Category Archives: Reviews

Expressive E Osmose Review: Is This The Best MPE Polyphonic Aftertouch Synth?

The Osmose keyboard is the first hardware synth from this small French company, but this Expressive E Osmose review will dig into whether it really lives up to the hype.

Interested in new, inventive, higher end hardware synths? Expressive E  has focused on mpe synths and polyphonic aftertouch for a while since its inception in 2015. For this all new polyphonic synthesizer keyboard, Espressive E teamed up with Haken Audio to create the digital modular engine, too. 

The Osmose follows Expressive E’s first release, the Touche midi polyphonic expression aftertouch keyboard. Now we have the Osmose mpe synth, which is also polyphonic aftertouch, but is it a worthy successor? We decided to take a deep dive into the features of this polyphonic synthesizer keyboard and whether it lives up to the hype that has heralded it since its announcement. We’ll also break down similarities and differences in our osmose vs seabord series comparison with the two ROLI Seabord models.

What is the Expressive E Osmose? 

As stated, the osmose synth is quite simply, the first hardware instrument from Expressive E, a company whose aim is to improve the interactive elements of music creation. It does this by focussing on musician and hardware synth interactions, ensuring that these replicate true-to-life experiences of playing an instrument as much as possible. 

This means working with features like aftertouch, midi polyphonic expression (MPE), and so on to make smooth sounds and a user experience that feels just like you’re playing a real instrument. The Expressive E Osmose 49 Key Keyboard is designed specifically to mimic features like guitar string bending and vibrato. This may sound weird, but we’ll break it down in a later section. First, let’s look at how the Osmose Polyphonic Aftertouch Synthesiser actually sounds.

What’s the sound quality like? 

Of course, sound is relatively subjective and it depends on what kind of synth you want. The Osmose is smooth and slick, it’s definitely a modern synth and it’s not deliberately designed to emulate any retro machines. 

The mpe and aftertouch are features that appeal to many musicians regardless of your genre or preferred style of synth, however. Does the Osmose show enough versatility to be worth it if you want something a bit different sounding? 

The answer is a resounding yes. First up, there are some very impressive preset sounds including brass and woodwind. Whilst these do sound obviously synthesized at the beginning, moderating them with the Osmose’s intuitive controls adds little bits of flair such as woodwind vibrato that turn them from classic synth tones to extremely realistic, almost true to life sounding. 

Synth strings and the pitch bending feature are also no less impressive. The high-quality manufacturing and subtlety of the sound produced make this a very original synth that is dripping with emotional expression. 

What’s the full range of features of the Osmose? 

The Osmose polyphonic synthesizer keyboard is designed to be fun and intuitive to play, but what features does it actually have? Below are just some of the things that give it its well-deserved ‘expressive’ title. 

  • Reverb and delay processing 
  • EQ and compression 
  • Ability to pitch bend, add vibrato, slide, and more 
  • Pitch bending and modulation sliders are easily accessible, right next to 49 full-size weighted keys 
  • Over 500 presets 
  • Sensitivity controls 
  • Ability to switch to a classic (non mpe) keyboard
  • Usability as a midi controller 
  • Built-in arpeggiator with glide control 

Apart from these, the Osmose’s digital modular engine from Haken Audio is modern, inventive, and comes up with flexible, high-quality sounds. Haken Audio are the makers of the Continuum Fingerboard, which is designed for similarly intuitive playing – so they really get what Expressive E were trying to achieve with the Osmose. 

Is there any reason you might not get the Expressive E Osmose? 

The Osmose has been hyped a lot, but does it do what it says on the tin? Ultimately, the answer is yes, it absolutely does. If you have the budget for it, significantly rely on synthesis as a major part of your music, and don’t have any super niche or specific needs, the answer is a resounding yes. 

It’s really high quality, and another good thing is the different sounds are all very divergent from each other, this is not a one trick pony at all, nor is it just relying on its expressive key manipulation as a selling point. 

Expressive E Osmose Review: Note Expression Features

The note expression features include bend, tap, pressure, glide, and wiggle amongst others. 

Generally these features are really, really sensitive. Not only is this one of the first synths doing something exactly like this, it does it to a really high quality. It is sometimes billed as a polyphonic aftertouch synthesizer, but it has so much more than just aftertouch!

Make no mistake, the osmose synth keyboard is also easy to control at the same time. You could say the benefits of having the effects on a synth as opposed to a violin or guitar is that they are ultra smooth. Some might argue this takes away the character associated with a real musician playing vibrato, but come on. 

The uncanny combination of these subtle additions to a motif with the smoothness of the synth is familiar yet refreshing at the same time. It’s pretty groundbreaking, and it’s hard to believe nobody has done this before Expressive E. 

Ultimately some of these features you may not think would make much of a difference. But once you hear the Osmose in action, there is a certain je ne sais quoi about it, the same way a vinyl record with imperfections, undertones, and overtones sounds better, the Osmose just feels more organic and full of character. 

How many notes of polyphony does the Osmose have? 

For the osmose, expressive e uses 49 notes of polyphony with weighted keys for a super smooth and hyper-realistic playing experience. 

How exactly do the features that it advertises work? One of the most significant is the ‘key wobble’. This is exactly what it sounds like, as you press a key down you can actually wobble it from side to side to create a vibrato sound.

All synths to a greater or lesser extent can claim to be ‘expressive. However, the expressive E truly does deserve the moniker within its name for this feature. 

What are the dimensions of the Osmose? 

The Osmose is a relatively chunky synth with dimensions of 894 x 316 x 87.5 mm / 35.2″ x 12.4″ x 3.4″. It’s not a small mpe controller and weighs 8.4kg or 18.4 pounds. Of course, the sie is also why it’s on the higher end price-wise – though not to mention the quality. 

Expressive S Osmose vs ROLI Seabord 

The ROLI Seaboard series (RISE 2 and Block M) is one of the closest competitors to the osmose, but how do the two stack up next to each other? Ultimately it’s down to personal preference but it’s important to know some key differences so you can see how they fit in with your playing style. 

No Expressive E Osmose review could go without looking at its nearest competitors, so here goes. For convenience, this table will look at the Osmose vs Seabord series from ROLI in general, although there are different models within this. 

Osmose VS Seabord Comparison

Seaboard SeriesOsmose
No such feature Expressive keys allow you to perform playable, then and there vibrato like a guitar or violin. An amazing intuitive feature for those who want it
Greater intuitiveness in terms of navigating through the operating system, ability to slide fingers across keys and open up filters and other featuresNavigation happens regularly via a menu
Comes with a plugin synth that operates as a vst on your computerNo VST, but built and designed in tandem with Haken (makers of the Continuum Fingerboard) with a powerful inbuilt synthesizer 
Depending on model, more pitch-sweeping possibilities On the more expensive side and not necessarily affordable for bedroom producers, can reach over 1500 USD
Goes into greater depth with nuanced playing such as microtones and guitar or violin-style string bending and vibrato No vst, but built and designed in tandem with Haken (makers of the Continuum Fingerboard) with a powerful inbuilt synthesizer 
More easily navigable hardware depending on your preference, easy to learn to playVery intuitive screen and preset menus, but no option to immediately access filters and other features 

Do you want a look at another great MPE offering from ROLI? We have a comparison of the Equator Two right here!

Final Thoughts 

To wrap up our expressive e osmose review, we will say this: It’s difficult to ever choose the ‘best’ synth in any category. However, the Osmose is a much-anticipated synth and as the first hardware synth from Expressive E it does live up to the promises that have gained this company’s fans. The osmose is smooth, expressive, and true to life, it delivers on the features it promises but the only downside is it is quite expensive and there was a wait list as of last year. 

The Osmose may not be viable for everyone, but for those whose interests lie within its fields of specialism, it is an exciting and hotly anticipated synth that absolutely deserves the expressive reputation it has.

Looking for more low downs on what’s currently out there?

If you like MPE synths, we look at some of the best mpe synths here. And, if you want more hardware reviews, we have an entire hardware section here.

Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7: Review, New Updates, And Is It Worth It?

One of the most hotly anticipated updates to any piece of software in the world of music, this Guitar Rig 7 review will break down the pros and cons of all the amp sim’s new features. Many musicians celebrate Native Instruments’ long-running amp sim for its true-to-life impulse responses and wide variety of tones.

Now, the Guitar Rig 7 update hops on the latest trends with exciting lo-fi FX. Yet, it also keeps the characteristic breadth and variety of guitar rig 6. We share our take on the sounds included here, so read on.

Guitar Rig 7 Overview 

Overall, comes in two versions, Guitar Rig 7 pro and Guitar Rig 7 le. Simply put, LE is a less varied and detailed version of Pro that comes with other Native Instruments products, a feature that we cover later in this article. 

Apart from that, new features for Guitar Rig 7 include pedals, FX, a limiter, and new amps, so read on for a closer look and our thoughts on their sound. 

What Is New In Guitar Rig 7? 

New pedals: Guitar Rig 7 has five new virtual effects pedals. These include Kolor (black box hardware distortion, Seattle fuzz, and Swedish death metal modelled ‘chainsaw’. There’s also IVP stomp, modeled off a discontinued instrument preamp, and Skreamer deluxe overdrive pedal. 

Other New Features:  Guitar Rig 7 also includes a new sidebar and loop machine pro allowing you to layer loops and improvise over tracks. It also has a new cabinet impulse response loader to emulate the acoustics of actual cabinets. 

Is Guitar Rig 7 Free? 

You may wonder at this stage ‘is Guitar Rig 7 free?’

The answer is that only the most basic version of Guitar Rig 7 is free. This version is called Guitar Rig 7 Player, and it does have a good amount of things included. It also has the same great sound and intelligent circuit modeling technology. However, it is lacking a lot of other features. 

If you’re looking for a great guide on what features the free vs paid versions do and don’t have, you can find one on the Native Instruments website . 

However, if you’re worried about a higher cost for Guitar Rig 7, don’t be. If you already own Guitar Rig 6, you don’t have to pay the full price, so read on for more. 

Guitar Rig 7 LE vs Pro

Do you want a step up from player, but don’t want to pay the full price for Guitar Rig 7 Pro? There is a middle option called Guitar Rig 7 LE. However bear in mind if you want this version, it comes along with other Native Instruments products. One of the best is the Komplete 6 bundle of hardware, where it’s included. However, you can’t buy it individually. 

So, why would you want to get LE? Well, if you have LE, there is a Guitar Rig 7 upgrade to pro at a cheaper price. In fact, you can get it for 149 USD as opposed to 199 USD for Guitar Rig Pro straight up. Therefore this is a useful option if you are going to be buying some hardware gear anyway. As a result, it lets you save money and get multiple bits of studio gear in one go. 

Guitar Rig 7 pro price: 

As stated above, the full price for Guitar Rig 7 pro is 199 USD making it relatively expensive for a plugin but not too pricy. For what it is, we think it’s extremely worth it due to the quality and professionalism of the technology. 

However, if you are on a tight budget there are two options. You can either buy Guitar Rig LE and upgrade for 149 USD. Or, you can go for an update if you already have Guitar Rig 6. This costs 99 USD but is only available for those who already have the previous iteration of Guitar Rig. 

Native Instruments Guitar Rig New Updates and Features

So, how do the new features of Guitar Rig 7 stand up against market competitors? And, how do they compare to old variations of the software? We’re happy we can say the new features are really exciting, especially the Lofi FX. So, let’s break down their quality and sound. Plus, we’ll look at the question of ‘is Guitar Rig 7 worth it?’ based on these additions alone. 

Amps: 

There are three new amps as part of the Guitar Rig 7 update. First up, the Superfast 100, based on the Soldano slow100. There’s also the Reverb Delight, based on a classic Fender amp, and the AC Box XV based on the Vox AC 15. There’s quite a good range of tones here; one thing that unites the amps is they are all very crisp and clear. In classic guitar rig style, they have a very lifelike sounding tone. They are also, with the help of the impulse response loader, very malleable. 

