Software

With even your average laptop being capable of capturing and mixing multi-track recording projects, it seems we’re flooded these days with options when it comes to choosing a digital audio workstation (DAW). Very few really need to consider forking out the big bucks for one of the bloated powerhouses found in top tier recording studios, but on the other side of the coin, how cheap is too cheap? ...more

Since its launch in 2001, Propellerhead’s Reason has managed to stay at the forefront of virtual electronic music software, maintaining its vibe in the face of stiff competition. Briefly, Reason provides a comprehensive selection of mixer, analogue and digital synth, sample playing, and effects processing devices that can be packed into a virtual rack and linked with virtual audio and control cables. Pattern-based drum machines (a la Roland’s classic beat boxes, but capable of playing any sample), arpeggiators and step sequencers, plus a REX loop player, make you think instantly of creating music in repeating chunks - but linear work is eminently possible, especially in this latest version. ...more

Avid has released the next generation of Pro Tools which significantly opens up the operational flexibility of their popular recording package. Version 9 allows users to work with Avid audio interfaces, third-party interfaces or with no hardware at all, in other words using just the built-in audio capabilities of your Mac or PC. The result is more control for less necessary investment and as such Pro Tools 9 represents a major development. ...more

In the so-called war between digital and analogue, it can perhaps be said that there is one conclusive deciding factor - that all the best digital EQs are generally emulations of an analogue EQ. Pure simple fact. ...more

Disclaimer: I'm not a guitarist, nor do I pretend to play one on TV. However, Virtual Guitarist 1 has come to the recording rescue with a couple of tight deadlines in the past, so when given the opportunity to put Version 2 through its paces I figured I was long overdue for that mullet. ...more

Orion Platinum 5.8 is a complete virtual studio, including multitrack audio recording, a mixing desk with sub busses and effect returns, as well as powerful sequencers, generators and effects. ...more

It's not often I really look forward to reviewing a new software product, but I had heard and read a bit about Celemony's Melodyne program and my curiosity had been piqued. ...more

It is a virtual world we live in and as proof we now have 'virtual singer' software available. (Please somebody shoot me if that takes off!) ...more

I rue the day that I have to work through an instruction manual but when I have trouble comprehending the name alone, there's nothing else for it. So what does the lengthy title of this software package mean? ...more

There are many types of free audio recording software available. These include CD burning programs, MP3 recorders, digital dictaphones, voicemail prompt recorders and audio recorders to create dialogues for your digital still and video collections. For this overview I will confine my discussion to audio software designed for recording and editing music. ...more

One of the great things about digital technology is miniaturisation. A multi-million dollar computer that 40 years ago occupied an entire building is now small enough to fit inside a wristwatch and costs little more than a cup of coffee. ...more