Reviews > Software

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 60	Arturia Analog Factory 2 Arturia’s virtual synths are legendary, but will its latest version measure up? Hollin Jones visits the Analog Factory...	MTM 60	Sonnox Transient Modulator Sonnox’s Transient Modulator plug-in offers precise control over the transient details in your music. Mark Cousins goes on the attack...
MTM 60	IK Multimedia SampleMoog IK Multimedia has gathered together the best of Bob Moog’s revered synths in one sample instrument. Mike Hillier goes to the source...	MTM 60	Synaptricity Flashback & Centrifuze Plug-in developer Synaptricity has developed two new innovative solutions for recording and processing sounds in Pro Tools. Mark Cousins gets his neurons flowing...
MTM 59	Native Instruments Kore 2 With a revised control surface and 500 integral sounds, does Kore 2 live up to expectations? Mark Cousins takes a peek...	MTM 59	Digidesign Pro Tools 7.4 The latest version of Pro Tools brings the flexibility recording musicians have yearned for. Mark Cousins tries it out...
MTM 58	Loopmasters Soundbwoy Killah Drum n Bass	MTM 58	PowerFX Mjolnir ReFill
MTM 58	MOTU MachFive 2 MOTU has upped the ante with its updated Universal Sampler, MachFive 2. Keith Gemmell breaks the sound barrier...	MTM 58	Steinberg Cubase 4.1 The latest updates to Cubase have been packed with new features, so is 4.1 any different? Hollin Jones digs deep...
MTM 58	Cakewalk Sonar 7 The latest revision of Cakewalk’s flagship sequencer is here, but will it sink or swim? Hollin Jones dives deep with the much-anticipated Sonar 7...	MTM 58	Audio Ease Speakerphone Audio Ease’s long-awaited Speakerphone puts the unique sounds of more than 100 different speakers right under your fingers. Mark Cousins amps it up...
MTM 58	Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 Does the third incarnation of Native Instruments’ Guitar Rig have anything more to offer other than a few new emulations? Mike Hillier takes Kontrol...	MTM 58	iZotope RX Audio-restoration software is now a familiar tool in our virtual studios. Grant Bridgeman takes his audio to the iZotope cleaners.
MTM 58	Ableton Live 7 With new features geared towards studio tasks, is version 7 of Ableton’s traditionally performance-centric Live moving into new territory? Jon Margulies finds out...	MTM 57	M-Audio/Way Out Ware Kikaxxe
MTM 57	IK Multimedia SampleTank 2.5XL	MTM 57	Platinum Samples Joe Barresi Evil Drums
MTM 57	Steinberg WaveLab Essential 6	MTM 57	Steinberg Nuendo 4 Boasting a raft of new features plus re-worked existing ones, Nuendo 4 makes its entrance. Simon Gershon is your host...
MTM 57	Native Instruments Kontakt 3 Bursting at the seams with sound content and sporting an improved user interface, Native Instruments’ Kontakt is in its third revision. Mark Cousins makes contact...	MTM 56	Antares Harmony Engine Experiencing difficulties putting sophisticated vocal arrangements together? Antares’ Harmony Engine could be your saviour. Keith Gemmell fires it up...
MTM 56	Humanoid Sound Systems Scanned Synth Pro When it comes to unusual synth noises, there’s a lot on offer in the VST world. Hollin Jones explores the strangest of sounds...	MTM 56	Apple Logic Studio The next incarnation of Apple’s DAW has been eagerly awaited – and a significant drop in price will doubtless broaden its appeal. Mark Cousins gets logical...
MTM 56	URS Channel Strip Pro Why struggle with a pile of EQ and compression plug-ins when a single channel strip will cover all the bases for you? Mark Cousins explores the Channel Strip Pro...	MTM 56	Softube Vintage Amp Room Softube’s latest release delivers three classic guitar amplifiers in a single plug-in. Mike Hillier keeps it simple...
MTM 55	Submersible Music DrumCore 2.5 Known chiefly for its top-class drummers, DrumCore now has MIDI and ReWire support. Keith Gemmell gets in the groove...	MTM 55	Image Line Software Morphine Image Line’s new plug-in aims to relieve some of the pain associated with additive synthesis. Keith Gemmell is addicted.
