Three 4-tracks

Is it possible to get expensive sounds from inexpensive equipment or is the poor person's multitrack merely an expensive toy? David Mellor looks at three entry-level recorders - Tascam Porta 05, Fostex X30, and Yamaha MT2X - and asks 'Which one would you choose?'.

The multitrack cassette recorder provides an excellent platform for learning the essential skills of multitrack recording. David Mellor explains how to get the best out of them.

PART 3: What is it like to sit down at the Synclavier - the world's most expensive instrument - and create a piece of music? David Mellor finds out and tells the whole story.

Cult masters of industrial funk talk hi-tech sounds, performance CDs and popular commerciality to Nicholas Rowland; the code of the '80s.

Dom Foulsham continues his series with a guide to the ever-expanding world of sample CDs: what to look for, how to find it, and how to get the best out of the off-the-shelf loop. I know we said the series was concluding last month, but we were wrong, OK? Think of it as a bonus.

A guide to who they are, where they are, and what they do. Your first step to a handmade guitar.

PEOPLE, GEAR, EVENTS, GOSSIP

including the bmf, pet shop boys and the latest competition winner

Dynamic MIDI control of EQ curves is only one of the creative benefits of this stereo 14-band equaliser, which offers tremendous tone-shaping power to those enlightened enough to explore its functions. Dave Lockwood sees the light and reports back.

...Beating Like This

If conventional drum pads sound old hat, Matt Isaacson and Chris Meyer might have a few ideas for you as they check out the alternatives in our series on creative drum programming.

Gem S2 Music Processor

GEM's newest synth, with its polished sound and presentation, could be set to dispel the company's homely image. Martin Russ discovers the multi-faceted GEM S2.

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

Sampling Percussion System

Not just a sampling drum machine, more a solid state tape recorder! As things start to heat up at the top end of the drum machine market, David Mellor gives E-mu's successor to their popular SP-12 a thorough pounding.

(Sometimes)

Just as MIDI has made it as easier to produce great music, so it has facilitated the production of worthless garbage. Paul D. Lehrman explains the problem and how to avoid it.

MIDI-Controlled Mixing System

The month - this month

Digital Synth & Sampling Interface

Since entering the keyboard market with the DPM3, Peavey have expanded the range and power of their gear. Simon Trask checks out Peavey's "upgradable" philosophy.

Dave Stewart On Going It Alone In The Music Biz

The major record company route is not the only one to musical success. Dave Stewart has successfully avoided the majors and still manages to make a good living from his home-produced music. Here, he charts his musical history.

Direct-to-Disk Studio System

Here's a computer-based sequencer with a difference - PROMIDI records direct-to-disk, lets you structure your music any way you please, and runs on low-cost PC compatible computers. Ian Gilby investigates...

Incorporating the News. And starring all you need to know about the new products and where they'll be. The one you need.

Roland, Yamaha, OSCar, Syrinx, Teisco and Moog

The most comprehensive review of Europes biggest Music Fair

special preview of the all-important Olympia equipment show-your best chance to see the latest in instrument technology

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

New software, updates, sounds, and samples

New Gear Galore.

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

Disks, gadgets, samples and bits for the computing musician