FXpansion

Shareware can be just as innovative and feature-packed as its fully commercial equivalent — take FXpansion's ambitious DR-008 sampled/synthesized drum machine, for example...

Reflecting the growth in the number of VST Instrument plug-ins, as opposed to those designed purely for processing of effects treatments, established plug-in developers FXpansion have now produced DR005, a 'soft drum machine'. Paul Ward snares a copy...

FXpansion's new soft synth boasts sensational sound and an almost unhealthy level of modulation.

As the name suggests, FXpansion's utility allows VST effects and Instruments to be used in Pro Tools, but how well does it really work?

When it comes to drum sounds, BFD and its XFL expansion pack offer unprecedented levels of detail and flexibility, totalling over 30GB of sample data. Is it overkill, or the rhythm programmer's ultimate weapon?

FXpansion's software drum machine takes the 'pad sampler' concept pioneered by Akai's MPC range to new levels.

BFD is back, and with over 50GB of samples the 'B' is even bigger than before. So if you want the best in acoustic drum samples, should you be making space on your hard drive for BFD2?

FXpansions first foray into the soft-synth world yields some unexpected but welcome results...