Reviews

Review | Dec 24, 2016 by Sara Simms

The new Roland DJ-808 DJ controller seeks to be the hub for every DJ setup. featuring a 4-channel mixer, jog wheels, 16-step sequencer with Roland's iconic 909, 808, 707 and 606 drum sounds and more.

Review | Dec 23, 2016 by Noah Pred

14 iconic drum machines. One plugin. Wave Alchemy have created an instrument for Kontakt and the free Kontakt Player which offers and promises so much. But does it beat the rest?

Review | Dec 22, 2016 by Joe Albano

If you're looking for an audio interface with Thunderbolt 2 connectivity, low-latency performance, advanced I/O and excellent sound quality then the Focusrite Red 4Pre should be known to you.

Review | Dec 21, 2016 by Matt Vanacoro

Spanning 28 GB and many instruments, styles and cultures from all corners of the globe, UVI's World Suite is a carefully sampled and presented ethnic instrument library. Is it the best on offer?

Review | Dec 20, 2016 by Rishabh Rajan

Much has been made of Roland's new Boutique synth range. The VP-03 is a digital (ACB) recreation of the 35+ year old classic VP-330 Vocoder. So, how does this new synth stand up to the test of time?

Review | Dec 19, 2016 by Hollin Jones

Arturia has turned its engineering firepower towards beats and created a fully analog monster with bags of connectivity. Enter DrumBrute!

Review | Dec 18, 2016 by G.W. Childs IV

DRC from Imaginando is a powerful, beautiful sounding synth for iOS, Android and for computer plugin platforms. GW Childs puts it to the test.

Review | Dec 17, 2016 by Hollin Jones

It’s been quite a year for music performers and producers, with all kinds of new gear hitting the shelves. Here’s our guide to some of the best – and most affordable – music kit around this Christmas.

Review | Dec 15, 2016 by Hollin Jones

ROLI has entered a new phase with its acquisition of FXPansion. First out of the blocks are, well, Blocks! But what exactly are they? Read on to find out…

Review | Dec 14, 2016 by Joe Albano

Review | Dec 13, 2016 by Joe Albano

Waves promise their new plugin will give you vintage warmth of vinyl records played on classic turntables and needles. It's a precise model of Abbey Road Studios’ vinyl cutting and playback gear.

Review | Dec 11, 2016 by Matt Vanacoro

So, you want real-time scale mapping & keyswitching that's independent from the virtual instrument plugin you're using? AutoTonic allows you to play any mode or scale on the diatonic C notes!

Review | Dec 08, 2016 by Gary Hiebner

If you're looking for a sample library for the classic eastern Shakuhachi instrument with tonal articulation control that sounds authentic then Impact Soundworks have a treat for you.

Review | Dec 07, 2016 by G.W. Childs IV

Review | Dec 06, 2016 by Matt Vanacoro

Where most synth emulation virtual instruments focus on the classics, UVI Synth Anthology 2 embraces the vintage variety and some modern monsters too. Matt Vanacoro finds out if the sounds match up.