Total Percussion Pad

On the trail of Roland's successful Octapads comes the SPD8 - a MIDI percussion controller with a neat line in onboard sounds. Simon Trask says beat it.

Catch a glimpse of what goes through the mind of a Newcastle musician commissioned to provide a suitable soundtrack for an animated film whose subject matter revolves around a woman living alone in a high-rise block of flats. John Goodenough relates his experiences.

Evolution Synthesis EVS1 Sound Expander

This British designed multitimbral synth expander offers several types of synthesis, free Atari ST editing software, built-in drum sounds, and a low price. Paul Ireson lends an eager ear.

electrocution for beginners

As Mr Fingers and Fingers Inc, Chicago-based Larry Heard was instrumental in creating the house music movement. Simon Trask talks tech with him on the release of his first LP on a major label.

ART Multiverb LTX

When it comes to sheer quantity, quality and value for money, this multi-effects unit takes some beating.

Mark Cunningham finds producer O'Duffy in hypnotic mood

The Bahamas boy talks tunes and tides with Adrian Deevoy

Steinberg Research are responsible for some of the most significant developments in computer music systems in recent years. Nigel Lord talks tech with Charlie Steinberg on a rare visit to Britain.

Well established as sampling innovators, the Art Of Noise have just released their fourth LP. David Bradwell talks to the Art's JJ Jeczalik about Fairlights and fairplay.

Software for Apple Macintosh

This Mac program from New York sets out to bring the flexibility of computer programming techniques to drum programming. Jim Burgess drums up his enthusiasm.

Karlheinz Stockhausen

At one time it was a pottery studio. At another it was the home of Edward the Confessor. Now it is Millstream Recording Studio. Owner Dik Cadbury tells all.

Where everything clicks

Your questions answered

Have you always wanted a 24-track studio but could never afford the gear? Well now, maybe you can. David Mellor looks at a package of equipment that offers 24 tape tracks at a budget price.

Take three musicians who like to remain anonymous, four film-makers and a stunning live show, and you've got one of the most original - if unsung - bands in Britain today.

Sounding good with what you've got

Simmons SDS9 electronic drum kit

Simmon's new drum kit

Ignoring the sunshine and the siestas, this month's On The Beat concentrates on the sounds and the instruments of Brazil. Nigel Lord guides us through the samba Batucada and the Maracatu.

MIDI and SMPTE

Two industry standards settle their timing differences and agree to work together. Chris Meyer checks it out and discusses proposals for the MSMPTE.

A Driver-Stage Dissection

More from that maestro of the multimeter, Ben Duncan.

Orinoco Studio

Another studio receives a visit from a roving MT reporter. This time the intrepid Dan Goldstein drops in on South East London's Orinoco Studios.

Drawmer DL251 Spectral Compressor

This sophisticated compressor has a choice of hard- or soft-knee compression and has a built-in spectral enhancer.

The Editor's Tale

The second part of our investigation of Japan concentrates on the Roland organisation; Tim Goodyer meets mystery, "Mr Roland" and Sally.

The hardware sequencer to beat them all? After an overlong wait, Simon Trask gets to grips with the latest development in the Alesis World Domination plan.