MTM 55	Universal Audio 88RS & LA-3A Not one but two plug-ins grace the latest update of Universal Audio’s UAD system. Mark Cousins gets the lowdown on the 88RS and LA-3A.	MTM 55	MakeMusic Finale 2008 Revered notation package Finale further distinguishes itself by including an audio track. Keith Gemmell takes note...
MTM 55	Propellerhead Reason 4 Propellerhead’s flagship sequencer has had a major upgrade, but will the latest version give you Reason to be cheerful? Hollin Jones finds out...	MTM 55	Steinberg Groove Agent 3 Steinberg’s virtual drummer reaches the ripe old age of three – and gets two new modules for its birthday. Mike Hillier feels the beat...
MTM 54	Sibelius Software Sibelius 5 With the addition of AU and VST plug-in support, Sibelius 5 has raised the stakes in the competitive world of high-end score-writing software. Keith Gemmell makes notes...	MTM 54	Digidesign Structure With the release of Structure, have Pro Tools users finally got the integrated sampler they’ve been longing for? Mark Cousins takes a look.
MTM 54	Mackie Tracktion 3 Mackie took on the big boys with Tracktion and its alternative approach to music production, but can Tracktion 3 punch above its weight? Hollin Jones takes the strain...	MTM 53	Digidesign Reel Tape Suite Digidesign has released three new plug-ins for emulating analogue tape effects. Mike Hillier gets Reel...
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 53	Wave Arts Master Restoration Suite If noise, hum, crackle or buzz are troubling you, Wave Arts has the solution. Mark Cousins restores his faith...
MTM 53	Sonnox Oxford Inflator Could Sonnox’s Inflator be the ultimate pick-me-up for lacklustre mixes? Mark Cousins finds out if its promises deliver...	MTM 53	Sony Sound Forge 9 Audio editing is one of the most fundamental aspects of producing music, so how does Sony Sound Forge 9 stack up against the competition? Hollin Jones smelts sound...
MTM 52	Steinberg Sequel If you want to get into computer-based music but don’t have the time to get to grips with a full-blown DAW, Sequel might be the answer. Hollin Jones asks the questions...	MTM 52	Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ After the success of its recent Neve equalizers, Universal Audio turns its attention to the forgotten wonders of the Helios Type 69 EQ. Mark Cousins is all ears...
MTM 52	zplane.development Vielklang Need vocal or brass harmonies in your productions but lack the musical know-how? Keith Gemmell seeks perfect harmony...	MTM 52	IK Multimedia AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix IK’s popular AmpliTube has been transformed into a dedicated Jimi Hendrix tone machine. Mike Hillier tries The Experience.
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 51	Sonnox Oxford Dynamics Sonnox’s Oxford Dynamics aims to provide everything you need for total dynamic control. Mark Cousins pours the squash...
MTM 51	Arturia Jupiter-8V The Jupiter-8 was a much-loved but short-lived classic – and now it’s back in software form. Hollin Jones goes into orbit...	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 49	Sony Oxford Oxford EQ Sony Oxford’s EQ is now available as an AU plug-in, but can it still compete with other native EQs? Mark Cousins gets equal.
MTM 49	Waves Mercury Bundle Waves’ biggest bundle to date includes a number of exclusive new plug-ins, notably the new Vintage series and Multimaximizer. Mark Cousins goes interplanetary...	MTM 49	Image-Line FL Studio 7 The product of more than nine years of development, is FL Studio 7 set to become the most flexible virtual-music studio tool in the industry? JoE Silva stays in the loop...
MTM 49	Audio Ease Altiverb 6 Altiverb 6 now comes in two different flavours, but does it retain the crown as the king of convolution reverbs? Mark Cousins explores a more spatial mix...	MTM 49	Line 6 GearBox Plug-In Gold Bundle Line 6 unleashes its GearBox software as a plug-in, bringing its legendary modelling to DAW users. Mike Hillier sets the tone...
MTM 48	Antares Auto-Tune 5 The fifth revision of the original pitch-fixer plug-in sees it getting a major facelift. Mark Cousins pitches in...	MTM 48	Native Instruments FM8 NI’s FM7 has been revamped and re-released as the FM8, but just how deep do the changes go? Mark Cousins finds out.
