VST plugins

Virtual grand piano

Review: The Pianissimo is a Virtual Grand Piano, delivering the rich, warm sound and expressiveness of a classic grand piano. It operates as a VST plug-in, or runs as a stand-alone application.

The Pianissimo uses a combination of sample playback and advanced physical modeling to create a stunning acoustic grand piano sound. Starting with 250 MB of high quality samples of a Steinway Model D grand piano, the Pianissimo uses complex signal processing and programming to recreate the warmth, response, and playability of a real grand piano. This warm, natural sound is then paired with a professional studio-quality reverb algorithm to add the depth and ambiance of a real acoustic space. Add in modeled sympathetic resonance, incidental mechanical hammer sounds, remarkable control over tone and velocity response, 256 voices of polyphony, and incredibly low CPU usage, and Pianissimo might just be the best sounding, most playable virtual piano ever.

The VST will operate in any DAW with support for virtual instruments in the VST format, including Mixcraft.

The Stand-Alone version supports any MIDI device, and any Wave, ASIO, or WaveRT device. It allows for two-track recording, loading and saving of standard MIDI Type 1 files, and supports mixing down to WAV, MP3, WMA, and Ogg Vorbis files.

Limited edition pack containing 2 software instruments, 1 video documentary, 1 book & 1 collector button

Review: Arturia is proud to pay tribute to the father of electronic music by introducing a limited edition pack in collaboration with and to the aid of the Bob Moog Foundation.

The Dr Bob's Collector Pack includes 2 of Arturia's award-winning software instruments, the Minimoog-V and the Moog Modular-V at a groundbreaking price. It also offers a unique glimpse into Bob Moog's life by including an exclusive book of private archives from the Moog Foundation and a DVD documentary.

Reproduction of the Oberheim SEM synthesizer

Review: The Oberheim SEM V accurately emulates the trademark sound of the original Synthesizer Expander Module introduced by the Oberheim company in 1974.

Used by famous bands and musicians including The Human League, Goldfrapp, John Carpenter, Joe Zawinul and Jan Hammer, this synthesizer legend now returns as a high-end software, taking advantage of the Arturia TAE technology.

Faithfully reproducing the tone, waveshapes, multimode 12 dB/octave filter and other detailed characteristics, the Oberheim SEM V also brings the benefits of polyphony, MIDI control, arpeggiation and some innovative functionalities such as the 8-voice programmer, or the advanced keyboard follow.

A single DVD containing 8 software products and their manuals

Review: The Arturia The One is a simple new way to discover Arturia products.

The One is a single DVD containing 8 of Arturia's software products and their manuals. An activation code is also included allowing you to activate one of these instruments.

Install 8 of Arturia best virtual products (Analog Factory 2.5, Minimoog-V, Moog Modular V, ARP2600V, CS-80V, Prophet V, Jupiter-8V and Brass 2) and use them with no function limitations for 15 days. Once you've tried them all out, you pick the one you want to activate.

Package containing Minimoog V, Moog Modular V (2.5), CS-80V, ARP2600 V, Prophet V, Prophet VS & Jupiter-8V synthesizer virtual instruments

Review: The V Collection package brings you the most legendary and sought after synthesizers ever in one very affordable package. This ultimate edition is the complete solution when high quality, authentic and modern synthesizer sounds are demanded. The luxury box contains the highly awarded Minimoog V, Moog Modular V, CS-80V, ARP2600 V, Prophet V and Prophet VS. On top of that Arturia have added the Jupiter-8V to make the package even more complete.



With this collection of synthesizers you will be able to create virtually every imaginable synthesizer sound with the true characteristics of their very rare and expensive predecessors. The V Collection is available at an irresistible price.

Review: Get 4 synthesizers in 1 handy interface with the Best Service ElectraX virtual instrument.

The Best Service ElectraX is a versatile instrument that lets you explore multi-synthesis oscillators, analog modeled filters, chaotic fractals, samples, psychoacoustic processing, flexible modulation and much more.

The ElectraX is driven by its multi-synthesis oscillators with up to 18 oscillators per voice. With ElectraX, you can combine classic synthesis types like Virtual Analog, FM, Phase Distortion, Ultrasaw, Sync, Waveshaping, Wavetables, AM and completely new oscillator types. According to Best Service, the Best Service ElectaX also opens unheard of acoustic possibilities with its exclusive fractal synthesis, which can be used to mimic the behavior of organisms or analog circuits.

You can use ElectraX's sample oscillator to import your own waves and a quick import option is available to create custom patches or vocoder sounds based on your own samples. ElectraX ships with a large selection of licensed wave content, including morphable analog and digital wave types. In addition, you can automatically resynthesize your own waveforms from samples or import custom wavetables.

Each synth's filter section consists of 2 multi-mode filters with 23 filter types and multi-mode distortion. The new virtual instrument comes with analog modeled filters, high precision digital filters, vocal filters, comb filters, phasers, equalizers and other exotic types. The warm sounding filters are able to self-oscillate and deliver a wide range of timbres due to the variable degree of analog behavior, while a dual distortion unit offers 6 different modes.

The master and insert effects sections include 18 effect processors, such as high-end reverb, multitap delay, vocoder, chorus, ensemble, phaser, flanger, rotary, surround encoder, trancegate and more.

When it comes to modulation, you will get punchy, analog-sounding envelopes. ElectraX LFOs are syncable to BPM and can modulate up to the audible range and you can create rhythmic sequences or custom wave shapes with the step LFO. Moreover, the flexible Modulation Matrix provides an instant overview of the active modulations and the MIDI learn feature makes it possible to assign controllers with a single click.

One preset setup can handle up to 4 full-featured synthesizers with four independent arpeggiators and step sequencers. The arpeggiator supports autochord, swing, glide and keyboard splitting, allowing you to create sequences with several instruments playing at the same time.

