An in-depth dissection of electro-pop; how to create it, how to adapt it but not how to dance to it.

Electronic Percussion Buyer's Guide

If you can hit it or make it sound as if you have, you'll find it listed in E&MM's exclusive rundown of what's available in the world of drum machines and electronic kits.

At last the MA-36 MIDI Data Analyser is here to diagnose all your MIDI illnesses

Korg DDD-1

Korg's latest (and some might say greatest) drum machine takes a heavy pounding from Mark Jenkins. But does it survive the assault? Read on to find out...

From PCMs to PZMs

Tom's home studio is sure to be the envy of most of our readers but it's there for a sound, practical reason.

Now making a huge impact in the north of Britain, Detroit's techno music owes its roots to a handful of far-sighted pioneers - amongst them Derrick May. Simon Trask discusses the future of electronic music.

Robert Plant's right-hand man and technology-fiend talks to Tim Goodyer about samplers, studios and dischords.

Before you try to win one in our competition, this preview of Kawai's latest synth (and rack-mount alternative) should help whet your appetite.

Boss DR550 Dr. Rhythm

In 1980, the original boss DR55 Dr. Rhythm gave many people their first introduction to programmable drum machines. In 1990, the new DR550 is set to make musicians on a tight budget equally happy by providing their first taste of excellent 16-bit sampled drum sounds. Paul Ireson beats a path to his local music store's door.

why drummer stephen morris prefers programming computers to bashing skins

Band-In-A-Box Auto-Accompaniment Software

You've never had it so easy — Band-in-a-Box adds intelligence to auto-accompaniment, as Mike Simmons finds out in his look at the latest version of this popular software package.

Tangerine Dream's rhythm man describes his sequencer set-up

The Nightcatchers

First of an occasional series on the twilight zone between recording first demos and collecting that first gold disc. Birmingham's Nightcatchers talk to Tim Goodyer about tight budgets and big-name producers.

All the latest info on tomorrow's gear, and more free details if you need them.

With the summer shows out of the way and the forthcoming new products all unveiled, Martin Russ looks into the crystal ball and plots out his version of where the world of synthesis might be heading...

MIDI Digital Delay

Somehow, it had to be Yamaha who'd be first to put MIDI on a digital delay. The possibilities are endless, claims Paul White.

A Guide to Programming Music with Soul

How often have you heard synthesized, sequenced music described as 'cold' and 'mechanical? All of us want to compose a tune with good 'feel', but few people know exactly what makes for a good 'feel'. Yet it's not a mystery - as this timely article by Michael Stewart, designer of the Kahler Human Clock, reveals.

British Music Fair '84

What captured our attention at the recent British Music Fair in London.

California Show

Report from the NAMM front.

Additions To Traditions

Tony Mills rips the lid off the latest in the land of the electrode; updates for Yamaha's CX5M, Greengate's DS:3, and the ever-popular Speccy.

Studio Test

Jim Betteridge gives it a damp reception

Scottish band Danny Wilson were led by Gary Clark, who regards his debut solo album Ten Short Songs About Love as his finest work to date. From conception to birth, it was made entirely at home. Phil Ward drops in on the basement studio, and finds both album and proud father doing very well

MIDI Foot Controller

With both hands fully occupied on stage it seems a shame to use your feet for nothing but standing on; Rick Davies tries using his for controlling MIDI equipment.

Gossip From The Front

gossip, rumour, lies and so on

Dave Stewart gives the technology the human touch.