Music production software

Music creation, production & performance platform for Mac OS & Windows

Review: The Ableton Live is about making music; for composition, songwriting, recording, production, remixing and live performance. Live's nonlinear, intuitive flow, alongside powerful real-time editing and flexible performance options, make it a unique studio tool and a favorite with live performers. If you'd rather be making music than just using music software, the Ableton Live is for you. The Live 8, the latest version, includes a wealth of new techniques and improvements with a new groove engine, revamped warping, live looping, new effects, crossfades in the Arrangement View and a reworked MIDI editor.

Ableton Live 8 upgrade for users of Akai APC20, APC40 Novation Launchpad and Live Lite

Review: The Ableton Live 8 is about making music; for composition, songwriting, recording, production, remixing and live performance. Live's nonlinear, intuitive flow, alongside powerful real-time editing and flexible performance options, make it a unique studio tool and a favorite with live performers. If you'd rather be making music than just using music software, the Ableton Live is for you.

The Live 8, the latest version, includes a wealth of new techniques and improvements with a new groove engine, revamped warping, live looping, new effects, crossfades in the Arrangement View and a reworked MIDI editor.

Ableton Live 8 upgrade for users of Akai APC20, APC40 Novation Launchpad and Live Lite + free keyboard cover

Review: The Ableton Live 8 is about making music; for composition, songwriting, recording, production, remixing and live performance. Live's nonlinear, intuitive flow, alongside powerful real-time editing and flexible performance options, make it a unique studio tool and a favorite with live performers. If you'd rather be making music than just using music software, the Ableton Live is for you.

The Live 8, the latest version, includes a wealth of new techniques and improvements with a new groove engine, revamped warping, live looping, new effects, crossfades in the Arrangement View and a reworked MIDI editor.

The bundle comes with free Magma Ableton Live Keyboard Cover, which fits old MacBook, new 13" MacBook & new MacBook Pro 13"/15"/17".

Music creation, production & performance platform for Mac OS & Windows

Review: The Ableton Live Intro gives you the essentials of Ableton Live at a great price. Whether you're a talented newcomer or a seasoned professional, Live Intro has got what you need for writing songs, making beats, recording, remixing, DJing and performing your music live on stage.

If you're just starting out, Live's fluid workflow, real-time audio manipulation and an impressive 7 GB audio content package provide a smart step into the world of music production and digital DJing.

For established DJs and producers, Intro provides studio-quality sound and an opportunity to plug Live's renowned composition and performance features into your current setup. A whole new way to write and perform for less than the price of a plug-in.

Intro's audio package proves that quality and quantity can go hand-in-hand. 7 GB of loops, beats and instruments from renowned sound designers cover the whole style spectrum from gritty hip hop through soul to edgy, avant-garde electronica. 500 instruments and drum kits, arranged in Ableton's Rack format, provide inspiring sounds that you can tweak and manipulate for perfectionist sound-shaping. If you're just starting out, all the sounds you need are right here.

Music creation, production & performance platform for Mac OS & Windows

Ableton Suite 8 upgrade for users of Akai APC20, APC40 Novation Launchpad and Live Lite

Review: The Ableton Suite 8's library expands upon previous sample collections from Ableton.

With the creative professional in mind, Ableton have put together a well-balanced and comprehensive tool set, including synthesis, real-world sound objects, presets, grooves, templates and, above all, a wide-ranging set of beautiful sounds. Ableton have worked with some of the world's top sound designers to create a comprehensive set of truly useful, high-end sounds, each one an instrument in its own right, for a total of 1600 expressive sounds that are new to the line. The sounds are provided as instrument Racks with a finely calibrated combination of instruments and effects. No need to be quiet in this library.

Drum machine/beat making software

Review: 'Beatcraft' is an extremely powerful, easy-to-use drum machine software program for beginners and professionals alike. It's friendly, streamlined interface makes beat generation fast, while allowing your unlimited creativity to pour through. 'Beatcraft' features an extensive library of top-quality, professional drum sounds, powerful sequencing and loop generation tools, and killer audio effects; all wrapped in a clean and comfortable interface with a 32 bit state-of-the-art sound engine.

