Lyricon-blowing John Walters, of Landscape fame if not fortune (yet), undertakes the western world's most comprehensive guide to the history, construction and playing of the Lyricon wind synthesiser.

PART TWO: Basic Effects

PART 2: Carrying on from last month's explanation of the basic principles of digital signal processing, Jim Grant explains how to put these into practice and create some useful and familiar effects.

Computerscope

Tales of harmonic Strats as Nils plays with Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, and even his own band

Recording tips for this popular machine.

Gibson Explorer Synth

If you want Roland guitar synth sounds, you can now choose what guitar you use to play them. Paul White looks at a Gibson with a difference.

a real drum

four strings from the north

Drumcheck

Bob Henrit comes out of his shell to review this minimalist masterpiece

What is an African thumb piano and why

Casio discover MIDI

No cymbalolatry here

Yamaha SPX990 20-Bit Digital Multi Effects

We put the first affordable 20-bit processor through its paces.

from Banshees to Creatures

Keyboards

No free ads for the Superman film here (woops), but the dynamic Duo from Hohner (Pianet and Clavinet combined) finds favour with frolicking Dave Crombie.

Roland's latest MIDI controller is certainly an improvement over their previous efforts, but the competition has got tougher, too. Simon "Chops" Trask gives the new MKB the once-over.

Acoustic Drums

Some people look upon the prospect of recording an acoustic drum kit with dread. It needn't be that daunting if you follow a few simple guidelines.

Synthesis Software

CAD meets synthesis inside the Apple Mac. Robert Rich fires up a program that allows you to design your sounds on computer before transferring them to your sampler.

Any old iron?

More about mixing consoles