The all-but-forgotten guitar synth is due to return to music shops with a vengeance this summer, in the shape of Roland's GR700/G707 system and a breathtaking new British design, the SynthAxe. Paul White puts both instruments through their paces.

Richard Dean tells how to get all the wires in the right places.

Thresholds and ratios explained

The final part of the saga.

Drum Modules

Repackaging a powerful and popular drum machine as a rackmount and adding drum triggers is sure to attract more interest to it. Nigel Lord explores the new Cheetah MD16.

If the sound of your kid sister hitting a biscuit-tin lid is your idea of what a snare drum should sound like, Simmons' new EPROM blower should make your sampling dreams come true. Paul White reports.

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.

Your Plastic Pal Who's Fun To Sing With

You can produce vocal pyrotechnics little short of magic with this rackmount version of the acclaimed VHM5 Vocalist. Our reviewer sings its praises.

A brief look at the basics of this important synchronisation system.

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

New software, updates, sounds, and samples

Synthcheck

An expansion on the Expander with a free (£1200) keyboard! Paul Fishman goes upmarket

A surprisingly flexible and easy to use unit that offers first class results.

Chris Meyer takes an in-depth look at Oberheim's EPROM burner and reader, and considers its renewed significance in the light of continually evolving MIDI applications.

Tascam Porta Two

This month's cover feature, the brand new Tascam Porta 2. Bristling with features, this 6-channel, 4-track portable studio still falls within an attractive price bracket.

PART 2: Microphones. David Mellor cuts through the mythology of microphone techniques with some practical advice.

Adam Mosley chats about producing The Plot Thickens

Public Domain Software

As some readers write in to complain about the price of commercial music software, Ian "tightwad" Waugh is busy taking advantage of the software available free in the public domain.

Mixers

In this month's article we take a look at the most central piece of equipment in any recording studio; the mixer.

As October is Guitar Month we chat to Hap Kuffner, Vice-President of Steinberger Inc who proffers a few wise words about the current state of the industry

Which Gear is Right for You?

If you've got a serious syncing problem, chances are the new Sync Box will be your best bet for a solution, as Paul White explains.

...Beating Like This. In the fourth part of our series, Matt Isaacson casts a critical eye over some of the electronic drum pads now available; will using them create a better beat?

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.