Betteridge back again, with a step-by-step guide to the mysteries of mike technique.

Cassette Multitracking Guide

A complete idiot's guide to buying a four-track cassette recorder, with hints on what features to look for, and a rundown of some of the most popular machines.

news from the musical front

Live Music for the Hi-Tech Musician

We've been sold and resold the idea that digital is better than analogue, but what is digital sound and why is it revolutionising music technology? Peter Bergren counts the bits.

All the Fun of the Fair

What's new in the way of equipment including the latest from the Frankfurt show.

Exclusive news from UK Electronica, plus all the latest in the world of MIDI music

Emagic Logic Audio

Direct-to-disk software for Mac

Man Jumping sticksman Simon Limbrick talks about tuned percussion, sampled percussion and technology on the stage. Nicholas Rowland tunes in to the rhythm of technology.

Best known as a top Flamenco guitarist, Juan Martin has recently released a sensitive album that combines classical guitar with the ethereal textures of Mark Isham's synthesizers. Robin Lumley questions him about this unlikely collaboration and discovers the best ways of miking up classical guitars into the bargain.

Yet another selection of recently announced new products to whet your appetite!

The gossip that's hot from the team that's not

Abandoning guitars for samplers, Skin became Fluke and discovered new artistic freedom. Simon Trask listens to the man/machine argument from people who've learned both sides of it.

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

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

Tascam's compact and versatile new M1516 desk is aimed squarely at the semi-pro 8-track market. The not-so compact but even more versatile Dave Lockwood checks it out.

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 1 Nobby Line builds 8-track Tascam rig

In these space-conscious times, Fostex have developed a diminutive new 8-track tape recorder you can store out of sight and control fully from its detachable front panel remote control/autolocator. David Mellor takes it for a spin...

No hype, no waffle — just tomorrow's products today

Tomorrow's hot products previewed

Prophet 600

While Sequential's Prophet 5 will always be regarded as a milestone in synthesiser technology, their Prophet 600 is almost forgotten already. Gordon Reid attempts to correct the history books.

The marriage between MIDI and SMPTE is now complete, but the burning question remains: how will musicians and engineers benefit from it? Chris Meyer traces the link from its source to its users.

A plethora of new hi-tech products to whet your appetite.