Software synthesizer designed by Ferdinand Forsch

Review: As a musician, composer and artist, the producer Ferdinand Forsch has been inventing and constructing new musical instruments, sound sculptures and installations since 1982. The Best Service Klanghaus has been presented in concerts, performances and exhibitions all over the world.

A central inspiration in his research and work is the relationship between the acoustic and the visual between sound and form, hearing and seeing. Through creatively engaging in this interplay, an inherent unity in diversity is developed. All the sounds you can hear and work with in the Klanghaus library come from an original and unique source.

Review: Focusrite's new Midnight plug-in suite takes two of the most iconic Focusrite modules of all time - the ISA110 equaliser and ISA130 compressor; models their sound exactly with powerful DSP technology; and gives them elegant, functional on-screen front panels that make them simplicity itself to use. Now you can add that authentic, classic Focusrite sound to your own tracks at a price you can afford. Your productions have never sounded so good.

The ISA110 and 130 modules, created for the legendary Forte console in the 1980s, represent the epitome of Focusrite analogue audio processing, and performed a vital role in the making of literally thousands of hit records - they still change hands for thousands today. Their new digital incarnation in the Midnight suite for AU, VST and RTAS gives them stunning new hi-def on-screen front panels so realistic you'll believe you can grab a knob with your fingers. In fact, of course, you can tweak them with a click and a drag of the mouse, or graphically edit the response curves. But whichever way you want to go, behind each exquisite graphic front-panel lies powerful DSP code that exactly models the original analogue processors that inspired the Midnight suite, with all the warmth, clarity, control and incredible sound of those original analogue designs.

A glance at those clear, clean analogue-style front panels and you'll know exactly how to use the Midnight suite. The controls are simple and intuitive. The meters are responsive and accurate. And the sound... these plug-ins sound as good as they look, putting classic Focusrite clarity and warmth under your fingertips.

Midnight EQ helps you manage problems and inspires solutions. It's a 4-band full-parametric EQ with peaking and shelving plus low- and high-pass filters. High end control up to 15kHz - just what you need to give a vocal that extra something. +/- 16 dB of gain in each band. Overlapping midranges with fully variable Q. Midnight EQ gives your tracks full, rich bass; a pure, open top-end; and beautiful midrange definition.

Meanwhile Midnight Compressor brings you control at your fingertips. It features compression ratios of 1.5 to infinity, adjustable attack and auto/manual release and simple, clear metering that helps you keep an eye on gain reduction, threshold and input/output levels. Input and makeup gain settings help you get the gain structure just right for perfect control. Vocals are right there, with a warmth and naturalness you've never quite been able to reach before. Bass lines gain a solid, firm foundation that makes you think the guy's still in the room. Suddenly your tracks sit perfectly in the mix, you're on a roll and your hair's standing on end. Know the feeling? You will.

The Midnight modules deliver incredible power, flexibility and a gorgeous sound that launched a thousand hits. If you're looking to take your tracks to the next level, you need the best: in the past, maybe that step was beyond your reach. But now the power to give your productions that extra edge is within your grasp. Step into Midnight, from Focusrite. And don't look back.

Software authorization device

DJ software with 6 mixing effects

Review: The world of DAWs doesn't need another channel strip. What it needs is a better way of working with the essential tools you need for all of your tracks and busses. That's why iZotope designed the Alloy. The Alloy provides the key dynamics and sound shaping effects you'll use again and again, in a self-contained and completely configurable interface.

Add the iZotope Alloy to your tracks and busses and bring them to life with 6 processors designed to add character to every element of your mix. The Alloy gives you exceptional sound quality, vintage emulation balanced with digital precision, time-saving presets and workflow features, and a forward-thinking interface that puts just the controls you need at your fingertips.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=565HRHVGih8

DJ software comes with 11 tools and effects

Review: The Nectar makes your vocal and dialog recording sound professional. With a complete set of 11 vocal production effects combined in a single plug-in, the Nectar treats your voice to immediate results.

Features include real-time and offline pitch correction with a manual note editor, breath control, gate, compression, saturation, EQ, de-esser, doubler, limiter, reverb, delay and tons of iZotope's award-winning Style presets.

Nectar's Styles feature dozens of professionally-designed effects chains that let you rapidly audition your voice in a variety of settings and genres. Quickly get the 60s Motown sound, the early 90s grunge rock sound, a radio-ready podcasting sound, a subtle jazz vocal or a modern pop soundieverything from delicate improvements to highly-produced robotic pitch effects. Nectar also lets you dive under the hood and adjust extensive parameters if you're looking for more control.

Get started by selecting one of Nectar's styles and tweaking high-level controls like clarity, warmth and sparkle. From there, narrow in on the vocal sound you want or experiment with the advanced modules to create a new sound. Either way, Nectar is designed with both the beginner and professional in mindiyou choose the level of detail you want to control.

You want your vocals to shine, and the Nectar has all of the tools you need to work intuitively for immediate results. Start by polishing the vocal with the de-esser, breath control, gate and pitch correction controls. Next, craft the sound with the levels, space and style-specific controls like presence, drive, grit and more. From there, dive into the details in the advanced view. Further, use the mixing/tracking option for each step of vocal production. Track with low-latency. Mix with the highest possible quality. Vocal production requires a wide range of tools and effects from the cleanup stage after tracking to the creative stage during mixing.

The Nectar comes with a complete set of 11 tools and effects ranging from a pitch correction editor to parallel compressors and reverb, all carefully designed for voice.

Traditionally, auditioning a few different sounds can require all sorts of tedious routing and parameter setup of individual plug-ins. The Nectar packages all of the complexity into a one-button setup for immediate high-quality results with the level of control you want for more detailed vocal shaping.

3 x simple StepsPick your style from the list of built-in genres.adjust to taste in the main view with the intuitive interface to control the breath, ess, pitch, levels, space and more.Optionally, dive into the details in the advanced view for ultimate control over the 11 individual modules.

