Articles by: Simon Truss

Close-up of compressors in a studio rack

Best hardware vocal compressors 2023: analogue studio hardware to suit all budgets and styles

By Simon Truss published 30 March 23

Our pick of modern and vintage-style compressors and limiters in rack, desktop and 500 series formats

How to make a classic reese bass like Renegade's Terrorist

By Simon Truss, Jon Musgrave published 16 February 23

Next up in our guide to 15 essential synth sounds every producer should know, the mighty reese bass

How to make an acid bassline like Fatboy Slim's Everybody Needs A 303 (without using a 303)

By Simon Truss, Jon Musgrave published 16 February 23

First up in our guide to 15 essential synth sounds every producer should know: the most iconic bass sound in electronic music's history

Best Eurorack modules 2023: essential oscillators, filters, utilities, effects and more

By Simon Arblaster last updated 20 October 22

Whether you’re designing your first system or expanding a modular rig, these are the must-have modules right now

Arturia FX Collection 3 review

By Simon Truss last updated 29 July 22

€399

Arturia’s effects bundle is catching up on V Collection in terms of size and scope. We check out the latest additions

Shot of an Akai MPC X on a black wooden bench in a venue with a pair of headphones resting on it

Best samplers 2023: 16 top picks for every use and price

By Simon Truss last updated 19 October 22

Expert buying advice on hardware samplers, from pocket models up to full-blown workstations – including samplers by Elektron, Korg, Akai and Teenage Engineering

Korg announces next-gen Volca FM: compact DX7-inspired synth gets expanded polyphony, new MIDI features and more

By Simon Truss published 14 April 22

One of our favourite mini synths is about to get a significant refresh

Best DJ controllers 2023: mix with Traktor, Serato, rekordbox and more

By Simon Truss last updated 28 October 22

PC, Mac and iOS-ready DJ hardware from budget to pro level

Arturia KeyStep 37 controller next to a pair of studio headphones

Arturia KeyStep 37 review

By Simon Truss published 5 August 21

£159

Arturia adds a mid-level controller to the KeyStep range and it’s another step in the right direction

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 photographed on stage

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 review

By Simon Truss published 5 August 21

£269
$339

NI’s entry-level controller is now more portable than ever

What is the best Korg Volca? Every drum machine and synth ranked

By Simon Truss published 9 September 19

Find out which of these compact and affordable electronic instruments you should buy

Pioneer DJ’s SQUID gives you an ocean of creative sequencing opportunities

By Simon Truss published 24 April 19

The Toriaz range spreads its tentacles further into the production world

NAMM 2019 HANDS-ON: Denon DJ Prime 4

By Simon Truss published 29 January 19

Could this be the best self-contained DJ setup on the market?

NAMM 2019 HANDS-ON: Teenage Engineering’s PO Modular and Korg Volca Modular go head to head

By Simon Truss published 29 January 19

Affordable, battery-powered modular gear faces off on the NAMM Show floor

NAMM 2019 HANDS-ON: Akai Pro's Force risks being less than the sum of its parts

By Simon Truss published 25 January 19

Can this DAW in a box find itself a USP?

NAMM 2019 HANDS-ON: Elektron's Model:Samples is the real deal

By Simon Truss published 25 January 19

Does Elektron’s ‘budget’ box retain the quality of its more expensive siblings?

Romare on his latest LP, sampling and gearing up for a new live show

By Simon Truss published 1 February 17

Love Songs: Part Two connects the dots between Detroit house, British folk, hip-hop and blues.

Hands-on: Native Instruments Maschine Jam

By Simon Truss published 8 September 16

First look at the new hybrid performance controller

Perc talks DJing, technology, and The Power And The Glory

By DJ Expo, Simon Truss published 23 April 14

"I really don't believe that music should be escapist"