TLA Valve Pre-amp/Compressor

Handmade tube signal processor

So it's a good programme?

Four Track Cassettes

A survey of all the popular machines including TEAC, Fostex, RSD, Clarion, Yamaha and Cutec

One way to discover more about recording.

An interview with the ex-After The Fire keyboard player about his home recording experiences and equipment.

Hans Zimmer is the complete antithesis of the serious German synthesist - he smiles a lot for a start! As co-founder of Lillie Yard studio and the proud owner of a surviving Moog Series 8 modular synth, his approach to sound synthesis is a refreshingly traditional one eschewing the very thought of ever using an unmodified factory preset on any of his work! Ralph Denyer explains why.

'Now the Virgin returns,' quoth Virgil, and who are we to disagree? Mel Lambert takes a colourful look at Richard Branson's new London studio: a Town House for the Lord of the Manor.

MIDI Guitars: Who needs them?

Despite the variety of MIDI guitar systems around, nobody has got it right yet. Dove Lockwood offers his views on where manufacturers are going wrong.

A look at the shape of things to come in the recording world.

Mackie CR1604 Mixer

The mixer market is dominated by British manufacturers, with a range of Japanese designs also popular in MIDI setups. However, a new American compact mixer offers impeccable audio quality, and outstanding features and value that look hard to beat. Dave Lockwood welcomes the newcomer.

Hansa Berlin

Hansa Berlin can produce quality demos on a Yamaha MT-44. Martin Moody got right on the case

Where everything clicks

Your questions answered

Mixing Desk

If you can't afford to be without a fully-featured mixing desk but can't afford the usual asking price, it could be that you haven't checked out Studiomaster's Pro Line Gold. Tim Goodyer has...

Guitar Effects Processor

The Zoom 9002 effects processor won universal praise for its combination of compact size and classy sound. Dave Lockwood checks out its newly-launched little brother, the Zoom 9000.

From his remixes of dance music through his record releases with LA Mix, Les Adams has specialised in making a lot out of a little equipment. His latest project is a solo LP, as Simon Trask finds out.

The Big Dream

Tony Reed takes the high road to Kilburn

A ten preset voice electronic piano with touch sensitive keyboard and separate bass section.

Instruments & Equipment

Soundcraft Spirit Studio

Soundcraft's new Spirit Studio is the company's first serious move into the domestic end of the studio market, a compact fully-featured mixer for the generation of affordable multitracks. Dave Lockwood checks it out.

DAT Recorder

Tascam's latest machine has all the features we have come to expect of a professional DAT recorder. Dave Lockwood assesses its performance.

Preliminary Details

Part one of a major article on the construction of E&MM's own six-channel keyboard mixer. Step-by-step design guide by Paul White.

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.