The Nectar can intelligently identify a breath separately from other vocal components. Like the de-esser, breath control is smart enough to operate independent of level. You can choose a target loudness for breaths, and the Nectar does the rest.

In the creative moment, you aren't thinking about thresholds or attack times, you're thinking about getting a grittier or brighter sound. Nectar packages the complexity of many parameters into intuitive controls like Grit and Warmth, so you can be a musician and not a scientist.

The iZotope Nectar is ideal for audio engineers, voice-over artists, singer-songwriters, recording enthusiasts, musicians, podcasters, dialog editors and anyone else who works with recorded vocals or dialog. Nectar's styles also cover the bases, with genres that include alternative & indie, classical, county, dance & electronica, folk & traditional, hip hop & rap, jazz, pop, rock, soul/R&B, special FX, and voiceover & dialog.

Setup your favorite vocal chains in the Nectar and recall them as presets. Spend your time improving the sound and not just getting it. Your vocal sound defines you as an artist. The voiceover & dialog styles get you started quickly, but offer the flexibility you need to be unique.

The Nectar integrates seamlessly into GarageBand. Think you can't do your own vocal production? Think again. Get the demo and see for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLBIq00uLw0

DJ complete mastering system in a single integrated plug-in includes 8 essential mastering tools

Review: iZotope's complete mastering system in a single integrated plug-in includes eight essential mastering tools: Maximizer, Equalizer, Multiband Dynamics, Multiband Stereo Imaging, Post Equalizer, Multiband Harmonic Exciter, Reverb, and Dithering.

The process of mastering ranges from correcting mistakes made in the mix to preparing a recording for target listening environments. Like a final coat of polish, mastering makes the difference between a good-sounding mix and a professional-sounding master. With Ozone 5, iZotope've delivered the biggest update ever to our critically-acclaimed software mastering system, making it easier than ever for anyone to master their audio simply and efficiently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOp9UWNHPMs

Stand alone and plug-in

Review: The iZotope RX 2 is the most complete audio repair toolkit on the market, enabling you to remove noise, hiss, buzz and hum, eliminate clicks and crackle, restore clipped audio, visually select and suppress unwanted sounds, resynthesize missing audio and much more.

You deserve the best quality when you're recording new tracks and restoring old ones, and the iZotope RX 2 provides the best quality, featuring next generation technology to fix even the most problematic audio. Imagine a tool with the power to repair clipped audio, quickly remove unwanted background noise, and even remove intermittent sounds like coughs and string squeaks. Fell the power of the Magic Wand, Brush and Lasso tools to visually select and eliminate problem sounds. Dropped drum sticks and car horns are not something you have to live with anymore. The world isn't perfect, but with the RX 2 you have the change to get one step closer.

As an audio engineer, post-production professional, broadcaster, podcaster, forensic specialist, archivist or videographer, you deserve the best and RX 2 delivers. Work the way you want to, in a plug-in or in a standalone application, and whether your work is destined for the big screen or your home stereo, RX 2 has all the tools you need.

Confidently repair, restore and enhance your audio with the RX 2.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wtEyErZ1dQ

A collection of finely crafted reverb plug-ins

Review: The Lexicon LXP Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle is a collection of Lexicon's four most popular reverbs that are now available as efficient, multi-platform native software plug-ins. The Lexicon LXP Bundle was specifically developed for project and professional recording engineers, as well as artists that want to envelope their mix with that magical Lexicon sound that delivers the clarity, depth and fullness that can only be created when recording in a major studio.

The LXP Native Reverb Bundle delivers four legendary Lexicon reverb plug-ins including Chamber, Hall, Plate, and Room with over 200 of the most versatile and finely-crafted studio presets from Lexicon's immense library of sounds. These pristine algorithms represent Lexicon's state-of-the-art technology and have been designed to create professional, inspirational mixes within popular DAWs like pro tools, logic, and cubase as well as with any other VST, audio unit, or RTAS compatible host.

Each plug-in can be run in mono, stereo or mono in/stereo out and the input and output meters makes it easy to quickly verify signal levels at a glance. The striking user-interface is extremely intuitive and enables the user to easily access the most logical parameters for customization, but also provides the ability to transition deeper into the algorithm to edit a full matrix of parameters. Presets can be saved in a DAW independent format which makes it straightforward for a user to take their personalized presets with them to any studio. To help the user shape their individual sound, a multi-dimensional real-time display offers three different views to provide additional information into the reverb tail, frequency content, or impulse response.

The LXP Native Reverb Bundle is ideal for those in professional and project studios looking for unsurpassed quality. It is a fully functional cross-platform plug-in that is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and 7 along with MAC OSX 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, Power PC and Intel based. The Bundle is Native only, and requires iLok authorization.

Review: The Alicia's Key from Native Instruments is a virtual piano instrument that features her own Yamaha C3 Neo grand piano. This unique and highly-sought after instrument was built to celebrate Yamaha's 100th anniversary in 2002, and represents the very top of the Conservatory Collection line. With it, Alicia Keys has created a virtual piano that meets her professional standards and embodies the soulful sound that has become her trademark.

Using vintage microphones and preamps and through detailed analysis of Alicia's playing, the production team succeeded in capturing the warm, soulful and inspiring sound of the C3 Neo all the way down to the finest nuances. Personnel involved with the project included sample specialist Thomas Skarbye (Scarbee), impulse response expert Ernest Cholakis, and engineer Ann Mincieli.

Great effort was put into making Alicia Keys as authentic as possible. Designed with incredible precision, and incorporating subtle details such as mechanical release noises, a specially developed sympathetic resonance and release system, and even the sound of fingers hitting keys (optional), this unique instrument delivers plenty of lively realism.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kFr4qFmdY4

Review: The Native Instruments Battery 3 is the professional standard for drums and percussion. The latest version of the acclaimed drum sampler fuses an extensive library with functionality and simplicity. A powerful new engine and a host of sound shaping options deliver tight, punchy drums while the user-friendly interface guarantees instant access and complete control. Whether electronic or acoustic, the Battery 3 will have your drums rolling in no time.

