Frohlich Freestyle Accompanist Software

Martin Russ gets to grips with Freestyle, an auto-accompaniment program with a winning combination of flexibility and customisation options.

The Alternative

So far, affordable 16-track has been a one horse race and all the money has been on Fostex. But now the odds are getting more interesting as a lively young thoroughbred from the Tascam stable enters the starting stalls. David Mellor assesses the form.

We've waited patiently for Roland's super sampler - but now it's here, and every bit as hot as expected. Simon Trask asks if Roland have set a new standard in digital samplers.

One of the smallest and cheapest practice amps ever - plus its own distortion effect for guitarists.

New Gear & Hot Tips

Akai S900 Sampler

Akai's first foray into the sampling market, the S612, was a resounding success. Their new sampling system, aimed more at studios, is considerably more advanced yet still a respectable price. Eventually it will incorporate a multitrack event recorder and harmonic synthesis module, but just released is the first system component - the S900 rack-mount sampler. Mark Jenkins checks it out.

Effectscheck

A programmable effects board for Dave Burrluck to play footsie with

Exclusive news from UK Electronica, plus all the latest in the world of MIDI music

Atari ST & Commodore Amiga

Part 2. Concluding our look at the relative merits of the big four music computers, Martin Russ puts the case for the Atari ST and its variants, and Paul Overaa explains why his heart belongs to the Commodore Amiga.

Digital Sampler

Following in the footsteps of their successful S900 sampler, Akai's new baby looks likely to set new standards in sampling hardware. Simon Trask's thrilled to bits.

As close to the cutting edge as you can get without needing stitches...

Is the hard disk about to crash? Kendall Wrightson looks at the latest developments in mass storage technology, and discovers an optical future.

We share with you the simple guitar chord trick upon which most pop music is based.

You may not find a 24-track recorder in this London studio, but you will find two synchronised Fostex E16s and a veritable Aladdin's cave of hi-tech paraphernalia being put to some very interesting uses. Read on and discover how...

Fostex Synchroniser & Sync Controller

Having familiarised you hopefully with the jargon and workings of synchronisers through his 'Using Timecodes' series, Francis Rumsey now turns his critical eye to the most affordable synchroniser/controller set-up available: the Model 4030/4035 from Fostex.

Our colourful glimpse of forthcoming and recently released new products from the hi-tech and recording fields.

Equipment

The 'Alternative' FM Expander

Ian Gilby looks around for an 'alternative' multitimbral FM expander and uncovers a wealth of features hidden inside Elka's versatile 19" rack-mounting companion to the underrated EK44 polysynth - the ER33.

Computer-controlled Rhythm Sequencer

Some drum sequencer software that's as user-friendly as it's versatile. Paul White enthuses over MPC's latest little marvel.