Apple Macintosh Software

One of the leading Macintosh sequencing packages has recently undergone another of its periodic face lifts. Ian Waugh checks the state of the performing art.

Roland JX10 Polysynth

Put two JX8P synths in one box, add a few new facilities, and you have a giant of a synthesiser that harks back to the polyphonic instruments of old. Simon Trask (again) tests a glorious anachronism.

David Mellor concludes his 2-part review of the latest version of Steinberg's Cubase sequencing software with an investigation of some of its more complex features: the IPS, MIDI Mixer, and Logical Editing.

The Nightcatchers

First of an occasional series on the twilight zone between recording first demos and collecting that first gold disc. Birmingham's Nightcatchers talk to Tim Goodyer about tight budgets and big-name producers.

Producer John Walters discusses how those noughts and ones will affect us musiciany beings.

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.

APRS Review

Now that our feet have finally recovered from walking round the show, we can tell you what impressed us most (after the free drinks and sweatshirts).

Vestax MR66 6-Track Recorder and RMC88 Studio Mixer

Put these two together and you have a flexible recording and mixing system.

Industry Profile

No hype, no waffle — just tomorrow's products today

Tomorrow's hot products previewed

Guitar

Will there be a rush to purchase Siel's new CMK 49 computer gizmo? We pass judgement.

Steve Reich & Beryl Korot: The Cave

Pioneering documentary music video theatre

Soundcraft Spirit Folio

The good, the bad and the ugly

Stuart Gillan steps out in search of The Cure

Museums, master tapes, MIDI and more; plus, as usual, Deevoy's Demo Demolition

Sequencercheck

How to sync without a trace. Review by Curtis Schwartz

A look at some forthcoming products from the world of hi-tech music and recording.

Siel MK900

Does Siel's MIDI MK900 enhance the portable keyboard market?

Synth Expander

The long-awaited, rack-mounting, multitimbrol, budget analogue synth expander from Cheetah has arrived. Simon Trask turns on and trips out.

Multiple output devices like drum machines and sequencers are placing new demands on mixer manufacturers to come up with increased input channel desks. One of the first to respond are Soundtracs with a new range of recording consoles. Dave Lockwood tries out the 24/8/2/model.

Ensemble keyboards