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  1. Tech
  2. Software & Apps

Riva Starr's favourite music software

News
By Computer Music ( Computer Music ) published 8 March 2012

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Ableton Live & Apple Logic

Ableton Live & Apple Logic

"When I got Ableton for the first time a few years ago, my life really changed. The easy ways to manipulate audio are gold for me, and working while I'm touring also helps me to keep my ideas and productions going.

"I don't mind at all about the 'not perfect' audio quality as I ReWire it with Logic. In fact, Logic's Enveloper and Bitcrusher are my secret weapons. Shhhhhh…"

Read the Ableton Live 8 review

Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5
Native Instruments Maschine & Komplete

Native Instruments Maschine & Komplete

"Despite the fact that I'm terribly lazy, I've still been able to get into Maschine and all the NI software. The instruments sound great and I really like messing things up with Maschine and Kontakt, creating weird loops. My fave instrument has gotta be FM8."

Read NI Maschine 1.6 review

Page 2 of 5
Page 2 of 5
Universal Audio UAD-2

Universal Audio UAD-2

"I'm not a big fan of plug-ins when it comes to improving samples, but I gotta say that a couple really make my life easier! I use the UAD-2 platform, and my best purchase is the Little Labs VOG (Voice of God).

"If you want to make a bassline or a kick drum fatter than Ronaldo, then that's the one. SPL Transient Designer rocks it for me, too!"

Read Universal Audio UAD-2 review

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Page 3 of 5
D16 Group plug-ins

D16 Group plug-ins

"Nice, simple and effective – three words that describe these plug-ins. I use Decimort and Devastator to get crunchy effects on the beats, or to add an extra flavour and make the groove more interesting. Good show on the TR-303, 808 and 909 clones, too!"

Read D16 group Decimort review

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Goldbaby Samples

Goldbaby Samples

"I strongly believe that you'll never be able to cook up a yummy cake if you use bad ingredients, and that works for music too! Getting the sound selection right is the first step to a great-sounding track.

"One of the best at the moment for me is Goldbaby – they're creative, using a variety of sound sources (from standard drum machines to very unusual and rare ones) and processing everything with tape machines, analogue compressors, etc. I'm also loving the variety of quality samples offered by Loopmasters."

Riva's collaboration with Fat Boy Slim, Get Naked, is out now.

www.rivastarr.com

Liked this? Now read: Claude VonStroke's favourite music software

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Page 5 of 5
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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
More Info
Read more
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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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