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  1. Tech
  2. Software & Apps

Christian Smith's favourite music software

News
By Computer Music ( Computer Music ) published 16 March 2016

The Majorca-based tech-house don and Tronic boss will now happily accept imitations

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Ableton Live

Ableton Live

“I’ve been using Ableton for a long, long time. At first, I missed the excitement of a hardware studio, but moving onboard gives you so many more options and so many more sounds. Ableton is an amazing DAW.”

Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5
AudioRealism Bass Line

AudioRealism Bass Line

“Another one that reminds me of the analogue era. When I first heard the software 303s, I didn’t think they were quite as deep as the real thing, but these days… I cannot tell the difference. I was talking to Richie Hawtin about this, and even he says that the plugins are getting it right.”

Page 2 of 5
Page 2 of 5
UAD MXR Flanger/Doubler

UAD MXR Flanger/Doubler

“I think it’s hard to find a really good software flanger; not many developers have managed to get that warm analogue sound. For me, the MXR is the best one out there.

“To be honest, I would have been happy to talk about any of the UAD plugins. I’ve got the whole set and every one sounds incredible.”

Page 3 of 5
Page 3 of 5
Arturia Mini V

Arturia Mini V

“Because I come from a hardware background, I was drawn to the Arturia V collection. The Minimoog gets used for most of my basslines and stabs. The only problem is that it eats up a lot of processor because you have to EQ it, compress it and really shape the sound. If you feed it straight into a track, it feels way too heavy.”

Page 4 of 5
Page 4 of 5
Soundtoys PanMan

Soundtoys PanMan

“I love panning… adding some serious width to a track. I’m really getting into panning my hats at the moment; a fast pan that doesn’t affect the sound too much, but gives you so much space. Any producer who doesn’t investigate the Soundtoys plugins is a fool. They will make your music sound better!”

Page 5 of 5
Page 5 of 5
Computer Music
Computer Music
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Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.

Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects… image
Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects…
…with the latest issue of Computer Music magazine
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Read more
adam beyer
“When you went record shopping 20 years ago everything sounded completely different, but now it feels like there’s a blueprint for electronic music that’s been set in stone – and it becomes boring”: Adam Beyer on the evolution of modern dance music
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“I have an original 909 – every time I use it I feel like I’m ruining it”: Riva Starr's studio essentials
ARMNHMR
ARMNHMR on their tools of the trade
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"I have a very emotional relationship with my machines”: How Djrum made one of 2025’s best electronic albums
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