Synthesizers

The Receptor lets you use VST plug-ins without a computer. How does V2 improve on the original?

We get hands-on with Korgs touchy-feely new synth.

FabFilters powerful plug-in suite brings us advanced modulation possibilities, filters with multiple personalities, and plenty of overdrive.

With four voices of genuine analogue polyphony, Dave Smiths Tetra is a big synth in a small box.

The latest product of Doepfers modular know-how is the Dark Energy: a compact, powerful and hands-on desktop analogue synthesizer.

If your plug-in synths sound a bit cold and clinical, there are plenty of ways to inject some life...

The latest synth from Dave Smith owes more than a little to its illustrious ancestor, the Sequential Circuits Pro One, but costs only £299$399.

The hugely popular Microkorg — the worlds best-selling synth for the past few years, according to its makers — has gained what Korg describe as a big brother. Will it repeat the success of its sibling?

Arturias first true hardware synth aims to let you conveniently create your own modular system from modelled components of some of the best-loved analogues of all time. How well does it realise this ambitious goal?

Truly original and innovative software is a rare thing these days, but Camel Audios latest is exactly that. Find out what it is that sets Alchemy apart from the soft-synth crowd...

Waldorf build on the success of their Blofeld synth by adding not only a keyboard, but also sample RAM.

The M3 workstation, already a powerful beast, has gained impressive new features and an Xpanded name tag. Is it now top of its class?

In the early 60s, pioneering British composer Daphne Oram set out to create a synthesizer unlike any other. The engineer who turned her ideas into reality was Graham Wrench.

Roland's Fantom workstation reaches its fourth generation with the 'G' series. So just how great is the Fantom family's great-grandchild?

The Voyager Old School sees Moog returning to their roots, but is there a place for an all-analogue, 1970s-style synth in the 21st century?

Wowa Cwejman is already in possession of a fine reputation for esoteric synth modules, but he hasn't run out of ideas yet. Join us as we take a tour of his latest creations...

Is there still a place for the workstation in the computer dominated studio of 2008? Korg certainly think so, and they're making a compelling case with their brand-new, touchscreen-equipped M50, offering much of the power of the acclaimed M3 for around half the price. Our world exclusive review digs deeper...

Yamaha's Motif range has proved to be both popular and enduring — so is the latest incarnation, the Rack XS, your cue to join the Motif party?

The new Virus is one of the most affordable ever and currently the cheapest way to get a slice of Access' Total Integration technology — but does cheaper mean compromised?

Arturia's 'hybrid instrument' teams a custom keyboard with their massive synth patch library plug-in. Is this the way forward for hardware/software integration?

The Wretch Machine sounds absolutely terrible — but that's exactly as its creators, Metasonix, intended. To see what valve-powered synthesis can do for you, read on...