Leave the dust cover on your drum set - 'Beatcraft' is all you need to capture the power and rhythm of the world's best drummers.

From light jazz beats to crushing hip hop beats, rap beats, heavy metal, 4-on-the-floor, straight ahead rock and roll to time-warping electronica and progressive rock, from dance and R&B to the edge of your imagination, Acoustica 'Beatcraft' does it all.

Additional/replacement installation CD of Mixcraft 5

Review: The Mixcraft 5 is a powerful, yet easy-to-use multi-track recording studio that enables you to record audio, arrange loops, remix tracks, compose with virtual instruments, score and edit video, and add effects to create stunningly professional compositions. The Acoustica Mixcraft 5 is easy enough for everyone and powerful enough for the pros.

The Mixcraft includes over 3000 music loops, sound effects, and music beds that can be easily drag-and-dropped into your project. Combine drum, bass, and guitar loops with synth, organ, pianos, vocals, orchestral and percussion loops to create your own custom arrangement. Set the tempo and key of your choice, and the loops will automatically adjust. The Mixcraft supports Acid and Garage Band loops too.

The Mixcraft 5 offers 8 powerful virtual instruments, including the Acoustica Instruments General MIDI sample library, Acoustica Expanded Instruments sample library, Lounge Lizard Session vintage electric piano, VB3 tonewheel organ, MiniMogueVA monophonic analog synthesizer, Messiah polyphonic analog synthesizer, Alien303 Bass Synthesizer, and Impulse polyphonic analog synthesizer.

The Mixcraft 5 includes 20 high quality effects, including the Pultronic Tube EQ, which models the classic tube equalizer found in studios throughout the world, and the Shred Amp Simulator, a complete suite of 5 classic amp heads, 17 cabinet models, and 6 powerful effects.

Multi-track audio & MIDI recording software for Windows PC

Review: The Mixcraft 5 is a powerful, yet easy-to-use multi-track recording studio that enables you to record audio, arrange loops, remix tracks, compose with virtual instruments, score and edit video, and add effects to create stunningly professional compositions. Easy enough for everyone and powerful enough for the pros.

The Mixcraft includes over 3000 music loops, sound effects, and music beds that can be easily drag-and-dropped into your project. Combine drum, bass, and guitar loops with synth, organ, pianos, vocals, orchestral and percussion loops to create your own custom arrangement. Set the tempo and key of your choice, and the loops will automatically adjust. The Mixcraft supports Acid and Garage Band loops too.

The Mixcraft 5 offers 8 powerful virtual instruments, including the Acoustica Instruments General MIDI sample library, Acoustica Expanded Instruments sample library, Lounge Lizard Session vintage electric piano, VB3 tonewheel organ, MiniMogueVA monophonic analog synthesizer, Messiah polyphonic analog synthesizer, Alien303 Bass Synthesizer, and Impulse polyphonic analog synthesizer.

The Mixcraft 5 includes 20 high quality effects, including the Pultronic Tube EQ, which models the classic tube equalizer found in studios throughout the world, and the Shred Amp Simulator, a complete suite of 5 classic amp heads, 17 cabinet models, and 6 powerful effects.

Software to convert your LPs & cassettes to CD or MP3

Review: Remember all those oldies but goodies? They just don't make those classic vinyl LPs and cassette tapes on CD. Well, dust off your old 33s, 45s & 78s, because Acoustica's spin it again can easily record any vinyl LP or cassette to CD. Not only will this software make the whole recording and track-dividing process child's play, but it will also dramatically clean your recordings by getting rid of click and pop record noise, or by removing hiss and hum off old cassettes. You can also record your LP collection and cassettes to your iPod or portable MP3 player, so let your music come to life and spin-it-again. If you have a Windows computer with a soundcard you're ready to use the software.

Professional audio recording and music creation software

Review: Your dedication deserves the best tools available. Introducing Pro Tools 10, the next generation of the best sounding, most powerful audio production software for recording, composing, editing, and mixing music and sound for picture.

