The world of music is being invaded by computers whether you like it or not. So what can they offer the musician? Mark Badger takes a sideways glance at the development and application of this burgeoning new technology.

Searching for new samples? Craig Anderton lends an ear to three discs from this new American CD sound library.

The live workaholics explain to Andy Hughes that success is more than image-deep

phaser, gate and compressor

Sample Expander For Korg M1

What Katy tried next

Voice processor processed

Accessorycheck

Premier make their stand. Bob Henrit pens his review

Phil 'D.I.Y.V.O.R.C.E' Walsh gets his head together — an HH Performer amp head, to be precise.

Britain’s fastest-rising rock band discusses music and visuals

Ever since the invention of the wax cylinder, listening to recorded music has been a passive experience; now CDs are capable of holding MIDI and other performance data. Bob O'Donnell looks at the changing face of music.

Richard Burgess, Roland Orzabal and David Lloyd

the hidden tricks

Jay Chapman delves deep into the murky waters of MIDI's often ignored Mono Mode in pursuit of multi-timbral expression!

Belgian sampling innovators Front 242 have been accused of encouraging a fascist following - where does the sampling stop and the politics begin? David Bradwell brings news from the front.

Fender Facts

The true story, told at last!

At home with the dance act

Want to get into computing and multimedia but unsure where to start? Ian Waugh guides you through the maze of computers and jargon

Discover that this means different things to different people — from free gear for life (perhaps) to a half-price plectrum (maybe)

Equipment

Brian Heywood looks at a UK-designed PC-based hard disk recorder.

Wilmslow Audio Volt Studio Monitor Kit

Is building your own monitors a real pig of a job?