

The latest update to Hybrid Arts' MIDI Track range of Atari ST sequencers gives them a host of new and improved features. Davd Bradwell re-examines Hybrid's track record.

Bamboozled by technical specs? David Mellor explains how to 'interpret' audio equipment specifications and also gives the lowdown on that little understood concept, Barkhausen noise.

Wilf Smarties gives a new batch of CDs a spin.

The Roth-less band with a Hagar at the helm. Michael Smolen meets the headman

Digital Drum Machine

Competition is fierce in the budget drum machine arena. Nicholas Rowland takes a look at the British answer to the Japanese and American machines that have been in the limelight recently.

Simmons SDS7 and SDS8

In a special report, Ultravox drummer Warren Cann takes a look at two new electronic drum-kits from Simmons - the people who started it all. One is a straight forward 'Simmons-sound-on-a-budget' model, the other a sophisticated modular system employing both analogue and digital sound-generation, as well as versatile user-programmability.

This man, responsible for the string arrangements on numerous albums by Supertramp, Cliff Richard and Diana Ross, also happens to be the creative genius behind disco/funk hit makers, the RAH Band. His latest album 'Mystery' released this month, was successfully recorded in his home studio using an ACES 24-track system and we went along to see how he achieved it.

Synthesiser Expander Module

Looking for a digital complement to analogue gear or another expander to take the pressure off the rest of your rack? Ian Waugh discovers sonic flexibility at a price you can afford.

New amps, effects and mikes from the States

Single, dual or delayed beats

Interconnect

Mating Microphones - ever wondered why your low impedance mic won't work well with your recorder? Then read on...

An interview with Rusty Egan

Dan Goldstein tracks down another drummer-turned-musical technofreak, Rusty Egan, and finds out about the past, present, and the future of the electro-dance band he helped found, Visage.

Don't delete those unsatisfactory samples until you've tried resampling them. Tom McLaughlin explains how you can turn a bad sample into a good one.

Richard Mitchell explains his use of electronic music for film.

A flexible home studio set up explored.

New products from the States

Digital Drum Machine

Following hard on the heels of the R100, this junior beat box from Kawai threatens to outshine its big brother, as Simon Trask finds out.

Looking at Mixers

16/8/2 mixer review