Frankfurt Musikmesse 1987

While for those with a taste for the European, we present a similarly in-depth account of the '87 Musikmesse. If it hit the headlines in Frankfurt, you'll read about it here.

The man behind Elton’s new mix

Dieter Meier is a writer, painter, performance artist and an ex-professional gambler; he's also the face and voice in front of one of the most influential bands of the '80s. Tim Goodyer joins the Swiss race.

Hans Zimmer is the complete antithesis of the serious German synthesist - he smiles a lot for a start! As co-founder of Lillie Yard studio and the proud owner of a surviving Moog Series 8 modular synth, his approach to sound synthesis is a refreshingly traditional one eschewing the very thought of ever using an unmodified factory preset on any of his work! Ralph Denyer explains why.

Founder member of Depeche Mode and Yazoo, Vince Clarke is joined here by Eric Radcliffe, his partner in a new band, The Assembly, air their views on writing and recording in the 1980's.

Part 2, ARP to Buchla. Buchla? Yep, Buchla

Ian Gilby pays a visit to TEAC headquarters in Tokyo, gets blown away by Dolby S noise reduction, and learns some little-known facts about a company destined to play a continued part in the development of recording technology.

The line between man and machine is blurred; today there exists an entity whose purpose is to make music. Simon Trask discovers that its sights are locked on the dance charts and it absolutely will not stop.

After inspiring a generation of experimental musicians to explore synthetic soundscapes, Tangerine Dream found new relevance in 1990's ambient house movement. Simon Trask enters the Dream state.

Choosing the right cabinet for the right job can be difficult. IM surveys what's available.

Loudspeakers

Sound Mastering

Ace Records' re-mastering engineers reveal the secrets of acoustic restoration

Cables

A report on this popular annual event.

All that was new and all that was interesting at the this year's sojourn into Germany.

Clint Boon and the Farfisa beat

This recent event had plenty to interest the hi-fi enthusiast.

Zoom 9120 Advanced Sound Environment Processor

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.

A voice, a few guitars, a bit of processing, and a hell of a lot of inspiration. Mark J. Prendergast investigates...

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.

This month's glimpse over the horizon

A major new series describing the design and construction of a high quality modular effects rack. This first instalment deals with the Sub Rack assembly, Power Unit and the first module: the Pro-Gate.