THE ULTIMATE SOFT MACHINE

The Fairlight (in its previous Series II guise) was/is probably the most famous computer musical instrument in the world. Everybody knows the name, but few really know what its true capabilities are. Now there is a new breed of Fairlight, far more powerful and far more sophisticated than the old one ever was - the Series III. Richard Elen takes a look at the mind-boggling potential of this Rolls-Royce of sound sampling/synthesizing machines.

How to record a cheap live album — an easy way out with direction courtesy Richard Elen.

The man responsible for the UK's first genuine acid house single discusses basslines, bitonality and the grin factor. Baby talk: David Bradwell.

It's now some 18 months since the company first produced MIDI software for home micros, and now SIEL have come up with two of their most attractive packages yet. Trish McGrath has the details.

Wonderful Radio Mike Hrano brings you a bulletin on how to get fair play on your airplay

what exactly do promoters do, and are they worth the money?

In the wake of the successful TR707, Roland have produced a well-nigh identical machine, loaded with percussive gems of a less predictable nature. Dan Goldstein puts the TR727 through its paces, shortly before emigrating to South America.

Control Room

Gibson Explorer Synth

If you want Roland guitar synth sounds, you can now choose what guitar you use to play them. Paul White looks at a Gibson with a difference.

All profits from Tony Horkins' features go to Live Aid

Paul White and Dan Goldstein on how to beat the problems of venturing into a professional studio for the first time. If you’re new to recording, the advice is unmissable.

...was the title of The South Bank Show's much-criticised electronic music extravaganza of a couple of months back. Here the programme's musical consultant, composer Tim Souster, argues the case in favour of the show's content.

Tip from the topmost of twang

As film music becomes a more popular means for composers to earn a living, Tim Goodyer talks to soundtrack expert Steve Parsons about his work on the new British film, 'Empire State'.

or how to keep THESE men happy and stay alive

roadie to the stars tells all

Producer of Howard Jones' best-selling album, 'Human's Lib', talks about the making of the record and his approach to production.

Mixed media pioneers Matt Black and Rob Pepperell talk about their plans for the future of entertainment and art, as part of the Hex project

Get plugged into this!

From his remixes of dance music through his record releases with LA Mix, Les Adams has specialised in making a lot out of a little equipment. His latest project is a solo LP, as Simon Trask finds out.

Guitars For £150

Begin with a Bargain — reckon a new guitar for less than £150? We show you how

Negotiating a record contract

Don’t sign a thing until you’ve read this

The Farm: taking pop to football louts or bringing hooliganism to the pop charts? Tim Goodyer gets casual with keyboardsman Ben Leach and tries to find out.

Programmable Digital Waveform Polysynth

An intriguing new synth design that tries to combine digital waveform generation with analogue control. Does it achieve its objectives? Dan Goldstein thinks it does - just.

why drummer stephen morris prefers programming computers to bashing skins