The largest event of its type in Europe, Frankfurt is the showcase for all that is new and innovative. This three page preview looks at some of the products that will be there.

Blackpool-based band 'The Sensible Shoes' outline their working environment and techniques.

Sample sultan Wilf Smarties reports on the latest sample CDs.

A sneak preview of what you can expect to see at this year’s British Music Fair - the first to open its doors to the public for years.

Casio's first foray into the digital drum machine market, the RZ-1, offers all the usual rhythm features plus one extra - the facility to sample four of your own sounds. Mark Jenkins finds out if it matches his expectations.

The start of another series, in which Chris Meyer reveals just how useful the new MIDI Sample Dump Standard can be in everyday applications.

SynthCheck

'Jack of all trades, master of none'? Tony Mills explains himself

Roland strike a happy note with a new MIDI percussion device that doesn't fill the stage or empty your pocket. Nigel Lord and Alex Murray declare it a hit.

Key Ingredients For A Happening Dance Track

An insight into the sounds and structures that make up a successful dance record, by Edgar G. Roover.

DATA: Martyn Ware/new album/Synclavier keyboard/digital technique... HARD COPY

An extended review of new products including many of those unveiled at February's Frankfurt Music Fair.

The line between man and machine is blurred; today there exists an entity whose purpose is to make music. Simon Trask discovers that its sights are locked on the dance charts and it absolutely will not stop.

Another month's worth of hot products.

The young chart hopefuls share a few giggles with Jonathan James

...while Dan Goldstein, sore-foot from Germany, has the details on the new European and Japanese gear that'll soon be flooding the UK's music stores. Prepare for some surprises.

Reports from the musical instrument exhibition plus interviews with five of the world's top designers, researchers and experts.

Thomas Dolby explains his new strategy

Software for the Atari ST

This program could clear a few creative cobwebs and give your music a bit of a boost.

Tony Horkins lays his hands on Tom, Alanna and Joe and squeezes out the technical secrets

The world-conquering sound of Ronnie James' band rests on its rock solid rhythm section. Tony Reed talks to the men who make the Dio metal machine move

US successes return to Blighty with the formula for Stateside MOR safely intact. Interview by Jonathan James

The shape of things to come

Tony Reed goes back to the future for the Frankfurt forecast

The Pros And Cons

Seasoned programmer Paul Wiffen reveals the truth about separate voice outputs on samplers. Are they really desirable or are they just a nuisance? And what happens to the polyphony when you use them? We tell you what no others dared!!

BBC B music software

software for a sequential BBC

The first of two versatile electronic percussion modules