Continuing the tradition that began with their 144 Portastudio, Tascam have created a combined package of mixer and 8-track recorder - the 388 Studio 8 - whose compact dimensions belie its true versatility. Dave Lockwood assesses its performance.

We've been sold and resold the idea that digital is better than analogue, but what is digital sound and why is it revolutionising music technology? Peter Bergren counts the bits.

The original ambient funsters have a new studio album all but ready, a live album on the way and a major recording deal in the offing. Jonathan Miller encounters Dr Alex Paterson and Thrash on the verge of a higher plane...

Hundreds of affordable and useful gift ideas for the musically minded. Indispensable reading for the Santa Claus in your life

Your kindly editor investigates ways in which the newcomer to recording might spend his money effectively rather than just quickly.

Designer of the revolutionary Prophet 5, prime mover behind MIDI and now one of Korg's chief designers, Dave Smith's career is unique in hi-tech music. Simon Trask conducts the exclusive MT interview.

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.

Condenser Microphone

Good quality microphones can be a real asset to any type of studio, but if you want the best tools you should be prepared to pay the price for them. Gareth Stuart considers the worth of Beyer's top of the range condenser mic.

The Additive synthesizer

Once upon a time, 'additive synthesis' was an expensive and little used option on expensive computer music systems. Now, thanks to Kawai's latest keyboard, there is an instrument dedicated to this type of synthesis. Paul Wiffen, long-time advocate of creating your own waveforms, investigates.

If you own an MT32 then you really should be using a computer-based voice editing program to make the most of its facilities. Martin Russ compares three possible contenders for your money from Tigress Designs, Dr T and Steinberg.

MIDI is regularly used to perform tasks as varied as switching notes on and off, storing patch libraries and controlling mixes, but can it control sound itself? Vic Lennard looks at the uses of MIDI noise gates.

New amps, effects and mikes from the States

Choosing Mixers For Live Sound

All mixers are fundamentally the same, aren't they? Dave Lockwood explains the differences between mixers designed for studio and stage.

Studiomaster P7 In-Line Mixer

News of some products to be released at the coming APRS exhibition, Acorn's new low-cost Archimedes computer, Akai's digital multitrack, and more.

Does BBE's new box of psychoacoustic tricks offer a new way of livening up a mix? David Mellor takes his music to the max.

A mixer from Simmons? Why not? The application of MIDI control to audio mixers is resulting in a radical departure from traditional designs, as Tony Hastings found out when he road-tested the SPM8:2 recently.

Soundtracs Solo Logic Automated Mixing Console

A lot of bang for the bucks, and MIDI control too!

What to expect at the Big Show in June

Moving upmarket? David Pickering Pick presents this user report on Allen & Heath's Saber console.

The Art of Sampling

Part 1: The Art Of Sampling. Keyboard programmer Paul Wiffen offers valuable advice on squeezing the most out of your sampler.