With the Pro Tools 10, you can mix multiple audio formats and bit depths within the same session, including interleaved, without any duplication to cause project bloat. Plus, with support for 32bit floating-point formats, you'll get higher resolution sound when recording or importing, with more headroom to preserve the integrity of your audio from beginning to end.

The Pro Tools 10 is designed with the professional in mind, offering powerful yet easy-to-use tools and streamlined work flows that boost your efficiency. Gain better recording and playback performance when working on a laptop, with an external hard drive, or network-attached storage device. Speed up editing and mixing with Smart Tools, Clip Gain and new AudioSuite work-flows. And handle the biggest plug-in heavy mixes with 16k of Automatic Delay Compensation (ADC).

Get the sound you want using a wide variety of the Pro Tools plug-ins from Avid and our partners, some of the best audio designers in the industry. The Pro Tools comes with over 75 virtual instruments, effects, sound processing, and utility plug-ins - some of which emulate the sounds of classic hardware processors, amps, and instruments, as well as the renowned EQ and dynamics of the System 5, one of the most sought-after consoles used to create some of the greatest mixes ever produced. Add more to expand your sonic palette even further.

Record, edit and mix music and sound for picture your way. Pair Pro Tools with your favorite Avid or third-party audio interface to record and monitor vocal and instrument performances. Capture virtual instrument performances using a MIDI keyboard controller. Or record and create with just your computer and the software alone for ultimate portability.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpyeCHjdxSk

Software helps you convert and restore your LPs and tapes

Review: The SoundSaver from Bias is a simple software utility that allows you to easily record your audio collection (LPs and/or tapes) into a computer, and clean up the audio with excellent results. Simply connect, record, clean and export the files directly to iTunes, as an MP3, or uncompressed WAV files for CD/DVD burning.

The all-in-one interface is easy and institutive to use. The underlying process is based on the company's previous development in audio restoration, and delivers professional-quality results at an affordable price.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=969Yw1hB0oQ

Record and share your own music

Review: The Music Creator 6 turns your computer into your own personal recording studio and includes everything you need to create, edit, and mix professional recordings. Whether it's a cover of your favorite tune or an original composition, turn a simple idea into a finished song with Music Creator's powerful suite of tools, loops, instruments, and effects. And when you're ready to share your music with the world, you can burn a CD or use SoundCloud to post your music on Facebook and Twitter.

Based on Cakewalk's acclaimed professional studio software, Music Creator's elegant design and drag and drop interface makes creating and sharing music fast, easy and fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVnlbMDPRTI

Review: Sonar have evolved and so can the way you make music. Imagine the power and maturity of and industry standard DAW combined with the cutting edge creative tools essential for today's music, all wrapped up in one of the most modern and beautiful user interfaces available.

The Sonar X1 Essential has a completely redesigned user interface that makes creating music faster and easier than ever. You can create music with cutting edge musical tools like the Step Sequencer and The Matrix; customize your workspace with the Skylight interface; and get hands on control with Active Controller Technology (ACT).

With a powerful collection of effects and instruments to get you started and more available tracks than DAWs costing twice the price, the Sonar Essential is the perfect way to get your feet wet and to begin crafting your own masterpiece.

Plugi-n add-ons for FL Studio

Review: The FL Extension box from Image Line brings more than 75 additional plug-ins and product upgrades from the successful FL Studio library. Buy an FL Extension box then choose and download your FL Extension product on-line!

The FL Extension box will contain a code that will unlock one of a range of downloadable plugins, products and upgrades. After purchasing the FL Extension box, go online and choose the product you want to download and unlock. If you want to unlock a higher value product, simply purchase more boxes!

Buy 1x box and you can choose from:

Sakura
Sawer
Toxic Biohazard
Poizone
Gross Beat
Any 3 standard sample CDs
Deckadance House Edition
FL Studio Fruity to Producer Edition.

And buy 2x boxes and you can choose from:

Maximus
Sytrus
Varazdin Orchestral sounds
Upgrade FL Studio Fruity to Signature Edition
Deckadance Club Edition.

