Best Service/ Evolution Series World Percussion Review
Weighing in at 220GB, World Percussion is a gigantic virtual instrument. Keith Gemmell finds out if bigger really is better.

Toontrack The Classic EZX

Camel Audio Dubstep Powered by Alchemy

Big Fish Audio Electri-fried Blues
Review

Prime Loops Harder Faster Louder!

VSL Vienna Dimension Brass
Is Vienna’s new multi-dimensional virtual instrument the last word in brass libraries? Keith Gemmell sizes it up.

Tonehammer Liberis Angelic Choir Review
Tonehammer’s ambitious new virtual instrument features a full symphonic youth choir. Keith Gemmell voices his opinion.

Vir2 Q
Q contains a wealth of cinematic samples – but has quality been sacrificed for quantity? Keith Gemmell sounds them out.

Organic Loops Organic Loops Real Strings Vol 2

Toontrack Metalheads EZX

Booty Farm Ed Solo Presents Bass Lab Vol.1

Wallander Instruments WIVI Instruments
A software synth that re-creates brass and woodwinds without using samples? Keith Gemmell investigates the WIVI way...

Native Instruments Abbey Road Modern Drums
NI has already delivered various vintage kits, but this pack offers an up-to-date drum sound. Mark Cousins takes a listen.

Zero-G Alien Skies

The Dark Side The Dark Side
EastWest’s collection of brutally distorted instruments and effects isn’t for the faint-hearted. Mark Cousins gets dirty...

Garritan COMB2
Garritan’s Concert & Marching Band samples library has reached its second incarnation. Keith Gemmell plays out the changes.

Zero-G Animato

Sounds/To/Sample Deephouse

Sample Logic Cinematic Guitars
Sample Logic has taken a unique approach to the use of guitar textures in film and TV scores. Mark Cousins picks up his axe.

Project SAM Symphobia 2
The original Symphobia was a smash hit with film, TV and games composers – is the sequel as good? Keith Gemmell finds out.

Native Instruments Vintage Organs
Owning a real vintage organ is just a pipe dream for most of us, but NI may have a stopgap. Hollin Jones goes retro.

Native Instruments Abbey Road 80s Drums
With the 80s revival in full swing, does NI’s new Drums deliver the sound that defined a generation? Mark Cousins takes a listen.

Audiobro LA Scoring Strings

Toontrack Songwriters Drumpack 1 & 2

Sample Magic SM19: Organic House

Cinesamples Hollywoodwinds
With Hollywoodwinds, Cinesamples aims to bring woodwind back into orchestral film scoring. Keith Gemmell checks it out.

garritan Jazz & Big Band 3
Garritan’s popular samples library has now reached version 3 – so what’s new? Keith Gemmell joins the Band.

FXpansion BFD ECO

Vir2 Violence

5Pin Media Tribal Percussion

Fireloops Hip hop and R&B Beats

Bela D Media Diva Revamp

Big Fish Audio Detroit Soul

Prime Loops Bleep Machine

Native Instruments Session Strings
Session Strings takes a fresh look at the sound of the string section in modern music. Mark Cousins picks up his bow.

Native Instruments Alicia's Keys
NI’s Alicia’s Keys harnesses many of the improvements offered by Kontakt 4. Mark Cousins tickles the ivories.

Sample Logic Acoustix

Toontrack SDX: Music City USA

Loopmasters Dark Matter

Limelight Software aurora sound studio HD

Native Instruments DEEP FREQ
Deep Freq can transform your music in ways you might have only ever dreamed of. Mark Cousins dives in.

Vir2 Electri6ity
If you love the sound of guitars but can’t actually play one, Vir2 might have the perfect solution. Keith Gemmell plugs in.

Toontrack Beatstation
Looking for a quick and user-friendly way to lay down some beats? Alex Holmes finds out if Toontrack has the answer.

Miroslav Vitous STRING ENSEMBLES: COMPOSER’S DREAM
A new library from the man who pioneered orchestral sampling? Mark Cousins picks up his bow.

