Aria Competition Answers, Portland Studios, Introducing News Notes

the joys and pitfalls of having a festive hit: the stars tell all

This month’s Checklist turns its attention to the world of electronic drum kits and drum machines. Price guides will never be the same again.

A super-spy comes clean, but the questions go on

Almost exactly a year since the launch of the ensoniq SQ1, an updated version has arrived. Paul Ireson looks at the 1991 model of Ensoniq's most affordable workstation.

Our regular monthly exploration of upcoming new products.

funk and hi-tech facilities

interacting with the future

Your passport to future worlds

More recording legends: Norman Petty tapes Buddy Holly.

Drums

Ramblin' Pete Randall gives the rundown on Synare 3, Tama Octobans and Pearl stands.

Keyboards

System Exclusive messages promised to make MIDI a flexible and powerful communications standard; instead it seems to have caused MIDI havoc. Vic Lennard takes an Exclusive look.

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

Brian Eno

Pat Metheny and the well-tempered Synclavier

Vintage technology strikes back

Inside the vintage vault

Everything you need to know to get a thoroughly professional sound onto tape, and how to treat it once it's there.

New products — New people

Personal Keyboard

The world's most advanced portable domestic keyboard is just about to hit the UK. Dan Goldstein finds out what FM voices, PCM drums and MIDI add up to.

Casio DH100

Don’t be fooled by its toy-town looks - Casio’s DH100 comes with six sounds and a built-in speaker, but it is a remarkably good MIDI wind controller for £99. Tony Crowle decides to take it seriously.

Breaking The Silence

Brian Eno, is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in electronic music, yet his creative energies have recently been directed into other people's music. Now, with the release of one solo and one collaborative album approaching, he gives a rare interview to Mark Prendergast.

MIDI Sampling Hardware and Software for Commodore 64

In which a long-awaited, British-built sampling hardware/software package for the CBM64 catches MIDI and makes it to the review stage. Simon Trask reports.