The Musical Instrument Digital Interface has revolutionised the way we write and record music. Martin Russ delves deep into MIDI's 10-year history, explains its many recent changes and additions, and looks ahead to see what the future will hold.

16-Bit Stereo Sampler

Akai's S1000 is without doubt the industry standard professional sampler, so why try and improve on the best? Paul Wiffen finds that SMPTE cue listing, AES/EBU real-time output, and built-in effects are a good start (with hard disk recording to follow).

Frankfurt Musikmesse 1989

Rain, sub-zero temperatures and sleazy hotels - who'd go to Frankfurt if it wasn't for the trade show? Simon Trask finds more than warmth and shelter at the Musikmesse.

through the year darkly with One Two

All the new stuff, including a special feature on the soon-come Stepp digital guitar.

Akai's super-sampler carries on where their S612 left off. Paul Wiffen finds its ease of use belies its sophistication.

A look at the new, exciting Musical Instrument Digital Interface

Three jam-packed pages of hot new products.

It's the biggest! It's the best! It's the 1986 British Music Fair! Our man on the inside, Tony Mills tracks down the hottest gear of the year

This month’s Industry Profile visits an audio/video recording and retail outlet in the heart of Essex.

Sneak glimpse of some of the goodies on display at the most important instrument exhibition of the year

Sampling Keyboard

This is it. A 16-bit sampling keyboard for the price of a 12-bit one, with digital synthesis tacked on as a bonus. Jim Burgess gives his verdict in our exclusive review.

What's Up, Doc?

This month's glimpse over the horizon

Prophet 2000

Following October's preview, Sequential’s new sampler gets the in-depth treatment from Paul Wiffen, who refuses to return the review sample.

Jay Chapman sinks his teeth into one of the most complex and sophisticated scorewriting and sequencing programs on the market - Jim Miller's Personal Composer for PC compatible computers.

With real acoustic instrument sounds

Fender Facts

The true story, told at last!

The First In-depth Appraisal of Emu's Morpheus Synth Module

Your chance to check out some of the new hi-tech and recording equipment launched at last month's Frankfurt Music Fair.

An Avalanche of new gear will be hitting the shops soon, following the British Music Fair. MUSIC U.K. brings you a complete look at what's on the way

Part 2. Richard Elen concludes his guide to computers and communications for musicians with details of how to join and log on to two musicians' networks: PAN and Esi Street. There's also an extensive glossary of terms to help newcomers to this exciting field understand what it is all about.

Dispatches from the frontline of the future

Following on from last month's pictorial exclusive, this account of Europe's largest hi-tech music exhibition fills in the details. Tim Goodyer files the report.