Latest articles by Si Truss
How to recreate the sound of the Solina String Ensemble
We bolster our guide to 15 essential synth sounds with one of the most useful patches in any synthesist's arsenal: synth strings
How to create a classic rave chord stab
A staple of dance music, these short, punchy bursts of sound can provide harmonic and percussive drive in one go
Roland SH-4d
Roland releases yet another groovebox that emulates the company’s heritage instruments. However, there’s a real reason to be excited here…
Cherry Audio Synth Stack 3
Cherry Audio’s product line has exploded recently. Can Synth Stack now rival the likes of the V Collection?
10 tips for maximizing stereo width
Our guide to fine-tuning your stereo image to create depth, contrast and impact in your mixes
How to make a Minimoog-style bass patch
A classic analogue bass patch makes a great jumping-off point for pretty much any monosynth
How to synthesize an analogue-style kick from scratch
Making your own kick has many benefits, and is simpler than you’d think
How to make a classic house organ sound like Robin S.' Show Me Love
Next up in our guide to 15 synth patches every producer should know, we take on a defining sound in '90s house music
Best drum machine plugins 2025: Sample and synthesis VSTs for beatmaking
From 808 and 909 emulations to innovative drum synths and AI-assisted samplers
Best synth plugins 2025: Synth VSTs to suit all styles and budgets
From virtual analogue to wavetable, these are plugins you need on your hard drive
Klevgrand Tomofon
The Swedish developer’s ‘real audio synth’ is the company’s biggest release yet. We see what it can do…
Korg Drumlogue
Some two years after it was first announced, Korg’s hybrid drum machine is finally here. We find out if it’s worth the wait
Audiomodern Loopmix
A six-track looper with controlled randomisation at its heart. We get in the loop
Arturia MiniFreak
The MicroFreak gets a new, polyphonic sibling. We let the ’Freak off the leash
Cableguys ShaperBox 3
The modulation-focused multieffect hits v3. We examine what’s new in this box of tricks…
Best DJ speakers: Recommended monitors for home and the DJ booth
From stylish to portable – our pick of speakers to suit all DJ set-ups
Best DJ mixers 2025: Top choices for club, home and battle DJs
Our experts round-up the best DJ mixers for all budgets from Rane, Allen & Heath, Pioneer and more
Best beginner DJ mixers 2025: Affordable scratch, club and rotary mixers to get you started
Get to grips with the basics of mixing and scratching with these cheap and entry-level mixers
Best cheap synthesizers 2025: including the best synths under $500/£500
Portable, desktop and keyboard instruments for music-makers on a budget
Best MIDI pad controllers 2025: Our top pad controller picks for every budget and every task
Expert advice for buying MIDI pad controllers for studio and stage and for every budget – including kits by Native Instruments, Arturia and Novation
Arturia MiniFreak: 5 things you need to know
Some highlights from Arturia's newest 'Freak box
Ableton Note first look: the closest you’ll get to Ableton Live on your iPhone?
Here’s everything you can and can’t do with Ableton’s new music-making app
PWM Malevolent
This British brand’s debut instrument is a decidedly old-school semi-modular synth but it boasts character by the bucketload
