Alesis are known, more than anything, for their digital signal processing expertise, yet their new mixer is an all analogue 16:2:2 design - but employing a revolutionary construction technique. Paul Ireson lends an ear.

A preview of some of the goodies soon to be hitting our shops.

A few simple rules to help you get professional-sounding vocal tracks every time.

Tonight the hot instrumental news is read by someone with a megaphone. Strange.

New Casio keyboards, video and instruments

Digital Effects Processor

A programmable reverb that also offers delay effects, or a multi-effects unit with reverb as its strongest suit? Paul White deciphers the latest box of treatment tricks.

ITs guide to the British Music Fair.

here is

Martin Sheehan explains the workings of audio/visual slide productions.

Test on the Best?

Korg's PSS-50, your portable backing band

Casio's first foray into the digital drum machine market, the RZ-1, offers all the usual rhythm features plus one extra - the facility to sample four of your own sounds. Mark Jenkins finds out if it matches his expectations.

A step-by-step guide to the workings of a typical mixing console.

This charming new mixer has a detachable bowl and three speed settings... what do you mean it's not that kind of mixer?

The Wires and Wherefores of Connecting up Your Studio

If you're spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds on studio equipment, you might as well spend a little time to ensure that it's actually connected up properly. Wilf Smarties explains how to avoid hums, buzzes, earth loops, and all those other nasty shocks...

IN TUNE's sneak preview of the Frankfurt Fair

The anti-christ of studio recording, Dave Goodman, talks to Chas de Whalley

Three pages of forthcoming new products to tempt you to dig deeper into your pockets later on this year.

Books '84

instruments and playing in print

If you're already running a MIDI studio on a budget and want to add a handful of tape tracks, the Vestax MR200 could be the answer. Nigel Lord checks out a cassette multitracker that won't cost you much more than £300.

Marlin Spiked and loads more new goodies inside

Sneak Preview

Next year's new gear - Mag gives sneak preview

Yamaha EMP100 Multi-Effects Processor

The latest addition to Yamahas highly affordable 100 series, the EMP100, could prove to be its best buy yet. Paul Ireson explains why.

Sheer XTC

A truly classy digital reverb at a sensible price.

An eponymous debut single took Living in a Box high in the singles charts. In a rare interview with this publicity-shy band, Tim Goodyer found technology an essential part of their success.