The Battery 3 is armed with an extensive 12 GB sample library. Over 100 professional kits cover an incredibly broad spectrum of musical styles. From authentic acoustic kits to contemporary electronic collections and ethnic percussion from all over the globe, every genre is represented. Third party sample formats such as Apple Loops, REX, Akai, EXS and many more can of course be imported, guaranteeing the Battery 3's compatibility with just about every drum sample available.

At the heart of the Battery 3 lies the cell matrix, bigger and more versatile than ever before. With up to 128 sample cells, it is fully customizable, defining the number of cells, rows and columns to fit your exact needs. Color-code or select multiple cells for quick and easy management. Step through all your drums of a particular type and pre-listen samples within the current kit. The Battery 3's flexible nature ensures the perfect setup for any situation.

The Native Instruments Battery 3 offers a wide range of sound shaping features and effects, both for individual cells and on a global level. Adjustable articulations, such as flam, humanize and roll, add a natural feel to your rhythms. The time stretching feature allows samples to be sculpted and loops to be adjusted to the correct tempo.

Furthermore, the Battery 3 is also armed with an arsenal of powerful and flexible effects for every cell or the master channel which guarantee your drums a production-ready and cohesive sound.

The Komplete instruments & effects collection

Review: The Komplete 8 will supercharge your musical creativity with 27 fully-fledged products, 11000 presets and over 100 GB of samples.

The Komplete 8 includes the brand-new Kontakt 5 and Guitar Rig 5 Pro, both updated and enhanced to the very pinnacle of state-of-the-art software technology. The Reaktor 5.6 racks up alongside Massive, Absynth and FM8 for the ultimate synthesizer array. The very latest and greatest NI instruments and effects, including Transient Master and the groove powerhouse Studio Drummer, are also on board.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKvLzLoDvr4

The ultimate instruments & effects collection

Review: The Komplete 8 Ultimate provides a total of 50 outstanding musical tools: The updated flagships Kontakt 5 and Guitar Rig 5 PRO set completely new standards, alongside the powerful synthesis of Reaktor 5.6.

Brand-new stars like Studio Drummer, Transient Master, Session Strings Pro, the Solid Mix series and Vintage Compressors join the ranks next to NI classics such as Massive, Absynth And Alicia's Keys.

ww.youtube.com/watch?v=EAUYjgrgyQM

The ultimate instruments & effects collection + FREE keyboard

Review: The Komplete 8 Ultimate provides a total of 50 outstanding musical tools: The updated flagships Kontakt 5 and Guitar Rig 5 PRO set completely new standards, alongside the powerful synthesis of Reaktor 5.6.

Brand-new stars like Studio Drummer, Transient Master, Session Strings Pro, the Solid Mix series and Vintage Compressors join the ranks next to NI classics such as Massive, Absynth And Alicia's Keys.

ww.youtube.com/watch?v=EAUYjgrgyQM

The bundle comes with the Korg microKEY37 USB Powered Keyboard.

The perfect choice for controlling your computer music software in production or in performance. The microKEY is slim, lightweight, USB powered and compatible with all of you computer music software; use it to create your own compact and customized command center. The microKEY features 37 velocity-sensing mini keys, using the same Natural Touch keybed found on the Korg microKORG XL Analog Modeling Synthesizer/Vocoder and microSTATION Music Workstation. This keybed has been designed with careful attention to the touch and feel. The proportions of the black keys and white waterfall keys have been adjusted for optimal playability, and the key touch makes it easy to play chords, glissandos and rapid-fire phrases. The microKEY accurately conveys the dynamics of your performance to any software package.

Only works for users of Maschine, Kontakt 1-5, Reaktor 2-5, Kore 1/2, Guitar Rig Kontrol.

Review: It literally doesn't get any bigger than this. For the absolute maximum of potential, power and musical creativity, Komplete 8 Ultimate gives you the entire range of Komplete instruments and effects (not for Essential/Session/GO/LE versions). Komplete 8 Ultimate is the premium bundle for modern music production, live performance, and sound design, and the last word in NI excellence.

The flagship engines are included in their new versions. Reaktor 5.6, the ever-expanding modular sound studio, is joined by Kontakt 5, an updated version of the most powerful engine for sample-based instrument design - packed with 43GB of premium sounds, all-new studio effects, ground breaking filters and an arsenal of in-depth features.

Three modern legends are joined by a fresh killer synth, two much-lauded instruments by the father of Reaktor, and a brand-new collection containing 20 vintage analog synths and keyboards.

Session Strings Pro is the new gold standard for contemporary strings, providing incredible quality and immense flexibility for adding perfect strings to your tracks or film scores. It's joined by two powerful and unique sample-based tools that have become firm favourites with forward-thinking sound designers.

NI's expanding world of amazing effects now incorporates six studio legends reborn, a versatile magic wand for placing your instruments in the mix, Tim Exile's pair of crazy creations, DJ effects for the studio and monster IR reverb.

An inspiring selection of drums is available from Studio Drummer, the technology leader based on Kontakt 5 and delivering ultra-detailed mixing features and the pinnacle of studio effects, to the full range of Abbey Road kits, the industry-standard drum sampler, electronic Maschine beats as well as percussion and grooves from West Africa and Bali.

Guitar Rig Pro 5, the professional guitar studio is here in its latest update, featuring two new earth shattering heavyweight amps, 6 new effects and the new Control Room Pro. All this alongside a signature metal amp, an obedient funk slave and all the legendary basses you can dream of.

A rich assortment of keys and pianos is included in Komplete 8 Ultimate, from signature artists personal instruments and phrases, to classic organs, an immense range of perfectly sampled e-keys and legendary grand pianos.

