Programmable Drum Machine

The world's cheapest programmable digital drum machine looks on paper to be a fine companion for Korg's similarly-priced Latin percussion machine. Paul White checks out the reality.

True Blue Guitar Meets Skinny Bass

In keeping with the ideals of the hip hop movement, the Stereo MCs new LP sees ingenuity and talent used to wring the most out of a minimum of equipment. Simon Trask elevates his mind.

Using the Kurzweil K2000 to create and perform a tribute to John Lennon

JJ Jeczalik And The Art Of Toys

Best known for his pioneering sampling work and his role in The Art of Noise, JJ holds strong views on the creative use and abuse of studio equipment.

Everything you ever wanted to know about anything, but were afraid to ask...

Sampling Keyboard

This is it. A 16-bit sampling keyboard for the price of a 12-bit one, with digital synthesis tacked on as a bonus. Jim Burgess gives his verdict in our exclusive review.

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

Sounds, samples, software

Effects processing is now an integral part of a recording studio - large or small. Aaron Hallas goes back to basics in this introduction to sound treatment.

Is it possible to create music using only the natural sounds of the Earth? Robin Lumley says yes, having done just that for a forthcoming BBC documentary series with the aid of a Prophet 2000 sampler and some open-minded studio personnel. Read his fascinating tale.

Digital Wave Filtering Sampler

Yamaha's first sampler has been a long time a-coming. Chris Meyer puts it to the test to discover if the big "Y" have learned from other manufacturers' mistakes.

Scott Davidson utilises the power of MIDI to provide the instrumental foundation for Bros' music, both on stage and in the studio. Julian Colbeck takes notes...

for the PC

Roland's first foray into the PC direct-to-disk recording field and it looks pretty impressive.

Arise Elite — Editor tests the new Fender Elite Strat

In the days before Roland established their reputation for consistently delivering the goods, they turned out some weird and wonderful synths. Peter Forrest lifts the dust cover on the old SH7 monosynth.

Playing with Time

MCS stands for MIDI Controlled Sampler, E&MM's most exciting build-it-yourself project yet. Tim Orr gets the ball rolling with a discussion of the effects this Powertran unit can be used to produce.

Portable DAT Recorder

Casio's DA1 and DA2 Digital Audio Tape machines have helped put DAT into many budget studios. Tim Goodyer suggests that the DA7 will see it in a few more.

PPG

PPG designers interviewed

Hendrix rises again - thanks to two musicians, a helpful bureaucrat, and a rack-full of Akais

PART 1: New England Digital's Synclavier is the world's most expensive musical instrument, bar the odd 300 year old Stradivarius. But more than that, it can be a recording studio, a post-production system, a music engraver, a scientific research tool... and more. The Synclavier is at the leading edge of musical technology. David Mellor sets out on a voyage of discovery.