Yamaha's DX7 may well be a classic keyboard but its MIDI implementation and small onboard memory are starting to look decidedly limited compared to newer generation keyboards. What's needed is an upgrade, and the add-on E! board from America's Grey Matter Response is certainly that! Martin Russ enthuses over its features.

From his involvement in the infamous Frankie Goes To Hollywood sessions, Andy Richards has become an accomplished producer and programmer in his own right. Nicholas Rowland listens to a rationalisation of technology.

Keyboard player Tony Banks has been the foundation stone of Genesis' music for almost two decades now but has not experienced the same level of success in his work outside Genesis as past and present members of the band, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Peter Gabriel. With two solo albums and numerous film scores behind him, Banks is set to bounce back into the limelight with a fresh, new solo project. Brian Jacobs poses the questions...

arpeggiator, delay, mixer

Boger Brown gets interactive with his phrases

What's new in the world of the Micro Musician

On this month’s RE:MIX mixed-mode CD...

The words behind the sounds on this month’s CD

MIDI Mixer

MIDI has been slowly creeping into mixing desks for some time now, but this American mixer goes all the way. Vic Leonard mixes with MIDI.

As MIDI begins to make inroads into the studio, Simon Trask examines its fundamental applications.

PART 3; David Mellor looks at how the requirements of different types of music for TV and film can dictate the sophistication of your synchronising capabilities, and at how machine synchronisation works in practice.

The Roland MSQ100 assessed

The Editor's Tale

The second part of our investigation of Japan concentrates on the Roland organisation; Tim Goodyer meets mystery, "Mr Roland" and Sally.

At home with Chris Hughes

The former Tears For Fears producer invites us in for a cuppa

Mark Badger explores the programming environment of Dr T's 48-track keyboard controlled MIDI sequencing software for the Atari ST range of computers and draws some interesting conclusions...

Largely misunderstood, MIDI's running status protocol can be used effectively to streamline a MIDI system - as long as you know how to take advantage of it. Vic Lennard stretches his legs.

A problem shared is a problem solved

Pete Harris, engineer, producer and programmer talks to Paul White about working in the Zomba empire.

From providing the backbone of Santana's Latin beat, Michael Shrieve has moved into electronic percussion and out again. John Diliberto listens to the drummer's tale.

Software for the Atari ST

Continuing the theme of computers and composition, Ludwig is Hybrid Arts' contribution to the growing selection of algorithmic composers currently available. Ian Waugh walks the dog.

Korg 01/W Pro and Pro X Workstations

The latest keyboards in the Korg dynasty offer a little more than remade and remodelled technology. Julian Colbeck experiences Korg's sonic edge.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 4: Martin Russ provides some solid examples of how to utilise the hidden power of MIDI’s SysEx commands to reprogramme synths on-the-fly and to store snapshots of all your synth and effects patches on disk.

Software for the IBM PC

Somewhere between human composers and sci-fi music systems of the future are the algorithmic composition programs of the present. One of the few such programs for the IBM PC finds favour with Ian Waugh.

What do one of London's top studios do with a computer room?

1989 PC Show Report

Over 100,000 people attended this year's show; Paul Ireson reveals what you missed music-wise if you stayed at home.

Where you going with that baton in your hand