By popular demand, the readers’ synth patch page returns with a new look and a new approach. This month, sounds for the Casio CZs, Roland Juno 106 and Yamaha DX7, plus news of a Korg cassette that offers 165 sampled sounds for under a tenner.

The fourth part of our dance music series, with more drum patterns and basslines for you to programme yourself.

Music For A Small Planet

An enterprising duo who mix business and pleasure in the pursuit of music making.

Equipment news

Kendall Wrightson rounds off his introduction to SMPTE with a look at its application in modern music production as exemplified by a synchronisation unit - the Friend Chip SRC.

Carlsbro Sound Centres

Just the ticket? How to do it yourself explained by Richard Walmsley

Reg Webb

Simmons SDS1000

Simmons successor to the SDS800 combines the best of analogue and sampling technology. Nigel Lord approves.

'What are this spring's colours?' asks ultra-fashionable Richard Walmsley

KeyboardCheck

Roedelius explains the necessity of home recording and why he's addicted to the colour green!

MIDI is often perceived as being incredibly complicated, but learning to use it can be quite painless.

Neuronium — Michel Huygen

Build Your Own Guitar Soft Distortion Unit

It's easy, and you can build it yourself for under 20 quid!

Sure, it's a drum machine - but the HR16 also makes a great drum expander module if you know a few crucial tricks about applying it. Craig Anderton explains all.

Newcastle CAT School of Music

A personal view of the School of Music at the Newcastle College of Arts and Technology, by one of its students, Paul Evans.

More micro chips

Sound Workshop

What's a compressor? Why do you need one? How do you use it? Paul White reveals all.

Dave Crombie's review of the Prophet 5 synth leaves us speechless.