Yousef's favourite music software

Steinberg Cubase

"I've always used Cubase; well, since about v3. Yes, I've bought both Ableton and Logic, but I never really got inside them. I prefer to stick with what works for me. I'm creative, but not a techie nerd, so if I find something that allows me to make music, I stay with it."

Read Steinberg Cubase Pro 8 review

SoundToys MicroShift

“The SoundToys stuff is great fun - even something as seemingly simple as MicroShift. A few tweaks and you can add that all-important extra polish to a track. It’s the sort of effect that turns your track into a finished production.”

Find out more about SoundToys MicroShift

Arturia V Collection

“They’re not perfect emulations, but if I use them alongside my hardware keyboards – Moog Little Phatty, Korg MS-2000 and a Juno-6 - I can get great textures and dynamics. Dynamics are so important in a track; don’t just max everything out and hope it’s all gonna work!”

Read Arturia V Collection 4 review

Native Instruments Guitar Rig

“It’d be difficult for me to cope without Guitar Rig! I literally use it on every track. We all know it’s not just for guitars - from random sound manipulation to working with vocals and adding a few extra bits to the overall mix, you’ve got everything you need in one box.”

Read Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5 Pro review

Arturia Spark

“It’s so easy to play around with the drums as much as you like, but I prefer a bit of warmth and old-school vibe. You don’t often find that with a plugin, which is what surprised me so much about Spark.

“If I’m being honest, my drums probably end up being a bit of a mix-up of Spark, some sounds from my old library and some sample packs - King Britt is a real master.”

Read Arturia Spark 2 review