Mike Watkinson

Mike Watkinson

Mike has been obsessed with music software since he first saw Fairlight's Page-R, and has tracked its development through his work as a performer, composer and producer. As a writer he has contributed articles to Sound On Sound since 1999, and currently writes their Apple Notes column. As well as being a certified Logic Pro and Pro Tools trainer he is also an Apple Distinguished Educator.

Articles by Mike Watkinson

/ 99 Articles

Review: sE Electronics X1 Studio Bundle

For those in the market for a high-quality, budget condenser mic, reflection filter, shock mount cradle and pop shield, the sE X1 Studio Bundle ticks all the boxes. So how does this bundle perform?

Logic Pro X: New Interface Features

Whenever your favorite piece of software receives a major update, it's usually the changes to the user interface that will at first delight or annoy you. Take a look at what's new in Logic Pro X.

Review: IK Multimedia iRig HD Guitar Interface

Since it was announced, we've been eagerly waiting to get hands-on with IK Multimedia's iRig HD Guitar interface. Now it's here, Mike Watkinson wasted no time putting it to the test.

Review: BossJock Studio for iPad

Thinking of producing your own live (real-time) radio show or podcast? Want to make it iPad based? Enter BossJock Studio for iPad. Mike Watkinson checks it out.

Using Apple Loops in Pro Tools

The idea of using Logic Pro's Apple Loops in Pro Tools might feel counter-intuitive. But, these loops are a great resource which can be accessed and used for creative ideas directly in Pro Tools.

Review: T-RackS Custom Shop

We've been told mastering MUST be done by a professional mastering engineer. But what if you don't have the resources for such a task or want to try it yourself? IK Multimedia's T-RackS is for you...

10 Free Plug-ins for Pro Tools 10

Just because it's free doesn't mean it isn't valuable! And the same goes for plug-ins! Mike Watkinson finds 10 free plug-in gems for use in Avid's Pro Tools 10 DAW.

Moving Logic Pro EXS24 Sampler Instruments from One Mac to Another

Chances are as a Logic Pro user you've used (if not created your own) sampler instruments using the EXS24. In this article Mike Watkinson explores a trusted way to move these to another Mac.

Review: IK Multimedia iRig Stomp

The iRig Stomp from IK Multimedia allows you to use your guitar with your iPad... without cracking the screen with your foot! Mike Watkinson puts his foot down in this revealing review.

Creating a Solo Violin EXS24 Instrument for Logic Pro

Mike Watkinson, ADE, shows how to quickly and effortlessly create a solo violin sampled instrument in Logic Pro - something strangely lacking in the included content for Apple's flagship DAW.

Playing Back Mixdowns of iOS GarageBand Projects on your iOS Device

It's impossible to easily playback your mixes from GarageBand for iOS on your iOS device, right? Wrong! Mike Watkinson shows you some workarounds to share your iOS mixes with the world.

Review: PreSonus AudioBox 1818 VSL: An Interface for iPad and Mac Musicians

The PreSonus AudioBox 1818 VSL is on 'the' list by Apple as a supported audio interface for iPad and Mac. Mike Watkinson takes it out for a spin to see how well it performs with musicians in mind.

8 Awesome Free Audio Plug-in Synths for Mac Musicians

It's that time of year - your wallet rinsed by the holiday season, and nothing inspirational under the tree. So, find yourself a bargain or two, and maybe reinvigorate your inner composer...

Review: iRig Keys

If you're an iPad musician you'll be familiar with the iRig range of hardware accessories that turn your iPad into a portable studio. Mike Watkinson puts IK's iRig Keys MIDI keyboard to the test.

Review: iGrand Piano

IK Multimedia are back with another music app for iOS: iGrand Piano. No prizes for guessing the focus of this app... but how does it measure up to the real thing? Mike Watkinson investigates.