Our regular column devoted to readers' hints and tips about their recording equipment, instruments, software and playing techniques.

Atari ST Sampler

Turning your ST into a sampler is one way of getting into sampling on the cheap. Ian Waugh sounds out an improved version of Microdeal's successful Replay sampler.

sequencer for the Atari ST, TT and Falcon

A 16-track package from weden for the ST, TT or Falcon. Any resemblance to Creator is not coincidental

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?

and Frankfurt firsts

Unheralded even by rumours and speculation, Ensoniq's new VFX synthesizer has arrived. Prior to a full review next month, Paul Ireson offers his first impressions of what could turn out to be the most sought after synth of 1989.

Keyboard Training

spinning the circle of fifths

This cost-effective sequencing package from Passport comes ready to run on all the popular music computers. Ian Waugh checks out the newest relative in the MasterTracks family.

iPD Digital Synthesiser

Casio's latest synthesiser employs the successor to the company's own PD synthesis system - interactive Phase Distortion. Bob O'Donnell investigates a new phase in synthesis.

Software for the Atari ST

If you and your studio are in business together, money management can be a big problem. Tim Goodyer checks out a useful accounts program and a host of studio utilities written with the musician in mind.

At last the instructions

Computer Drums

Perhaps the fastest-evolving Atari sequencing software is Hollis Research's Trackman which has just reached version II. Ian Waugh gets back on track.

Rob Beattie harnesses the power of the ever popular LA expander range with this Editor/Librarian package from Steinberg

Patchwork

Despite the technological revolution that has changed the way almost everything else in music is produced, you still need a singer to record vocals — or do you? David Hughes looks at a sample CD that opens the door to a new way of laying down backing vocals.

Microvox Mimic Digital Sound Editor

High-spec sampler for the CBM 64

There may be few instruments in the world that have not yet been sampled, but there is still an infinite number of ways it can be done. David Mellor auditions the Sonic Images sample library volumes 2 and 3.

SOS Online

Paul Gilby reports on activities on Europe's new electronic communications system for musicians.

explorer-esque

John Chowning, inventor of FM synthesis and the man indirectly responsible for Yamaha's DX synths, receives an interrogation from Simon Trask. In the event, our man scarcely gels a word in edgeways.

Martin Russ orchestrates his way through two fascinating ST programs from French software house, Digigram.

Info and addresses for the networked musician