Controller Keyboard

As synth and sampler expanders become more popular, the demand for an affordable master keyboard increases. Simon Trask puts Cheetah's latest - and best test.

Tape-to-MIDI Synchroniser

An American cost-effective alternative to SMPTE synchronisation; Rick Davies clocks an innocent-looking box designed with the budget studio in mind.

multimedia software for the Mac

A video edit suite on disk?

start of a three month OTT investigation into recording desks. This issue - eight mixers up to £600

The coming of age of the Digital Audio Workstation has implications that go far beyond being simply another item of interest to electronic musicians. Craig Anderton brings us up to date on what’s happening at the top-end of the professional recording world and how it will affect us mere mortals.

A Soft Touch

Jay Chapman discovers why this 16 track MIDI sequencer package for the BBC B micro, described as the musical equivalent of the humble word processor, is receiving so much acclaim from studio users.

A chance to look behind closed doors into one of our reader's studios.

Basscheck

Dave 'King little finger' Burrluck back again with a bass 'specially for you slap-happy types

Roland Alpha Juno 1

Roland’s latest analogue poly offers no earth-shattering innovations, but is still a welcome addition to the synth market’s ever-expanding lower end. Or so says Simon Trask, anyway.

The Wires and Wherefores of Connecting up Your Studio

If you're spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds on studio equipment, you might as well spend a little time to ensure that it's actually connected up properly. Wilf Smarties explains how to avoid hums, buzzes, earth loops, and all those other nasty shocks...

The saga goes on outlining the hazards that befall anyone trying to get an ounce of sense out of a record company.

8-Track Digital Tape Recorder

Tascam's digital 8-track recorder is designed to meet the needs of professionals, yet is costed to appeal to the home studio market.

A straightforward guide to producing Dance Mixes using budget equipment.

Modular synthesis

A plaintive request for a return to modular synthesis, what it means and what it can do for the creative musician.

Why isn't everybody happy with 16-bit sampling? Why are 20 bits better than 16? Kendall Wrightson looks at the technology in the latest generation of analogue-to-digital convertors.

Signal Processor

It sounds like a cheap TV ad, but this device puts an end to all known clicks and pops. Vic Lennard gives the latest development in noise elimination the Rice Krispies test.

Akai S900 Sampler

State-of-the-art sampling at a state-of-the-building society account price.

Synthcheck

Jim Betteridge puts the new poly through its paces

CMS MIDI Analyst

Martin Russ looks at a solution to all your MIDI analysis problems - not software, but a new rack unit from Computer Music Systems.

The return of Roger Linn, as a member of the Akai team, promises much to the world of musical technology. The ASQ 10, bearing the Linn name, is a heavyweight sequencer in all senses. David Mellor assesses its abilities.

Ann Owen gets to grips with this budget sequencer for the Mac

whither EMI in the 1960s

Three 4-tracks

Is it possible to get expensive sounds from inexpensive equipment or is the poor person's multitrack merely an expensive toy? David Mellor looks at three entry-level recorders - Tascam Porta 05, Fostex X30, and Yamaha MT2X - and asks 'Which one would you choose?'.

News of Ensoniq’s rackmount sampler, the EPS-M, and other goodies are unveiled in glorious techno-colour. Read all about it.