Why use an expensive sampler for playing bass sounds when you can take advantage of the Pro MIDI Bass and free your sampler for more worthwhile tasks? Mike Collins lets his fingers do the walking.

Eight-track MIDI Sequencer

MT new boy Bob "I'm Confused" O'Donnell checks out the cutest eight-track sequencer available. Have too many corners been cut to reduce the cost?

Reading MIDI Implementation Charts

In spite of MIDI's promise of compatibility between hi-tech musical equipment, few of us have found this to be the case. Vic Lennard takes his second look at MIDI Implementation charts and how they can solve your MIDI problems.

Dave Lockwood casts a critical eye over this low-cost MIDI/tape sync box from Sansui.

Using MIDI Continuous Controllers

MIDI Mutable Mixer

Most small mixers simply don't have enough inputs for even a modest home recording setup. One that certainly does is the new 20:2 Tascam MM1, complete with MIDI mute automation. Tony Hastings checks it out.

MIDI Processors

An interactive drum sequencer and a keyboard to guitar chord convertor are the first new products to emerge from revitalised synth pioneers Oberheim Electronics. Kendall Wrightson gets on the case.

MIDI Remote Controller

Lexicon's MRC unit is much more than a fancy remote controller for their PCM70 and LXP1 signal processors - it also provides analogue-like controls for easy editing of DX synth parameters and manipulation of virtually any MIDI controller data. Martin Russ checks out the power behind the buttons.

If your master keyboard is not living up to its name, Oberheim's Systemizer may provide it with the MIDI performance features you need. Simon Trask gets into the system.

Macintosh MIDI Interface

The new line of cheap Apple Macs sees them Ending more music applications; now the search is on for a cost-effective MIDI interface. Vic Lennard checks out a strong contender.

MX8 MIDI Patchbay/Processor

With so many low-cost MIDI-equipped units around, the days when you could make do with a Thru box and a few cables are long gone. A MIDI patchbay is now an essential purchase, and one of the best is the MX8 MIDI Patchbay/Processor from Digital Music Corp. Tony Hastings checks it out.

Guitarcheck

An instrument to put the Shadow in the shade? Paul Trynka has his doubts

Roland SDE-2500 MIDI digital delay

Roland's MIDI digital delay

MIDI-controlled Stage Lights

Extending MIDI control to cover stage lighting is a logical extension of a system which can already control most aspects of music. Vic Leonard strikes a lite.

Midi Sound Sampler

As the sequencer comes of age, the role of the drum machine is brought into question: why have a sequencer in your drum box if there's already one in your computer? Simon Trask investigates what may be the next step for the beat box.

Guitar-to-MIDI Converter

Paul White, who's owned almost every Roland guitar synth built, puts the new GK1 synth driver and GM70 "brain" under test. Is this the first pitch-to-MIDI system that really works?

MIDI Time Code Controller

With sequencing and tape recording becoming equally important to many musicians, any means of integrating the two is likely to be a welcome development. Vic Lennard looks at a unit that allows Fostex' R8 to be operated from within Steinberg's Cubase.

Thoughts on MIDI's Next Decade

MIDI File Format Patterns

MIDI Tape Recorder Interface

If the prospect of throwing your computer into the back of a Ford Transit and hauling it on stage every night fills you with dread, the new MIDIMan from Musicsoft might well be the solution.

MIDI Controller Keyboard

Simon Trask takes command of Orla’s 88-note weighted keyboard, and brings the sensitivity of the concert pianist to this MIDI module interface. Will the C80 respond?

Software for the Atari ST

This is the first British pro music software to be released for the Atari ST range of computers, and the first to really make full use of the Atari's GEM graphics operating system, according to the manufacturer. Martin Russ checks out their claims.

Not so much a budget console as a professional mixing desk at a surprisingly low price.

Portable MIDI Keyboard Controller

It makes no sound, but it makes a lot of sense.