Latest articles by Bruce Aisher
“A synthesizer that is both easy to use and fun to play whilst maintaining a decent degree of programming depth and flexibility”: PWM Mantis review
PWM’s Mantis reunites a classic synth design with its legendary designer and gives it a contemporary twist
“A wide-ranging and very useful, yet quirky module”: Bastl Instruments Neo Trinity review
You can never have enough modulation sources for your modular, but is Bastl’s Neo Trinity a step (CV or LFO) too far?
"Pairs nicely with any mini-sized drum machine and synth module”: Bastl Kastle 2 FX Wizard review
Sonic disruptor Bastl is back with another palm-sized dose of fun. We don our cape to try and weave some magic
“In a world where AI is starting to impact in so many areas of tech, it is notable and perhaps refreshing that this gets no mention in this release”: Steinberg Cubase Pro 14 review
Does Cubase still have what it takes to remain at the DAW top table?
Steinberg Cubase 13 review
A new Cubase update has arrived – we find out if it’s going to be a lucky number for Steinberg
Empress Effects Zoia Euroburo
Empress Effects has adapted its Zoia pedal for use with modular gear. Let's get patching
Oberheim OB-X8
It’s arrived! Could the new Oberheim OB-X8 be a modern classic? We take a look
Best vocal plugins 2025: Our pick of vocal processing software to make your voice shine
If you want that Auto-Tune effect, or need to make a bad vocal great, then these vocal processing plugins will help turn bad singing into perfect vocals, whatever music you make
Roland Aira Compact Series
Can Roland’s Aira Compact range pack the same punch as their larger siblings?
Roland JX-08 Sound Module
Roland continues resurrecting its analogue history in digital form. We plug in the new JX-08
ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe
The original Hydrasynth made an impressive debut for ASM. Does the new model add extra magic?
ASM Hydrasynth Explorer
ASM Hydrasynth goes portable. Is the Chinese brand’s latest outing likely to make a splash?
VCV Rack 2 Pro
After a few years of development, VCV Rack 2 is here. We grab some (virtual) cables and get plugging
Steinberg Cubase Pro 12
Will Cubase 12 make all your DAW dreams come true? We take it for a spin to see what magic it can bestow
Korg ARP 2600 M
Korg is back with a smaller take on the ARP 2600. Has any magic been lost in the process?
Waldorf M
We check out Waldorf’s newly unveiled hybrid synth to see if it can conjure up some of that classic wavetable magic
Modal SKULPTsynth SE
Modal is back with an update to its SKULPT synth. We take a listen to see if it can rustle up a big sound
Arturia MicroBrute
After the success of the MiniBrute, Arturia downsize their analogue technology with the MicroBrute
