how they get that fantastic noise

drummer Tony Thompson fuses influences

The Mellotron: A Historical Perspective

Jon Hassell has been at the leading edge of new music for three decades, with major contributions to western avant garde and world music. Following the re-release of two classic albums from the early '80s, Mark J. Prendergast presents a retrospective of Hassell's work.

Steve Reich & Beryl Korot: The Cave

Pioneering documentary music video theatre

Aphex 105 noise gate

More gates, fewer greenbacks

Eastern Intrigue

A last visit to the land of micro-chips and rice crackers. Simon Trask pays an enquiring visit to the Yamaha organisation before waving a fond farewell to the rising sun.

The radical Godfather of Rap explains his theories on Bluesology to Richard Walmsley

Drums

The charismatic singer, composer and lyricist rejoins the former members of Japan for their first LP in ten years. Tim Goodyer talks technology, philosophy and improvisation with David Sylvian.

Chipping Norton Recording Studios

Chipping Norton Studios.

The Alternative MIDI Controllers Session

We explain why MIDI isn't just for keyboard players...

ZX101B MUSIC PRODUCER

the perfect equipment manual

Day-to-day use takes its toll on recording equipment, so proper maintenance and servicing is essential to get the best from your studio toys. David Mellor takes a look behind the scenes of Fostex's service department.

With the development of their Series 4000 range of studio mics, Bruel & Kjaer have earned a reputation as one of the top manufacturers of versatile, high performance microphones. In this article Ralph Dunlop, B&K's UK Sales Manager, makes a case for the use of quality microphones and outlines a useful guide for determining microphone choice and application.

Mixing in the MIDI Age

This two-part feature covers both the art and technology of mixing. The first article on page 48, 'Mixing Essentials', covers audio mixing in general, from a more basic level, and applies to any sort of studio mixing task. The second part, 'Mixing With MIDI’, starts on page 54 and covers techniques made possible by MIDI, specifically automated mixing and sending MIDI instruments direct to your master tape. Craig Anderton is your guide.

The other half of the World

Born-again guitar heroes Big Country foresee even greater success for their latest album, The Seer. Overseeing their ambitions, our very own Ricky Gordon

Three jampacked pages of new product information.

An interview with Edgar Froese and Christoph Franke during their recent UK tour

An interview with Edgar Froese and Christoph Franke, concert report and music pull-out "Choronzon" from the 'Exit' LP.

Gordon Matthewman's interests in hi-tech and his horn have found him in some of the most unlikely musical settings with his project Blow. Simon Trask blows another man's trumpet.

Once leader of the seminal Weather Report, Joe Zawinul recently took his current project, The Zawinul Syndicate, on the road. Simon Trask talks with an acknowledged master of the synthesiser.

New Yolk noise boys (and girl)