7 ways to work smarter with MIDI in your DAW By James Russell published 2 July 24 Let’s explore the best of today’s DAW functionality when it comes to handling notes and programming
"Without LFOs, synth sound design would restrict us to constant waveforms and effects with no movement": The ultimate guide to LFOs By James Russell published 10 June 24 Master a staple modulation tool that's been used by professional audio engineers across the globe for decades
"There are certain laws that must be followed, whether you like it or not": Here's what producers really need to know about music theory By James Russell published 22 May 24 Get a grip on the notes in your piano roll and start creating more meaningful music
The ultimate guide to modern dynamics processors: "Where does this technology go from here? Have we pushed it to its potential, or is there more to come?" By James Russell published 11 March 24 Get to grips with the latest compression, gating and hitherto uncategorisable dynamics processors with our guide
Sampling meets AI: How artificial intelligence can help you manage and organize your sample library By James Russell published 11 March 24 Discover the latest time-saving programs and workflow features that samplists should know
"Polyphonic aftertouch is another new feature that sees NI keeping up with modern demands in instrument design": Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3 review By James Russell published 17 January 24 £749 €765 $699 The latest version of NI’s keyboard sees heavy Kontakt integration. We climb into the K-hole to check it out
The beginner's guide to bus processing By James Russell published 4 September 23 Get more out of your mix by processing in groups, and discover pre-master strategies for your master bus
6 tips for mixing effectively on headphones By Si Truss published 26 August 23 Whether you're using cans as a secondary mixing tool or ditching studio monitors altogether, here are six essential tips to help you mix better on headphones
5 music theory tools to help you make better electronic music By James Russell published 4 July 23 Find out how to use today's top theory tools to make your tunes stand out
What is spectral processing? Get to know the technology behind the next generation of effects plugins By James Russell published 28 April 23 The number of state-of-the-art spectral effects has been increasing in recent years. Let’s find out what they’re all about
9 next-gen drum plugins that could change the way you make beats By James Russell published 22 March 23 Push your beats to the next level as we take you on a guided tour of the most advanced drum tools out there
6 drum processing techniques to help you program state-of-the-art beats By James Russell published 16 March 23 Learn some of the most essential tools and techniques for getting a modern drum sound
iZotope Neutron 4 review By James Russell last updated 9 September 22 $399 The AI mixing package is back for its fourth incarnation. We sum up the new additions and replacements
The producer's guide to arps, riffs and sequences By James Russell, Future Music published 19 May 22 Inspire your next track with some of today’s top tools and techniques for programming music. James Russell shows us how…
AAS Chromaphone 3 review By James Russell published 1 February 21 $199 The ‘acoustic object synthesiser’ is back. What's new in this version of AAS’s physical modelling instrument?
iZotope RX 8 Advanced review By James Russell published 2 December 20 The audio repair stalwart adds and improves a few modules. Can it give a fresh sheen to our tracks?
Elk Audio's Blackboard breakout box bridges the gap between code and control By James Russell published 17 April 20 The board fits onto the company's Elk Pi, providing faders, buttons, jacks, and a glorious layer of abstraction
Austrian Audio's Hi-X55 headphones were designed for "contemporary music production" By James Russell last updated 5 August 20 On-ear Hi-X50 model is also coming soon
IK Multimedia’s ARC System 3 gives you an “all-new listening experience” By James Russell last updated 17 April 20 Studio calibration package adds new analysis algorithm, quicker measurement process, updated GUI, and the ability to use third-party mics
Convergence is a multi-band compressor with up to 10 bands (or four for free!) By James Russell published 16 April 20 Mastering-grade plugin offers real flexibility
Elektron Overbridge 2 is “music making made more fluid” By James Russell published 16 April 20 The long-awaited update to the company’s free computer-integration software
Behringer is teasing another synth and the first person to guess it wins one By James Russell published 15 April 20 The company has posted a PCB design on Facebook
Pioneer DJ’s Rekordbox 6 adds cloud library management By James Russell published 15 April 20 v6 on desktop and v3 on iOS unifies your collections and syncs between multiple devices
Klevgrand’s Foley-based instrument samples everyday household objects By James Russell published 15 April 20 Ting lets you make beats with virtual boxes, cutlery, sofas, keys and more
Can Singdaptive help you sing better? By James Russell published 15 April 20 Online learning platform tracks your progress and costs $25 per month or $249 per year