Multitimbral Expander

From the home organ division of the Japanese giant comes a box which wipes the floor with anything that Yamaha’s Professional Keyboards division can currently produce. Paul Wiffen reveals the secret of the black box...

Yamaha KX88

Jay Chapman explains the theory and practicality of using a master keyboard like Yamaha's KX88 in your MIDI set-up. What are the benefits it can bring? Read on to find out...

RS-PCM Keyboards

Responding to the demand for accessible synthesisers, Roland's Rhodes division has come up with the first of a series of "playable" instruments. Simon Trask checks their performance.

DW-6000

An analog poly that rivals the DX? Korg's DW6000 might be the one...

David Mellor reviews this sample library for the educated user.

Master Bits Sampling Collection 500, 600, 700 and 800

When your music cries out for the sounds of synths that you haven't got, your sampler can be your best friend. Tim Goodyer samples four CDs packed with the sounds of synths, drum machines and even samplers.

The place where MT readers exchange synth sounds with their fellow programmers; this month's featured instruments include the Akai AX73, the EMS AKS, and the Ensoniq ESQ1. Plus an assessment of storing sound data on CD.

Multitimbral Synth Expander

The latest box out of the Roland stable to incorporate the D50's L/A synthesis. Simon Trask examines how a multitimbral expander designed with the home organ market in mind will find its way into pro studios.

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.

If you have one of those oldie but goodie type synths that were pre MIDI fear not you can now link it into your existing MIDI system thanks to Groove Electronics

The start of a regular monthly column devoted to readers' hints and tips about their instruments, equipment, software, recording and playing techniques.

Valve Keyboard Preamp

Sound Upgrade Board For The Korg M1

Jez Ford makes waves with Kawai's value for money synth expander

BPM Studio Technik TB94

Affordable valve mic

New products from the States

Betteridge back again, with a step-by-step guide to the mysteries of mike technique.

Korg 01/W Pro and Pro X Workstations

The latest keyboards in the Korg dynasty offer a little more than remade and remodelled technology. Julian Colbeck experiences Korg's sonic edge.

What do one of London's top studios do with a computer room?

Light fantastic?

Yamaha DX5

Merely two DX7s in a box, or a valid addition to the Yamaha range of FM digital keyboards? Simon Trask takes the mid-price algorithm through its paces, and comes to mixed conclusions.

Readers' patches for Casio's CZ5000 and Ensoniq ESQ1, and a review of Leister Productions' Professional patches for D110 & TX81Z make up this month's Patchwork.

Even the most advanced of today's hi-tech instruments contain mechanical components that are prone to failure. The trick is to ensure that they just outlast the product to which they're fitted...