MTM 48	Digidesign Velvet Promising the ultimate in authenticity, could Velvet become the king of virtual electric pianos? Mark Cousins goes soft...	MTM 48	SoundToys Native Bundle SoundToys has been developing TDM plug-ins for some time, but this release sees the company addressing the RTAS sector of the market. George Shilling goes Native...
MTM 47	Native Instruments Massive NI’s latest soft synth is aimed squarely at the sound designer with a taste for exploration. Keith Gemmell gets creative...	MTM 47	McDSP Project Studio Can one bundle comprising seven of McDSP’s award-winning plug-ins satisfy all your studio needs? Mike Hillier finds out...
MTM 47	TerraTec Komplexer VST TerraTec enters the competitive world of soft synths with a new VSTi. Hollin Jones assesses how it measures up...	MTM 47	Native Instruments Battery 3 Native Instruments’ revered drum sampler reaches the ripe old age of three. Mark Cousins picks up his sticks...
MTM 47	FXpansion BFD Percussion The latest expansion pack for FXpansion’s BFD has everything plus the kitchen sink. Mike Hillier knocks up a beat...	MTM 46	Cakewalk Sonar 6 Producer Edition The latest version of Cakewalk’s flagship production software promises to open up new depths of musical possibility, but will it sink or swim? Hollin Jones dives into Sonar 6...
MTM 46	Native Instruments Absynth 4 Designing sound can be a tricky business, but Native Instruments’ Absynth aims to make it easier. Hollin Jones finds out what the latest version has to offer.	MTM 44	VirtuosoWorks Notion 1.5 With the sound of the LSO under its hood, the latest version of Notion looks like a hard act to follow. JoE Silva has the score...
MTM 44	Applied Acoustic Systems Ultra Analog Session AAS introduces an even easier way to access its physical modelling technology. Mark Cousins is in Session...	MTM 44	Digidesign Strike Offering control over every nuance of a track, Strike could be the answer to that absent drummer. Mark Cousins feels the beat...
MTM 44	Toontrack Music EZ Drummer With a deceptively simple interface and superb sounds, is EZ Drummer the ultimate beat-maker? Mike Hillier takes it easy...	MTM 44	Steinberg Cubase 4 The world’s favourite sequencer gets a major overhaul and a raft of new features, but what else lies within? Hollin Jones uncovers the secrets of Cubase 4...
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 43	Ableton Live 6 Now firmly established as the tool of choice for performing computer musicians, Live 6 looks set to move into DAW territory. Ken Hikaru finds out what’s new...	MTM 42	Cakewalk Kinetic 2 Cakewalk’s all-in-one production tool has undergone a re-fit. JoE Silva finds out what’s changed under the hood.
MTM 42	Serato Pitch ‘n Time LE Serato’s well-respected Pitch ‘n Time finally appears in a much more affordable form. Mark Cousins stretches himself...	MTM 42	Steinberg Halion Symphonic Orchestra With a whopping 27GB of sample data, could this be the ultimate budget orchestra? Mark Cousins conducts his tests...
MTM 42	Mark Of The Unicorn Digital Performer 5 MOTU’s award-winning software sequencer has undergone a major upgrade and now boasts half a dozen new virtual instruments. Keith Gemmell inspects his six-pack...	MTM 41	PSP Audioware Neon EQ plug-ins are many and varied, so does PSP’s Neon brighter than its peers? George Shilling finds out.
MTM 41	IK Multimedia Ampeg SVX IK has teamed up with Ampeg to bring bassists a wealth of sonic possibilities. Mike Hillier gets to the bottom of it...	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 40	Sony ACID Pro 6 ACID, the original loop-based arrangement tool, has been overhauled, gaining audio and MIDI recording capabilities. Mark Cousins takes a trip with ACID Pro 6...	MTM 40	Yellow Tools Freedom With more than 40 different effects and filters, could Yellow Tools’ Freedom be a one-stop shop for all your processing needs? Mark Cousins breaks free...
MTM 40	Native Instruments Kore Will Native Instruments’ new universal sound platform change the way you work with software instruments and effects? Mike Hillier digs in to find out...	MTM 40	Digidesign Music Production Toolkit More than just a few bundled plug-ins, Digidesign’s Music Production Toolkit is a means of super-charging your Pro Tools LE system. Mark Cousins takes a look…
MTM 39	Arturia Prophet V Arturia is back with another software re-creation of a legendary vintage synth. Hollin Jones finds out what the future holds for the Prophet V...	MTM 39	Steinberg WaveLab 6 With spectral sound editing and its Audio Montage feature, Steinberg’s WaveLab 6 continues to redefine audio editing. Mark Cousins dons his lab coat...
MTM 38	IK Multimedia AmpliTube 2 IK Multimedia has finally released the long-awaited sequel to its ground-breaking amp and effects simulator. Mike Hillier plugs in...	MTM 38	Applied Acoustics Systems Lounge Lizard EP-3 The latest version of AAS’ electric piano boasts a dramatically improved feature set – among other things. JoE Silva looks in.
MTM 38	Kjaerhus Audio Spectra Spectra combines multi-stage additive and subtractive synthesis in an intuitive environment. Keith Gemmell tries it out...	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	Celemony Melodyne 3 With support for polyphonic audio and an optimised interface, Celemony takes pitch, time and formant manipulation to a new level. Mark Cousins investigates Melodyne 3.
MTM 37	Native Instruments Traktor DJ Studio 3 Digital DJ’ing is starting to take over the club scene, and Native Instruments is leading the charge. Hollin Jones spins up Traktor DJ Studio 3...	MTM 37	IK Multimedia CSR Recalling the classic sound of 480Ls and EMT plates, IK Multimedia’s CSR reminds us that good reverb isn’t always about convolution, as Mark Cousins finds out.
MTM 37	Cakewalk Rapture Cakewalk’s latest virtual synth promises cutting-edge electronic sounds, but can it deliver on that promise? Hollin Jones feels the Rapture…	MTM 37	Image Line Software FL Studio 6 Image-Line’s latest version of its popular FL Studio package offers devotees more than ever as it continues to encroach on the big DAWs’ domain. JoE Silva finds out what’s new.
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	Digidesign Pro Tools 7 LE Pro Tools, the original DAW par excellence, appears in its seventh incarnation. Mark Cousins finds out what the latest version has to offer.	MTM 36	Arturia Brass Augmenting the company’s expertise in virtual analogue synthesis, Arturia takes a big leap into the world of physical modelling. Mark Cousins polishes his Brass.
MTM 36	Cakewalk Dimension Pro Cakewalk has finally set its flagship virtual instrument free – and even Mac users have cause to celebrate. Hollin Jones checks in to another Dimension...	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 36	Waves Vocal Bundle Few singers have the ability to perform a perfect take each and every time, so a vocal-correction tool is a handy studio asset. Mark Cousins hits the high notes.	MTM 35	Yellow Tools Independence Yellow Tools finally brings its expertise in sample content creation to a fully blown software sampler. But can Independence make it on its own? Mark Cousins finds out.
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 35	Zero-G Vocal Forge Need a vocal line, but don’t have access to a vocalist? Zero-G’s latest offering might help you out. Mike Hillier sings out.
MTM 35	BIAS Inc Peak Pro XT 5 Bias’ Peak Pro XT 5 bundle looks set to be the most promising release in its lineage. JoE Silva finds out if it does indeed reach new heights.	MTM 34	Native Instruments Guitar Rig 2 With no fewer than eight amp models and 25 cabinets crammed into one elegant package, Mike Hillier finds out if NI’s latest release could extend the average guitarist’s rig...
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 34	Nostalgia Nostalgia resurrects four decades of electronic instruments – and takes Mike Hillier for a stroll down memory lane...
MTM 34	Fervent Software Studio To Go! Ready for a new concept in software studios? Hollin Jones explores a potential revolution in portable music-making...	MTM 34	VirSyn Cube 2 Can additive synthesis ever be a truly intuitive and rewarding experience? Mark Cousins gets to the root of Cube 2.
MTM 33	Way Out Ware TimewARP 2600 Without doubt a hardware classic, the ARP 2600 reappears in software form. Mike Hillier dances the TimewARP again...	MTM 33	Cakewalk Sonar 5 Producer Edition Cakewalk’s latest version of its popular sequencer takes music production up to the heady heights of 64-bit processing. Hollin Jones checks out Sonar 5.
