 MTM 64 |
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.
|
|
 MTM 63 |
Zero-G Prima
|
 MTM 63 |
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.
|
|
 MTM 62 |
Best Service Ethno World 4
World music sample libraries are plentiful, but few are quite as diverse as this. Keith Gemmell broadens his horizons...
|
 MTM 62 |
Sample Modeling The Trumpet
Notoriously difficult to emulate, the trumpet has finally arrived in virtual form. Keith Gemmell samples a model instrument...
|
|
 MTM 61 |
WaveMachine Labs Drumagog
Drumagog promises to make the task of drum replacement intuitive and easy. Mark Cousins swaps out his snares...
|
 MTM 61 |
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...
|
|
 MTM 61 |
Arturia Analog Factory Experience
|
 MTM 60 |
Big Fish Audio Hadeeth 2
|
|
 MTM 60 |
Loopmasters Progressive House & Electronica - Trafik
|
 MTM 60 |
EastWest/Quantum Leap Quantum Leap Gypsy
|
|
 MTM 60 |
XLN Audio AD Retro
|
 MTM 58 |
Loopmasters Soundbwoy Killah Drum n Bass
|
|
 MTM 57 |
Platinum Samples Joe Barresi Evil Drums
|
 MTM 53 |
Propellerhead Software Abbey Road Keyboards
The Prop’s latest release comprises seven vintage instruments recorded in the legendary Studio Two. Keith Gemmell explains...
|
|
 MTM 51 |
IK Multimedia Miroslav Classik
Miroslav Classik Edition extends the life of some of the best-loved orchestral samples. Mark Cousins conducts his tests...
|
 MTM 50 |
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...
|
|
 MTM 50 |
XLN Audio Addictive Drums
Addictive Drums augments the usual multi-sampled kit sounds with impressive mixing options. Mark Cousins gets hooked...
|
 MTM 43 |
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.
|
|
 MTM 43 |
Propellerhead Reason Pianos
Can’t fit a concert grand in your studio? Help is at hand courtesy of Propellerhead, as Hollin Jones finds out...
|
 MTM 41 |
Sonic Implants Symphonic Harp
Sonic Implants continues to bring instruments from the orchestra into your studio. Mark Cousins harps on...
|
|
 MTM 41 |
Arturia Analog Factory
If vintage synths are your thing, you’ll find plenty to choose from in this neat bundle. Mike Hillier plugs in...
|
 MTM 38 |
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.
|
|
 MTM 38 |
Steinberg Virtual Guitarist 2
Steinberg’s new virtual instrument does the work of two previous plug-ins and more. Mike Hillier goes virtual...
|
 MTM 38 |
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.
|
|
 MTM 37 |
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.
|
 MTM 36 |
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.
|
|
 MTM 36 |
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.
|
 MTM 36 |
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.
|
|
 MTM 35 |
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.
|
 MTM 34 |
Native Instruments B4 II
Can Native Instruments’ latest virtual instrument improve on a design widely acknowledged as a classic? Mike Hillier rides the storm...
|
|
 MTM 33 |
Native Instruments Akoustik Piano
Four famous pianos and four virtual rooms – all in just a single plug-in. Mike Hillier limbers up his fingers...
|
 MTM 32 |
IK Multimedia Miroslav Philharmonik
Working with a full-size symphony orchestra needn’t break the bank. Mark Cousins checks out the score...
|
|
 MTM 31 |
Scarbee Keyboard Gold Bundle
Scarbee’s latest offering is a vintage keyboard collection. Mike Hillier tickles the ivories.
|
 MTM 31 |
Steinberg The Grand 2
Steinberg has given its flagship virtual concert piano a makeover. Hollin Jones looks forward to a Grand day out...
|
|
 MTM 31 |
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.
|
 MTM 30 |
Steinberg Virtual Bassist
Steinberg’s virtual band has a new member. Mike Hillier checks out his chops.
|
|
 MTM 30 |
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…
|
 MTM 29 |
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…
|
|
 MTM 27 |
Yellow Tools Candy
Saxophones are notoriously difficult to sample, but Yellow Tools has taken on the challenge. Mark Cousins assesses the results.
|
 MTM 26 |
Music Lab Real Guitar
Add acoustic guitar parts to your compositions without having to attend a single lesson. Mick Taylor wields the virtual axe.
|
|
 MTM 26 |
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...
|
 MTM 25 |
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.
|
|
 MTM 24 |
Bornemark Broomstick Bass
Broomstick Bass looks set to sweep the cobwebs away from the lower register. Mike Hillier gets busy spring cleaning.
|
 MTM 24 |
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.
|
|
 MTM 24 |
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.
|
 MTM 23 |
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…
|
|
 MTM 23 |
Swar Systems SwarPlug VST/AU Full Edition
Mike Hillier adds a touch of Indian spice to his recordings.
|
 MTM 20 |
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...
|
|
 MTM 20 |
e-LAB Obsession
Looking for a great-sounding, groove-based instrument with that essential urban credibility? Nigel Lord checks out the latest Swedish Obsession…
|
 MTM 18 |
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’?
|
|
 MTM 17 |
Roland Fantom-X8
Roland dispatches a new variant of its battleship class of audio workstations. Joe Silva discovers whether she’s seaworthy…
|
 MTM 17 |
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…
|
|
 MTM 16 |
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….
|
 MTM 16 |
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…
|
|
 MTM 15 |
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...
|
 MTM 15 |
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…
|
|
 MTM 15 |
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?
|
 MTM 15 |
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...
|
|
 MTM 12 |
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...
|
 MTM 11 |
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…
|
|
 MTM 10 |
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…
|
 MTM 10 |
Steinberg Hypersonic
Hypersonic transports the music workstation concept to the computer-based environment – but is it worth the journey? Keith Gemmell tests the hype…
|
|
 MTM 10 |
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...
|
 MTM 09 |
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…
|
|
 MTM 09 |
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…
|
 MTM 05 |
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…
|
|
 MTM 05 |
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…
|
 MTM 04 |
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...
|
|
 MTM 03 |
Yellow Tools Culture
Could this be the ultimate software percussion instrument collection? Ian Waugh picks up his sticks and gets a dose of Culture...
|
 MTM 01 |
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.
|
|
 MTM 01 |
Bitshift Audio pHATfactory Pro 001
Essentially a preset version of pHATmatik PRO, Bitshift Audio’s pHATfactory 01 comes with just over 470MB of pre-sliced sample loops. Simon Trask assesses whether convenience beats flexibility...
|