Roland's flagship sampling module boasts an impressive specification, and its page-based screens are oddly reminiscent of the famous Fairlight. Kendall Wrightson finds out how impressive it is in the flesh.

Software for Commodore 64

The addition of a MIDI module allows this software package for the Commodore computer to control external synthesizers amongst other things. Ian Waugh reports.

Software for the Apple Macintosh

Possibly the most sophisticated and powerful scorewriting program to date comes from American company Coda. Bob O'Donnell keeps the score.

Nicholas Rowland guides us through the tricky process of choosing the best sequencer for our money

FM Synthesiser

Yamaha call It "Easy FM" - it's the latest and most friendly presentation of FM synthesis to date. Ian Waugh takes the easy option.

Atari ST Software

One emerging trend in software sequencing is that of endowing your computer with musical "intelligence". Ian Waugh contends that machines can have feelings too.

General MIDI Music Workstation

Ensoniq EPS Sample Editor

Perhaps its because the auto-looping functions on Ensoniq's EPS sampler are so effective that computer-based sample editing software for the machine is so thin on the ground? Matthew Newman checks out Gelva Software's first offering.

SY77 Editor/Librarian/Manager

The first of the software assists for editing and archiving on Yamaha's flagship SY77 comes from Germany. Ian Waugh breaks out the schnapps.

Digital Synthesiser

Although Yamaha are reluctant to call it a workstation, the V50 incorporates FM synthesis, drum voices, and sequencing and effects processing facilities. Dan Rue checks out Yamaha's workst...

Roland DJ70 Sampling Keyboard

Roland's DJ70 repackages the guts of an S750 as a DJ-oriented sampling keyboard with a glut of time-saving features. Wilf Smarties welcomes the unit that redefines user friendly sampling.

Software for the Atari ST

Continuing the theme of computers and composition, Ludwig is Hybrid Arts' contribution to the growing selection of algorithmic composers currently available. Ian Waugh walks the dog.

Sample Player

The ethnically sound rack-mount

Jay Chapman goes through the rest of the functions our own DX editing program, DX7ED, is capable of executing.

The gossip that's hot from the team that's not

Atari ST Software

Combining four Dr T's programs, Omega brings together scorewriting, sequencing and powerful editing facilities on the Atari ST. Ian Waugh reckons it's Christmas.

Beyond the Groove

Software for the Atari ST

Until now writing MIDI software has been the preserve of a few dedicated individuals, but T-Basic offers to make MIDI programming accessible to the masses. Ian Waugh gets online.

Atari ST Software

When Yamaha launched their latest flagship synth, the SY77, they knew it was only a matter of time before it received software support. Ian Waugh goes editing with Steinberg.

MIDI Keyboard Controllers

As MIDI equipment becomes more and more sophisticated, the job of a MIDI controller keyboard becomes more and more demanding. Simon Trask takes the A train with Roland's latest MIDI controllers.

Kawai's latest synth comes complete with their latest approach to sound creation: Digital Multi Spectrum synthesis. Ian Waugh checks out some serious competition for FM and LA.

Cross Wave Synthesiser

The successor to Ensoniq's popular ESQ1 expands on the sound and sequencing facilities and adds polyphonic aftertouch to the ESQ's spec. Simon Trask goes in search of the performance synthesiser.

Sample Editing Software

A sample editing package to beat all sample editing packages? Robert Rich test-drives a universal editor that may be the answer to many a sampling studio's prayers.

Vintage technology strikes back

...including The A-Z of Analogue