Drum, synth & sample sequencer in box

Review: FL Studio is one of the most popular and exciting music production systems in the world. Everything you need in one package to compose, arrange, record, edit, mix and master professional quality music.

The FL Studio Fruity Edition is aimed at composers who need piano roll for complex melodies and to record/play chords. It adds access to the playlist pattern clips for complex and lengthy arranging/sequencing and automation of program/plug-in parameters.

The FL Studio Fruity Edition adds 3 very important features: piano roll, event automation and playlist. This means the FL Studio Fruity Edition unlocks the full melodic and instrumental performance capabilities. Piano roll enables unlimited length patterns and the ability to record/play chords for each instrument channel. Event automation allows the control of almost any FL Studio parameter or plug-in knob using the event editor to record or draw automation. This automation data is saved in pattern clips. An unlimited number of pattern clips can be stacked and/or placed end-to-end in series in the playlist to create complete musical works of unlimited complexity. Pattern clips can hold note (piano roll/stepsequencer) and automation (event automation) data.

Client VST/Rewire support so you can use FL Studio as an instrument in VST/Rewire compatible.

Music composition & production software in box

Review: FL Studio is one of the most popular and exciting music production systems in the world. Everything you need in 1 package to compose, arrange, record, edit, mix and master professional quality music.

The FL Studio 10 Producer Edition provides the highest level of program functionality for FL Studio. It rounds out FL Studios capabilities with comprehensive audio recording and manipulation functions.

The Producer edition allows you to record external & internal audio and record up to the maximum number of simultaneous audio tracks your computer and audio interface (soundcard) can support. You can also access to the playlist pattern, audio and automation clips for arranging, chopping, stretching, time-shifting any audio, notes and automation. With the addition of audio-focused plug-ins, such as Edison, Slicex and Vocodex, the FL Studio 10 Producer Edition helps you chop, loop and perform audio in creative ways.

The FL Studio 10 Producer Edition comes with Synthmaker, a modular synthesizer that allows you to create your own synths & FX.

Music composition & production software in box

Review: FL Studio is one of the most popular and exciting music production systems in the world. Everything you need in 1 package to compose, arrange, record, edit, mix and master professional quality music.

The Signature Bundle is a bundle including producer edition + a collection of FL Studio's signature plug-ins. It's the cost effective way to get your hands on some of our best gear.

With Signature Bundle, you can enhance productivity. The addition of Maximus will make your final mix down process easier and have you putting out professional sounding masters in less time. The Fruity Video player will allow you to compose and synchronise your musical scores to video. Directwave sampler will allow you sample VST instruments and create your own multi-layer sample banks from any recordable instrument. Sytrus will round out your synthesis capabilities with a huge preset library and awesome range of sounds. Guitar players will appreciate hardcore guitar effects suite, but it's also a bunch of generally useful effects pedals for any instrument.

FL Studio is a fully featured open-architecture music creation and production environment for Windows. No extra software is required to produce virtually any style of music. A complete set of instruments and studio tools are included in the price of the package. Create complete songs, backing tracks, loops and sizzling beats, and then save them to WAV, MP3, OGG, MIDI or native project format (FLP/ZIP).

Complete music creation, production, mastering, and distribution system

Review: The PresonusStudio One Artist offers all of the core audio and MIDI recording and editing features you would expect from modern recording and sequencing software, versatile collection of 32bit effects plug-ins and virtual instruments.

Unlike other entry-level DAWs on the market, the Studio One Artist v2.0 imposes no limits on track count and plug-in instantiations, or editing.

Complete music making & recording studio

Review: The world's favorite music making platform is about to get a whole lot bigger, better and ready for any idea you throw at it.

With version 6, the Propellerhead Reason reclaims the spotlight. Combining all the features from Record, the version 6 adds audio recording and editing into Reason, along with Propellerhead's acclaimed mixing console with masterfully modeled EQ and dynamics on every channel, multiple parallel racks, all the effects you know and love plus new ones to fall in love with, and much more of what you've always wanted in Reason.

