Sequencercheck

Casio get further into the pro market, Chris Jenkins gets into their newie

Why they won't work and how they do

MIDI mergers - can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Don Erskine looks at the uses and misuses of mergers and concludes that two into one will go.

TechTalk: Steven Randall

The man behind the Stepp DG1 guitar talks about his invention, the playing techniques required for it, and his views on what MIDI offers the guitarist, in conversation with Neville Marten.

Linn 9000

Linn's new 9000 combines drum machine and MIDI recorder-making it the heart of your set up.

Talking musical morsels, and how not to mince them

Touring With Nik Kershaw

Drummer Mark Price tells what it's really like to be up there on stage. Did anyone say terrifying?

Following the success of the Octapad and Octapad II, Roland have come down-budget with a MIDI percussion controller to suit all pockets. Simon Trask scores a hit.

attachable four-string extra

Songwriter/musician Nick Graham gets to grips with the MC500

Solo synthesist Thomas Leer has gone from Stylo phone to Fairlight in four easy stages. He tells Dan Goldstein how it was done.

N.A.M.M. Winter Market at Anaheim

A special guitar report from the N.A.M.M. show

Ever wanted to release your own album? Here's the story of one determined SOS reader, Bob Geal, who did just that.

Cassette Multitrack

It is said that small is beautiful - and Tascam's new personal multitrack machine is certainly small. Nik Newark dubs his demos and road tests Tascam's latest four-track cassette machine.

Studios & Recording

Digital Programmable Algorithm Synthesiser

Keyboard composer/player and leader of Hungary's top rock band, LGT

MIDI-To-Tape Synchronisation

MIDI-to-tape sync: why you need it, what it does and how you use it.

Why are microphones so different, why do some cost the earth — and which one should you use for which job? All is revealed.

Another month's worth of hot products.

the truth about touring

Yamaha EMX3500 Powered Mixer

Ministudio

Is there still room for a little old style analogue technology? Tascam offer evidence for the defence

What is 1¾" high, has 31 voices, plays the piano, vibraphone and sax, and has its own library? Simon Trask checks out Roland's latest PCM sample module.