Native Instruments PARANORMAL SPECTRUMS
Packed full of eerie and downright scary soundscapes, Native Instruments’ Paranormal Spectrums isn’t for the faint-hearted... Mark Cousins gets spooked out.

Native Instruments EVOLVE MUTATIONS 2
With a new Trigger FX section and even more sounds to play with, Native Instruments introduces the latest Evolve Mutations library. Mark Cousins hears it out.

SONiVOX Playa – Hip Hop Strings

Ultimate Sound Bank Acoustic Toy Museum

Project SAM Concert Harp

Nine Volt Audio Metal Guitars: Riffs and Rhythms

Native Instruments ABBEY ROAD 70S DRUMS
NI’s Abbey Road 70s Drums travels back in time to capture a distinctive drum sound. Mark Cousins takes a closer look.

Native Instruments Scarbee Vintage Keys
The sounds of four legendary vintage electric pianos come to the free Kontakt 4 Player. Keith Gemmell is keyed up.

Arturia Brass 2.0
Using physical modelling technology, Brass 2.0 emulates three different instruments – trumpet, trombone and tenor saxophone. Keith Gemmell blows all three.

Wave Alchemy Drum Tools 01: Minimal Techno & Tech House

Sample Logic MORPHESTRA
With more than 27GB of sounds, is Morphestra the ultimate tool for film and TV composers? Mark Cousins takes a look.

Arturia Hip Hop Producer
Knowing what’s best to use for a given style can be daunting. Liam O’Mullane checks out Arturia’s one-box hip hop solution.

Native Instruments Abbey Road 60's drums
Few of us will get to record at Abbey Road, but we can now get some of its sound. Mark Cousins picks up his sticks.

Ueberschall Score FX 2

Native instruments Massive Threat

Prime Loops Guitar Anthology

Native Instruments Scarbee Jay-Bass
Native Instruments’ new Scarbee Jay-Bass promises new levels of realism. Mark Cousins goes in deep.

Big Fish Audio Nashville Sessions

Zero-G Dark Skies

Smash Up The Studio Club Grooves Urban Piano

Tonehammer mini

Best Service Accordions

Spectrasonics Trilian
Is this the ultimate collection of acoustic, electronic and synth bass sounds? Mark Cousins revitalises his low end.

Vir2 Instruments MOJO: HORN SECTION
With few horn VIs on the market, MOJO could blow away some of the competition. Keith Gemmell gets it working.

Big Fish Audio Vintage R & B

Garritan Inc Personal Orchestra 4
Garritan’s PO4 looks set to make more friends thanks to a new playback engine and low price. Keith Gemmell checks it out.

Steinberg The Grand 3
There are no fewer than five pianos in The Grand 3, so does it sacrifice quality for quantity? Keith Gemmell finds out.

FXpansion DCAM: Synth Squad
Can FXpansion’s DCAM technology really capture the distinctive sound and feel of classic 70s and 80s synthesizers? Mark Cousins joins the Synth Squad.

Big Fish Audio Symphonic Manoevres Volume 2

Rob Papen SubBoomBass
If bass is your thing, the latest soft synth from Rob Papen should keep you happy. Alex Holmes dives in at the deep end.

Applied Acoustic Systems Strum Electric GS-1
Can you get a true electric guitar sound using a MIDI keyboard hooked up to the Strum Electric GS-1? Keith Gemmell finds out.

Submersible Music DrumCore 3
Submersible Music’s pro drum software has been upgraded to a virtual instrument plug-in. Keith Gemmell checks it out.

Sample Modeling Mr Sax T
If you don’t have the budget to hire a real sax player, Mr Sax T might be your next best bet. Keith Gemmell gets acquainted.

EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra Play Edition
Want to inject some Hollywood magic into your productions? This might be what you need. Keith Gemmell raises the baton.

