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Is the X14 cheap and cheerful, or just cheap? Derek Johnson finds out.

Bass, how small can you get? Nicholas Rowland gives Alesis' new bottom end a good slap.

You've got a sampler, you've got a sample CD — but you haven't got any music yet. Craig Anderton chases down useful software that can help you bridge the gap, and passes on some hints and tips for effective sample CD use.

Clavia's little red devil bought its Swedish creators a fair measure of fame and fortune on its release almost two years ago. But times have changed, and the Nord 2 now has many more competitors in the virtual analogue stakes. Paul Nagle leads from the front.

Does the world need another budget parametric equalizer? Paul White discovers that it never had that many in the first place.

(MIXED MODE CD/AKAI CD‑ROM) Rating: *** 3/5 Stars

Volume six of the Sampling Sound System, ...

Paul White auditions a new name in active monitors, and discovers an interesting design approach that combines light weight, small size and a well-controlled bass end.

Musicians have problems finding CD-ROM drives that work reliably with samplers. Martin Walker checks out one that claims to work with everything.

Did you know that upgrading your sampler's memory could seriously damage its health? Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser finds out why...

Craig Anderton puts all his tips in one basket...

After a spell away from project studio consoles, Allen & Heath return with a magical new contender. Martin Walker conjures up some thoughts on the WZ20:8:2.

Already well known for their valve mics and valve processors, Groove Tubes have introduced two new mics, one a valve model and the other solid-state. Paul White compares the two newcomers.

AUDIO CD Rating: **** 4/5 Stars

With so many computer‑generated rhythms about, however well...

When it's time to choose a sampler from the many on the market, it helps to know which features are most significant. Craig Anderton will tel you what you want, what you really really want...

Paul White attempts to discover whether the Demeter Tube Direct is really the princess of DI.

In 1995, Oberheim released the OB3, a little-known drawbar organ module, subsequently eclipsed by Hammond and Roland's advanced electronic tonewheel organ emulations. Now Oberheim have teamed up with Italian organ specialists Viscount to produce the enhanced OB3-2. Nick Magnus squares the difference.

AUDIO CD Rating: **** 4/5 Stars

CD‑ROM Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars

Continuing...

Paul White finds that Zoom's entry-level, sub-£100 effects box has hidden depths.

Using a separate sampler, sequencer, synth and drum machine? With the new Ensoniq ASRX you could take just one box into the studio. Chris Carter just samples and goes...

These days, few hi-tech musicians would consider their studio complete without some kind of sampler. Paul White goes through the basics of these invaluable studio tools, for the benefit of anyone who has yet to sample one...