8 hypersampled bass guitars for Reason version 4

Review: The Reason Electric Bass ReFill puts 8 fully playable electric bass guitars into your Reason 4 software rack. Featuring selectable basses and bass rigs, plus a wide selection of music style patches, this ReFill lets you add dynamic, natural sounding bass lines to your software productions.

Review: The Propellerhead Reason Essentials software puts making music in focus. From concept to completion, it comes with all the essential tools for turning good ideas into great songs.

The Reason Essentials comes with a great selection of instruments and effects in a virtual rack that builds itself or can be tweaked to your heart's content: drum machine, loop player, sampler, synths, reverb, delay, distortion and more.

The Reason Essentials' masterfully modeled mixing console gives you flexible routing, a built-in 2-band EQ on every channel, advanced effects handling, full automation and that radio-ready master bus compressor gives you a big studio sound.

For guitar players, the built-in virtual guitar and bass PODs from line 6 bring a wide range of top quality guitar amps, cabinets and effects. The intuitive audio and MIDI sequencer makes recording and arranging your music a breeze.

With its generous sound bank and familiar creative flow, the Reason Essentials is the software that lets you focus on the music and finish that song.

Software recycle & Reason adapted included

Review: The ReCycle is a creative tool that helps you make the most of your grooves. In simple terms, the ReCycle lets you do with sampled loops what you can do with beats programmed from individual drum sounds U like alter the tempo, or replace sounds and process them individually. A tool for quickly editing sampled parts, chopping up riffs, remixing and doing mash ups.

The ReCycle will analyze your groove and break it up into its rhythmic components. You are now in complete control and free to change the tempo or the pitch, without one affecting the other. And that's just scratching the surface.

Load the resulting REX2 file into your audio sequencer or software sampler and you can be the master of your grooves, once and for all.

The REX2 files is ReCycle's own, native file format. The files contain the sliced loops that has been treated in ReCycle and can be opened by any REX2 capable music software.

Practically all major software titles support the REX2 format. Be it music production software like Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase, Sonar, Live and of course our own Reason and Record, or software instruments such as Native Instruments Kontakt, Spectrasonics Stylus RMX or Digidesign Transfuser. Check your software's specifications for REX compatibility.

Very few people use hardware samplers anymore, and the few that are being used all have excellent computer transfer software that can use files exported from ReCycle to transfer to the sampler. You can export SoundFonts and AKAI .akp files for instance.

Most music software applications can use the ReCycle's own REX2 files that contain both the sampled material and the timing info. ReCycle can also export the following file formats: Standard MIDI file / AIFF / Sound Designer II / Wave file (.wav) / Mixman track file / SampleCell instrument file / SoundFont file / AKAI .akp Program file

The ReCycle can effortlessly open the following file formats: AIFF, WAV, Sound Designer II (Mac version only) and Rex. It makes any sampled loop fit the tempo of your song, loop friendly.

Review: The Reason Drum Kits and Reason Electric Bass ReFills are in one package. The Rhythm Combo appeals to Reason users that want lively, realistic acoustic drums and natural, organic sounding bass. These 2 Refills give you the killer backline for nearly any type of music. And because they are Hypersampled, you'll have the control to sculpt to a fantastic sounding, unique rhythm section that just make your tracks come alive.

Review: *** Bundle includes: 1 x Acid Pro 7, 1 x Acid Pro 7 training DVD, 1 x Classic Loop & Sample Collection download voucher, 1 x Standard Loop & Sample Collection download voucher, 1 x Premium Loop & Sample Collection download voucher ***

ACID Pro 7 software is a DAW powerhouse that combines full multitrack recording and mixing, MIDI sequencing and legendary ACID looping functionality for a seamless music creation and post-production environment. More creative partner than production tool, ACID Pro 7 software inspires you like nothing else. With its transparent technology design, ACID Pro 7 software removes typical barriers to the creative workflow so you can effortlessly transform ideas into real results.

For uncompromising 24bit/192 kHz sound quality production live or in studio, ACID Pro 7 software has an expanded set of features for maximum audio performance. Whether you're recording your band or creating MIDI-based studio sequences, ACID Pro 7 software is the optimal platform for reliable multitrack recording and production: on-the-fly punch input/output, unlimited tracks for audio and MIDI, control surface support, powerful plug-in processing and 5.1 surround mixing.