The reverb delight has lush undertones and overtones and overall is a very high quality, vintage-sounding amp. At first it feels a bit limited to genres like classic rock. However, it could just as easily work with modern indie depending on the rest of your production.

Meanwhile, the Superfast 100 has a laid-back 90s cool. It could work with anything from nu-metal to pop-punk with quite a significant college radio feel to it.

Lastly, the AC Box XV is also pretty classic rock but has a generally appealing all-round tone. It could easily add to indie or hard rock too. Clean, all three are more versatile. However, of the three, the AC Box XV and Reverb Delight feel best suited to the widest variety of genres. Think anything from versatile modern pop, indie, rock, alternative, and more. 

FX: 

The low fi fx include tape wobble, noise machine, and vintage vibrato. But how do they stack up? They’re definitely FX that ride the wave of many modern trends in Lofi. They don’t aim to throw back to a particular era, instead, they recognize currently Lofi is a world of its own. But this is great, because all three are really fresh and clear sounding. They’re smooth ear candy that instantly adds a spark to your tracks. 

Individually, the vintage vibrato harks back to old organs and other machines with slight imperfections. The nose machine is exciting and super varied. It offers the classic tape noises and vinyl crackle.

However, it also has more unusual options like birdsong, VHS tape, and even the sound of a fire crackling in the background. Noises are realistic yet not intrusive and they blend perfectly with your track. Lastly, the classic Tape Wobble is subtle but easy to modify. There are a variety of presets for all of this. 

Ultimately we think that the Lofi FX are one of the biggest draws for guitar rig 7. They’re not just emulating old gear, they’ve cottoned onto the conventions within modern Lofi music and are truly giving musicians what they want. 

Guitar Rig 7 Review: Pedals and Other Features: 

Apart from amps and FX, Guitar Rig 7 has some great new pedals. In, fact, there are 5 new pedals that are based on ICM (intelligent Circuit Modelling). This means they are exact emulations of real-life counterparts down to the individual components. 

Kolor

Kolor is a very exciting pedal. This one is all about adding color and atmosphere to your music, something it does in spades. It creates an intensity to your guitar playing that comes from the undertones and overtones that it adds to sound. This is a subtle addition but a very nice one. 

Seattle Fuzz

Seattle Fuzz uses ICM to mimic a pedal from one of the grunge era’s top producers. It doesn’t say who, but this pedal definitely packs a punch. One thing some grunge fans may notice is that the sound is quite modern. There is a slight grittiness to grunge-era FX that may seem like it’s lacking at first.

In this light, it makes the Seattle fuzz pedal slightly more appropriate for 90s alt-rock or pop punk. However, once you tweak features like impulse responses, it provides a delicious, dark moody undertone to your playing. This one really brings back the atmosphere of underground Seattle gigs quite easily. The main thing is it’s one that’s great to play around with in combination with other features. 

Chainsaw and Skreamer Deluxe

Meanwhile, Chainsaw also models itself after a scene – 90s Swedish death metal. This pedal has a sharp, screaming sound, perfect for playing at both ends of the fretboard. It doesn’t need much added and it’s also great for other genres of metal in our opinion. 

Meanwhile, Skreamer Deluxe is a classic distortion pedal for high gain or heavy playing. It helps balance out your sound smoothly and really nicely. As a result, it’s ideal for heavy rock, alt-metal, and many more modern genres from the 90s onwards. 

Preamp and Other Features

Lastly, the new pedals also include a pre-amp, the IVP stomp. This is based on a rack-mounted preamp using NI’s Intelligent Circuit Modelling technology. This actually makes Guitar Rig 7 one of the few places you can find the IVP stomp easily. Apart from this, the manufacturer discontinued its hardware incarnation. 

In addition, the update includes the ozone limiter as well as new impulse response controls. In general, these meet the same high-quality standards as the rest of the rig. The IRs in particular are very lifelike and great for giving your guitar work more of a realistic edge. This is the feature that brings you into the metaphorical room with the amps! Yes, IRs on other amp and cab sims are good too. But this update reminds us why Guitar Rig is one of the best.

