Synths & Sound Design

Tutorial | Feb 06, 2019 by Dave Mech

Join Dave Mech as he uses everyday tools to create a cool kick drum sound using Elektron's Digitakt sampling drum machine.

Tutorial | Jan 31, 2019 by Hollin Jones

When you connect up two Elektron devices over MIDI, you unlock special features and functionality. Thavius Beck shows you how the MIDI side works in this short video.

Tutorial | Jan 31, 2019 by Hollin Jones

With the bundled Max For Live device DS Kick in Ableton Live Suite, you can shape and sculpt the ultimate kick drum sound. Noah Pred shows you how it's done.

Tutorial | Jan 23, 2019 by Hollin Jones

Sound design, instrument creation, building multi layered patches - all these and much more are possible with Kontakt 6. See how it works in this short video.

Tutorial | Jan 11, 2019 by Joe Albano

If you've ever been confused by the terminology around studio connections - TRS, S/PDIF, MegaOhms and more - then worry not. Joe Albano is here to make everything clear.

Tutorial | Jan 08, 2019 by Noah Pred

Combining the tonal flexibility of wavetable synthesis with the ability to modulate nearly any parameter with ease, Wavetable is designed to expand your sound design horizons. Noah Pred explains how.

Tutorial | Jan 05, 2019 by Hollin Jones

ROLI's Blocks make excellent holiday gifts, but they're powerful and fun to use all year round. Here's a quick guide to setting up and connecting them to get you started.

Tutorial | Jan 03, 2019 by Hollin Jones

The Moog Grandmother is a lot of fun to play, but if you understand how it does its magic you'll be sure to get the most out of it. Find out how in this short video.

Editorial | Dec 31, 2018 by Rounik Sethi

2018 was a great year for hardware synths. Demand for hands-on music machines continues to grow year on year. Here's some of our favorite hardware synths released this year.

Editorial | Dec 30, 2018 by Scott Riesterer

Eurorack modular gear continues to go from strength to strength and 2018 was one of the best years yet for new releases. Here are some of our favourites of the year.

Editorial | Dec 29, 2018 by Hollin Jones

It's not all about instruments - the FX and accessories you choose for your studio can transform it and help make your tracks sound even better. Here are the best released in 2018.

Editorial | Dec 28, 2018 by Hollin Jones

Kontakt-based instruments just keep getting better, and 2018 saw some of the most ambitious and great-sounding releases ever. Here are the boldest and best Kontakt instruments of the year.

Editorial | Dec 27, 2018 by Hollin Jones

2018 saw a raft of updates and new releases, from emulations of vintage gear to new and totally unique soft synthesizers. There's never been a better time to make music with virtual synths.

Editorial | Dec 26, 2018 by Hollin Jones

2018 has been a great year for new, expanded and upgraded music-making apps on iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Here are some of the best, from beat makers to full DAWs.

Editorial | Dec 23, 2018 by Hollin Jones

This year saw updates and new releases covering everything from keyboards and Eurorack modules to chord assistants and MIDI guitars. Here's our roundup of the best MIDI controllers of 2018.