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Korg's new pedal box features a novel pressure pad that lets you change performance parameters while you play. Paul White gets in his annual half-hour guitar practise session checking it out.

Roland's new MCR8 hardware controller seeks to take the strain out of parameter access synth or software editing, by offering you real-time manipulation of any MIDI values from its front panel sliders and knobs. Paul Ward checks it out.

How do you fancy a way of playing guitar patches, like a guitar, without the expense of a guitar synth system? Impossible? Derek Johnson finds out...

Yamaha's new Virtual Acoustics instruments provide the cutting edge of sophisticated synthesis technology — at a price. But what is the company doing for the mere mortal musician amongst us? Martin Russ assesses their answer, the new W-series workstations.

The X5 is Korg's cheapest fully-featured keyboard synth, with a spec that belies its modest price tag. Derek Johnson finds out whether it's really the bargain it seems.

Mark of the Unicorn have taken a brand-new look at sequencing for their latest package, FreeStyle, which is aimed at entry-level users as well as musicians who would rather avoid most of the complexities of MIDI. Mike Collins checks it out.

Does ART's new model have anything new to offer in a market already well supplied with affordable compressors? Paul White finds out.

Paul White gets to grips with the latest budget equaliser from Ross, and offers a few handy tips on graphic equalisation.

News of the ESi32 has set the hearts of ambitious but fiscally challenged samplists beating faster. Mike Barnes brings you this exclusive review of the machine which packs EIII sampling power into a box costing under £1200, and wonders 'Is it too good to be true?"

Debbie Poyser checks out Dan Kimpel's self-motivaing guide to promoting yourself.

Paul White gets a sneak preview of an approach to synthesizer technology that could truly change the face of both synthesis and sampling as we know them...

At a time when the prices of multi-effects units are, on average, lower than they've ever been, Boss have launched a processor which does... reverb! Derek Johnson looks at the back-to-basics RV70.

Yamaha's latest digital mixing console was by far the biggest crowd sensation at this year's APRS in London, taking many people by surprise with its low price and wealth of features. Dominic Hawken lends a listening ear to the first unit in the country.

Following in the footsteps of Roland, Emu and Korg, Ensoniq have now taken the plunge into plug-in hardware with the latest release, the 16-bit Soundscape card for the PC. Paul Nagle puts it through its paces.

Kurzweil's new master keyboard combines the features of a MIDI controller with the sounds and feel of an 88-note digital piano. Tim James tickles the ivories...

Paul White delves into the exciting depths of RAboc's new DI Box.

Axe heroes wanting that classic Marshall stack sound without the bulk should check out this floor-mounting DI unit. Paul White put his foot down.

Emu's Vintage Keys module offered a tempting selection of sounds sampled from the cream of desirable analogue synths. Now the same concept has been remodelled, with a lower price tag to appeal to a larger range of musicians. Gordon Reid assesses the Classic Keys.

Paul White checks out the new MIDI switch controller from Rolls.

Lexicon's PCM70 reveb has been widely acclaimed as a modern classic, a ubiquitous component of pro studios worldwide. Paul White tests out its successor, the PCM80, falls deeply in love with it, then has to give it back!