Is Guitar Rig 7 Pro Worth It? 

At an overall level, we would say a resounding yes. This is a very exciting update. However, no Guitar Rig 7 review can overlook the reasons why you may want to consider its market competitors. These are not to do with its quality at all. Instead, they are mostly if its main features do not immediately align with your niche within music. 

Why might you want to use something else? 

Is Native Instruments’ guitar rig 7 worth it for the features alone? And, why might you want to use something else?

If you’re dead set on your genre, remember all versions guitar rig 7 and the native instruments guitar rig series in general are pretty versatile. This is great but for specialist guitarists such as in djent, metal, or industrial. Alternatively, for genres like jazz and blues you may want something tailored towards your style of playing.

Additionally, if you do want the classic tones that the new amps provide but consider yourself more of an audiophile, some musicians prefer other amp sims like Amplitube 5 and Helix Native. We have in-depth comparisons of all of these here

Final Thoughts 

So, we now end our Guitar Rig 7 review and we’re glad to say it’s definitely an update that lives up to the hype.

Lots of musicians have hotly anticipated Guitar Rig 7 Pro as one of the most exciting software updates on any plugin for a while now. It’s not hard to see why. This is one of the most realistic and inventive amp sims on the market. Do guitar rig 7 player and guitar rig 7 le meet the same requirements? Yes, if you’re going for quality. However, if you want to best of the new features and their versatility, we think you need the full package.

Since its release, we found with the guitar rig series that the standout features are those that meet two criteria. Firstly, they have catered to current musical trends. Secondly, they then put an innovative twist on them, such as the Lofi and vintage features. 

The rest of the amp sim is stellar too. However, the biggest takeaway is that this is the best amp sim if you’re in genres like indie, synth pop, lo-fi, and so on. It’s great to see amp sims branch out for these genres that many beginner producers don’t immediately associate with guitar. Yet even if your interests lie elsewhere, this is still a fantastic gateway to a broader range of effects.

Still on the fence? We have a great article comparing amp sims here. And if you want to check the Native Instruments and support our website with a purchase, please use this affiliate link.

And, if you want to explore more VSTs and other software, we have a whole section here.

Happy producing!

Guitar Rig 7 Pro, Player, And LE Comparison

For the first time in 3 years, Native Instruments has released a guitar rig update…

Now, guitar rig 7 pro and player make this the 3rd iteration of the classic software guitarists have come to love since its debut in 2004.

2023’s Most Exciting Amp Sim News!

That’s right, easily one of the most exciting updates to any VST of 2023 is guitar rig 7 pro, LE, and player, both available as part of the wider update.

But before we dive in with the good and bad points of each, let’s look at why this was such a hotly anticipated update and what it has to offer.

and Guitar Rig 6 Compared

If you’re wondering ‘is the guitar rig 7 update worth it?’ it helps to recall what made the software defining when it first came out. Native Instruments released Guitar Rig in 2004. Since then, the last major update was Guitar Rig 6 3 years ago.

Ultimately if you want to see guitar rig 6 vs 7 compared, you need to know what new features 7 has that 6 doesn’t. In addition, many musicians question whether to go for Guitar Rig 6 vs Amplitube 5, the other most in-demand amp sim.

Guitar Rig 7 Overall Breakdown

There is some confusion online about whether the upgrade from guitar rig 6 to 7 is free. Some musicians mistakenly thought it was part of the complete 14 bundle but no, unfortunately, this is not a free update.

Is Worth It?

Is the new software worth it? the prices listed vary, however, most sites list Guitar Rig 7 Pro upgrade (assuming you already have Guitar Rig 6) at anywhere between 50 and 100 USD. So, it’s not that low but it also won’t break the bank. Some of you may find it’s a bit much given that you already own the software in another form.

Remember also that if you don’t have it, you will have to buy it from scratch, and it retails at 130 USD approx.