Sample Logic Synergy
If you’re looking for inspiration and new sounds, Synergy could be just the ticket. Hollin Jones has the score.

Synthogy Ivory Upright Pianos
Synthogy, renowned for fine virtual grand pianos, have added four uprights to the range. Keith Gemmell sounds them out.

Project Sam Symphobia
Could Symphobia be the ultimate tool for scoring film, games and TV music? Keith Gemmell conducts his own investigation.

Yellow Tools Independence Pro
Yellow Tools has kitted out its flagship sampler-workstation with a host of new tools. Keith Gemmell goes it alone.

Vir2 Basis
If you’re looking for a little more bottom end, Basis may hold the answer. Hollin Jones gets the low-down.

MOTU Electric Keys
Comprising no fewer than 50 vintage keyboards, is MOTU’s Electric Keys the complete solution for retro sounds? Mark Cousins steps back in time.

Toontrack Superior Drummer 2.0
Not everyone is a great drummer, but we all need great drum sounds – and drum samplers offer a convenient solution. Hollin Jones gets behind the kit.

Applied Acoustics Systems Strum Acoustic GS-1
AAS’ latest foray into physical modelling may be the most challenging one yet... JoE Silva picks up a virtual six-string.

Synthogy Ivory Italian Grand
Prices of grand piano virtual instruments appear to be falling, so how does the Ivory Italian fare? Keith Gemmell finds out.

Zero-G Prima

Vienna Symphonic Library VSL Special Edition
Recording an orchestra is expensive and beyond the scope of the project studio. Keith Gemmell samples the virtual solution.

Best Service Ethno World 4
World music sample libraries are plentiful, but few are quite as diverse as this. Keith Gemmell broadens his horizons...

Sample Modeling The Trumpet
Notoriously difficult to emulate, the trumpet has finally arrived in virtual form. Keith Gemmell samples a model instrument...

WaveMachine Labs Drumagog
Drumagog promises to make the task of drum replacement intuitive and easy. Mark Cousins swaps out his snares...

FXpansion BFD2
Rebuilt from the ground up, FXpansion claims that BFD2 is the most powerful drum workstation ever – but does it live up to the hype? Keith Gemmell gets behind the kit...

Arturia Analog Factory Experience

Big Fish Audio Hadeeth 2

Loopmasters Progressive House & Electronica - Trafik

XLN Audio AD Retro

EastWest/Quantum Leap Quantum Leap Gypsy

Loopmasters Soundbwoy Killah Drum n Bass

Platinum Samples Joe Barresi Evil Drums

Propellerhead Software Abbey Road Keyboards
The Prop’s latest release comprises seven vintage instruments recorded in the legendary Studio Two. Keith Gemmell explains...

IK Multimedia Miroslav Classik
Miroslav Classik Edition extends the life of some of the best-loved orchestral samples. Mark Cousins conducts his tests...

Gary Garritan Stradivari Solo Violin 2.0
Garritan adds warmth of tone and NI’s Kontakt Player to the Stradivari Solo Violin. Keith Gemmell bows out once again...

XLN Audio Addictive Drums
Addictive Drums augments the usual multi-sampled kit sounds with impressive mixing options. Mark Cousins gets hooked...

Roger Nichols Digital Digital Plug-ins
Roger Nichols Digital proves there’s more than one way of approaching compression and EQ. Mark Cousins finds out more.

Propellerhead Reason Pianos
Can’t fit a concert grand in your studio? Help is at hand courtesy of Propellerhead, as Hollin Jones finds out...

Sonic Implants Symphonic Harp
Sonic Implants continues to bring instruments from the orchestra into your studio. Mark Cousins harps on...

Arturia Analog Factory
If vintage synths are your thing, you’ll find plenty to choose from in this neat bundle. Mike Hillier plugs in...

Yamaha M08
Yamaha’s newest workstation certainly boasts a wealth of player-oriented features, but does it cover all the bases? Hollin Jones test-drives the MO8.

