Tone Generator

It's not simply an SY77 in a rack, more an alternative application of Yamaha's latest synthesiser technology - Ian Waugh gives the TG55 a full workout.

So You Say

guitarist Robin Guthrie

Rhodes MK80 Piano

The Rhodes electric piano features on countless classic tracks, and is one of the most imitated keyboard sounds of all time. Now Rhodes are back, with a new keyboard that updates a classic sound with all the benefits of contemporary MIDI technology. Tony Hastings checks it out.

piano module

A piano for every occasion - and a few more besides

Yamaha EMX3500 Powered Mixer

SynthCheck

An analogue synth with a hefty price tag has to have a pretty good excuse these days. Jim Betteridge believes this one has

Digital Synthesiser

After being quiet for a while, Kurzweil are stirring up quite a storm with their latest synth. MT grabbed one for review only to find it had been sold to New Order - consequently, Nick Batzdorf reports from the US.

The 'Alternative' FM Expander

Ian Gilby looks around for an 'alternative' multitimbral FM expander and uncovers a wealth of features hidden inside Elka's versatile 19" rack-mounting companion to the underrated EK44 polysynth - the ER33.

Digital Delay, Dynamic Control and Arpeggiation emerge from the MIDI jungle. Paul Gilby observes this rare species.

Review by Bill Nelson.

A look at some of the spring reverb units currently in circulation.

Dynacord MIDI Amplifier

The marriage of valve and MIDI technology in Dynacord's Reference 500 guitar amplifier results in an astonishingly good design as Ian Gilby discovered.

Why the valve gave way to the transistor. And why some people still don't believe it.

for Rock 'n' Roll

Ben Duncan looks at the design philosophy behind a modern power amplifier. If you don't understand it just be seen reading it and it will improve your credibility.

FX tutorial

Part one of Bob Dormon's effects tutorial

Yamaha C1 Music Computer

In the first of this two-part review, Ian Gilby discusses the hardware aspects of Yamaha's new portable PC compatible music computer.

Tascam Porta One 4-track

what he said

Synthcheck

"The ultimate all-rounder," says Curtis Schwartz

All-digital Programmable Polysynth

A British-built additive synthesis instrument with multiple keyboard splitting and overlaying, and up to 16 voices at its command. A dream come true? Simon Trask has the answer.

Toa MR-8T 8-track Cassette Recorder

If you thought eight tracks on standard cassette was an impossibility, think again. David Mellor assesses the world's first 8-track cassette recorder. Will it do to 8-track tape machines what the portastudio did to 4-tracks? Read on and find out...

Aphex 105 noise gate

More gates, fewer greenbacks

Master of sampling and synths dissembles