Our colourful glimpse of forthcoming and recently released new products from the hi-tech and recording fields.

The MT guide to CD-ROM

Entertainment format of the future, or simply a handy digital storage medium? Ian Waugh writes the (Yellow) book on CD-ROM.

Interrogate your Prophet synthesiser with this unique program that lets you display the patch settings on screen!

Opcode Track Chart

Need to keep track of your tracks in the studio? Opcode's Track Chart offers a package of handy utilities for engineers; Mike Collins tries it out.

Possibly the most timely and influential synthesiser development of the 70s was the Prophet 5. Dave Crombie takes a look back at the polysynth that was modelled on the Minimoog.

From the American Dr Ts comes an Atari ST program capable of additive, FM, AM and multiwaveform synthesis as well as sample editing. Chris Meyer asks if facilities are everything.

The Tapeless Recording Market Survey

The tapeless recording revolution is in full swing, as technology that once was available only to the few develops in products that suit a wider range of applications and pockets. Yasmin Hashmi looks at the development of the technology, the current state of the market and how it is likely to progress.

David Mellor reviews this affordable music printing program for IBM PC compatibles, which is capable of producing very high quality scores.

Software for Commodore 64

Do we need another German software package for the Commodore 64. The C-Lab company think we do, and after playing with their first system, Simon Trask finds himself agreeing.

A brief look at the new bits and pieces that make life interesting.

Hybrid Technology's Chris Jordan, designer of the Music 500 Synthesizer for the BBC Micro, speculates on the future of MIDI and what developments it requires to satisfy the needs of more adventurous users and the promise of more advanced technology.

Sequencing On Stage

Sequencers are a boon in the studio, but on stage they create the potential for problems that can ruin a gig. Paul Ireson explains how to steer clear of trouble.

If you make extensive use of MIDI keyboards, drum machines or MIDI controlled effects, this flexible package revolutionise your studio.

Having made your decision to opt for a software-based MIDI music system, which computer do you choose? Which is best? Are they all the same? Mark Badger considers the three prime contenders.

Computer-controlled Rhythm Sequencer

Some drum sequencer software that's as user-friendly as it's versatile. Paul White enthuses over MPC's latest little marvel.

Software for the Amiga

A British company have a comprehensive sampling package for Commodore's Amiga. Does it set a standard against which subsequent Amiga software will be judged? Chris Jenkins finds out.

PART 2: SEQUENCING AND NOTATION

In the second part of MT's look at the powerful Synclavier system, Dan Rue and Scott Wilkinson embark on their very own fantastic journey into the heart of the beast to consider its sequencing and notation abilities.

why USA musicians favour big computers

Vintage technology strikes back

The retro-lover's playground