As synthesizer prices continue to plummet and the number of features increases, Korg introduce a colourful range of low-cost 8-voice, multitimbral, aftertouch and velocity sensitive performance synths. Mark Jenkins straps one on...

Casio SZ1

Another sequencer first, this time for Casio, seeking to extend their grip over the budget end of the pro synth market. Simon Trask reckons the foray has been worthwhile.

MIDI Hardware and Software for Apple II Micro

Last month we looked at six software packages, but not one of them was written for the Apple and its lookalikes. LEMI's MIDI system is one that is, as David Ellis discovers.

MIDI/Audio Delays

MT's Charter for those suffering delays on the MIDI line.

Lynex 16-bit Stereo Sampler

The division between sampler and digital recorder has grown even narrower with the release of the Lynex, a sophisticated manipulator of high quality, 16-bit stereo sounds that piggybacks onto any Atari ST computer. Ian Gilby takes the mouse by the horns...

Paul Wiffen reviews the new Casio FZ Sampler

Why limit use of your computer to sequencing and librarian functions? Roly Pickering explains what bulletin boards are, how you get onto them and what they can do for you.

Voice Processor

More than just a vocoder, this voice processor incorporates pitch shifting and pitch-to-MIDI conversion. Bob O'Donnell listens to what it has to say for itself.

We go behind the scenes to see how the Cutting Crew pull together their live performances

AES Report

Dan Goldstein and Paul Wiffen go down and out in Beverly Hills - and drop in on America's biggest recording convention along the way. Within its walls, a quiet revolution is taking place...

Digital Reverb Unit

Digital reverberation technology is recognised for making reverb units cheap, but the same technology means a little more money buys a lot more power. Vic Lennard reflects on the R880.

Korg DDD-1

Korg's latest (and some might say greatest) drum machine takes a heavy pounding from Mark Jenkins. But does it survive the assault? Read on to find out...

Polyphonic Sampling Keyboard

Put six S612 modules in a box, stick a keyboard on it, add some new features, and you've got Akai's contender in the budget sampling keyboard stakes. Simon Trask takes notes.

Boss Pro SE70 Super Effects Processor

Warren Cann looks at the updated version of the MPC60, the most notable result of Roger Linn's collaboration with Akai.

Synth Expander

The long-awaited, rack-mounting, multitimbrol, budget analogue synth expander from Cheetah has arrived. Simon Trask turns on and trips out.

Sampling Keyboard

Simon Trask again, this time experiencing the simple delights of the budget Roland sampler. It's easy to use, but has the low cost brought too many compromises?

The latest scare in the computer world is a series of programs that behave as if they are a human disease. Roly Pickering describes the background to computer viruses and what you con do to protect yourself from them.

Hints, Tips & News From The World Of Music Software

More hints and tips from the wonderful world of music software.

Nicholas Rowland guides us through the tricky process of choosing the best sequencer for our money

The second, and final part of Jay Chapman's Monitor program for E&MM's own BBC-MIDI interface. This month's instalment gives the program listing and explains how it was written.

IRCAM Computer Music

According to composer Tim Souster, the aisles were certainly full of noises at October's symposium on personal computers in music held at Paris' distinguished music research centre, IRCAM. Read his report.

Hybrid Technology's Chris Jordan, designer of the Music 500 Synthesizer for the BBC Micro, speculates on the future of MIDI and what developments it requires to satisfy the needs of more adventurous users and the promise of more advanced technology.

Synthesiser Expander Module

Looking for a digital complement to analogue gear or another expander to take the pressure off the rest of your rack? Ian Waugh discovers sonic flexibility at a price you can afford.

Expander modules may be the modular synths of our age, but are they as good? Steve Howell explores the Akai VX90 and provides some guidance on how it can be used with Akai's range of sampling machines.