ACID Pro software has been the leader in loop-based music creation for nearly ten years. Version 7 has all of the core ACID Pro features, automatic pitch and tempo matching, real-time loop previewing, unlimited tracks and Acid Pro signature pick/paint/play interface. ACID Pro 7 software also includes over 3000 Sony sound series loops and 1000 MIDI files so you can start creating music right out of the box.

Now you can experience unparalleled MIDI sequencing in ACID Pro 7 software, with real time MIDI processing and precise control over MIDI events. All note and controller data can be recorded and edited on the timeline as easily as audio tracks. Use track envelopes to automate and modify modulation, expression or other types of MIDI controller data over time. Other features let you record multiple tracks of MIDI, apply real time MIDI quantization, perform filtering and processing, create and edit drum patterns and step record. ACID Pro 7 also includes over 1000 free MIDI files for music creation.

ACID Pro 7 software has a dedicated mixing console for a flexible and efficient recording environment. Specify routing, assign audio effects and use external effects processors with tracks and busses. ACID Pro 7 software also supports control surface automation and channel tracking for devices such as the Mackie control and Frontier design tranzport. Its unique beatmapper tool makes remixing easy and the chopper tool helps you create impressive drum fills, stutters and DJ-style effects.

You can expand your sound palette with native support for VST instruments with VST and DirectX audio plug-ins, create resonant sweeps, dramatic fades, EQ changes and add effects with parameter automation. ReWire and ASIO support help you smoothly integrate ACID Pro 7 software with your existing studio. You can also maximize efficiency with folder tracks and cluster editing to drag, pitch-shift, cut, copy and paste sections of loops. Use the clip pool tool to choose and arrange events to use in your compositions. Create dramatic or subtle tempo changes using new tempo curves. Deliver projects in nearly any format without leaving the ACID Pro 7 environment.

Quantization tools allow you to transform loops and MIDI tracks into fresh, new sounds with our exclusive groove mapping and groove cloning quantization tools. Change the groove of a track, apply different grooves to the same track, extract a groove from one file and apply it to another or even create custom grooves.

ACID Pro 7 software now includes built-in interactive tutorials for step-by-step help. Work along with the tutorials from within your project so you can learn and create at the same time.

ACID Pro 7 includes softwares for professional music production and editing, including ACID pro effects rack, powered by iZotope, garritan aria for ACID pro player, sonoma wire works kitcore and native instruments guitar combos.

Add to your content library with ACID planet.com 8packs. Available as a free download each week, an 8pack is eight loops arranged into a song. ACID Pro registered users can also download free exclusive content using get media. Click get media on the ACID Pro 7 toolbar for instant access to folders full of royalty-free loops.

Audio recording, editing & mastering software

Review: Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 is everything you need to edit and master professional-quality audio on your home computer. You can record live instruments and vocals, edit and restore audio, apply studio-quality effects, and convert files with lightning speed. You can even create your own karaoke tracks with the vocal eraser tool. With a few basic commands, you can produce high-fidelity audio on your PC.

Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 software is the easiest way to record, edit, encode and master audio. New features in Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 include 24bit/32bit float 192kHz audio support, an enhanced vinyl recording and restoration wizard, customizable window layouts and FLAC & AAC format support.

Review: *** Bundle includes: 1 x Sound Forge Pro 10, 1 x Sound Forge Pro 10 training DVD, 1 x Classic Loop & Sample Collection download voucher, 1 x Standard Loop & Sample Collection download voucher, 1 x Premium Loop & Sample Collection download voucher ***

Sound Forge Pro 10 software efficiently and reliably provides audio editors and producers complete control over all aspects of audio editing and mastering. Whether in the studio or field, it's the ultimate all-in-one production suite for professional audio recording and mastering, sound design, audio restoration and red book CD creation. New features in Sound Forge Pro 10 include precise event-based editing, integrated disc-at-once CD burning, musical instrument file editing and processing, pristine audio conversion and time stretching.

