THE STORY OF AN INDEPENDENT RECORD

The story of how one of this country's lesser-known synthesists took the bold step of forming his own record label to independently release his fourth album 'Phoenix'. Paul Gilby documents the process.

Steinberg Cubase Lite and C-Lab Notator Alpha Sequencers

Cubase Light and Notator Alpha are both streamlined versions of their more costly counterparts, designed to make MIDI sequencing on the Atari ST more approachable.

Studiomaster P7 Multitrack Mixing Console

Studiomaster have at last entered the in-line console fray with this well-specified and attractively-priced desk. RM checks it out.

Acoustic drum samples from producer Bob Clearmountain rub shoulders with Mega Beats drum machine samples, while SSU sounds for the Yamaha SY77 complete the lineup in this month's Patchwork.

The techno punk duo on U2, sampling theft, virtual reality, CDI, and getting the machines to rock.

Of all the instruments that became popular in the heyday of the "big synth" a few years back, Roland's Jupiter 8 has stood the test of time the best. Tim Goodyer, a self-confessed JP8 addict, explains why.

MIDI Mutable Mixer

Most small mixers simply don't have enough inputs for even a modest home recording setup. One that certainly does is the new 20:2 Tascam MM1, complete with MIDI mute automation. Tony Hastings checks it out.

Electronic Drums

Pick up sticks; the latest electronic kit from Roland doesn't come with its own voices but Nicholas Rowland discovers its MIDI converter may have other uses in the studio.

As the band reach their greatest level of British success and release their third album, Talk Talk's Mark Hollis and Tim Friese-Greene discuss the curse of the synthesiser and the blessing of the piano with Tim Goodyer.

PLI Infinity Turbo Drive

Removable hard disks represent a cost-effective solution to data backup and storage problems for sampler owners. Kendall Wrightson takes a look at the PLI Infinity Turbo Drive in use with the Akai S1000.

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...

A sneak look at what you could well be buying in the forthcoming financial year

The science of the drum machine.

The whole music industry sliced into Twiglets

Frankfurt 86

The Frankfurt show seen from a diagonal position

The beat doesn't come much harder than from this respected London funk outfit. In the wake of their debut LP Tim Goodyer gets the hard facts about rhythm from a box.

Drum Machines and Electronic Percussion

Martin Sheehan looks at recording drum machines and electronic percussion

Pioneer of the sampling revolution, Tim Simenon, is back with a new album, a new studio and a refreshing update on what technology has to offer music. Tim Goodyer charts Unknown Territory.

Torch Song; aspiring musical and studio entrepreneurs

This month, a specially extended Track Record looks at the making of two very different albums with one thing in common. The Stones' Dirty Work and Joe Jacksons' Big World were both recorded live

Digital Rhythm Composer

What the world has been waiting for - Roland's first-ever digital drum machine. Exclusive review by Dan Goldstein.

With features like stereo, mono and separate outputs for external processing, real-time and step-time programming, MIDI compatibility, and interchangeable drum sounds, the budget-priced MD8 should theoretically cost a lot more than it does. Tony Wride sees if it lives up to expectations.

Contrary to popular belief Canadian electro-poppers Trans X have a bizarre and fascinating history that takes in cosmic electronic music. Annabel Scott reports.