MTM 33	Rob Papen Blue A virtual synth that revels in both its analogue and digital sides, could Blue be the ultimate cross-fusion sound-design tool? Mark Cousins finds out.	MTM 33	Camel Audio PhatSpace Two powerful multi-effect plug-ins from Camel Audio. But are two humps better than one? Mike Hillier finds out.
MTM 33	Steinberg Studio Case II Can Steinberg’s updated music-production collection be all things to all men? Mike Hillier is on the case.	MTM 33	Sibelius Software Sibelius 4 Sibelius 4 brings ever more features to the computer-based musician and is the first music notation package to include video support. Keith Gemmell takes a closer look.
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	Antares AVOX With its roots in the ground-breaking Auto-Tune, Antares is looking to further its achievements. Mark Cousins gets vocal...
MTM 32	Sonic Implants Complete Symphonic Collection Sampled orchestras just keep getting bigger and better... Mark Cousins lifts the baton.	MTM 32	Waves GTR Guitar Tool Rack If your project studio isn’t kitted out with a collection of exotic boutique amps and effects, GTR might be just what you need. Mike Hillier treads the boards.
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	Ableton Live 5 The all-in-one production and performance phenomenon reaches the fab Five. Markkus Rovito takes a break from warping to tell you all about it.
MTM 30	Celemony Melodyne Uno Melodyne uno is the cheapest way yet to access Celemony’s revolutionary approach to pitch and time manipulation. Mark Cousins attempts to hit the high note...	MTM 30	FXpansion GURU Bored with your drum samples collection? FXpansion’s Guru could be the answer to your prayers, as Hollin Jones finds out...
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	Applied Acoustics Systems String Studio VS-1 Can the latest offering from AAS string up other synths? Mike Hillier ties it down.
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 29	Mark Of The Unicorn MX4 2.0 Mark Of the Unicorn’s latest virtual instrument has a powerful and distinguished heritage. Mike Hillier takes the lead.
MTM 29	Native Instruments Reaktor 5 Few applications will tax your brain like Reaktor 5, but with a sound this good, can you resist its temptations? Mark Cousins puts his willpower to the test.	MTM 29	Sony Sound Forge 8 With support for numerous file formats and a wealth of sound-processing tools, is Sound Forge 8 still the Swiss army knife of audio production? Mark Cousins finds out.
MTM 28	Mackie Tracktion 2 Mackie’s youthful single-screen music-production suite gets a second coming. Simon Gershon is on hand to welcome its arrival.	MTM 28	Digidesign Pro Tools M-Powered Pro Tools is the professionals’ first choice when it comes to DAW software, but you used to need Digidesign hardware to run it. That’s now changed, as George Shilling discovers.
MTM 28	U & I Software MetaSynth 4 U & I Software’s much-loved Mac OS9 application finally makes the leap to OSX. JoE Silva tries his hand at painting with sound.	MTM 28	Audio Ease Altiverb 5 Altiverb, a ground-breaking convolution reverb, gets its biggest makeover yet. Audio Ease’s fifth revision leaves Mark Cousins spaced out…
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 27	Actinic Software Audio Store Fancy building your own online store for selling CDs and digital downloads? Keith Gemmell gets behind the counter.
MTM 27	Cakewalk Project5 Version 2 Cakewalk’s new sequencer has a stack of new features for use on stage as well as in the studio. Hollin Jones gets to the heart of Project5…	MTM 27	Native Instruments Kontakt 2 Kontakt was NI’s first foray into the world of software sampling, but the original incarnation has undergone a thorough revamp. Mike Hillier makes second Kontakt...
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	Hartmann Neuron VS Hartmann brings its neural synthesis from hardware into software form – but the best bits have been left intact. Hollin Jones gets stuck into the Neuron VS.....
MTM 26	Steinberg Nuendo 3 Steinberg’s pro-level post-production package gets another makeover. Simon Gershon explores some of the new tools and features lurking under Nuendo’s hood.	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 26	Waves Q-Clone If your software EQ is feeling distinctly hands-off, then take a look at Waves’ latest spin on the convolution concept. Mark Cousins joins the Q...	MTM 25	IK Multimedia Amplitube Live Equipping your studio with an enviable range of classic guitar amps and speakers is a costly proposition. Alistair Lindsay finds a practical alternative.
