Programming your own DX sounds is not so difficult when there's someone to guide you. Kevin Stratton, product specialist with Yamaha USA, explains how to create vocal-like sounds and reverb with this FM synthesizer.

If you're a complete newcomer to the world of synthesisers, this is the series for you. Steve Howell takes a beginner's look at filters.

We know something that you don't...

How to prevent Drive Unit damage.

Peter Fitzpatrick gets to grips with Casio's flagship synth - the VZ-1

Wayne Hussey divulges all about the gear behind the Gothic grind

Ben and Trace talk dirty

Future sounds or past glories? Gary Cooper gets tricky with a Ricky

AKG K240DF headphones and AKG C535EB mic

Mike Skeet gives us his opinion on these monitor quality headphones. Are they really an alternative to mixing on speakers? Next he takes a look at the C535EB microphone.

everyone syncs Synclaviers

BUYING & USING: cheap drums

a buyer's guide to secondhand drum kits

Basscheck

It's Mark King time again. A handmade beauty with a gorgeous body. The bass, not Mark King

Mik Sweeney talks about his guitars and Sal Solo describes how he is acquiring production skills.

Why Bands Break Up

A unique Making Music survey; plus a quiz to find out if you're the splitting type.

News from America compiled by Simon Braund

Really Big Men

The band tipped to make it BIG in '88. Tim Goodyer talks to a DJ/keyboard player with a unique place in rock 'n' roll and a singer/guitarist who's going to make Madonna and Lita Ford look like Dot Cotton and Hilda Ogden.

Gasp at the very latest instruments to hit the street plus sneak previews of tomorrow's guitars in Tony Bacon's deadline report from the Frankfurt trade fair.

User Report

Fostex A8 eight track and 350 mixer.

Chas de Whalley encounters his old pal Huey Lewis to discuss the merits of self-production

20 years of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon

Original engineer on the 'Dark Side Of The Moon' sessions, Alan Parsons, explains the 20th anniversary remastering of this classic album.

Flushed with the chart success of Close (To The Edit), the 'faceless' trio return with more talk of Art, Empire and Industry. Paul Gilby pushed the record button and monitored the noise levels...

Studio tales

Unforgettable out-takes from the rock'n'roll hall of shame

A contemporary composer drawing inspiration from the classics