In the third part of our continuing series on the basics of MIDI, Bob O'Donnell concentrates on sequencers, their capabilities and their place in a typical MIDI studio.

Sound Workshop

Paul White shows how you can explore classic mic techniques using basic equipment.

This month's Masterclass looks at the way equalisation can be used to creatively enhance your music.

There has been an enormous upsurge of interest in African music of late. Artists as diverse as Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads and Brian Eno have acknowledged its inspiration on their work. But there is little information around that explains the fundamental concepts behind it and how a musician can incorporate the sounds and ideas into their own work if they wish to. Kofi Busia suggests a few ideas.

A contemporary composer drawing inspiration from the classics

Your kindly editor investigates ways in which the newcomer to recording might spend his money effectively rather than just quickly.

A super-screened distribution board that protects against mains transients, ground loops and short circuits - ideal for every electro-musician

Sounding good with what you've got

Digital drum machines may rule the waves in the R&D labs, but one obsolete analogue device is still the record producers' first choice. Tim Goodyer dissects the appeal of Roland's classic TR808.

Who are the music biz' management, and do you really need them? David Bradwell talks to the people who take care of the stars and their affairs.

We conclude our coverage of this build-it-yourself synth voice card, with a parts list and some application notes for the adventurous.

Martin Russ outlines the practical benefits that using a Star Network can bring to anyone's existing MIDI set-up and further explores some applications of MIDI Switching Units.

TechTalk: Kim Ryrie

In an exclusive interview, the co-founder of the Fairlight company and father of the CMI talks about the machine's development, and outlines his plans for the future. Simon Trask pops the questions.

Wishing you could do more than one thing at a time may be as close as you'll ever get to doing it, but your computer is another story altogether. Harvey P Newquist III explains multitasking and some of its uses.

It's down the shop/in the paper/round your mate's, but what should you look for, and how d'you know if it's a good 'un?

The Soundcraft 200B.

A glimpse of the equipment you could well be buying in the forthcoming year

Until their recent split, Robert John Godfrey was the keyboard maestro behind The Enid, whose massive underground following throughout Europe made them arguably the biggest cult band outside of the States. Frank Ellis met him to talk about his new residential studio, a solo career, and a new approach to recording.

Music U.K. Tells You How To Buy Secondhand Gear

Getting the thorns out of that second-hand rose

IN THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN

From indie rock to sampled success - this band have used technology to change their sound and get themselves into the charts. David Bradwell talks technology, samples and football to Beloved people.

How our seminars rocked London’s APRS Exhibition

Digital voice editing

How to swing the on-screen scalpel

Tony Oxley sneers commendably at commercialism in music.

Cassette Multitracker

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to add multitrack tape recording to your sequencing setup, it couldn't come much more cheaply than with Fostex' X18. Simon Trask goes back to basics with this new cassette multitrack.

Continental Touring: Pitfalls & Problems