MTM 25	BIAS Inc Soundsoap 2 Don’t consign those dusty cassette recordings to the dustbin just yet, give them a new lease of life with SoundSoap 2. Alistair Lindsay starts washing...	MTM 25	MOTU Digital Perormer 4.5 MOTU’s Digital Performer gets yet another makeover, but will the updated US favourite win the European song contest? Bob Dormon tracks the changes.
MTM 25	Apple Garageband 2 Apple’s fabulously easy-to-use GarageBand continues to mature, but does that mean complex new features and a new interface? Mike Hillier explores the learning curve.	MTM 25	Sibelius Software Sibelius Student Edition The world’s best-selling notation software is now available to music students at a special price. Keith Gemmell weighs up the score.
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 25	Korg TP-2 The downside to having one tasty mic preamp is that you’ll soon want another for stereo. Has Huw Price found a solution in Korg’s two-channel TP-2?
MTM 24	Propellerhead Software Reason 3.0 The long-awaited new version of Propellerhead’s revered sequencer is here. Hollin Jones gets intimate with Reason 3.0...	MTM 24	Native Instruments Absynth 3 Ever fancied writing a film score but are too lazy to use more than one finger? Absynth 3 could provide the solution. Bob Dormon tries his hand.
MTM 24	Arturia ARP2600 V Another legendary synth gets a software makeover, courtesy of French company Arturia. Hollin Jones gets nostalgic with the ARP2600 V...	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	Apple Logic Express 7 Logic Express 7 has many of the features found in Logic Pro 7 – and it’s significantly cheaper, too. Mark Cousins grapples with a new definition of the word ‘lite’.	MTM 24	Image Line Software FL Studio 5 XXL Version 5 of this stalwart sequencer boasts a wealth of new features and a new GUI. Alistair Lindsay finds out what’s beneath its skin...
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	Sony Acid Pro 5 Can Sony’s latest version of Acid Pro cut the mustard, or will it cause acid indigestion? Alistair Lindsay dives in.
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	Nomad Factory Blue Tubes 2 Blue Tubes was born from a yearning for the valve-driven warmth of vintage hardware. Alistair Lindsay plugs in.
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	Waves IR-1 Convolution technology is arguably the best way of creating reverb, so does Waves’ IR-1 set new standards in spatial processing? Mark Cousins finds out...
MTM 23	Swar Systems SwarPlug VST/AU Full Edition Mike Hillier adds a touch of Indian spice to his recordings.	MTM 22	Spectrasonics Stylus RMX The new groove module from Spectrasonics promises a host of new features as well as a huge sound library. Hollin Jones spins up the Stylus RMX.
MTM 22	Submersible Music Drumcore With loops by Matt Sorum and Sly Dunbar – among others – DrumCore aims to put big names on your recordings. Mike Hillier finds out if it lives up to the hype.	MTM 22	Native Instruments Battery 2 Native Instruments presents a super-charged update of its classic drum sampler. Mark Cousins finds out if it hits the spot…
MTM 22	iZotope Spectron With iZotope’s plug-ins finally released for Mac OSX, a timely re-evaluation is in order. Mark Cousins looks at the company’s latest offering – Spectron.	MTM 21	Apple Logic Pro 7 With over 100 improvements, Logic Pro 7 takes a big step into its next generation. Mark Cousins investigates whether seven will be Apple’s lucky number...
MTM 21	Tascam GigaStudio 3 Orchestra Since its inception as a market innovator Gigastudio has attracted some serious competition. So will version 3 see them hold on to their crown? Alistair Lindsay examines the goods.	MTM 21	Cakewalk Sonar 4 Producer Edition Cakewalk extends the appeal of Sonar with a fourth version that includes some exciting new features. Pete Crisp lifts the lid on the Producer Edition.
MTM 21	Wave Arts 2 Power Suite 4.05 Got a desktop music system that can’t handle the latest plug-ins? Maybe the Wave Arts low-impact Power Suite will inject new life. Bob Dormon feels for a pulse...	MTM 21	MakeMusic! Finale 2005 Considered by many composers to be the world’s finest notation software, Finale gets its annual update. Keith Gemmell finds out what’s new in 2005.