Steinberg Virtual Guitarist 2
Steinberg’s new virtual instrument does the work of two previous plug-ins and more. Mike Hillier goes virtual...

Garritan Stradivari Solo Violin
Stradivari Solo Violin puts the sound of one of the most revered instruments in the world into the hands of any musician with a computer and keyboard. Keith Gemmell bows out.

Garritan Libraries Jazz & Big Band
It’s been a long time coming, but the world’s first jazz and big band sample library for composers and educators has finally arrived. Keith Gemmell strikes up the band.

Native Instruments Bandstand
GM plug-ins are few and far between, but NI’s new release looks set to raise the standard. Keith Gemmell is on the Bandstand.

M-Audio ProKeys 88
The days of using one dedicated keyboard in the studio and another on the stage are seemingly numbered. Hollin Jones tinkles the ivories of M-Audio’s new ProKeys 88.

FXpansion BFD Deluxe Collection
FXpansion drummed up the support of legendary producer Steve Albini to create one of the most ambitious drum samplers yet. Mike Hillier stays ahead of the beat.

Steinberg Hypersonic 2
The latest version of Steinberg’s virtual workstation includes 800 new patches, but won’t force you to upgrade your computer. Mike Hillier engages Hypersonic.

Native Instruments B4 II
Can Native Instruments’ latest virtual instrument improve on a design widely acknowledged as a classic? Mike Hillier rides the storm...

IK Multimedia Miroslav Philharmonik
Working with a full-size symphony orchestra needn’t break the bank. Mark Cousins checks out the score...

Scarbee Keyboard Gold Bundle
Scarbee’s latest offering is a vintage keyboard collection. Mike Hillier tickles the ivories.

Steinberg The Grand 2
Steinberg has given its flagship virtual concert piano a makeover. Hollin Jones looks forward to a Grand day out...

Ueberschall Liquid Saxophone
The limitations of sampled saxophone libraries are now a thing of the past. Keith Gemmell rewrites the course notes with the help of Liquid Saxophone.

Steinberg Virtual Bassist
Steinberg’s virtual band has a new member. Mike Hillier checks out his chops.

EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Choirs
As well as providing three microphone positions and 24-bit samples, Symphonic Choirs also promises the ability to sing your lyrics. Mark Cousins voices his opinion…

Toontrack Custom & Vintage
Toontrack’s Custom & Vintage lavishes an astonishing 35GB of samples on the humble drum kit. Mark Cousins finds out if it’s space well used…

Yellow Tools Candy
Saxophones are notoriously difficult to sample, but Yellow Tools has taken on the challenge. Mark Cousins assesses the results.

Music Lab Real Guitar
Add acoustic guitar parts to your compositions without having to attend a single lesson. Mick Taylor wields the virtual axe.

Steinberg Groove Agent 2
Drummers are a notoriously fickle bunch, but can they ever be replaced by a software-based beat generator? Mike Hillier packs away his sticks...

IK Multimedia Sonik Synth 2
With over 5,000 vintage and modern instrument sounds, Sonik Synth 2 might just might be the ultimate workstation. Keith Gemmell gives it a workout.

Bornemark Broomstick Bass
Broomstick Bass looks set to sweep the cobwebs away from the lower register. Mike Hillier gets busy spring cleaning.

Wizoo Darbuka and Latigo
Mike Hillier chills out with two virtual percussionists, bringing Latin American, Arabic and Middle Eastern grooves to your next software jam session.

Ultimate Sound Bank X-treme FX
With a huge library of sound effects at its disposal, USB’s new instrument could expand your musical horizons. Mike Hillier takes it to the X-treme.

Applied Acoustics Systems Ultra Analog VA-1
Big analogue sounds without the cables and headaches? Hollin Jones finds out if the Ultra Analog VA-1 can deliver…

Swar Systems SwarPlug VST/AU Full Edition
Mike Hillier adds a touch of Indian spice to his recordings.

