
Si Truss
I'm the Managing Editor of Music Technology at MusicRadar and former Editor-in-Chief of Future Music, Computer Music and Electronic Musician. 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.
Latest articles by Si Truss

5 production tips we learned from watching house producer Hammer create a track from scratch
By Si Truss published
Watch the Bicep collaborator build a raw, analogue house track in the studio

"Record everything all the time – and keep it all": 8 pro techno producers explain how they create their tracks
By Si Truss published
We delve into our In The Studio archive to compile the techno secrets behind releases on esteemed labels including Drumcode, Cocoon, Dekmantel, Second State and more

Best drum machines 2026: Top beat boxes for all budgets and skill levels
By Si Truss last updated
Our tried-and-tested pick of the best on the market - whether you're creating vintage electronic beats to cutting-edge grooves or mix-cutting loops

Want to finally finish that track? Here’s how to escape the 4-bar loop trap and actually make some music
By Si Truss published
Transform your unfinished projects into release-ready records with our proven creative hacks

Akai MPC Sample review
By Si Truss published
The MPC range gains a fun, affordable sketchpad with a fair few tricks up its sleeve

Akai MPC XL review
By Si Truss published
The new flagship of the MPC range is a true production powerhouse

We tried to vibe code a custom looper pedal with Polyend Endless – here's what happened
By Si Truss published
Polyend founder Piotr Raczyński explains the tech behind the company's eye-catching effects pedal and its text-to-code assistant Playground

Native Instruments releases update on insolvency proceedings
By Si Truss published
CEO Nick Williams writes that the company has seen “strong interest from multiple parties with deep roots in audio and technology”

Roland unveils its first generative AI tool, Melody Flip
By Si Truss published
Forthcoming Cloud AI tool develops “Roland’s vision of technology as a partner that coexists with the creative process”

“I didn't get it at first.”: House icons Alan Braxe and Fred Falke on embracing AI in the studio
By Si Truss published
As they reissue the cult classic Intro for its 25th anniversary, the French producers tell us how they see AI reshaping sampling culture

Best small studio monitors 2026: Compact studio speakers
By Si Truss last updated
The best speakers for small studios and portable use, from KRK, Focal, IK Multimedia, Genelec and more

Baby Audio's “most advanced synthesizer to date” is a granular plugin capable of creating “entirely new textures”
By Si Truss published
Grainferno's morphing, dual sample engine will turn your loops and one-shots into “tonal instruments, lush evolving atmospheres and volatile digital noise”

Waldorf upgrades its Iridium Desktop synth with a little help from Aphex Twin
By Si Truss published
Iridium Desktop Mk2 gains a new synthesis mode, extra power under-the-hood, and an automation feature inspired by Richard D James

Elektron’s latest Syntakt update adds sample synthesis and new sequencing tools to the hybrid drum synth
By Si Truss published
The free v1.40 update is out now for all existing users

"An analogue FM synth that is actually fun to play": Frap Tools’ debut polysynth Magnolia might be the most exciting new instrument of 2026
By Si Truss published
The Italian synth can do 8-voice through-zero FM, wavefolding and more – and comes equipped with a poly aftertouch keyboard

ACME Synth Works unveils “world’s first” hardware clone of the Roland Jupiter-8 – but don’t get too excited just yet
By Si Truss published
The JP-8 recreation isn't a real product right now – but ACME's Oberheim Xpander clone is still in the works

How Alan Braxe and Fred Falke made an all-time house classic with just a sampler and a bass guitar
By Si Truss published
Watch the French house icons recreate their classic track Intro in the studio

Arturia's FX Collection 6 adds an ambient plugin specialising in "novel, emotive textures" and a souped-up H910
By Si Truss published
The latest version of Arturia's effects plugin bundle also gets a new cut-priced Intro edition

Best budget studio monitors 2026: Make your mixes sing with these wallet-friendly home studio speakers
By Chris Corfield last updated
The best cheap studio monitors for home recording, with my hand-picked and affordable options from Adam, IK Multimedia, M-Audio, PreSonus and more

Waldorf Protein hands-on: Four layers, '90s wavetables & MPE in a $399 mini synth
By Si Truss, Simon Arblaster published
Waldorf's latest puts the wavetable oscillators of the Microwave into a compact and affordable instrument – is this be the best new budget synth?

“There was a time I was collecting synths – it’s a bit weird downgrading from that”: Ikonika on going back-to-basics
By Si Truss published
In the studio: The Hyperdub artist on going back in-the-box and why they’re ‘trying to avoid Auto-Tune’

Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency
By Si Truss published
An administrator has been appointed for the brand behind the likes of Maschine, Traktor, Massive and Kontakt, according to reports

The best music tech gear of NAMM 2026: Epic polys, acoustic synths, budget samplers, a Behringer Juno and more
By Si Truss published
MusicRadar's Matt Mullen and Andy Price have been roving the show floor – here are their music technology highlights
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