A Matrix 6 in a rack-mounting box. Simon Trask investigates the multi-timbral delights of Oberheim's latest offspring.

Readers send in their own favourite synth sounds and how to generate them. Plenty of monosynths this month, including the Moog Prodigy, Transcendent 2000 and Roland SH-101.

Sometimes The Little Things Count

When shopping for a synthesizer, most people know to look for major features like the amount of patch storage, whether split and layered keyboard configurations are possible, and so on. But paying attention to features that make it easier to programme sounds is very important if you want to attain your maximum level of creativity. Craig Anderton offers guidance.

Readers' patches galore... This month's cream of the crop includes patches for the Casio CZ101, Roland Alpha Juno 2, Korg DW8000, and Yamaha DX7.

DrumCheck

Yet more MIDI manipulation, as Bob Henrit explores this trigger to MIDI converter

The delicate chimes of a Korg EX800 join Roland D50 and JX3P basses in MT's regular selection of readers' own synth patches. Why not submit one of yours?

Akai MIDI FX

Simon Trask again, with some more MIDI outboard gear in the shape of Akai's new ME30P programmable patchbay and ME25S note separator.

Combining the flexibility of audio and MIDI patching, P&R's PB40 patchbay makes a space- and cost-effective addition to any studio. Tim Goodyer jacks in.

More news from cyberspace

for the Korg Wavestation

Get a taste of this new gold blend for the Korg Wavestation

DrumCheck

Bob Henrit tries out the latest in a flurry of products from Simmons — a MIDI'ed sampled percussion expander

MIDI Merge Box

Roland EP-50 electronic piano

Roland's new electronic piano; a surrogate mother

Before you try to win one in our competition, this preview of Kawai's latest synth (and rack-mount alternative) should help whet your appetite.

Macintosh Midi Interface

For those with large MIDI setups, 16 channels just isn't enough; Opcode's Studio 5 offers the Mac muso up to 240 independent channels, plus MIDI patchbay and processing facilities. Mike Collins approves.

The readers' synth sound page. Almost a Yamaha takeover this month, with CS01, CS60 and DX7 models all featured, plus a token Roland.

Just as it was about to fade from popular memory, Kawai's PCM/DC synthesis is revived in the new Spectra synth. Ian Waugh asks if it's been missed or simply missing.

Studio Sound Techniques

Tips on how to make good use of a patchbay.

Software for Yamaha DX/TX and Atari ST

Why spend hours slaving over a hot DX7 trying to find new sounds, when there's an Atari ST program that does all the hard work for you? Simon Trask puts his feet up and takes a look.

DrumCheck

Bob Henrit encounters the latest black box from Uncle Dave — a dedicated drum voice expander for electronic drum kits

How on earth could buying a generic patch librarian program from Hybrid Arts actually save you money? Martin Russ explains how.