Ultimate Sound Bank Ultra Focus Synth Anthology
Using a vast array of classic synths as its sample base, this new software instrument offers huge sonic potential – but can one synth do it all? Nigel Lord is Focussed...

e-LAB Obsession
Looking for a great-sounding, groove-based instrument with that essential urban credibility? Nigel Lord checks out the latest Swedish Obsession…

Ultimate SoundBank Charlie - Virtual Retro Organ Module
Looking for a tone-wheel organ and rotary cabinet speaker in a simple-to-use plug-in format? Keith Gemmell wonders: could Charlie be your darlin’?

Roland Fantom-X8
Roland dispatches a new variant of its battleship class of audio workstations. Joe Silva discovers whether she’s seaworthy…

Yellow Tools Majestic
Majestic, one of the new range of Modular Virtual Instruments from Yellow Tools, combines high-end bass samples with an innovative audio engine. Keith Gemmell has the low-down…

Korg Triton Extreme 88
Korg’s Triton gets some new toys, including a real-life valve for warming up your sound. Hollin Jones takes it to the Extreme….

Native Instruments Elektrik Piano
Native Instruments’ Elektrik Piano is something of a blast from the past – but are these sounds still all-time classics? Ian Waugh tickles the virtual ivories…

Korg The Legacy Collection
Korg has resurrected its legendary MS-20, Polysix and Wavestation synthesisers as software instruments – but do they sound as good as the originals? Keith Gemmell listens closely...

Wizoo Hyper Modules
Wizoo has created three new modules to expand your Hypersonic workstation – but are they really an asset to your existing setup? Keith Gemmell gets Hyper active…

Garritan Personal Orchestra
Garritan Personal Orchestra claims to fit an entire symphony orchestra inside your computer. But, as Mark Jenkins asks, does the GPO deliver?

FXpansion BFD
BFD – an acoustic drum library module – is FXpansion’s latest foray into the sampled drum machine market. Ian Waugh sees if it lives up to its name...

Akai MPC1000
Akai has released the latest model in a long line of sampling drum machines – but is it an adequate compositional tool? Mark Jenkins is set adrift on an MPC...

Ueberschall & Best Service VLP Vintage Licks + Phrases; Best Service PLP120 Percussion Live Performances
A collection of dance and pop samples wrapped up in a plug-in format that makes looping a breeze? Pete Crisp finds radar love…

Kurzweil PC1X Performance Controller
Always fancied a Kurzweil synth but couldn’t muster the readies? As David Etheridge discovers, the new PC1X may well be within your reach…

Steinberg Hypersonic
Hypersonic transports the music workstation concept to the computer-based environment – but is it worth the journey? Keith Gemmell tests the hype…

EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra
Recording a full symphony orchestra requires money, space and a great deal of time. Lewis Brangwyn samples a virtual alternative...

Ableton Live 3
Ableton Live has generated a lot of excitement among both musicians and DJs, but will version 3 extend its user base even further? Bob Dormon finds out…

E-mu PX-7 Command System
E-mu’s new PX-7 sets out to make you commander of your own drum station. Mark Jenkins gives it a beating…

Steinberg Groove Agent
With its vast groove library covering 50 years of rhythmic styles, Steinberg’s new VSTi offers a radical new way of creating drum tracks. Nigel Lord contacts his Agent…

Ultimate Sound Bank Plugsound Box
Offering a simplified approach to plug-in synthesis, Plugsound modules have gained a loyal following since their first appearance. Nigel Lord receives six of the best…

FXpansion DR-008 VST2 Virtual Drum Machine
If you’re into sequencing drums you’re going to love the DR-008. Daniel Duffell takes a quick tour...

Yellow Tools Culture
Could this be the ultimate software percussion instrument collection? Ian Waugh picks up his sticks and gets a dose of Culture...

Spectrasonics Trilogy
Every bass sound you’ll ever need – and then some. Spectrasonics’ new virtual synth module could make a deep impression on you. Nigel Lord has the lowdown on the down low.