Roland's flagship sampling module boasts an impressive specification, and its page-based screens are oddly reminiscent of the famous Fairlight. Kendall Wrightson finds out how impressive it is in the flesh.

Focusrite Red 2

Thoroughbred EQ

TX816 Rack, QX1 Digital Sequencer, KX88 Master Keyboard

At last, a detailed appraisal of Yamaha's state-of-the-art MIDI system. FM rack, digital keyboard recorder and master keyboard come under David Ellis' careful scrutiny.

More News, more Stories

Korg Wavestation A/D

Korg add new samples, a vocoder and a pair of audio inputs to their highly acclaimed Advanced Vector synthesizer, and put the result in a rack. Kendall Wrightson says the Wavestation A/D is a TV/film composer's dream machine.

More beats per pound

Otherwise known as the big black box at the bottom of the rack, the power amplifier is the most unglamorous piece of audio equipment known to man. David Mellor seeks out its finer qualities.

As MIDI begins to make inroads into the studio, Simon Trask examines its fundamental applications.

Mixing Desk

If you can't afford to be without a fully-featured mixing desk but can't afford the usual asking price, it could be that you haven't checked out Studiomaster's Pro Line Gold. Tim Goodyer has...

FM Synthesiser

Another member of Yamaha's world-beating FM family; Howard Massey finds this powerful rack-mount right up his digital street.

As a humble home studio hopeful who has never pointed a mic in earnest at anything outdoors before, James Walters goes in search of the basic equipment.

Turbo-charged recording techniques

Signal Processor

Eventide call it their Ultra-harmoniser, but is it worthy to follow in the footsteps of their standard-setting model 910? Vic Lennard and technology in perfect harmony.

From the manufacturers of the first cassette multitracker comes the Midistudio: a single unit integrating MIDI into a four-track cassette recorder. Nigel Lord calls it "revolutionary".

Dave Lockwood presents the ultimate guide to microphone basics — how they work, how to choose the right mic for a given application, and how to use them.

Continuing the tradition that began with their 144 Portastudio, Tascam have created a combined package of mixer and 8-track recorder - the 388 Studio 8 - whose compact dimensions belie its true versatility. Dave Lockwood assesses its performance.

Why are microphones so different, why do some cost the earth — and which one should you use for which job? All is revealed.

Marantz PMD740 Cassette 4-Track

Can this stylish-looking cassette multitracker find a niche in an already crowded market? Check out our review...

Sansui WSX1 6-Track Recorder

Sansui mark their debut into the home recording market with the impressive WSX1. Incorporating the first ever 6-track cassette recorder, it also combines a 2-track master recorder, an 8-channel mixer, and built-in digital effects in a convenient package. Will it appeal? Dave Lockwood finds out.

Roland SRV330 Dimensional Space Reverb

Can Roland's latest gizmo really add another dimension to your recordings?

special preview of the all-important Olympia equipment show-your best chance to see the latest in instrument technology

A colourful bonanza of newly released and forthcoming new products.

The largest event of its type in Europe, Frankfurt is the showcase for all that is new and innovative. This three page preview looks at some of the products that will be there.

Digital Audio Tape Recorder

After months of waiting, speculation and peering at display models hidden behind bullet-proof perspex screens, R-DAT has finally appeared in Britain. Are we all ready for digital recording yet or should we stick to the tried and trusted Revox? David Mellor looks at the first product from Sony, the DTC-1000ES, and gives it a taste of professional abuse.