Another year, another host of hardware to look back on. We take you through the goodies and the baddies that came out during '84, just in case you missed any of them.

Cymbalcheck

Bob Henrit bashes out a few ballsy numbers

As the world and his wife gets hot under the collar about affordable 16-bit sampling, we wonder if the increase in sound quality is necessary at all.

Busker Music

Billy Punter puts out feelers in the Fulham Road — and finds Busker Music.

Handmade headless fingered

Production Samples

To sample or not to sample, that is the question.

FM goes weeny

Part 2: The Group Boom

Selected releases

Drumcheck

In the drumbooth, no-one can hear you scream... Bob Henrit discovers Yamaha's wild-styled Electronic percussion system.

our look at the forthcoming Frankfurt Musical Instrument Fair - at 7½ Instruments Per Second

Synthcheck

The professional successor to the Six-Trak meets Curtis Schwartz

Studiotest

Akai's foothold on the musical gear market grows with a MIDI sampler package leading the new assault. Curtis Schwartz samples their sampler

Mouth organs to you

Every news bulletin tells us more about "the recession" - but how badly is it affecting the music biz? Ian Waugh reports from the front line at the International Music Show.

With the British Music Fair upon us the musical equipment manufacturers are proving there's nothing like the hi-tech end of the music market for innovation - and no-one like MT to pass Comment on it.

Synthcheck

Yamaha DX7, Casio CZ5000, Juno 106, Korg DW6000, 30 to 1 the field. Commentator, Tony Mills

All's Fair in Olympia and war

Beyond the BMF

Beyond the British Music Fair

Highlights from America's West Coast instrument expo. Hot scoops.

SOS on-line