The story behind E&MM's most striking front cover for years. Dan Goldstein talks to Les Arnett, graphic artist extraordinaire, on the creation of a music/cornputer/video masterpiece.

Bryston 3B

Powerful studio amp

One of the nerve centres of any studio is its mixing desk - but how do you choose a mixer which is both affordable and expandable? Tim Goodyer discovers a desk which is built to last and to grow - and cost very little.

The CLARION Home Studio — Best yet cassette?

Studiomaster Star System Mixer

Is it an analogue modular synth? No! It's a mixer with a difference.

Chris Maillard samples Dave Yorath and his extensive MIDI system

For the DX7II

Grey Matter Response's E! expansion for the DX7 virtually gave it the power of the DX7II; E! for the DX7II represents another quantum leap in DX capability. Chris Many checks it out.

Digital Multi-Track Sequencer

BASIC music loading program for the ZX81

Not quite a name, not quite a musical instrument, but a useful tool for sampling and investigating sound with the help of a BBC B computer, a couple of controls, and some friendly advice from Uncle Ian Waugh.

A new programming aid for the Kawai R100 takes the form of DrumDroid software for the Atari ST. Scott Gershin becomes a "mouse drummer".

The Logical Choice?

Advice on what to look for in a commercial studio when considering your first recording venture.

Cassette Multitracker

When cassette multitrackers were new they said everybody should have one - now that there are machines like the X28 around, everybody can. Nigel Lord says small is beautiful.

In Part 1 of a 2-part review, Cubase enthusiast David Mellor looks at the fully matured version of one of the world's favourite sequencers.

We look at internal sampling packages for all the top micros in this definitive round up

Dave Lockwood reviews this aptly named add-on audio triggering unit for C-Lab's highly popular Creator/Notator sequencing system.

Intended to help you find your way around MIDI, Midia forms part of C-Lab's educational ST software programme. Ian Waugh finds it indispensable as a MIDI monitor.

Can't quite stretch your budget to a 688 MIDIStudio? Richard Aaron checks out Tascam's appealingly priced new 8-track portastudio.

To fill a room. Well, it depends. To find out just what, use those fingers (on those pages).

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.

A step-by-step guide to the workings of a typical mixing console.

This charming new mixer has a detachable bowl and three speed settings... what do you mean it's not that kind of mixer?

The problems and pleasures of home studio upgrading.

Check out some of the forthcoming and recently released new products from the hi-tech and recording fields.