Korg MS20

This month's trip down memory lane takes us to Korg's MS20. Greg Truckell reacquaints himself with an analogue synth that may be better suited to use in 1989 than 1979.

Lillie Yard Studio

Where can you find a complete audio-video recording system, a Fairlight a separate programming suite and the biggest modular synth in the world? Matthew Vosburgh discovers heaven off the Earl's Court Road.

Jim Betteridge puts on his rubber vest, brushes his little moustache and goes to see the Frankies

After April's In Brief review, Rick Davies sends us a user report on the latest FM synth module, and throws in a review of the MDF1 MIDI data filer for good measure.

Ibanez UE400 and UE405

Two versatile effects units that aim to combine the best of both worlds: the flexibility of pedals and the neatness of rack-mounting systems.

MIDI Hardware and Software for RS232 Interface Standard

A MIDI utility hardware and software package for any RS232-equipped micro. Review by Simon Trask, who’s thinking of having RS232 fitted to himself.

Ben Duncan continues the saga.

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.

Although expensive, digital audio workstations are a pointer to the kind of features we can expect to see on the next generation of 'affordable' hi-tech instruments. Craig Anderton takes a look at one of the very latest workstations to appear, the AudioFrame.

Digital Delay, Dynamic Control and Arpeggiation emerge from the MIDI jungle. Paul Gilby observes this rare species.

Pete Hook — Bass Player, Songwriter and Producer

Although well known for his work as bassist with Joy Division and New Order, Pete Hook is a keen producer and owns a studio by the name of Swite 16.

Basscheck, Guitarcheck

Six-stringed and headless. Dave Burrluck goes and does it again

If a pair of trendy phono leads for your record player can cost as much as £100 or more, how much should it cost to cable up your studio? David Mellor has the answer...

MIDI Patch bay

Do you need a MIDI patchbay in your studio? Or a MIDI merger? Or both? Vic Lennard discovers that the XR400 solves more problems than he suspected. How's the software-reviewers elbow, Vic?

or: What to do 'til your processor arrives.

FM isn't just for your radio. Yamaha take it to digital keyboards. Prof. Dave Crombie expounds (his case comes up next week).

Micon Audio LMTC Synchroniser

Micon Audio's LMTC Processor Controller Synchroniser does for owners of Tascam multitracks what the MTC1 did for Fostex users: integrates multitrack recorder control into the sequencer environment. Dave Lockwood gets that syncing feeling once more.

A quick gaze at the crystal ball reveals a new MIDI mixer from Simmons, a digital reverb/effects processor from AKG, a MIDI-CV module from Tantek, and plenty more...

Why has this top record producer - the man behind Culture Club's phenomenal success on vinyl - given up using the Fairlight in favour of a Steinberg Pro-24 system? Why is he so upset about the myths that surround digital recording? Ralph Denyer went along to Levine's new studio to find out...

Chris Smith continues his series on synchronisation

CD ROM player

Surrounded by sample disks? Swamped by sounds? Paul Ireson takes a look at Roland's new CD5 CD ROM player, the next step up in sound library management for S550 sampler owners, and a taste of things to come for everyone else.

By a happy accident, Amstrad's first-ever home computer could become the MIDI micro of the future. David Ellis tells us why.

Revox Mk1 NF Near Field Monitors

These tiny speakers are ideal for the task of home studio, near-field monitoring.