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.

S900 owner David Mellor receives a package in the post from Akai, which rekindles his enthusiasm in the sampler which was one of the first to combine a wealth of facilities with a reasonable price. Will the Version 2.0 software update bring the Akai into line with the latest samplers on the market or has it become old technology - just after its first birthday?

The Summer NAMM show may be losing some of its importance in the world arena but it didn't stop manufacturers from launching new products. Craig Anderton was there to check them out.

news from the front

newsworthy items for your interest

Thresholds and ratios explained

Chris Baylis - another reader reveals the darkest secrets of his home studio set-up.

Sampling

This month we focus on the hows, whys and whats of sampling.

What is an African thumb piano and why

Sony DTC M100

David Mellor compares the new Sony DTC M100 Digital Audio Tape recorder with the studio industry standard - the Sony DTC 1000ES.

This month, we've devoted all of our news pages to two special show reports; from Chicago's NAMM fest, and London's APRS — the products which'll be making next year's news...

Does BBE's new box of psychoacoustic tricks offer a new way of livening up a mix? David Mellor takes his music to the max.

Patch Bay Layout

PART 6: Possession of a patchbay marks the difference between a conglomeration of miscellaneous equipment and a versatile working studio. David Mellor explains how to design your own patchbay layout.

How to record guitar

Patrick Leonard has a surprisingly low profile for the producer and cowriter of many of Madonna's biggest hits, but his production work and nascent solo career suggest that wider recognition is on the way. Paul Tingen meets a man of many talents and strong views.

Apple Macintosh Software

As the Apple Mac computer falls in price, attention is being focussed on less expensive software - like Audio Trax. Ian Waugh checks out a sequencer / audio recorder which won't break the bank.

Advice on what to look for in a commercial studio when considering your first recording venture.

A new studio, a new LP. Tony Harkins isn't beating around the Bush

Every sussed studio should have one - which?

Glimpse some of the forthcoming and recently released new products from the hi-tech and recording fields.

MIDI Programmable Graphic Equaliser/Real Time Analyser

The new Peavey Autograph not only analyses your EQ problems, it fixes them too! David Mellor investigates.

'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.

Boss ME10 Multi-Effects Unit

Designed with live performance in mind, the Boss ME10 has a range of features which make it particularly effective in the studio.