Striking a blow for mallet players, Tim Ponting investigates an instrument that combines the MIDI sophistication of a modern keyboard with the mallet techniques of xylophones and marimbas.

We give Gajit Music Software's Sequencer One the once over

Digital Effects Processor

Reverb and delay from Roland in the guise of the DEP-3, a scaled down version of the popular DEP-5.

MIDI Patchbay Processor

From America: a 1U-high black box which combines MIDI patching, merging and processing capabilities. Vic Lennard encounters a new twist in MIDI processing.

Digital Synthesiser

Roland's latest synth combines the power of digital synthesis with the interactive approach of analogue programming. The pleasure of synthesis returns to the player and to Simon Trask.

Digital Percussion Synthesiser

The ability to modify its selection of drum and percussion sounds is the strong suit of this expander from Kawai. Vic Lennard reports on the continuing beatbox boom.

Multi-Dimensional Synthesisers

Expanding the "user waveform"approach of their K3 to almost full additive waveform proportions has given Kawai what they call a "multi-dimensional" synthesiser. Bob O'Donnell likes what he hears.

6-Voice Programmable Touch-Sensitive Synthesiser

Chris Meyer attempts to unravel the mysteries of MIDI's various operating modes, and dispels the myth that some recent instruments have new ones built into them.

Paul Wiffen tinkers with the synth/workstation that has made the competition sit up and listen

low-priced FM, mega important

Programmable MIDI Patchbay

When your MIDI setup starts to look more like NASA's mission control than a music studio, a MIDI patchbay is essential. Vic Lennard tests one of the best.

Could this be the ideal keyboard for computer musicians? John Renwick finds out

Synthetic Percussion Sounds

Steve Howell finishes off percussion sounds and how to go about synthesising them.

MIDI

Tony Mills on digital sequencers

Scott Davidson utilises the power of MIDI to provide the instrumental foundation for Bros' music, both on stage and in the studio. Julian Colbeck takes notes...

(or "Maestro, a little software, please")

As we move into a new decade, Tim Goodyer looks back at the '80s and forward to the '90s - where can we hope to see the hi-tech music industry take us next?

Digital Effects Processor

This sophisticated processor is more than just a new digital reverb.