Review: The Kontakt 4 is the industry standard sampler from Native Instruments. Its immense 43 GB sound library contains over 1000 instruments, while the unique Authentic Expression Technology and a host of other fresh features makes this the most playable and powerful Kontakt yet.

With the latest innovations it's probably the fastest sampler to work with. The Background Loading dramatically reduces startup delays and the quick load menu delivers instant access to your patches.

The Native Instruments Kontakt 4 contains a rich and diverse sound library. 7 stunning instrument collections are included: choir, orchestral, world, vintage, band, synth and urban beats. Each and every sound is instantly accessible via the attribute-based browser. Every instrument in Kontakt 4 features extended performance views with controls that group together all the important parameters for a super-fast and efficient workflow.

The Kontakt 4 offers endless possibilities to really get inside your samples. You can easily edit, loop, slice and time-stretch your sounds and pitch shift them in real time or tempo-sync them with the powerful wave editor. Draw your own custom envelopes directly into the sample waveform to easily and precisely modulate any parameter, or use step sequencers and flex envelopes to tweak your samples. Refine your sound even further with any of the 19 versatile studio-quality effects such as the convolution effect for super-realistic reverbs, or use the powerful surround sound features for cinematic productions.

Review: The Session Strings PRO is the new gold standard for contemporary studio strings. Take control of an 11-piece ensemble, recorded with the utmost precision in four different settings for maximum flexibility and realism. With its immaculate, intimate quality, unique musical workflow and a vivid, modern edge, the Session Strings PRO is the premium choice for pop, RnB and more.

Taking the intuitive approach of the Session Strings to new heights of quality and detail, the Session Strings PRO is 20 times bigger with refined workflows, separate instrument groups, a choice of instrument placements, 29 articulations and precise control.

The Session Strings PRO is far more than just a string library. Creating natural, expressive string tracks in the highest possible quality has never been more immediate, or more rewarding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax76Z6NAlLE

All-in-one drum station includes 3 premium drum kits, over 3300 exclusive groove patterns and a detailed mix studio with high-end effects

Review: The Native Instruments Studio Drummer delivers a brand new virtual instrument bundle from NI containing 3 top-of-the-line virtual kits. The Native Instruments Studio Drummer offers the perfect realization of a drummer in a software format. The Studio Drummer is the only product of its kind built on the amazing new features of Kontakt 5, the world's most powerful sampling engine, which has been re-configured specifically to provide the power required by this stunning virtual drum software package.

Featuring a complete toolkit for realistic acoustic drum tracks, the Native Instruments Studio Drummer gives you 3 top-of-the-line drum kits, detailed mixing options, high-quality studio effects and a ready-to-go groove library, packed with authentic beats of all colours and flavours. Thanks to the range and quality of the grooves provided, the Studio Drummer makes it easy for non-drummers to produce lifelike, dynamic drum tracks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa2JlvPolZg

Virtual guitar amp simulator plug-in based on 4th-generation technology

Review: With an ingeniously simple user interface, speed-of-light preset preview, true amp-morphing, and other revolutionary features, The TH-1 Custom Guitar Effects Suite is ready to take your guitar amp-simulation experience to new heights. Using 4th generation amp simulation research and techniques, the TH1 software delivers a warm, dynamic response for your guitar and is compatible with Mac and PC.

The 4th generation tube-emulating SLR technology morphs between 2 amplifiers, creating a virtually infinite canvas of tones. Add to that advanced cabinet emulations with ReSPiRe technology and the ability to place and freely move up to 2 microphones for each cabinet, and you're talking about an enormous palette of sound choices.

The TH-1 effects software allows you to create your ideal sound chain in a matter of seconds. Easily add, swap, copy, or delete any kind of module from an amplifier, cabinet, or stompbox to a rack effect. The TH-1 provides at-a-glance understanding of signal flow, lightning-quick preview and search of your desired sound, and makes it easy to manage and create Banks, Sounds, and Variations for your live and studio needs. Number of modules, in any order, can be added to a SoundChain, so you can build your sound using the simplest or most complex SoundChain you like.

The next generation guitar amp simulator from Overloud has Smart Controls that map multiple parameters to a single knob or switch to make sound modification a snap. You can even use the Smart Controls to easily assign any MIDI controller for remote realtime control and live playing. There's even built-in MIDI pedalboard control.

16-voice additive-based virtual instrument

Review: The Rob Papen Blade is a 16-voice additive-based virtual instrument capable of creating new sonic textures that has been designed to be as easy to manipulate as subtractive synths.

The power of Rob Papen Blade lies within the Harmolator, a set of global controls that get to the heart of the synthesis engine without the need to edit the additive partials that make up the waveform. 9 Harmolator controls shape the underlying partials, putting you in control of the harmonic content of the sound in an intuitive and musical way.

Further sound-shaping can be applied with the use of a square/sine wave sub-oscillator, multiple distortion types that can be applied individually to each voice, and 14 different filter types. Modulation of Harmolator and other Blade parameters is extensive, including 3 envelopes, 3 LFOs and XY knobs, most of which are freely assignable in one of four modulation slots. The central XY screen can record 2 dimensional movement allowing for unique LFO-type modulation.

The Blade also features familiar Rob Papen effects, housing two effects engines and an arpeggiator/sequencer to add melodic and rhythmic variation within the sound. For those that feel intimidated by the amount of control available, an Easy page is provided to make editing simpler, getting to the heart of the synth engine in just a few clicks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YEu3yHUcghw

Virtual synthesizer plug-in for PC/Mac

Review: The Blue is a professional, easy-to-use, cross-fusion virtual synthesizer by sound designer Rob Papen and music software developer Jon Ayres.

This cross-fusion synthesis delivers FM Synthesis, Phase Distortion, Synthesis, Wave Shaping Synthesis and Subtractive Synthesis in one creative combination.

The Blue has 6 oscillators which can be connected in various ways, 2 analogue style modelled stereo filters, an enormous range of processing and modulation options and an incredibly powerful sequencer and arpeggiator, all brought together with the inspirational Rob Papen presets for a wide range of musical styles.