It’s beyond the scope of this article to go into any Guitar Rig versions vs Amplitube 5. if you want a detailed breakdown you can look at our comparisons of guitar rig and amplitube here, as well as with other contenders like Helix Native assuming you are purchasing from scratch.

But for Guitar Rig 7 alone, we will now give you a thorough and honest breakdown as to what it does and doesn’t have to offer.

Guitar Rig 7 Features

The biggest draws for the update is how this version has 4 new amps and 5 new virtual FX pedals. In addition, the new software includes the Ozone Maximizer, 100 new rack presets, and loop machine pro, as well as new methods of organizing the signal chain with the new sidebar.

New Pedals:

We truly are impressed with the variety and versatility of the new features here. Read on for a breakdown of why exactly:

  • kolor– based on distortion circuits from real-life hardware, you’re essentially getting more FX for the price of one. This one is great for adding character.
  • chainsaw – the first of two genre-specific pedals. We love how the developers are finally recognising the popularity of metal sub-genres, so this is a big bonus.
  • seattle fuzz – bonus for featuring a sound that is having a small revival at the moment but major designers don’t always cater for. If it’s not your jam, this may not be such a great feature, but remember this sound is also great for indie, shoegaze, and more
  • skreamer deluxe – a great all-round overdrive pedal
  • ivp stomp – bonus for modeling this off discontinued hardware. We feel the new gear with guitar rig 7 has its strongest feature in how it fills in gaps, and the IVP stomp is based off a pre-amp with an amazing clanging tone, sadly discontinued and much loved by many. It’s back now.

Ultimately we feel the stompboxes are one of the strongest parts of the update. They are good quality, although some audiophiles feel Amplitube wins out on this one. There have also been complaints that there is a discrepancy in quality with some of the other older features.

Personally, we feel the ICM technology is great if you’re not looking for perfection. For the creativity of these plugins combined with relatively high-quality sound, they do make the update very exciting.

LOFI FX and WHY We Are So Excited:

The second most exciting part of the new additions are the LOFI FX such as tape wobble, vintage vibrato, and noise machine (which can emulate everything from VHS to cassette noise to vinyl crackle!)

Native Instruments have seen a HUGE opportunity here with the continued focus on LOFI online and in adding these FX they have made the software appealing not just to guitarists but also sound designers, beatmakers and producers, who want to keep familiar sounds while branching out into guitar.

What Other New Features Are There?

The upgrade has over 100 IRs (impulse responses) as well as 4 new amps (bass rage, it’s great to have an addition to the guitar rig 7 bass amps in our view, as well as Super Fast 100, Reverb Delight, and AC Box XV).

There is also a new intuitive signal chain that is designed to streamline even the most byzantine signal paths.

We think there is a tiny bit more versatility and ease with the Amplitube signal chain organization software.

However, if you are already a user of guitar rig, the added simplicity is definitely worth the update.

Pro VS Player VS LE

How to decide on which version to get?

Of course, it depends on your budget. That said, what is the popular guitar rig 7 LE?

Fans of Native Instruments may notice that Guitar Rig 6 also had the LE feature. To make things easier, LE is a tier that has more features than Player but not as many as Pro.

We think LE is great if you want to try out the software without too much investment. However, whilst even in its free version, a sim like Amplitube is really great, we feel like most of the features that make the update worthwhile are available mostly in the Pro version (with some LE.)

These include specific amps, vabs, and stompboxes. Whilst LE does have some, like the tape wobble, the best stuff really does come Pro here.

That said, there is currently a limited edition upgrade from LE to pro that expires Jan 1, 2024.

If you are still unsure, there is a handy chart on the Native Instruments website that shows you what features you will and won’t get.

You can also check the price here, and if you buy using this link you will be supporting the website since we get a small kickback.

