Jim Betteridge wades through the swirling, ethereal ambience that is the Cocteau Twins' music

Akai MX1000 Master Keyboard

Ease of programming and an optional plug-in piano sound board should ensure popularity for the Akai MX1000. Julian Colbeck explains why it makes all the difference.

Our roving reporter Mark Jenkins takes a look off the beaten track at some of the more interesting French equipment shown at last month's Paris Music Fair.

Studio Test

A multitude of digital effects in a single box for only £600

It's the biggest! It's the best! It's the 1986 British Music Fair! Our man on the inside, Tony Mills tracks down the hottest gear of the year

Synthcheck

A remote keyboard and modules with frighteningly good sounds

Your chance to catch up on the latest releases from the world of hi-tech music and recording.

New products from the music business

This month, Elka Eminent to Everitt Orgatron.

Guitarcheck

At last the Steinberger becomes affordable. Dave Burrluck reaches for his cheque book

MT shows you the best way out

Instruments & Equipment

Usable Packages

The sun rises on computer music, or so says Tony Mills

BMF Report '86

The Editor struggles through tech-laden stands, lively demos, liquid lunches and hordes of musicians to bring news of Britain's best-ever music show. If you missed it, you missed out.

What Goes On

Ian Gilby reviews a truly ingenious programmable patchbay that takes all the hard workout of MIDI equipment routing in the studio - the Sycologic M16 MIDI Matrix.

Who'd have guessed that Akai Iceland were about to release a MIDI bass controller and major software updates for the DD1000? Mørv Smørdilørv proves that you never can predict innovation.

The MT guide to CD-ROM

Entertainment format of the future, or simply a handy digital storage medium? Ian Waugh writes the (Yellow) book on CD-ROM.