Expander modules may be the modular synths of our age, but are they as good? Steve Howell explores the Akai VX90 and provides some guidance on how it can be used with Akai's range of sampling machines.

What do one of London's top studios do with a computer room?

1989 PC Show Report

Over 100,000 people attended this year's show; Paul Ireson reveals what you missed music-wise if you stayed at home.

Lexicon PCM70

Launched over two years ago, the PCM70 digital effects processor is still at the forefront of technology thanks to Lexicon's foresight in making it software updatable and MIDI controllable in every conceivable way. Mark Badger checks it out.

In the battleground that is the record business, one band have managed to find the space to be one of the most individual and resourceful of British talents. Nigel Lord talks uncommerciality in an Immaterial world.

TLA Valve Pre-amp/Compressor

Handmade tube signal processor

Having hit upon the right formula with their successful 1882 mixer, Seck have now introduced a cut-price 1282 version aimed more at the needs of the 8-track user. Paul Gilby monitored its performance.

JHS Tubeman

Guitar DI/Preamp with wider applications

Should You Upgrade from a DX7 to a DX7II?

If you already own a Mk1 DX7, you're now faced with an agonising dilemma: do you risk everything and chop it on for the MkII model? Howard Massey weighs up the pros and cons of taking the plunge.

Digital Sonic Modulator

Following hot on the heels of the DPS-D7 and R7 digital delay and reverb units comes a third dedicated processor in Sony's DPS series — the DPS-M7. David Mellor wonders whether this marks the end of the line for multiple effects units.

Your chance to check out some of the new products launched at January’s NAMM

Is hip hop an unending stream of monotonous, empty rhythms, or the brightest star in the use of modern musical technology? Tim Goodyer cross-questions MC Tee and DJ Mantronik.

The Return of the Modular Synthesizer

Digidesign continue to add to their innovative range of synthesis programs which use the flexibility of computers for sound creation and the hardware of MIDI samplers to replay the sounds. Paul Wiffen finds he loves the former but hates the latter.

AKG, Beyer, Sennheiser Back-Electret Microphones

Three top name, back-electret mics that turn in a professional performance at a semi-pro price, rounded up by Paul White.

NAMM Winter Market, Anaheim

Paul Wiffen, hotfoot from California, reports on the machines that made headlines at the US music industry's winter shindig...

Digital Sequence Recorder

In a world dominated by software sequencers, Rowland Jones finds he still has a soft spot for Yamaha's hardware variety.

If you make extensive use of MIDI keyboards, drum machines or MIDI controlled effects, this flexible package revolutionise your studio.

Who, What, Where & When...

Dual port programmable MIDI remote controller

MIDI control from the ground up

What the hell's a MIDI Performance System? David Mellor does his level best to explain.

With SUPER MRC Software

When Roland's forward-thinking design team made the original MC500 an ‘open’ system, they did users a favour. Built-in obsolescence became less of a fear, provided Roland stuck to their promise of future updates and upgrades. The release of the Super MRC software shows they have. It's available on its own for existing MC500 owners, or packaged with expanded hardware in the guise of the MC500 MkII. Paul Ireson keeps you updated.

Dave Lockwood takes a shine to Tascam's new top-of-the-range Portastudio, the 464.

Studiomaster were one of the first established mixer manufacturers to incorporate MIDI facilities in one of their desks and to mate it to a personal computer. Mark Badger assesses whether the marriage is successful.