Guitar Multi-Effects Processor

A multi-effects processor for the guitarist who wants instant gratification without all that tedious mucking about in hyperspace? Paul White plugs into the ART SGX-LT.

Rosetti's 12-Channel Studio software for the CBM 64. A comprehensive disc-based package that can turn your MIDI gear into a floppy phenomenon.

Hybrid Technology's Chris Jordan, designer of the Music 500 Synthesizer for the BBC Micro, speculates on the future of MIDI and what developments it requires to satisfy the needs of more adventurous users and the promise of more advanced technology.

'Can you benefit from something that doesn't make a noise?' asks Paul Gilby in his in-depth review of this interesting MIDI trigger device from the pioneers of the electronic drum. It might not generate sounds of its own but this unit certainly makes possible some marvellous effects when MIDI'd up to synthesizers. Check it out.

Using Sequencers with Modular Systems

Steve Howell looks at different methods of triggering modular sequencers from click-tracks on tape.

For Windows

Walking into Windows

With The Roland JD800

One year after reviewing the instrument that brought back knobs and sliders, Julian Colbeck presents an in-depth user report on Roland's flagship JD800 synthesizer.

MIDI Keyboard Controller

'Walk tall, walk straight and look the world right in the eye' - as Val Doonican once said. Now you can with Roland's portable MIDI keyboard controller, designed for those with a severe case of guitar envy. Nicholas Rowland discusses the angle of the dangle

Software for the Atari ST

A generic patch librarian from a familiar American company. Vic Leonard looks at a convenient way of solving the problems of patch storage and organisation - provided you've got an ST.

New products from the world of music

Bass Sounds

Sampler

Akai's popular S900 sampler has appeared on more records and in more studios than you can name. Simon Trask takes an early look at the S900's successor, the 16-bit, 16-voice S1000.

Peter Fitzpatrick gets to grips with Casio's flagship synth - the VZ-1

Ensoniq SQ80 & ESQ1 Synthesizers

Frustrated by the limitations of sequencing with MIDI mono mode 4? Simon Trask discusses the benefits of multi mode and investigates its implementation on Ensoniq's SQ80 and ESQ1 synths.

Who? What? Why? When?

Ibanez UE400 and UE405

Two versatile effects units that aim to combine the best of both worlds: the flexibility of pedals and the neatness of rack-mounting systems.

An unbelievable digital reverb at an even more unbelievable price.

MIDI FX Controller

Programming Lexicon FX units has never been easier, thanks to this upgraded version of their remote control. And what do you know? Nicholas Rowland, not Top Cat, is the most effectual. Lexicon’s LXP-5 FX module gets the one-over too

JHS Tubeman

Guitar DI/Preamp with wider applications

a poly to compare and contrast

An unusual selection of vocals from the Masterbits Climax Collection sample CD and a bargain collection for TX81Z/DX100 from Emis are the sounds featured in this month's Patchwork.