EAT YOUR HEART OUT PPG!

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.

Getting the right mix

AHB Keymix

As mixer automation begins to fall within reach of even the most humble studio, Paul Gilby takes a look at one of the first rack-mount systems on the market - the AHB Keymix.

PATCHING UP

Akai MIDI Programmable Patchbay

Ian Gilby reckons that before long every studio will have a MIDI patchbay as well as an audio one and the low-cost ME30P Programmable MIDI Patchbay from Akai could well be it.

SEQUENTIAL PROPHET VS

Sequential Prophet VS

'The first genuinely new keyboard since the DX7' proclaims our review. Mixing four different waveforms together in a technique christened 'vector synthesis', Sequential's new baby can create some stunningly diferent synth sounds. Could it be what the market's looking for? Mark Jenkins reports.

THE WAY AHEAD?

Ramsa's Miniature Condenser Microphones

Ramsa may not be the most familiar name in the microphone world, but their newly-launched, innovative, miniature mic system may be set to change that, as recording engineer Dave Lockwood reports.

THINKING OF GOING 24-TRACK?

Steinberg Research Pro24

If you are, and your musical output is primarily synthetic in origin, then Steinberg Research's Pro24 MIDI sequencer for the Atari 520 and 1040 micros could prove an inexpensive alternative to upgrading you existing tape recorder. Tony Hastings reveals how...

TOTALLY MUSICAL

Southworth 'Total Music' for Apple Mac

Now that it's available over here, Martin Russ checks out this mouth-watering MIDI recording package which has had more American musicians drooling over it than computer buffs! What is it? The famous Southworth 'Total Music' program for the Apple Macintosh. Prepare to be converted!

YAMAHA MEP4

Yamaha MEP4: MIDI Event Processor

This device for filtering, modifying and delaying MIDI messages is one MIDI enthusiasts can really get their teeth into. A very impressed Jay Chapman considers its place in the scheme of things.

GETTING THE HOLY GHOST ACROSS

Bill Nelson

Contractual hassles have kept musician/producer Bill Nelson hopping from one record label to another since the demise of Be-Bop Deluxe, yet he has still managed to record some exemplary albums using the facility of his 16-track home studio. Ian Gilby finds out how he put his new album together.

INSIDE VIEWS

Steinberg Research

The first in a new series that takes a behind the scenes look at companies specialising in the development of high-tech music and recording products. This month Tony Hastings catches the nightboat to Hamburg to report on MIDI software designers Steinberg Research.

PAUL HARDCASTLE: When The Tape Runs Out

Paul Hardcastle: When The Tape Runs Out

Intrepid reporter/cameraman Ralph Denyer ventures into the wild suburban jungle of East London to capture the rarely heard thoughts of this lesserspotted songbird and re-mix producer who has recently taken delivery of his very own Synclavier system.

TALKING MIDI

System Exclusive

Part 7: In this, the penultimate episode of his illustrious introduction to the MIDI protocol, consultant Jay Chapman discusses the remaining pair of System Common Messages known as the System Exclusive Message and the End Of System Exclusive Message.