THE ULTIMATE SOFT MACHINE

The Fairlight (in its previous Series II guise) was/is probably the most famous computer musical instrument in the world. Everybody knows the name, but few really know what its true capabilities are. Now there is a new breed of Fairlight, far more powerful and far more sophisticated than the old one ever was - the Series III. Richard Elen takes a look at the mind-boggling potential of this Rolls-Royce of sound sampling/synthesizing machines.

A new band, a new album, and a new year. Planning ahead with the Police behind you.

Part 2 sees Roland's SBX-80 Sync Box and SRV-2000 Reverb jump into action as Paul Gilby explains the practicalities of creative mixing with MIDI controlled effects.

Electronic Drums

Pick up sticks; the latest electronic kit from Roland doesn't come with its own voices but Nicholas Rowland discovers its MIDI converter may have other uses in the studio.

Software for the Atari ST

If computer-based sequencing seems too complicated or too expensive for you, AB Software's Midistudio could change your life. Ian Waugh boots up a friendly and inexpensive sequencer for the Atari ST.

Gajits' popular Atari ST sequencer one has now arrived on the Commodore Amiga Paul Overaa takes a look.

Ibanez are late entrants to the fast-moving field of digital reverb products, but their new SDR 1000 unit has something different about it that caught the eye of reviewer Mark Jenkins. Read the review to find out what...

PLI Infinity Turbo Drive

Removable hard disks represent a cost-effective solution to data backup and storage problems for sampler owners. Kendall Wrightson takes a look at the PLI Infinity Turbo Drive in use with the Akai S1000.

gets better

16-track Tape Recorder

Ever since its launch, the Fostex B16 has dominated the budget 16-track studio market Now Paul White tests its successor, the E16, and finds out if the improvements are worthwhile.

Drums and Percussion

Nowhere is the correct use of reverb more important than in the treatment of drum and percussion sounds. We reveal all — and we tell you a bit about reverb too.

More recording legends: Norman Petty tapes Buddy Holly.

Akai S3000 and S2800 Samplers

Computercheck

A roundup of all the available music software including Island Logic, Greengate and MusiCal.

Producer extraordinaire gets interactive

wealthy, successful and influential, but not an ounce of dress sense in sight

Synthcheck

Yamaha DX7, Casio CZ5000, Juno 106, Korg DW6000, 30 to 1 the field. Commentator, Tony Mills

Dave Reed finds happiness in the Channel Islands thanks to the Trackman sequencer for the ST

the Yamaha story

Kurzweil PC88

Master keyboard with sounds

plugged in and turned on

The Mixer

A brand new series that delves into the intricacies of studio equipment. Part 1: The Mixer.