Radio One - DJ Mix

the truth behind live sessions

Dead or Alive's Tim Lever surrounds himself with new technology as the band prepare for world domination. Tim Goodyer gets the word on writing, recording and performing.

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.

For what was supposed to be a universal interface, MIDI has trouble enough staying in touch with itself, let alone the outside world. Tim Goodyer looks at four auxiliary units that set out to improve matters.

Portable Sampling Keyboard

You want a synthesiser, a drum machine, a sequencer and a sampler, but you've got less than £500 to spend? Home-keyboard buyers are currently being offered just such a package, as Dan Goldstein discovers.

Korg Wavestation

Korg's new Wavestation is a direct descendant of Sequential's long-gone vs synthesizer, but as Paul Ireson discovers, it has plenty of new tricks up its sleeve to complement the old ones.

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.

What is 1¾" high, has 31 voices, plays the piano, vibraphone and sax, and has its own library? Simon Trask checks out Roland's latest PCM sample module.

S1100 Expansion Unit

If a single S1100 isn't enough for you, Akai's S11OOEX offers an easy way to expand your sampling power. David Mellor meets an ideal partner for his main studio sampler.

Although the title 'maintenance engineer' does not have the glamour of 'producer', it is an essential job. Paul Ward tells us why.

Tech Talk

Matthew Vosburgh takes a conducted tour around software for the Apple Macintosh with the author of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

AHB Keymix

Simon Trask takes an in-depth look qt a computer-controlled modular mixer. Does MIDI programmability represent the future of the mixing console?

No television drama would be complete without a soundtrack, but how do you write them? Nicholas Rowland tunes in to the music channel.

Mark Jenkins reckons he knows his onions when it comes to hi-tech gear, so we asked him to concoct a tasty little number with this new French sampling drum machine - a cross between an RX11 and SP-12.

Floppy disks and tape, Microsound 64, SCI Model 64

Software for the Atari ST

If the usual approach to computer sequencing is unappealing or uninspiring to you, you may find the approach offered by this Atari ST program more to your liking. Chris Meyer finds time for Real Time.

Multitimbral Synth Expander

The latest box out of the Roland stable to incorporate the D50's L/A synthesis. Simon Trask examines how a multitimbral expander designed with the home organ market in mind will find its way into pro studios.

Sampling The Emulator

Share reality with Culture Club producer Steve Levine, the Attractions' Steve Nieve, and keyboard whizz Dave Stewart.

Digital Percussion Synthesiser

The ability to modify its selection of drum and percussion sounds is the strong suit of this expander from Kawai. Vic Lennard reports on the continuing beatbox boom.

Using MIDI Continuous Controllers

Otherwise known as the big black box at the bottom of the rack, the power amplifier is the most unglamorous piece of audio equipment known to man. David Mellor seeks out its finer qualities.

As well as writing, singing and playing on his new single 'When A Heart Beats', Nik Kershaw also took the credit for its production. In an interview with Nick Webb he displays a rarely seen side of his character and discusses his knowledge of recording studio technology and approach to songwriting.

Music Publisher

Aimed at the professional scorewriter, this scorewriting program for the Atari ST goes a long way towards making complex scores easy to handle. Ian Waugh goes public.

how to liven up your music by being open to improvisation

Sleuth journalist Tim Goodyer tracks down video nasties Kevin Godley and Lol Creme in a disreputable part of town. Raymond Chandler would turn in his grave.