Digital Sampler

Following in the footsteps of their successful S900 sampler, Akai's new baby looks likely to set new standards in sampling hardware. Simon Trask's thrilled to bits.

Ronald Alpier takes us through a music package for the Archimedes with a difference

Human Rhythm Composer

Since the days of the TR808, Roland have set standards for many other drum machines; now they're concentrating on the human angle. Simon Trask tests the "Human Rhythm Composer".

Wilf Smarties gives a new batch of CDs a spin.

From the ashes of the ill-fated Linn 9000, Roger Linn and Akai have brought forth the MPC60. Simon Trask takes a look at this powerful drum machine and sequencer.

Sampling Percussion System

Not just a sampling drum machine, more a solid state tape recorder! As things start to heat up at the top end of the drum machine market, David Mellor gives E-mu's successor to their popular SP-12 a thorough pounding.

CD player 3-way test

Denon, Pioneer, Vestax lock lasers

Steinberg Cubase Lite and C-Lab Notator Alpha Sequencers

Cubase Light and Notator Alpha are both streamlined versions of their more costly counterparts, designed to make MIDI sequencing on the Atari ST more approachable.

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

Software, sounds and samples

Jay Chapman sinks his teeth into one of the most complex and sophisticated scorewriting and sequencing programs on the market - Jim Miller's Personal Composer for PC compatible computers.

Paul Ireson beats a path to the door of Roland's new flagship drumbox and finds a groovy kind of love.

The Rhythm Section

Landscape's bassist and drummer recount their reasons for choosing to form their own label to Ralph Denyer.

Budget Beats

A beat on the cheap?

And following on from that, David Ellis takes an in-depth look at how the MIDI system works, and the sort of potential it encompasses.

From a new British company comes a new Atari ST software sequencer that looks set to rival Notator and Cubase for power and versatility. The virtuous Nigel Lord boots it up.

The month - this month

Personal Music Studio

The term workstation is officially in demise - to prove it, Ensoniq's SQ1 is dubbed a Personal Music Studio. Simon Trask investigates the best-specified workstation to date.

TX816 Rack, QX1 Digital Sequencer, KX88 Master Keyboard

At last, a detailed appraisal of Yamaha's state-of-the-art MIDI system. FM rack, digital keyboard recorder and master keyboard come under David Ellis' careful scrutiny.

Composition Centre

Announced over a year ago, the all-American DPM3 has finally landed on our shores. Martin Russ takes the wraps off Peavey's much publicised first foray into the hi-tech keyboard market.

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

Software, samples and gadgets for the modern musician