Acclaimed for its power, stability and exceptional workflow, Sound Forge Pro 10 is the best way to get from raw audio to a finished master. Expertly record, edit and analyze audio, produce samples and music loops, digitize and restore old recordings, design sound for multimedia and video and master replication-ready audio CDs.

Advanced music production system, including FREE download update to 6.5

Review: Cubase 6.5 is your go-to audio workstation for recording, editing, mixing and producing music of all types. Advanced multitrack editing tools, a new take-comping system and the revolutionary VST Note Expression 2 form the centerpiece of Cubase 6 novelties. Its refined new interface offers faster access and more intuitive control than ever before. An outstanding range of effect processors and superior instruments like VST Amp Rack, HALion Sonic SE, Padshop and Retrologue fuel your creative imagination. Cubase 6.5 is about making your music in the easiest, most effective way. It's about making your music the only thing that matters.

Please note that you may receive a box with either a Cubase 6 or Cubase 6.5 installer disk inside. If you receive Cubase 6, simply follow the instructions to activate and download Cubase 6.5.

Personal music production systm, including FREE download update to 6.5

Review: Based on the same core technologies as Steinberg's Cubase 6.5, the more streamlined Cubase Artist 6.5 offers a vast range of proven editing and sequencing tools, audio and MIDI effects and instruments. The new VST Amp Rack includes an array of mindblowing amp emulations, while the HALion Sonic SE workstation, the Padshop granular synth and the Retrologue virtual analog synth make easy way for song writing and sound design. Whether you're composing songs at home, recording your band in the rehearsal room or remixing the latest hip-hop and dance tracks on a laptop while on the move, Cubase Artist 6.5 is the perfect choice if you aim for the very best in production tools at a reasonable price.

Please note that you may receive a box with either a Cubase Artist 6 or Cubase Artist 6.5 installer disk inside. If you receive Cubase Artist 6, simply follow the instructions to activate and download Cubase Artist 6.5.

Personal music production system

Review: With its comprehensive tools for composing, recording, editing and mixing, the Steinberg Cubase Elements 6 is the most desirable entryway to the world of Cubase.

The eminently powerful collection of quality instruments and effects modifies your PC and Mac computer into your personal music production system for crafting compositions to minute detail, making studio-grade recordings for band practices as well as everything in between.

With professional user interface and award-winning audio engine, the Cubase Elements 6 boasts all the tools of the trade at an irresistible price.

All-in-one music production studio to create, record and mix and perform your music

Review: Steinberg have released the Sequel 3, a new version of its entry-level music making software. The package sits underneath the Cubase range, offering a friendlier interface and an easier workflow. However, version 3 adds several features that look set to make Sequel significantly more flexible. First up, Steinberg have finally added VST support, opening the door to the use of third-party plug-ins. Its omission in past versions has always been something of a mystery, but at least it's finally here.

A fully loaded recording studio and performance tool together in one sleek piece of kit, the Sequel 3 has the space you need to practice, produce and perform music i in your bedroom, at friends, in the rehearsal room or even live at a club.

Review: The Steinberg WaveLab Elements 7 is tailored to the needs of home producers, musicians or music enthusiasts. It's perfect if you are looking for a quality tool for audio editing, restoration and podcasting. Cross-platform-compatible for the first time, the WaveLab Elements 7 leaves the choice entirely up to you if you prefer to use it on your Mac or on your PC.

The WaveLab Elements 7 combines state-of-the-art audio technology from its bigger sibling WaveLab 7 with an intuitive workflow concept, comprehensive podcast functionalities and a rich collection of high-end VST3 plug-ins such as StudioEQ and VST Dynamics. In addition to tools like level meters and the ultra-precise spectroscope, the WaveLab Elements 7 also comes with a first-class VST3 restoration plug-in suite from Sonnox (consisting of DeNoiser, DeBuzzer and DeClicker) and an all-new CD-burning engine. This convincing toolset turns the WaveLab Elements 7 into the cost-effective solution for audio mastering, editing and restoration in your home studio.