A nostalgic look back at 1985 by the people who bring E&MM to you each month. Was it really that bad?

You may be a whizz with the little black boxes, but how are you at recording real sounds and real performances? Wilf Smarties serves up a selection of tasty studio tricks.

Fender Facts

The true story, told at last!

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 2: Martin Russ reveals even more about the uses and applications of MIDI's most powerful function.

Yamaha SY22 Dynamic Vector Synthesizer

If you're one of those musicians who recall the Prophet VS synthesizer with misty-eyed affection, then you'll probably welcome Yamaha's decision to resurrect vector synthesis on this latest addition to their SY range. Paul Ireson checks out this blast from the past.

Following on from last month's preview, Paul Ireson provides a thorough rundown of this easy-to-use, 32-track, pattern-based sequencer for the Atari ST.

An Avalanche of new gear will be hitting the shops soon, following the British Music Fair. MUSIC U.K. brings you a complete look at what's on the way

Reports from the musical instrument exhibition plus interviews with five of the world's top designers, researchers and experts.

Floppy disks and tape, Microsound 64, SCI Model 64

Direct-to-Disk Studio System

Here's a computer-based sequencer with a difference - PROMIDI records direct-to-disk, lets you structure your music any way you please, and runs on low-cost PC compatible computers. Ian Gilby investigates...

Part 2. Richard Elen concludes his guide to computers and communications for musicians with details of how to join and log on to two musicians' networks: PAN and Esi Street. There's also an extensive glossary of terms to help newcomers to this exciting field understand what it is all about.

In this lengthy article, Craig Anderton explains all the features found on sequencers, from the simple to the esoteric. It is intended for those who are trying to make an intelligent purchasing decision about a sequencer and don't fully understand all the options that are available.

20 guitar combos of 100 Watts get a good going over by five fine guitar players: in this first part Acoustic to Lab receive the ole SI ear ole test.

Every Current Model Reviewed

All you need to know about choosing a cassette multitrack, plus concise reviews of every current model on the market.

News Special

Read all the hot news from the biggest ever show of new instruments and gear

The Musical Instrument Digital Interface has revolutionised the way we write and record music. Martin Russ delves deep into MIDI's 10-year history, explains its many recent changes and additions, and looks ahead to see what the future will hold.

The first of an innovative new series on musical applications of your home micro

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

Software, sounds and samples