The BBC's sound effects records have been the staple diet of many a film, TV and radio production. Now there is a new generation of digitally recorded sound effects available on compact disc which are ideal for sampling. David Mellor assesses their worth.

Personal Multitrack Recorder

Built-in digital reverb and three - yes, three - speeds are just some of the facilities hiding inside this new cassette multitracker.

The superbly produced music of Frankie Goes To Hollywood embodies the whole spirit and character of modern hi-tech recording methods. With the release of their long-awaited second album 'Liverpool', it seemed an opportune moment for Paul Gilby to discover if there is more to the band than Trevor Horn's production techniques.

The phenomenal rise to success of Gary Stevenson came about through his dynamic production work on the first Go West album. Ralph Denyer extracts the details of the saga and discovers what Gary has planned for the future.

With their second album just released, Neil Arthur and Stephen Luscombe take a rest to talk here about the trials of their rise to fame, and their musical and equipment plans for the future. Dan Goldstein (a trifle agog) listens in...

talks to Ralph Denyer

Well... what can you say? You know how good he is and what a writer our Ralph D is. But don't let's give the game away: read on!

Chas de Whalley talks to the other John Williams about his recent work with chart-toppers The Housemartins

Tascam Porta 07 4-track Portastudio

Farther along with Spirit's Randy California.

8 Track Recorder/Reproducer

Dance music should be about more than 'moaning samples and ecstasy' claims producer Arthur Baker. Simon Trask talks to the man behind 'Planet Rock'.

From Gretsches to Strats, from Pop to Jazz. The ever-changing songwriter talks chords, choruses and contrapuntals with Adrian Deevoy

Compact Disc Recorder

Recording CDs at home reaches the "affordable" level - at under £4000, CD Recordable moves into the realm of the home studio. Tim Goodyer primes the laser.

More controversy and heated discussion on the subject of blank tape levies.

The use of samples is often frowned upon by rock audiences, but Jesus Jones have made them the basis of some of the most aggressive and innovative rock music around. Nigel Lord talks to Jesus.

a family tree for effects pedals

and the wages of Jazz

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.

The originator of acid house claims the secrets of good music are feel and emotion rather than a Roland Bassline and an Akai sampler. Simon Trask gets in the mood.

David Mellor continues our 'How It Works' series with an investigation of the many ways available to help silence your recordings!

Kite Studios

Jon Lewin poles off to see a Cambridge punter

Bruford & Moraz

Dissecting an unusual fusion

What do one of London's top studios do with a computer room?

Fusing jazz with rap and feel with technology are second nature to Ronny Jordan - whose cover of Miles Davis' 'So What' recently made the pop charts. Simon Trask talks to the man on the "jazz tip".