Equipment

The 8-Track Challenge

The 8-track challenge: with the release of a new Tascam machine and the recent price cut on the Fostex E8, we thought it opportune to compare the two models. David Mellor adjudicates in the battle of the budget 8-tracks.

Already renowned for producing high-quality budget equipment, Alesis have introduced a new 16-channel mixer. Ian Waugh discovers Monolithic Circuit Technology is behind the 1622's amazing performance.

Andy Honeybone has a tape dump. But we forgive him.

taking notes

Remove the sequencing facilities from your drum machine and what do you get? A damned good idea for a new product that's what! Paul Ireson checks out Akai's 16-bit sampled drum box - the perfect companion for your sequencer.

Audio Technics Mics ATM41a, ATM63

The story of John Harris and two microphones alone in a darkened room.

8 Channel Mixer

the next part in our comprehensive survey, this month between £650 and £1500

Software for the Atari ST

Son of TDM's Virtuoso ST sequencing software, the budget Prodigy retains many of its parent's best features. Ian Waugh checks out the fastest little sequencer in the west.

music accompaniment player

Auto-accompaniments, yes - but it's a recordable sequencer too. And you can fiddle with it on the train...

Putting It Together

The nitty gritty of choosing appropriate recording and sequencing equipment for use in a school environment.

Revox Mk1 NF Near Field Monitors

These tiny speakers are ideal for the task of home studio, near-field monitoring.

In the second and concluding part of our review, Simon Trask gives the D50's sound potential a more in-depth listening, and has a go at programming, LA-style.

Controller Keyboard

As synth and sampler expanders become more popular, the demand for an affordable master keyboard increases. Simon Trask puts Cheetah's latest - and best test.

Conclusion

The Teac 80-8 tape machine, Tascam Model 5 mixer and dbx DX-8 noise-reduction unit: last month we examined them individually, this month we look at them in combination.

Synthcheck

Fingers on the joystick. Tony Mills at the controls