In these space-conscious times, Fostex have developed a diminutive new 8-track tape recorder you can store out of sight and control fully from its detachable front panel remote control/autolocator. David Mellor takes it for a spin...

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.

Digital Audio Board For The Mac LC

Hints, Tips & News From The World Of Music Software

Hints, tips and news about your favourite music software.

Fostex’s SMPTE reading/writing, MIDI syncing, auto-locating, remote transport control unit recently underwent a serious internal re-examination. Ed Jones assesses the newly implemented features and describes their practical application.

Intrepid reporter/cameraman Ralph Denyer ventures into the wild suburban jungle of East London to capture the rarely heard thoughts of this lesser-spotted songbird and re-mix producer who has recently taken delivery of his very own Synclavier system.

Bars & Pipes Professional 2 Amiga Sequencing Software

For A Few Dollars More...

What price a reputation? The Revox brand name is well established and very well respected, but the new model C278 8-track costs a lot more than the Fostex and Tascam equivalents. David Mellor asks whether it is worth the extra.

The Recording of a Film Soundtrack Music

Ed Jones sits in on a major film music session in Abbey Road Studios, London, and reports on how the London Symphony Orchestra and a host of extra musicians recorded the music soundtrack to George Lucas' forthcoming prequel to 'Star Wars' - 'Willow'.

Software for the Atari ST

The first release from a British company called System Exclusive is a 128-track sequencer for the Atari ST. Simon 'ST Trask (and his assistant, 'Mouse') find it both powerful and flexible.

I used to work with this prat once who thought that I'd mis-spelt compleat when I used it in an article - sometimes you just can't win, can you? Dave Hastilow, however, is well sussed and brings you sound at a stroke.

Opcode Vision 1.4

Human Rhythm Composer

Roland's R70, their new top-of-the-range beat box, is the first drum machine to feature on-board digital effects. Ian Steele sits in judgement.

Does Opcode's new Macintosh sequencer have what it takes to oust 'Performer' from the sequencer king's throne? Mike Collins enjoys finding out...

Every Current Model Reviewed

All you need to know about choosing a cassette multitrack, plus concise reviews of every current model on the market.

Programmable Phase Distortion Polysynth with Sequencer

Continuing their fight for pro keyboard acceptance, Casio double the CZ1000's voices and throw in a multitrack sequencer for good measure. Simon Trask casts a critical eye over the results.

Workstation Synthesiser

Did Gem fix it?

Watch emotion flower as Pete Carbines spends a honeymoon with Aiwa (AD6800) and contemplates settling down to a deepening relationship. Makes Love Story look like Camp On Blood Island.

Commodore's Amiga computer is the beneficiary of this impressive - and colourful - sequencing package. Ian Waugh welcomes the illusion.

Sequencing

The theory and practice of MIDI sequencers, explained in simple terms.

Day-to-day use takes its toll on recording equipment, so proper maintenance and servicing is essential to get the best from your studio toys. David Mellor takes a look behind the scenes of Fostex's service department.

There can be few musicians who've amassed such a huge collection of synthesisers as the ex-Buggles keyboardist. Paul Wiffen talks to him about his machines, and finds he still finds a use for most of them.

Can't quite stretch your budget to a 688 MIDIStudio? Richard Aaron checks out Tascam's appealingly priced new 8-track portastudio.

David Mellor looks at a 16-track machine which brings a new level of sophistication to the world of 'personal' multitrack.