Sound engineer David Mellor checks out the most boring Compact Disc in the world: Korg's first digital collection of sound samples!

We conclude our series on synchronisation by looking at Time Code and its applications in the video and music industries. Film editor Richard Atherton is your guide.

Teczon Dub Multi 4x4

Currently the least expensive cassette multitracker to offer simultaneous recording on all four channels.

By popular demand, the readers’ synth patch page returns with a new look and a new approach. This month, sounds for the Casio CZs, Roland Juno 106 and Yamaha DX7, plus news of a Korg cassette that offers 165 sampled sounds for under a tenner.

More music with mainframe computers

Multitrack Recording In The Classroom

Our educational consultant describes a basic, 4-track recording session from initial recording to final mixing.

Lots of chords, including the diminished fifth modified dominant seventh.

Improvisation. You know, making it up, off the top of your head. Of course you can do it.

20th Century Experiments

Major influences in 20th century music.

Technolust!

Rowland Jones mounts the soapbox this month to sound off about 'technolust'!

That's what up-and coming electro musicians Chakk claim to produce. But would Lonnie Donegan like it?

Yamaha DX21 synthesiser

The latest in the DX synth series

Dealer of the Month

Carlsbro Sound Centre, Mansfield

Ignoring the sunshine and the siestas, this month's On The Beat concentrates on the sounds and the instruments of Brazil. Nigel Lord guides us through the samba Batucada and the Maracatu.

SamplerCheck

Paul Fishman gets weird — again

The Principles Of Soundproofing

... Brian Heywood pores over the PC...

Fractal Music Composer

Martin Russ looks at a program that generates music from chaos.

Programming Clinic

Few Cubase users take full advantage of its powerful MIDI Mixer module — daunted by its apparent complexity, they pass up the chance to exploit a powerful and flexible MIDI control tool. Ofir Gal presents a practical 2-part guide to customising and using the MIDI Mixer.

Musical theory vs. Musical reality

This month, Andy Robinson judges the case of Musical Theory versus Musical Reality.

Portable Keyboard

Budget polysynth or home organ accessory? Casio attempt to find another gap in the market with Spectrum Distortion synthesis. Nicholas Rowland finds it's not too far from old-fashioned analogue.

basic six-strings