Sampling module

Roland follow up their successful S50 sampler with a more highly-specified rack-mount alternative that includes sample display capabilities. Bob O'Donnell monitors its performance.

Making music on mainframe computers

Yamaha SPX990 20-Bit Digital Multi Effects

We put the first affordable 20-bit processor through its paces.

This week a new virus appeared on IBM computer - "AIDS" - how long before one appears in your music system? Vic Lennard looks at viruses and how you can avoid them.

One of America’s leading session players takes a breather between TOA equipment demonstrations, and takes Tim Goodyer into his confidence over MIDI and a few of the behind-the-scenes goings-on in its administration.

Chris Denning, former Radio 1 DJ, tells you how to go about presenting a demo to record companies and what pitfalls to avoid.

Yamaha CX5M Software

Three packages for the CX5M — eight-track real-time sequencer, DX21 voice editor and RX editor — are put through their paces by E&MM’s review team.

Facts on the Rak

Denyer gets the Rak job at last, figuring that Mickie Most really ought to know something about putting a studio together. Seems he does.

Ian Gilby collates the more interesting responses to his editorial request for manufacturers and retailers to look towards the 'video manual' as a complement to printed equipment manuals.

Andy McCluskey

Andy McCluskey reveals his dislike for synth programming and his penchant for the classics.

Our regular readers' demo page is packed with invaluable tips on how to record the perfect demo.

Getting Studio Acoustics Right

In major studios or in home setups, a good listening environment is essential. Wilf Smarties presents a practical guide to creating the right space for your sound.

Once leader of the seminal Weather Report, Joe Zawinul recently took his current project, The Zawinul Syndicate, on the road. Simon Trask talks with an acknowledged master of the synthesiser.

International

Ralph Denyer reports on London's prestigious CTS Studios and keyboardist Brian Gascoigne who recently teamed up to establish a MIDI/SMPTE-based electronic musicstudio purpose designed for the post-production of film music.

Closer to home in West Germany, PPG are putting the finishing touches to a new computer music system that could revolutionise the way we go about programming sounds. Dan Goldstein reports.

Dealer of the Century

The pride of the North, Kitchens are celebrating their centennial.

Dom Foulsham continues his series with a guide to the ever-expanding world of sample CDs: what to look for, how to find it, and how to get the best out of the off-the-shelf loop. I know we said the series was concluding last month, but we were wrong, OK? Think of it as a bonus.

Riding the ambient house wave, The Orb have released a concept album that mixes dance beats with new age textures. Tim Goodyer tunes in to Alex Paterson and Thrash as they chill out with technology.

We welcome Ian Cross to E&MM, writing about the human perception of sound.

Al Jarreau's band itemised and analysed by Jim Betteridge

Another digital reverb from Alesis, a waveform digitizing pad for the Roland S50 sampler, Passport's multitrack software for the Atari ST, exclusive news of the world's first ever 8-track recorder to use standard cassettes, and more...