MTM 21	Zero-G Sounds Of Polynesia All aboard the good ship Intakt as we explore the exotic new territories of Zero-G’s Sounds Of Polynesia. Alistair Lindsay takes the helm...	MTM 21	Native Instruments Electronic Instruments 2 Is NI’s latest offering really a cutting-edge collection of instruments and effects? Mike Hillier finds out.
MTM 21	Zero-G Altered States Take ten top-selling Zero-G sound libraries, add an extra 1GB of sounds and Native Instruments’ Intakt Instrument and what do you get? Mike Hillier finds out...	MTM 21	Zero-G Vocaloid Miriam Modelled on the voice of professional vocalist Miriam Stockley, Zero-G claims its new Vocaloid package offers unprecedented realism. Alistair Lindsay holds an audition.
MTM 21	Arturia Moog Modular V 2.0 Arturia updates the classic Moog Modular V with some new modules. Hollin Jones gets retro with version 2.0...	MTM 20	Steinberg Cubase SX3 Steinberg’s flagship sequencer gets a makeover and a host of new features. Hollin Jones prepares to be amazed....
MTM 20	Waves Musicians Bundle II The Musicians Bundle puts quality plug-ins within the grasp of everybody, but does version 2 raise the game, or is it more of the same? Bob Dormon finds out.	MTM 20	Rogue Amoeba Audio Hijack Pro 2 There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but Audio Hijack Pro 2 has all the right ingredients. Bob Dormon dines out with Rogue Amoeba.
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 19	Ableton Live 4 Ableton adds MIDI sequencing and a host of new features to its premier sequencing package as Live gets a significant update. Martin Delany gets stuck in...	MTM 19	VirSyn Cantor Cantor pushes VirSyn’s existing expertise in additive synthesis into the realm of vocal synthesis. Mark Cousins stretches his vocal cords...
MTM 19	Bias Inc SoundSoap Pro Dealing with noise may not present the problems it used to, but you still need the right tools for the job. Nigel Lord works up a lather with SoundSoap Pro...	MTM 19	Waves Diamond Native Bundle Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but buy a muso the Waves Diamond Bundle and you’ll have a true friend for life. Bob Dormon does it for effect.
MTM 18	Native Instruments Guitar Rig Native Instruments’ first guitar effects software is here. Hollin Jones feels the full effects of Guitar Rig….	MTM 18	Native Instruments Xpress Keyboards NI releases entry-level versions of three of its classics. Hollin Jones goes retro...
MTM 18	Cakewalk Kinetic Cakewalk’s new groove sequencer is heavy on electronic sounds. Hollin Jones gets moving…	MTM 18	Arturia Storm 3 Budget sequencers will always lack pro features, but Arturia’s Storm 3 may have just enough to make its presence felt. Bob Dormon is your weatherman…
MTM 18	Hard Note Software Jump 1.11 Hard Note Software’s new MIDI-creation tool is designed to push back your musical frontiers – but is a giant leap or merely a short fall? Jon Griffin is ready to Jump…	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 18	Steinberg HALion 3 Steinberg has given HALion 3 a makeover and added in excess of 50 new features. Is this now the definitive software sampler? Keith Gemmell finds out...	MTM 17	Steinberg WaveLab 5 A new version of WaveLab raises the stakes with its DVD-Audio capabilities. Pete Crisp aims for optimum fidelity...
MTM 17	EastWest Sounds Inc. Vapor, AfroLatin Slam Hungry for new sounds but haven’t got a sampler? Perhaps the Pro Samples Platinum series romplers are the answer. Bob Dormon finds out…	MTM 17	TC Electronic Intonator, TC Thirty, Filtroid, Virus\|PowerCore A four-piece from TC Electronics that expands PowerCore to ever greater limits. Pete Crisp puts the plug in…
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	E-mu Emulator X Studio Looking for a one-stop shop to turn your PC into a desktop studio? E-mu’s Emulator X Studio could be just the job, as Bob Dormon discovers…
MTM 16	Creamware SCOPE Professional Creamware has streamlined its product line, placing SCOPE Professional at the top of its range. Hollin Jones gets to grips with the new platform…