Programmable Polysynth

Glance at the spec and you'd never know this new Italian-built and MIDI-equipped polysynth only cost £699. Paul White has the details.

Once you've got your sequencer up and running you're gonna need some extra sound sources. Paul Wiffen guides us through the MIDI Expander jungle

CM MX816 Console Automation

A cost-effective VCA mix automation system that can be used with any console.

poly, touch sensitive timbrillity

MX8 MIDI Patchbay/Processor

With so many low-cost MIDI-equipped units around, the days when you could make do with a Thru box and a few cables are long gone. A MIDI patchbay is now an essential purchase, and one of the best is the MX8 MIDI Patchbay/Processor from Digital Music Corp. Tony Hastings checks it out.

Zenon Schoepe gets to grips with this 16-channel MIDI controllable gate/mute processor.

iPD Synth Expander

The VZ8M is the latest application of the synthesis system behind Casio's popular VZ synths. Simon Trask evaluates iPD synthesis in this age of digital development and analogue reincarnation.

Yamaha's family of synths and expanders has a new member: a module counterpart to the SY22 keyboard. Nigel Humberstone celebrates the happy event.

Studio Test

The ultimate mixer for the semi pro? Tony Mills gets to grips with the computerised AHB CMC 24

Software for the Atari ST

The latest in Dr T's Caged Artist series of editors is an Atari ST program for Roland's popular D110 synthesis mdule. Vic Lennard takes his L/A the easy way.

And Live Pads

Zoom 9002 Advanced Guitar Effects Processor

Six digital effects at once from a Walkman-sized box? Ian Gilby gets turned on by technological progress.

When your favourite keyboard starts to look a little out of date, do you remain faithful to it or sell it? If it's a D50 you could give it multitimbrality, more waveforms and extra memories. Gordon Reid installs the MEX.

Korg Wavestation SR Synth Module

Marshall JMP1 Valve MIDI Guitar Preamp

MIDI, metal mayhem and the Marshall logo add up to an impressive package. We find out whether it justifies its price tag.

Boss ME10 Multi-Effects Unit

Designed with live performance in mind, the Boss ME10 has a range of features which make it particularly effective in the studio.

Atari ST Software

If you've been forced to treat your Casio VZ as a "preset" synth because of its programming system, VZ-ED could bring it back to life. Gordon Reid witnesses the VZ resurrection shuffle.

Korg's very latest keyboard is non other than a touch-sensitive, sub-£1000, 8-voice FM synthesizer! Mark Jenkins managed to catch a sneak preview.

System Exclusive Orchestrator

If you have a large number of disorganised patches and an unruly MIDI network, then Xor is made for you. It is designed to make sound management and working with MIDI instruments easier. Martin Russ finds out if the claims are true.

By way of introduction to better coverage of recording studios and the technology within them, we look at the current state of the recording art and report from London's recent APRS studio show.