Something in the Shubbery — a new Capo, perhaps?

Belgian sampling innovators Front 242 have been accused of encouraging a fascist following - where does the sampling stop and the politics begin? David Bradwell brings news from the front.

lockable wobble

The benefits of additive synthesis software as a means of imitating natural sounds, creating new ones and tidying up your sample loops. Tom McLaughlin adds it all up.

A set of tasty samples in a box no bigger than an FB01 comes under scrutiny. And it's not expensive.

Emu's Proteus 16-bit ROM sample player was one of last year's hi-tech highlights — the new Proteus 2 offers the same concept and quality, but with a whole new set of orchestral sounds. Nigel Humberstone conducts the review.

Drum Machine

Tragedy strikes... the good Dr Bateson has had to find a real job. However he still finds time to check out the Roland TR505 in its role as a studio drum machine.

A clutch of Shures to see if we're certain

Wavetable Synthesis

Many of today's popular digital synthesisers use variations on "wavetable synthesis". Chris Meyer explains what this mystical but powerful method is all about.

Leaving the comforts of the studio behind, the Art of Noise step out into the real world of live music, taking their MIDI technology with them. Chris Meyer lends an ear to see how they fare.

Sound quality has long been a grey area in the world of sampling. Chris Meyer finds out it takes more than "bits" to make a sampler sound good.

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.

Part five funks you up

Guest Producer Steve Hillage argues for the breaking down of arbitrary barriers between musical styles.

Using MIDI Continuous Controllers

Readers' synth patches for the Bit One, Yamaha DX7 and Casio CZ series, plus a review of some new DX ROM packs from Japan.

Syco MFB Digital Drum Machine

The Syco MFB512 machine

Loop Create software for the Greengate DS:3.

New looping software for the Greengate DS:3.

Roland S550/S330 Sampling Modules

David Mellor looks at Roland's flagship rackmount sampler, the S550, and its newly launched escort vessel, the S330. Are they squaring up to fire a broadside at the enemy's sampling fleet? Find out inside.