Si Truss

Si Truss

I'm Editor-in-Chief of Music Technology, working with Future Music, Computer Music, Electronic Musician and MusicRadar. I've been messing around with music tech in various forms for over two decades. I've also spent the last 10 years forgetting how to play guitar. Find me in the chillout room at raves complaining that it's past my bedtime.


Articles by: Si Truss

Sonic Charge Synplant 2

Sonic Charge Synplant 2 review

By Si Truss published

  • €149
  • $149

An esoteric classic gets an AI-powered update. We plant a seed to see what grows…

Ableton

6 of the best new controllers and sequencers in 2023

By Si Truss published

Ableton's vastly reimagined third iteration of Push takes the top spot this year, but who else made our shortlist?

Sugar Bytes Effectrix2

Sugar Bytes Effectrix2 review

By Si Truss published

  • £108
  • €129
  • $111

The classic rhythmic effect machine returns with a long-awaited follow-up. We enter the matrix

roland

4 of the best new drum machines and grooveboxes in 2023

By Si Truss published

Roland's innovative, sequencer-focused SH-4d takes the crown this year, but who came runner up?

udo

7 of the best new hardware synths in 2023

By Si Truss published

In a year dominated by vintage hardware throwbacks and modern innovations, we crown the UDO Super Gemini as 2023's best new synth

roland tr-808

How to get the perfect 808s: 8 tips to help you achieve weighty 808 kicks

By Si Truss published

Whether used as a kick or bass, get perfect 808s every time with our essential guide…

Bitwig vs Live

Ableton Live vs Bitwig Studio: which is the best DAW for you?

By Si Truss published

As Live 12 arrives, we put it head-to-head with Bitwig Studio 5 to ask, which is the king of the Berlin DAWs?

Ableton Live 12

5 things you need to know to get the most out of Ableton Live 12

By Si Truss published

Video: master the big workflow changes to become a Live 12 power user

paper dragon

Paper Dragon: "It's all about making instruments exist in a real space - putting them through distortion channels, reamping and incorporating ‘air’ into the sound"

By Si Truss published

We visit the Bristol trio combining their varied industry experience to create raw, nostalgic club music in the studio

microphones

What's the difference between different microphone designs and how do they work?

By Si Truss published

If you've heard the terms dynamic, condenser, and ribbon mic before and wondered what they actually mean, we're here to help

Bitwig 5

8 essential tips to help you get the most out of Bitwig Studio

By Si Truss published

Bitwig Version 5 brought a ton of fantastic new features to this increasingly powerful DAW. Get stuck in with our top tips

Best free VST drum plugins

The best free VST drum plugins 2023: drum machines, samplers and grooveboxes for budget-friendly beatmaking

By Si Truss published

Top quality free drum synths, ROMplers and percussion plugins

Cableguys FilterShaper XL

Cableguys FilterShaper XL review

By Si Truss published

  • £39
  • €49
  • $49

The modulation-obsessed developer turns its attention back to its classic filter plugin. We get moving…

cinthie

Cinthie: "My studio is pretty much a Roland museum. All these old machines are all still very relevant"

By Si Truss published

As a DJ, producer, label boss and owner of the Elevate record store, Cinthie is a cornerstone of Berlin’s contemporary house scene

Korg M1

5 classic house bass sounds and how to make them

By Si Truss published

We cook up some of house music's most iconic low-end patches

house

The definitive guide to producing house music in 2023

By Si Truss published

It's the genre that gave birth to DJing and clubs as we know them, spanning from black and queer roots in Chicago to arenas, festivals and pop charts across the world - but how is it made?

Gear Talk Oct 23

Gear Talk: Is Roland's Gaia 2 a worthy successor to the original? | Is digital hardware a waste of money? | Why is Behringer calling out gear reviewers?

By Si Truss published

We discuss the month's burning music tech questions in our new video series

Roland Gaia 2

Roland Gaia 2 review

By Si Truss published

  • £766
  • €869
  • $769

Roland’s ‘hands-on’ virtual analogue returns with some fresh tricks up its sleeve. But does it still have one foot stuck in the past?

soundtoys

8 interesting ways to transition from one part of a track to the next

By Si Truss published

Bored of using the same old risers? These transition tips will help you get from A to B without catching any Zs

entonal studio

Make some freaky sounds with these experimental sound design tips

By Si Truss published

Sometimes the best way to inspire new sounds is to go leftfield. Think outside the box with these tips…

ableton live

12 tips, tricks and ideas for making better beats

By Si Truss published

Drums are the backbone of most electronic tracks, so giving them a distinctive sound is vital. Here are some tips to help get them on the right path

Pro Tools Sketch

Pro Tools Sketch: industry-standard DAW gets Ableton Live-style clip launching and a free iPad app, but will it convince you to switch?

By Si Truss published

Avid makes its pitch to loop-based music makers

james hype

James Hype: "The kick drum is everything in dance music. The best way to fix a shit track is to change the kick"

By Si Truss published

The in-demand DJ and hit-making producer demonstrates his approach to crafting bootleg edits

chris lake

10 artists share 50 ways to make your music better: "If something in your mix sounds crap, it’s probably you - not the gear!"

By Matt Mullen published

Chris Lake, MEDUZA, CHLOÉ and more dish out 50 essential production tips for aspiring music-makers

Roland S-1 Tweak Synthesizer

Roland S-1 Tweak Synthesizer review

By Si Truss published

  • £169
  • €175
  • $159

The S-1 is one of the smallest polysynths on the market but there’s more here than meets the eye

Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions: