Computer Music 251 – VINTAGE SYNTHESIS – our new issue is out now!

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Even today, in our world of mindbending digital music techniques where anything is possible, we countless producers still prefer the timeless retro sounds of vintage gear. This issue is dedicated to those classic hardware synths, with their imperfections and instantly recognisable characteristics. We’re going full on old-school this month, with tutorials, videos and a particularly great plugin giveaway!

VINTAGE SYNTHESIS

In our massive cover feature, you’ll discover everything about retro instruments, learning what makes them sound different to purely digital models, how to program iconic sounds, techniques for multisampling and loads more.

  • Analyse sounds of classic analogue synths and ape their sound in software
  • Patch classic sounds like sync & portamento leads, resonant zaps and noise FX
  • Properly emulate digital synths in digital software using our techniques
  • Fake old-school polyphony and paraphony for old-school note programming
  • Get the lowdown on the new software that emulates retro synth sounds
  • Learn techniques to multisample classic synths and make their sound yours

FREE PLUGIN WORTH £160 – AIR Vacuum Pro

German developers AIR Music Technology are the brains behind tons of powerful software instruments such as The Riser, Hybrid 3, Structure 2, Transfusor 2 and the brand new Loom II. That’s why, for this special Vintage Synthesis issue of CM, we’re especially excited to give you the full version of their epic analogue-emulating polysynth instrument Vacuum Pro – plus their Fresh AIR expansion pack– as sold for an incredible £160.

Vacuum Pro is available to both print and digital readers of CM251, and you can find out more about its analogue tube-style talents in the video below or on our full spec page.

YAMAHA CS-80 SESSIONS

Uncover every feature of one of the most iconic synths of all time as we get hands-on with an original unit in this exclusive video. With prices for this classic 70s unit now reaching five figures, we’ve made sure everyone gets the opportunity to get up close and personal with every feature of Yamaha’s legend, and we’ve even sampled its brilliant tones to provide them as a giveaway with this issue’s sample packs.

PRODUCER MASTERCLASS: GAIST

With support from techno royalty such as Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin and Pan-Pot, Gaist (aka Adam Wagstaff and Stuart Allan) have been making a name for themselves around the world with their deep, dark techno sound. Computer Music headed up to their Sheffield studio to find out how they created the brooding Mind – released on techno superstars Pig&Dan’s renowned Elevate – and hear more about their journey from computer music novices to techno superstars. 

Get part 1 of the video below, and get the full version only with your copy of Computer Music 251.

HUGE SAMPLES GIVEAWAY

In addition to our multisampled CS-80 track fodder, this month also brings you a huge pack of Malfunctioning Synths samples to use royalty-free. Elsewhere, there’s a pack of five multisampled Vintage Synths to accompany our awesome cover feature. There's also another huge Loopmasters collection to download, featuring some choice cuts from the sample giants' recent packs.

CM AWARDS 2017

This year’s been a huge one in music software, and with so much gracing our reviews bench, how are you supposed to identify the best of the best? Never fear – in this issue, we’ve compiled the cream of 2017’s crop, shining a spotlight on the software and hardware you need for the year ahead in production. It simply doesn’t get any better than this!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Dave Clews checks out the music theory behind modal harmony in his regular Easy Guide column

Way Out West’s Jody Wisternoff talks 808s, originality and working in and out of ‘the box’

Discover the lasting impact of Roland’s MC-202, the lesser-known cousin of the SH-101

Learn the programming tricks and tips behind techno beats in this issue’s Dr Beat column

Find out Prequell’s favourite music software for making his orchestral epics

Check out the latest and greatest gratis goodies in our Freeware News monthly article

Get this issue now

Print + DVD | | Android | | iOS | | Digital cross-platform

Digital editions include all extra content, now available via FileSilo (see page 5 in the mag)

Subscribe and Save

Never miss an issue with a CM subscription, print or digital!

Computer Music

Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.

Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects… image
Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects…
…with the latest issue of Computer Music magazine