Although cinematic piano is nothing new in the VI sphere, getting quick usable soundscapes with the instrument has been harder to crack. We check out UJAM’s latest Virtual Pianist to see how non-players can get a slice of cinematic action.
Six Audio Products That Got Better Over Time
Many engineers will have a small clique of trusted tools to get the work done. Although sound and workflow define the keepers from all the rest, some products just keep on adding to their worth with free features and updates. Here are some of our favourites.
We Check Out The VI That Claims To Help Write Songs - Toontrack EZKeys 2
Engineering producers know how finding the right chords can inspire and elevate the song, but finding them doesn’t always come easily. For anyone trying to nurture an idea, one tool aims to banish creative block for good…
Toontrack Soul Roads EKX - First Look
Hot on the heels of Toontrack’s recent EZKeys 2 update, the Swedish instrument maestros have followed on with an expansion featuring classic electric pianos with MIDI to match. We take in its vintage EP vibes here in our first look.
If You Think You Can't Fake Acoustic Guitar Watch This
UJAM have updated their virtual acoustic guitar with new sounds and ways to play. We decided to take it for a spin on our production to check out its pastoral vibes. Hear what it can do here…
Toontrack EZkeys 2 - Expert Review
Following a reboot of its popular piano player, Toontrack’s EZkeys 2 promises a number of new tricks and sounds that could make composition easier for the most users yet. We give it to the Experts to see if its new features deliver.
AIR Jura - We Take A First Look
Of all synth sounds, those from Roland’s revered Juno 60 need no introduction. The release of AIR Music Technology’s Jura brings its classic 1980s synth sounds to the DAW and beyond. Hear its famous textures for yourself in our first look video…
Toontrack Stockholm SDX - Expert Review
Recorded at Riksmixningsverket (RMV Studio) in Stockholm, Toontrack Stockholm SDX for Superior Drummer 3 delivers drum sounds from one of Sweden’s best-sounding hit-making spaces. Here our panel of Experts give their verdict.
Recording Keyboard? To Get The Best Then Start Here
While many keyboard instruments live completely inside the DAW, being able to record anything with real keys on is an essential skill. Whatever the recording situation, the good news is that a bit of listening and pragmatism can go a long way.
Check Out This Easy Way To Get Cool Percussion Layers On Your Track
Many productions lean on percussion tracks to add texture, but what if the usual instruments aren’t cutting it? We check out one solution that brings some secret spice that can bring intricate percussion layers in a few moves…
Toontrack EZkeys 2 Announced
Toontrack have announced that in May they will be releasing EZkeys 2, the long-awaited refresh of the Swedish developer’s popular keyboard virtual instrument. For those in need of some easy ivory action, we have the details on the re-boot that holds quite a few surprises…
We Check Out Toontrack Synthwave For EZdrummer And EZKeys
Bringing drum machine sounds and synth soundscapes in one place, Toontrack’s EZdrummer and EZkeys get the 80’s treatment with Synthwave sounds. We take it for a spin to see if it really can inject some late-twentieth century electronic edge.
We Check Out PreSonus ATOM SQ
With no shortage of pad controllers to choose from, the producing artist’s’ needs extend beyond the raft of basic beat-bashers with a free lightshow. We take a look at one that promises more in PreSonus’ ATOM SQ.
RipX DeepCreate - Tested
Creating from scratch in the DAW can sometimes be an uninspiring experience. With the RipX platform seeking to inject immediacy into the creative process, we look at their latest module that hopes to banish Blank Page syndrome for composers…
We Check Out Cinesamples Apocalyptica
Up until recently, achieving believable virtual strings in the mix leant heavily on the skill of the user. We check out one tool promising realistic cellos for the composing engineer who needs hard-edged results without the learning curve.
We Check Out UJAM Symphonic Elements BRAAASS
With realism and simplicity vying for the composer’s attention, any virtual instrument has a delicate balancing act to get right. We check out one that hopes to bring both to tracks needing the glint of aerophonic action…
5 Leslie Speaker Sounds On Record
The Leslie speaker was once a well-established piece of the furniture in many pro studios. With these mythical beasts’ swirling psychedelic spin flavouring more than just organ sounds, we list five slightly more exotic Leslie outings on record.
Experts Dream Studio Gear Advent Calendar - Tai Chi Day 4
The Experts team wondered what we thought people would want to find behind the windows of a dream studio advent calendar. Some of the things we own, some we wish we did. Owned or not, we think any of the things we name in the next 21 days would be a gift to a professional studio owner. Russ Hughes names another, LiquidSonics Tai Chi.
Experts Dream Studio Gear Advent Calendar - Day 1
The Experts team wondered what we thought people would want to find behind the windows of a dream studio advent calendar. Some of the things we own, some we wish we did. Owned or not, we think any of the things we name in the next 24 days would be a gift to a professional studio owner. Russ Hughes names his first, Spectrasonics Omnisphere.
We Check Out Audiomodern Loopmix
Loop remixing tools let programmers and composers fly-in and manipulate audio of their own or bundled loops to the DAW. Where complexity can meet creativity, we instead reach for one which emphasises performance above all else.