More controversy and heated discussion on the subject of blank tape levies.

Direct-to-disk recording explained

MT's guide to the theory and practice of the tapeless studio

Ensoniq EPS16 Plus Sampling Workstation

Ensoniq have transformed their 13-bit EPS sampling workstation with the addition of dynamically controlled 24-bit digital multi-effects, a much improved 16-track MIDI sequencer and full 16-bit sampling. The result is the EPS16 Plus. But does it pass? Kendall Wrightson invigilates.

The price guide to beat all price guides continues with a rundown of available sequencers, software packages and computer music systems.

The man behind Elton’s new mix

If you can't imagine how Steve Hillage, Derrick May and The Orb would sound making music together, you can buy their forthcoming LP and find out. Simon Trask talks to the man behind the guitar and the project.

It's the talk of Paris' hep musical set, Peter Gabriel set up a new record label for it and Ray Lema is one of its greatest exponents - Simon Trask discovers hitech ethnic music is about to make its mark on popular culture.

Playing the Rhodes Chroma with the Apple II Sequencer

All the new stuff, including a special feature on the soon-come Stepp digital guitar.

Stones Guitar Man Jimi Barber talks to Tony Bacon

Super-guitarist, super-producer and Superstar, Nile Rodgers must be doing something right. Our exclusive, in-depth interview with the man and his production team reveals all...

The line between man and machine is blurred; today there exists an entity whose purpose is to make music. Simon Trask discovers that its sights are locked on the dance charts and it absolutely will not stop.

Live Aid

Gig of the century, report of the millenium by Jim Betteridge

SMPTE/MIDI Processor

From soft to hard - Steinberg's latest package is a hardware combination of MIDI patchbay, merger, synchroniser and SMPTE reader rolled into one. It operates as a stand-alone unit or in conjunction with an Atari ST micro. But is it all that it's cracked up to be? Mark Badger investigates.

Turn your ZX Spectrum into an echo machine with sound sampling capabilities using this month's unique project

Nobody has advanced the application of technology in music more than Peter Gabriel. His pioneering use of the Fairlight CMI helped popularise that instrument and give credence to sampling as a creative recording practice. Yet his music has never fallen prey to the technology trap - his latest album So remains a soulful collection of songs heavily reliant on technology but applied with subtlety. Ray Hammond talks to the great man about the album, new technology, Otis Redding, and his role as musician.

Frankfurt Review

Hot news on hot products.

Tascam caused a recording revolution when they introduced the world to the Portastudio, now their Midistudio line looks set to take musicians on another quantum leap. Nigel Lord moves into the 21st century.

EQ Tutorial

Perfecting your sound with a little equalisation

Human Rhythm Composer

And the beat goes on - not least with Roland's latest drum machine, the R70. Simon Trask checks the pulse of the company that gave us the TR808, and are now giving it to us again.

How it was done in the heyday of Pop - Philip Bashe tracked down the bands your dad snogged along to and found out the history of the '60s hits

With a Macintosh computer and Digidesign's new CD-quality digital audio system, you can cut, splice, and create extended remixes to your heart's content. Paul D. Lehrman discovers what it is like to go tapeless in the studio.

The Professional's Keyboard?

Korg's follow-up to the successful M1 takes them further upmarket. David Mellor looks at an instrument for those willing to pay a little extra for the professional touch.

Another glimpse of forthcoming products from the hi-tech music and recording worlds.