Latest articles by Si Truss
5 creative sound design tips: "Try pairing pitch and frequency shifters working in opposing directions for oddball results"
Here are a few ideas and approaches to help you make more interesting and unique sounds
Best drum machines 2024: for every style and budget
From drum synths to samplers - expert advice on the best beat makers from Roland, Elektron, Teenage Engineering and more
“I like to do a lot of micro-sampling”: salute on the inspiration behind their debut album TRUE MAGIC
The Ninja Tune artist talks about balancing influences from pop and classic house, and the creative process behind their new project
Stadium-sized vulnerability and synth-led synchronicity: Loyle Carner and LCD Soundsystem at Forwards Festival
Four Tet, Underworld, CMAT and more joined a diverse line-up at one of the most talked-about events in Bristol's cultural calendar
3 next-level effect racks in Ableton Live
Elevate your sound with a raft of rack effects!
“A generous update stuffed with ideas and real potential”: Ableton Live 12 Suite review
UPDATED: includes a first look at the new 12.1 update. Still thinking about upgrading?
“All-round easier and more effective, and remains a go-to for efficient audio”: iZotope RX 11 Advanced review
The post production and audio suite has seen big improvements behind the scenes
“A solidly built and versatile workhorse for studio and performance use”: Donner Essential D1 Beat Machine review
Following last year’s bass synth, Donner releases a fun, affordable drum machine
“A fairly underwhelming update to what remains a must-try synth”: Korg Opsix MkII review
There’s little exciting about its MkII update but Opsix remains an all-time-great FM synth
“An unmissable and great value package”: Arturia FX Collection 5 review
As Arturia’s effect bundle gets a clutch of new tools, we ask if this is now the one to beat
“Murmux’s gorgeous, characterful sound and quality design live up to its top-end price point”: Dreadbox Murmux Adept review
The on-again off-again polysynth returns in its most capable form yet. We find out if it's worth the price
“Trash 2 fans will no doubt find the lack of depth or new ideas disappointing”: iZotope Trash review
One of the all-time great distortion plugins returns but long-time users may be disappointed…
"The Prophet-6 is my most used synth. It’s got a nice balance of not trying to do too much, but doing enough to be flexible": In the studio with Max Cooper
The UK producer invites us into his studio for a tour of his hardware synths and creative stompboxes
"Bitwig finally has a suite of unique, flexible effect tools to match its creative ambitions": Bitwig Studio 5.2 review
[UPDATED to version 5.2] With version 5, Bitwig is redefining what a DAW is. This latest update sees it become a modulating monster of a DAW and instrument
6 ways to process your drum machine
Whether analogue, digital or sampled, drum machine sounds often benefit from a touch of polish. Here are 6 go-to effects…
Get to know your drum machine's sequencer
Your machine’s features explained, and how you can make the most of them
"The most expressive application of aftertouch technology": Arturia PolyBrute 12 review
The French flagship synth gets upgraded with more voices and better aftertouch
“At its best when integrated into a wider setup and pushed to its creative limits”: Moog Spectravox review
Is it a vocoder, a filter or an analogue monosynth? As we discover, Moog’s latest is all of these things and more…
Best small studio monitors 2024: Compact speakers from budget to professional
The best speakers for small studios and portable use, from KRK, Focal, IK Multimedia and more
"We love its West Coast sound and experimental design": Moog Labyrinth review
The US brand’s second semi-modular of the year has the makings of a West Coast-inspired, IDM powerhouse
Best DJ laptop 2024: our pick of PCs and M3 Macs for playing out and performing
Our hand-picked laptop choices for DJs, all perfect for Serato, rekordbox, Traktor, Ableton, Virtual DJ and more
How to craft the perfect synth bassline
Get the lowdown on low-end with our guide to bass synthesis
The ultimate guide to ambient sound design
Whether you’re creating a majestic work of meditative ambience or an atmospheric pad for the breakdown of your club banger, we’re here to teach all you need to know