Despite these heavy features, the Blue is so easy-to-use thanks to its user interface and the innovative easy edit page for quick sound changes.

The Blue, promises to exceed your expectations.

Synth & effects collection including Blue, SubBoomBass, Predator, Predator FX, RG, RP-Delay & RP-Verb

Review: Rob Papen, recording artist and developer of original virtual synthesizer and effects processing software, introduces the Explorer Bundle, providing all his cutting-edge virtual synthesizer and effects plug-ins in a complete, cost-effective collection. This bundle is a comprehensive and cost-effective collection of his original and renowned plug-ins for Mac and PC with support for RTAS/AU/VST plug-in platforms.

The Rob Papen Explorer Bundle includes the following Mac/PC plug-ins: Predator, RG (Rhythm Guitar), Blue, Sub-Boom Bass, RP-Verb, RP-Delay.

Virtual synthesizer plug-in for PC/Mac

Review: Predator is a phat sounding killer synthesizer that combines inspiring presets and first-class features to make this your go-to synth for contemporary music production.

The user interface has been designed so that almost all controls are visible on screen, making it fun and incredibly easy-to-use. If you're unsure about a particular synth function, simply right click your mouse to access the help screen.

Predator is packed with powerful features such as Preset Quick Browser, Preset bank mananger, Preset Morphing, Intelligent Preset Variation, MIDI and Synth Controllable FX, Unison Detune, Chord Memory and an extremely versatile Arpeggiator.

The Rob Papen Predator 1.5 VST coomes with preset banks: HipHop (NY, Club, DirtySouth and Gfunk) banks. Jump, hardcore, breakbeat, various Trance styles, DnB banks. Hardcore dance, House, SFX banks and much more.

The Predator also includes PredatorFX, allowing you to use the incredible filters, modulations, effects and vocoder as an FX plug-in within your music host.

Virtual drum synthesizer/sampler plug-in for PC/Mac

Review: The Rob Papen Punch combines sampled and synthesized drums in a high quality percussive instrument

With Punch, Rob Papen delivers a brand new speaker busting, body rattling software instrument and synthesized drums in the finest audio quality, with breathtaking features for the contemporary producer.

You can use synthesis to build your own unique sounding drum kit, but also your own samples can be loaded into Punch to complete your kit. Your sounds can then be crafted using the stunning features, filters and huge synth power we all know from other RP synthesizers.

Punch has a unique sound but also a built in sequencer, allowing you the user to have multiple patterns at your finger tips. These grooves can be triggered in a live environment to build a song, but are also great for just improvisation and jamming. Also featured are drum kits built by famous DJ's which complete the arsenal of power that is Punch.

Ultra deep synth bass virtual synthesizer plug-in for PC/Mac

Review: The SubBoomBass is filled with excessive amounts of low end ammunition to detonate your tracks. With presets designed by the legendary Rob Papen and other guest artists, this dedicated bass synth will supply you with huge cone-rattling sounds that will devastate any dancefloor. This software instrument is great for hip-hop and RnB but can also be used for dubstep, drum and bass, garage, grime and much more.

Based on the award winning Predator engine, the SubBoomBass has been carefully crafted to provide you with the tools to create fresh new bass lines for any musical style. Rob Papen again displays his cutting edge and innovative style by combining sounding synth engine with tuned drum percussion samples and rare samples. These patches are great for fresh and completely new bass textures for Hip Hop and RnB basses but also for any producer that is on the cutting edge of modern music.

Other features include a groove sequencer and two effects slots which can be modulated. The SubBoomBass also features a great easy edit page and the unique quick browser system that will allow you to find the sounds you need quickly and easily.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwRh_W8P6d4

Please note this is not boxed software - upon ordering you will be posted an envelope containing the serial number and information on how and where to download the software and register the product

Review: *** Please note this is not boxed software - upon ordering you will be posted an envelope containing the serial number and information on how and where to download the software and register the product ***

The Pitch 'n Time LE makes professional quality pitch shifting and time stretching more accessible than ever before. Previously only available on the Pro Tools platform, this award winning technology is now available as a plug-in for Logic Pro.

The Pitch 'n Time LE allows you to make dramatic alterations to a sample, or even to a completed mix, and produce a natural sounding result that you have to hear to believe. Pitch 'n Time LE is simple to use and yet produces an accurate and professional quality result.

Please note this is not boxed software - upon ordering you will be posted an envelope containing the serial number and information on how and where to download the software and register the product

Review: *** Please note this is not boxed software - upon ordering you will be posted an envelope containing the serial number and information on how and where to download the software and register the product ***

The Pitch 'n Time Pro is a high quality time-stretching and pitch-shifting AudioSuite software plug-in for the Pro Tools platform. It works with all versions of Pro Tools including Pro Tools HD, LE, and M-Powered.

The Pitch 'n Time Pro offers time compression and expansion from a ratio of 1/8 speed through to 8 x speed independent of pitch, and pitch shifting of up to 36 semitones independent of tempo.

The time-stretching and pitch-shifting functions each have three interchangeable panels, ranging from simple fixed ratios to complex tempo and pitch alterations that vary over time. You can even warp the timing of your samples just by placing markers and moving them around.

The tempo and pitch panels can be mixed and matched to suit your application, with real time previewing.

Review: Danger! Afraid of blowing your speakers apart and reducing the world around you to a throbbing puddle of smoking goo? If so this is not the virtual instrument for you!

SoniVox follows up its ground-breaking hip-hop virtual instrument 'Playa' with 'Aggro Electro Boom', a 'Playa'-style virtual instrument which serves you up some seriously aggressive, electronic, and boomin' hip hop instruments. Sounds that give you the power to easily create and compose earth-quaking, body-shaking tracks. Whether you're using a MIDI keyboard, MPC pad controller, or just your computer desktop, 'Aggro Electro Boom' will have you busting some serious contemporary beats. With over 4Gb of sounds, 450 different instruments and pad layouts, and utilizing the most intuitive virtual instrument interface known to man, Aggro Electro Boom will unleash the explosive power you need to rain your creative fire down upon the powerless masses.

