expand the DK80, plus MIDI data base

EffectsCheck

Two little boxes to let your MIDI gear do more than you ever thought possible — Curtis Schwartz reports

MIDI Connection Matrix

There are now more peripheral MIDI devices than there are MIDI-equipped musical instruments. Trish McGrath treads through the debris to report on an ingenious connection matrix from London's Syco Systems.

Secondhand synths

A buyers guide for the second hand market.

E&MM contributor of old, Vince S. Hill, on Roland's DCB-standard digital keyboard recorder.

Ever wondered what goes on in a commercial 16-track studio once the red light comes on? Roger Jackson of West Coast Music reveals all...

While most of us spend our time trying to get our MIDI equipment to work together properly, Martin Russ reveals how to creatively mis-use MIDI and produce some interesting musical results.

There can be few musicians who've amassed such a huge collection of synthesisers as the ex-Buggles keyboardist. Paul Wiffen talks to him about his machines, and finds he still finds a use for most of them.

Boots No 7 or Fairlight Series 3? Tony Reed trades fashion tips with the Duran and Arcadia ivory-tinkler

Now making a huge impact in the north of Britain, Detroit's techno music owes its roots to a handful of far-sighted pioneers - amongst them Derrick May. Simon Trask discusses the future of electronic music.

Reader Peter Forrest relates his delightful tales of woe.

Portable Keyboard

Budget polysynth or home organ accessory? Casio attempt to find another gap in the market with Spectrum Distortion synthesis. Nicholas Rowland finds it's not too far from old-fashioned analogue.

We all know MIDI works fine on paper. Vince S. Hill has found the reality to be rather more troublesome, and relates some of his interconnection experiences.

Geoff Mitcham's account of how he set up his own mobile recording studio.

Rich Bitch Studio

From rehearsal room to recording complex. David Bradwell tells the story of a Midlands musician who hopes to open a nationwide chain of recording studios.

Vesta Kozo's latest offering is a MIDI to CV conversion box, the MDI-1, primarily designed to allow control of that company's rack-mount sampler from a MIDI keyboard, though its usefulness doesn't have to end there - as Ian Gilby discovered.

The most recent polysynth from the Roland stable replaces the long-serving Juno 6 and 60, and adds MIDI compatibility, more program memories, and polyphonic portamento. Geoff Twigg reports.

Polyphonic MIDI Sound Sampler

A real advance in the field of accessible polyphonic sound sampling. Tim Goodyer finds out if the 612's beauty is more than price-tag-deep.

Techno music, the true successor to late seventies synth-pop, translates the desolation of post-Motown Detroit into electronic dance rhythms. Simon Trask listens to the programmer's tale.

Co-founder of the techno movement, Model 500's Juan Atkins discusses yesterday's technology and influences, and tomorrow's music. Technospeak: Simon Trask.

Confronting the "difficult third album" syndrome has presented fewer problems for Inner City mentor Kevin Saunderson than the "more of the same" second album syndrome. Simon Trask discusses musical ideologies, pop trends and advancing technology.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

Martin Russ kicks off our new series by recapping on some MIDI basics before starting to demystify the secrets of MIDI's System Exclusive commands.

Fun In The Waves

MIDI Hardware and Software for RS232 Interface Standard

A MIDI utility hardware and software package for any RS232-equipped micro. Review by Simon Trask, who’s thinking of having RS232 fitted to himself.