Boss RSD10

A budget pitch following sampler for the ever expanding Boss Micro Rack.

IT's guide through the MIDI jungle

A look at the new, exciting Musical Instrument Digital Interface

Add a new dimension to your music with this superb multiway springline system.

The 'guitar synthesizer' appears to be going through a new lease of life at present, with many manufacturers releasing guitar-based synth controlling devices that make good use of MIDI's powers of expression. Ian Gilby tries out one such model: the Shadow GTM-6.

Dynacord Rhythm Stick

A guitar for drummers, a percussion controller for keyboardists, or a drum-kit for guitar players? The Rhythm Stick could be all of these things, as Nigel Lord discovers.

The quest to build the ideal MIDI guitar controller continues with Yamaha's eagerly-awaited G10. Aaron Hallas makes the pick-up.

Dynacord MCC1 Interface

The world has been waiting for an interface box that solves all its MIDI routing problems at a single stroke. Simon Trask reckons the wait is now over.

preset poly

Casio CZ5000

Casio's latest portable synth

Part 5 sees software specialist Jay Chapman exploring the innermost secrets of 'channel voice messages' and more in his continuing analysis of the MIDI protocol.

Systemcheck

Strongly recommended to DX owners. Reviewed by Curtis Schwartz

Sampler Updates

Leading the battle against planned obsolescence are the sampler manufacturers, whose machines receive updates almost monthly. We re-test three samplers to find out how they've changed.

Sequential Circuits' MIDI sequencer for the Commodore 64 looks like a bargain at only £185. David Ellis checks out the reality.

MIDI Computer Interface and Software

German company Jellinghaus have been producing some interesting-looking MIDI software for some while. Now Rosetti are bringing it into the UK, and David Ellis has managed to get his hands on a few review samples.

Psychoacoustic Enhancer

Yamaha's DX7 may well be a classic keyboard but its MIDI implementation and small onboard memory are starting to look decidedly limited compared to newer generation keyboards. What's needed is an upgrade, and the add-on E! board from America's Grey Matter Response is certainly that! Martin Russ enthuses over its features.

Bananas and Softsels

Advice for those with unusual computers

As your MIDI studio expands, MIDI management becomes more and more important. Vic Lennard investigates an 8x8 MIDI patchbay that could make your music more important than your MIDI leads.

Roland JX10 Polysynth

Put two JX8P synths in one box, add a few new facilities, and you have a giant of a synthesiser that harks back to the polyphonic instruments of old. Simon Trask (again) tests a glorious anachronism.

for the DX7, Version 2.0

The debate over whether to upgrade to a DX7II takes on a new dimension with the possibilities that this expansion board brings to the original. Jim Burgess is impressed.

The amazing musical instrument interface