The Sounds:

Aggro Electro Boom's brand new cutting edge instruments and pad layouts were all meticulously produced by SoniVox's award-winning sound design team. Born from vintage analogue synthesizers and hi-end signal processors, these sounds sit perfectly in today's high-end music tracks. Treat your music to the most aggressive leads, fat analogue basses, electro drums & psychedelic pads. It's what's hot, and, most importantly, it's what will make your tracks win.

The Playa Interface:

- Learn. Map. Create. It's that easy. 16 programmable pads and 127 keys provide all you need to keep the creative process going and you don't need a doctorate to use it.
- Need more bump? No problem. Aggro Electro Boom incorporates an intuitive sound-layering functionality allowing you to easily stack sounds until its just right.
- Need more groove? Dial up the re-triggering mode, and take master control of those fast tempo or stuttering articulations.

FX? Aggro Electro's got you covered - a sweet chorus, delay and a just-right 4 band EQ. For those of you with tweaky fingers we've even included fully programmable filter and amplitude envelopes. Bottom line, whether you are composing on MPC pads or jamming out on the keys, Aggro Electro's engine will have you laying down top-selling music tracks in no time.

Review: Playa - a hip hop virtual instrument plug-in for MAC and PC packed with fat sounds, pro features and an interface that is ridiculously easy to use. Whether you're using a midi keyboard, MPC pad controller, or just your computer by itself, Playa gives you serious control over your music. Welcome to music and beat making paradise!

Playa serves up over 450 instruments and pad layouts, all in an interface that's guaranteed to have you laying down cutting edge beats and music in no time. Playa interfaces seamlessly with your DAW and midi controllers so you can just it hook up and start laying down grooves the way you're used to. Like a glove, Playa fits your style.

Virtual synthesizer plug-in for PC/Mac

Virtual instrument plug-in for PC/Mac

Review: With its comprehensive design, Trilian brings many different types of bass together into one extraordinary-sounding virtual instrument.

The Trilian is designed from the ground up to be the most versatile bass virtual instrument available today with a new level of expressive, real-time performance for acoustic and electric basses plus cutting-edge synth bass tones with powerful editing and extraordinary sound quality. The Trilian is the successor to Spectrasonics' award-winning Trilogy bass instrument, offering deeper control of musical expression and much greater flexibility of sound shaping. The Trilian's 34 GB library is 10-times the size of Trilogy and features all new acoustic, electric and synth basses.

Powered by next generation STEAM Engine technology, the Trilian is the first instrument to feature core library integration with Spectrasonics flagship Omnisphere synth allowing Trilian's sounds to be used within the Omnisphere environment for further sound design and keyboard/bass splits.

The acoustic and electric basses in Trilian are sampled at an extremely high level of detail. The combination of the software's intuitive, automatic selection of legato and release articulations as the user plays and the extensive Round-Robin variations introduced for natural sounding bass lines with repeated notes, create a more dynamic and subtle playing experience. Newly developed multisampled dynamic slides let notes realistically slide from one to another. Each of the basses features multi-channel mixing between phase-locked microphone/amplifier and direct outputs of each bass.

VST sampler & sound creation system (USB-eLicenser required)

Review: By fusing the inspiring and powerful tools of a next-generation sampling environment with the creative potential of a first-class synth engine, the Steinberg HALion 4 ushers is a new era in professional sound design. The hybrid character, along with in-depth editing tools and the most efficient yet flexible desktop concept ever witnessed in a virtual instrument set HALion 4 clearly apart fro traditional software samplers. Add to this an outstanding range of studio-grade effect processors, a world-class library and one-of-a-kind features, such as MegaTrig or VST 3.5 support and you have the new global standard for creative sound design.

The HALion 4 incorporates the most efficient yet flexible user interface ever witnessed in a virtual instrument, allowing you to undock, move and resize windows, create function tabs and save entire screen sets. It is ideal for multi-monitor setups and perfect for keeping you focused. The HALion 4 also incorporates a state-of-the-art mixing engine with powerful routing options for complete control over your signal flow. There are virtually no restrictions, creating an unlimited number of buses per program and layer and freely route the signals as desired.

With a total of 44 studio-grade effect processors, the HALion 4 tremendously enhances the sound designer''s toolbox. Highlights include the REVerence convolution reverb, the truly universal StudioEQ and a captivating rotary cabinet emulation. The HALion 4 effortlessly integrates into various VST applications, making excellent use of the advantages each tool has to offer. The seamless integration of the HALion 4 into Cubase and WaveLab and the advanced integration support of Steinberg hardware make HALion 4 the premier VST sampler and sound creation system.

Furthermore, the HALion 4 supports all the major library and sampler formats. Running in both VST and AU plug-in hosts as well featuring cross-platform compatibility for 32/64bit editions of Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6 make the Steinberg HALion 4 the perfect tool for audio designers and music producers using different machines and systems.

Tonal & percussive, open surface, new generation VST instrument

Review: The Beatstation marks the next step in powerful yet simple sound design and music production from Toontrack. It is not just a drum sampler. It is not just a bass sampler. It is not just a melodic sampler. It is all of these things combined in one powerful but simple window, that puts you in the musical driver's seat combining a variety of functions and features.

Combining drums, bass and lead instruments with drag and drop, REX and MIDI support, the Beatstation is your companion for quickly getting a full beat up and running or for diving into the smallest details of what you want your sound to be, to be able to realize your music, your expression. Just take WAV or MP3 files from any source to create unique and inspiring combinations.

You can combine and edit individual slices from your favourite REX files or create playable instruments from a single sound. All this can be done just with a few clicks of the mouse, making the Beatstation a hugely powerful yet easy to use virtual instrument. Do you already have Toontrack EZX or SDX expansion packs? These can be combined and edited inside the Beatstation too.

