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Arturia's Analog Factory Experience combines a virtual instrument and a MIDI controller keyboard.

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Four free instruments to try

Togu TAL BassLine
Mac/PC (VST)

This cracking freebie emulates Roland's classic SH-101 hardware synth. As its name suggests, basslines are this plug-in's forte, though it's also useful for creating other sounds – big synth leads, for example.

Native Instruments Kore Player
Mac/PC (VST, AU, RTAS)

A versatile and easy to use download that comes with 300MB worth of sounds. These are all created by Native Instruments' acclaimed synth engines, and if you want to add more, you can do so by purchasing one or more of the affordable Kore Soundpacks.

Yellow Tools Independence Free
Mac/PC (VST, AU, DXi)

At 2GB, this is one of the largest free instruments available – make sure you've got a decent broadband connection before you try and download it! Independence Free contains some amazing real instrument emulations, and there are plenty of editing options, too.

Univers Sons UVI Workstation
Mac/PC (VST, AU, RTAS, MAS)

A brand new software workstation that has amazing potential. You can download a demo soundpack to get you started, while more sounds can be purchased from within the software's interface.

For more advice, check out The Computer Music Special Beginner's Guide (volume 32) which is on sale now.

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