Virtual Instrument

Vocal Lix's samples are designed to be used in dance tracks and lean towards R&B in style.

Taking the idea of 'found sounds' to another level, Soniccouture's Geosonics plunders the natural world for its most unnatural sounds.

The third instalment in Quantum Leap's Stormdrum series explores the private percussion collection of a legendary American drummer.

Audio files to accompany the article.

Competition for the accolade of best software sampler is fierce, despite some contenders having fallen away in recent years. Has MOTU's MachFive 3 got what it takes to come out on top?

The celebrated SID chip enjoys a virtual outing, courtesy of Precious Sound's lovingly sampled software instrument.

Three grand pianos jostle for supremacy in VI Labs' deep-sampled, secrecy-shrouded True Keys Pianos package.

The third instalment of EastWest’s grand orchestral master plan sees the project nearing the finishing line.

Konkrete 3’s barely contained weirdness sets it apart from other drum libraries, as does its unusually tweakable interface.

Synthogy capture one of legendary pianist Glenn Gould’s favourite instruments.

The ‘Ricky’ bass sound graces many a classic track. Have Scarbee nailed its distinctive qualities?

Muse Research continue to refine their Receptor virtual instrument player.

Rising from the mist of old England comes the successor to Spitfire’s flagship orchestral library.

Drumasonic’s eponymous software instrument offers detailed editing control over its generous library of drum and percussion sounds.

Toontrack’s Superior Drummer has proved a big hit. Does their EZKeys virtual piano reach an equally high note?

First they got you hooked on their drums, and now XLN Audio are pushing pianos...