Whether you use it on your portable travelling rig or in a full-on studio context, the Beatstation adapts to meet the challenges of every production situation. It is not tied down to genre or style. It cannot be defined and limited to the use of a single group of musicians or producers.

It is constructed with Toontrack's premium components which have been perfected over several years. This software instrument combines the experience and passion of one of the world's best sound design teams. Also included are effects provided by Overloud, the award winning software development company that released Breverb and TH1.

The Beatstation lets the new generation music producer freely combine the wealth of influences that are present in the music that drives the beat of the world.

When using an SDX or EZX you will get a fixed mix of the microphones available for an instrument, typically without ambience. You will also get access to any MIDI included in the SDX or EZX.

Please note: You will need to have EZdrummer or Superior drummer to register an EZX and Superior Drummer to register an SDX.

The Beatstations core content library is divided into 3 distinct categories:

Lowbit: 45 basses, 48 leads, 385 percussive sounds, 53 REX loops, 25 bass patches & 19 lead patches, 3 complete MIDI arrangements (173 MIDI files) with 3 full kit patches (bass, lead, drums); and

Synthetix (18 basses, 52 leads, 750 percussive sounds, 206 REX loops, 24 bass patches & 102 lead patches, 9 complete MIDI arrangements (498 MIDI files) with 9 full kit patches (bass, lead, drums);

Organic: 4 basses, 11 leads, 317 percussive sounds, 250 metal guitar REX loops played by Fredrik Thordendal/Meshuggah, 24 bass patches & 82 lead patches, 6 complete MIDI arrangements (362 MIDI files) with 3 full kit patches (bass, lead, drums).

With the core content, you are granted instant access to all the acoustic, electronic and resampled instrument samples vital to modern production. Each category contains a variety of kit presets with corresponding MIDI variations comprised of drum, bass and lead parts. Keep in mind that they are all just a click and drag away.

The core content come stocked with thousands of MIDI grooves, REX loops, drum/bass/lead instrument presets created from 148 of the popular sounds and timbres from a massive collection of one of a kind, rare, vintage, modern and custom instruments- all meticulously multi-sampled by Toontrack.

For the advanced user, the Beatstation contains a number of powerful yet simplified tools for manipulating MIDI, sound design, instrument creation and full mixing. This includes full ADSR, pitching, reverse, sample off-set, note-on/off, mono/poly, 5 part sample/REX loop or slice layering per pad all with individual parameter control, variable swing, flam, transposition, 1/2 x tempo, 2 x tempo and a handy part separation feature for extracting a specific part from within the MIDI file.

A preset-powered, multi-effect mixing tool with more than 300 audio processing settings

Review: The Toontrack EZmix 2 is a preset-powered, multi-effect mixing tool with more than 300 professionally designed audio processing settings. The EZmix 2 is your one stop to a perfect, ready for release mix.

The EZmix 2 gives you mix-ready effect chains designed by audio professionals, making mixing music not only easy and incredibly fast, but offering results second to none. The EZmix 2 comes with a revised interface, guitar amp and cab simulation, new effects and signal chain content.

Save plugin and CPU resources by only using one plugin instead of many. Expand your EZmix 2 with a huge collection of optional EZmix packs, created by various producers and engineers for different musical genres and mixing situations.

By choosing a setting from the EZmix 2 browser a complete and ready-made effect-chain is loaded in the background of the plugin. This represents a specific combination of individual effect units, just like an experienced mixing engineer would decide for combining several plugin instances to create the sound he wants to realise on any given audio-channel, subgroup or masterfader. All effect modules used in the signal-chain-settings of the EZmix 2 have been exclusively provided by state-of-the-art plugin manufacturer Overloud and tweaked by Toontrack to fit your mixing needs in any situation.

www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=135

Review: The Ultimate Soundbank Jazzistic Virtual Instrument Software, Requires iLok Key is full of authentic sounds, loops, kits, and instruments entirely dedicated to Jazz: drums, double bass, jazz guitar and some typical electric keyboards.

Ultimate Soundbank Jazzistic focuses on drums, using different styles, tempo and drum sticks, offering you access to more than a thousand loops and phrases from the most basic to the most sophisticated jazz patterns.

Expertly produced and engineered by Yassine Dahbi, and played by the most talented Jazz players - Jean Christophe Calvet (Drums), Pierre Yves Lamy (Guitars) & Olivier Gatto (Double Bass). Recording sessions was achieved with an authentic jazz perspective in mind, using the most organic audio gear in a typical jazzy room.

Jazzistic includes some extra brushed drums sounds recorded in outstanding conditions in one of the biggest studio in the world and more than 200 Jazz patterns as MIDI files and BPM Patterns to work with the drumkits and for maximum flexibility. Jazzistic gives you a classic jazz sound, with swinging, and modern attitude. This is the ultimate jazz loops product for comping a vintage vibe, or remixing some jumpin' grooves. Jazzistic also includes basic and essential double bass and guitar loops, played with finest taste.

containing authentic sounds, loops, kits, and instruments entirely dedicated to Jazz: drums, double bass, jazz guitar & some typical electric keyboards)

Review: UVI Ultimate Sound Bank Percussion Store Virtual Instrument is an original collection of more than 150 percussion intruments coming from all over the world for a total of more than 6000 samples.

UVI Ultimate Sound Bank Percussion Store was recorded using a percussion expert sound engineer. Equipment used were Brawmer and Neumann microphones, Manley, Fearn & Neve preamp and compressors, high end analog to digital converters and the best sounding soundcards in the market.

Percussion Store doesn't contain any loop, only single shots. Of course every instrument was deeply "multi-sampled" in 24 bits / 96 kHz, at dozens of velocity levels when applicable, different playing techniques (depending on the instrument), different hand positions, rolls, fla... All expertly played.