A sampling delay/effects controller from TC Electronics, news of Roland's MKS100 'sampler in a box', a new range of micro effects from Akai, Audio Kinetics' Striper, Studiomaster Series III and Yamaha mixers are amongst the new crop of forthcoming products that you can read about here.

Beyer microphones

Want to know how the electret principle functions? Or the difference between pressure and pressure-gradient microphones? Then read the review, as recording engineer Gareth Stuart field tests the most recent additions to the famous Beyer range.

E&MM interviews Dave Rossum, the man behind E-mu designs

One of the nerve centres of any studio is its mixing desk - but how do you choose a mixer which is both affordable and expandable? Tim Goodyer discovers a desk which is built to last and to grow - and cost very little.

Bridging The Gap

Whilst Roland and Yamaha take LA and FM synthesis into the home, Technics make it even harder to differentiate between a home keyboard and a synthesizer with the release of the AX7. Paul Ireson checks it out.

Blackpool-based band 'The Sensible Shoes' outline their working environment and techniques.

Paul Gilby returns with the series that takes a behind the scenes look at companies and design personnel working in the field of music and recording technology. This month: Marvin Caesar, President of Aphex Systems USA - creators of the legendary Aural Exciter.

how Green is my new band and album

Concluding our sideways look at the art and soul of sampling, Dom Foulsham covers N to Z in his alphabet of tips

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.

The Alternative

So far, affordable 16-track has been a one horse race and all the money has been on Fostex. But now the odds are getting more interesting as a lively young thoroughbred from the Tascam stable enters the starting stalls. David Mellor assesses the form.

Bootleg synths a killer?, New EX, Alligator PA, More scoops

Key Ingredients For A Happening Dance Track

An insight into the sounds and structures that make up a successful dance record, by Edgar G. Roover.

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.

Making up chords with the Gretsch collector.

bass and guitar talk

In 1984, The Blue Nile released an album widely hailed as the finest debut LP of recent years. After five years of silence, they've produced another masterpiece in Hats. Paul Ireson talks to the men behind two of the decade's finest records.

The Secret World Tour

A behind the scenes look at how Gabriel steamed up Earl's Court with his hot new stage show.

Technology & Education

Are you looking for an engineering career in the audio industry? Perhaps a musical technology course at the London College of Furniture might set you on the right path. Course tutor Tim Orr explains why...

Studio Focus

why USA musicians favour big computers