A colourful round-up of what's new in the hi-tech recording arena.

With Digital Audio Tape becoming widely used for mastering, it's important to know how it differs from its quarter-inch predecessor and how it can benefit you. Vic Lennard acknowledges his new master.

Uncle Chas de Whalley talks to Barry Andrews about life with Auntie

Yamaha MT44D Recording System

Where To Hire The Things You Cant Afford To Buy

Where to hire the things too expensive to buy.

A new sampled drum machine, available as a kit or finished item.

'S' Appeal

Is it the birth of a new standard? Dave Lockwood drools over Tascam's Dolby S-equipped one-inch 24-track.

The future looks like this

Ralph Denyer gets gizmological with Kevin 'n' L

Initially, the consequences of RD's actions could be Kevin or L — there'LL be L to K. (2 down).

at five

Interested in hi-tech higher education? Chris Kempster reports on the MIDI studios and recording courses available to students at Salford College Of Technology.

Contour your instrument envelopes with this versatile effect unit

Korg DSM1 & E-mu SP1200

Are the latest samplers from Korg and E-mu Systems really new instruments, or are they simply updates on old machines? Lorenz Rychner counts the bits and checks the clocks.

Martin Goldman examines the dos and don'ts of tape machine maintenance.

Part 3 of the 8-track At Home review by Nobby Line

Electronic Drum Amplifier

Of the current crop of combo amps designed specifically for electronic percussion, this is one of the most promising. Nigel Lord puts it through its paces.

From SOS to 8-track

Another chance to see who bought what, why they bought it and how pleased they are now that it's too late to send it back.

PART 1: In the first installment of this two-part feature, we take a look behind the scenes at the design, development and construction of a modern day professional recording studio.

Modular Mixing Console

Does Soundcraft's new 200 Delta mixer succeed in being all things to all men? David Mellor finds out...

AN ALBUM PRODUCED ENTIRELY ON A PERSONAL COMPUTER

Part 1. American, Paul D. Lehrman, documents how he recently recorded an album of synthesized Irish music entirely on an Apple Macintosh computer using the Southworth Music Systems 'Total Music' software.

More meaty studio hints and tips to get your teeth into.

Multi-tracking and Overdubbing

This month we examine basic multitrack techniques including overdubbing and drop-ins, and explain about sync.

Mixing Desk

Q: Just what is a Minister Without Portfolio? A: A leading member of the Government who hasn't got Soundcraft's nifty new portable mixer, that's what. Nicholas Rowland raises questions in The House