Is the future Linear?

Does Roland's new LA synthesizer mean the end of FM is in sight? Martin Russ falls in love with the world's first ever Linear Arithmetic synthesizer whilst trying to find out...

Two years ago Sequential launched the Prophet 2000 sampling keyboard, which set the standard for all the 12-bit machines on the market. Will the Prophet 3000 stereo rack sampler do the same for the 16-bit field? Paul Wiffen thinks so. Read why...

Sequencercheck

Casio get further into the pro market, Chris Jenkins gets into their newie

A look at several of the more significant new products to be launched at this year's British Music Fair at Olympia.

Digital Sampling Keyboard

The competition is tough for Roland's upmarket sampler. Paul Wiffen discovers if 16 voices, a fine keyboard, and direct monitor connection are enough to put it at the top of the tree.

The long-awaited inclusion of a protocol to allow MIDI control of multitrack tape machines is just one of the recent additions to the MIDI spec. Vic Lennard offers a MIDI update.

EMR's new interface

Cross Wave Synthesizer

The onboard 8-track sequencer and sampled waveforms of the ESQ-1 make it a hard act for any manufacturer to follow. So what further features does Ensoniq's new SQ-80 synthesizer have that could possibly outshine its stablemate? Craig Anderton explores...

No hype, no waffle - just tomorrow’s products today

Tomorrow's hot products previewed

Sampling Keyboard

Simon Trask again, this time experiencing the simple delights of the budget Roland sampler. It's easy to use, but has the low cost brought too many compromises?

MIDI Router

Midi routing systems have come a long way since the humble passive thru box. Kendall Wrightson explores a sophisticated example of the species.

Software for Apple II and Commodore 64

Sequencing software aimed at the Apple II and CBM64. Four- and eight-track versions receive expert scrutiny from David Ellis.

Studiomaster Power House Vision 8

Powered mixer with effects

As Yamaha's 'X' range of hi-tech hardware continues to grow, Dan Goldstein and Trish McGrath present an exclusive appraisal of two of the range's most affordable additions, the TX7 FM Expander and QX7 MIDI Keyboard Recorder.

Steinberg Pro24 Software

Simon Trask looks at one of the first multitrack MIDI recording packages to be made available for the Atari ST series of computers. How does it compare to dedicated sequencers?

The hardware sequencer to beat them all? After an overlong wait, Simon Trask gets to grips with the latest development in the Alesis World Domination plan.

Rhythmcheck

A first entry into the market, and this high-spec, dynamic, tuneable machine could be a real threat to the established names. Tony Reed takes stock

Casio discover MIDI

Secondhand Polysynth Guide

Whether you can't afford to indulge yourself in this month's Polysynth Checklist or simply prefer something that's now out of production, E&MM's guide to things secondhand could save you a lot of time and trouble.

In conjunction with the Chase Bit 01 Expander, Casio CZ-101 synthesizer and Akai Sampler, the Jellinghaus 12-Track MIDI Studio software for the Commodore 64 micro represents the most powerful compositional and recording set-up available under £2500. Mark Jenkins catches his breath and tells you why.

SoftwareCheck

Sometimes Musical Micro just ain't big enough to hold down a piece of really macho software... Tony Mills grabs a suddenly floppy disk, and enters the cage.

Elka Master Keyboards

With rack expanders forever dropping in price, the concept of one 'master' keyboard capable of controlling all MIDI devices in a system becomes more appealing by the minute. And with the MK88 and MK55, Tony Wride believes Elka have fulfilled the promise of MIDI and produced the ultimate master keyboards, jam-packed with features.

easy note doodling

Polyphonic Synthesiser

Simon Trask follows up our earlier preview of Wersi's first polyphonic synth, with a full review that delves deeper into the possibilities of additive synthesis. Is it too complex to use?