Computer / Software

Is Native Instruments' virtual picked acoustic guitar better than the real thing?

Toontrack's virtual bass player should have its human counterparts very worried indeed.

With self-isolation likely to continue for some time, we talk you through using the world's leading conference‑call service for remote music performance.

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. From a damaged, poorly-maintained Soviet-era monosynth that suffers from crackles, frequency drift and other problems, RR saw an opportunity to create an unusual polysynth...

Pen-based input devices have been sadly neglected in music software. The StaffPad notation app reminds us why they're cool!

Plug‑in models of classic hardware can sound great if you feed them the right level. But what level is right?

Like many SOS readers, Paul Baggott's studio centred around the original 'cheesegrater' Mac Pro tower but in 2020 he could hold off no longer and needed to upgrade. In our 'web-only' feature, we thought you'd enjoy reading the trials-and-tribulations tale of Paul's journey and his real-world experiences as this producer bites the bullet and buys a new 2019 Mac Pro.

Is it a drum loop player? Is it a drum sampler? Auddict try to do both, and more...

If you are looking for a source of instant drum parts for your latest electronic music production, UJAM's Beatmaker 2 collection might be just what you need.

Have Apple finally delivered the professional desktop system Mac-based musicians and audio engineers have been waiting for?

The ZenBook Pro Duo UX581GV has more screens and power than you can shake a stick at. Is it the perfect portable music machine?

Bassynth is all about big and meaty bass sounds. Its 11GB sample library comprises over 800 multi-samples of 'real' instruments such as brass, winds and bass guitar, plus synthetic sounds.

Apple's top-of-the-range laptop gains an extra inch and a lot more besides.

Monome's enigmatic Norns can be anything you want it to be — if you're prepared to put the work in...

Steinberg's innovative notation package reaches version 3 — and maturity?