Unveiled at this year's BMF, Roland's MV30 combines a sequencer, multitimbral synthesiser and an automated mixer in a single unit. Simon Trask previews a new direction in synth technology.

Creative mixing with MIDI controlled effects

Paul Gilby takes a look at the first MIDI controlled effect - Yamaha's D1500 which heralds a series on creative mixing with MIDI controlled devices.

If you make extensive use of MIDI keyboards, drum machines or MIDI controlled effects, this flexible package revolutionise your studio.

A Re-Review Of The Roland MC4 Microcomposer

...But let us not forget what went before. Steve Howell again, on the machine that introduced the world to recording music by punching in a set of numbers. It's still usable today.

Software for Apple Macintosh

This Mac program from New York sets out to bring the flexibility of computer programming techniques to drum programming. Jim Burgess drums up his enthusiasm.

Fostex DCM100 & Mixtab Mixing System

Made possible by the revolution in consumer microchip design, this low-cost system automates virtually every control on the mixer, including EQ.

In 1984, The Blue Nile released an album widely hailed as the finest debut LP of recent years. After five years of silence, they've produced another masterpiece in Hats. Paul Ireson talks to the men behind two of the decade's finest records.

First Steps In Multi-timbrality

The scope of MIDI control has expanded beyond that of simply allowing one synthesiser to control another. Chris Meyer explains how you can now shape a whole mix using the five-pin DIN plug.

Tony Wride takes a look at the Advanced version of MIDIsoft Studio, an easy-to-use, versatile 64-track Atari sequencer with a lot to offer.

The MIDI 1.0 specification, reprinted in full.

Martin Russ files his report on a MIDI accessory which could fill a big hole in your musical life.

At last the MA-36 MIDI Data Analyser is here to diagnose all your MIDI illnesses

MIDI Controller Keyboard

Simon Trask takes command of Orla’s 88-note weighted keyboard, and brings the sensitivity of the concert pianist to this MIDI module interface. Will the C80 respond?

C-Lab's outstanding Notator and Creator sequencers have now been updated to version 3.0. Dave Lockwood checks out the new features.

Using MIDI Continuous Controllers

For three years the korg M1 has been the leading keyboard workstation, and the product that more than any other has made the company's name as a leading force in hi-tech music. But how do you follow an act like that? David Mellor looks at the M1's successor, the 01/W FD.

Tim Goodyer pays Genesis' legendary keyboardsman a visit to hear all about life in one of rock's most longstanding and influential bands and their 16th LP.

Hints, Tips & News From The World Of Music Software

electronic percussion

Software for the Amiga

One of the Atari ST's most flexible sequencers recently found itself ported across to the Commodore Amiga. Ian "Dr W" Waugh finds what Amiga owners have been missing.

poly 800 in a box

drum module for the C64 computer

Arrested whilst gigging with a bunch of jazz musicians in Paris, Sting talks to Paul Tingen about his new album, the inadequacies of high technology, and the future of The Police.