Pros, Cons, and How to Decide

Ultimately when you break it down, the update has the following pros and cons:

Pros

  • keeps up to date with trends in music
  • gives you genre versatility with a range of styles including shoegaze, classic rock, and LoFi.
  • As intuitive as former iterations, with the new sidebar as well
  • Great for more than just guitarists!
  • Decent quality emulations

Cons

  • If the new features aren’t hugely relevant to you, it may not be worth the update
  • Competitors like Amplitube 5 have more variety of IRs
  • Many musicians favor Amplitube’s cab modeling, too
  • ICM technology is great, but other amp sims do similar things equally or better
  • Some musicians find the sound a little generic and not true to life

Conclusion:

We are very excited here about this upgrade as native instruments thought of providing a really creative range of new offerings. Though there are more cons than pros, the pros are BIG if they hit the mark for you.

It also thinks of genres other than rock, indie, and those based on guitar. there’s stuff for sound designers who only want to use minimal amounts of guitar FX, too. In this way it’s super up-to-date and spans a lot of current trends in music.

Features like the Seattle Fuzz pedal offer great sonic character, and you don’t always find them in bundles of VSTs that cater to the more mainstream genres.

Our verdict is that some of the offerings fill very important gaps in the market. therefore, if they do for you what you need, the update is definitely worth it, hands down.

However, if you are buying an amp sim from scratch, it’s worth comparing Guitar Rig vs Amplitube, as we do here.

Guitar Rig as a series has many fans, but equally, its competitors hit the mark for an equal number of musicians depending on what you’re looking for.

Guitar Rig Comparison With Helix Native, AmpliTube, and More

Ok, so this COULD just be another Guitar Rig 6 Pro review. There are a LOT of reviews of Guitar Rig 6 by Native Instruments out there as well as detailed comparisons with other amp sims such as Helix Native and AmpliTube, such as our detailed breakdown here

However, with the latest update Guitar Rig 7 – and the first in 3 years – we decide to take a look here at what exactly separates Guitar Rig from it’s competitors, how it differs, where it falls short, and more . Hopefully, this guide will break down who exactly it that the Guitar Rig series might work for, what alternatives there are, and a no-holds-barred look at how you might use it in your playing, so read on.

Guitar Rig Pro General Audience 

The Guitar Rig Pro vs Player vs Helix Native, AmpliTube and other amp sims debate has been going on ever since Guitar Rig launched over 5 years ago now. This is pretty classic software and didn’t change much between its initial version and Guiar Rig 6. For an honest Guitar Rig 6 review in more detail, click here. However, in short, it aims mostly at giving you the broadest variety of amps and cabinets possible whilst not breaking the bank and offering a smooth and modern interface. 

You can get Guitar Rig 6 Pro from Native Instruments’ website by (and if you buy using our link we get a small kickback so you will be helping our website).

What Is Guitar Rig 6 (and now 7!) missing?

  • 8 track mixer – simply put, competitor Amplitube has more tools for intuitive production while not leaving this VST 
  • Super accurate sound – Helix Native sound quality and uniqueness has an edge over Guitar Rig. Amplitube’s new TONEX capabilities also give you more options to use custom amps, cabs, and plugins 

However, it is still really good! And it has some production tools of its own, which if you like them a lot, make it very worthwhile: 

  • The new iteration of Guitar Rig (Guitar Rig 7) adds the ozone maximizer and impulse response loader. 
  • The first is a powerful limiter that adds a boost of production capability to what is otherwise an amp sim. 
  • The second allows you to control IRs with options like high cut and low cut filters, letting you scult sonic changes as if in a real studio. However, it lacks the intuitiveness of Amplitube’s mic placement feature. 
  • New LOFI FX bundle gives you unique features like vibrato, noise machine, and tape wobble 
  • Guitar Rig 7 update also comes with a new loop machine

Is Guitar Rig 6 Just a Basic or Beginner-Friendly Amp Sim? 

The short answer is yes and no. While Guitar Rig 6 isn’t as high-end as Helix native it still isn’t something to laugh at with a relatively decent feature count and 13 FX even at the free level. 

Why Guitar Rig 6 Pro AND Player are Best for Home Recording

The ability to mix, match and modify the whole FX chain is also a winner that it shares with its competitors but in a simpler and more streamlined style. 

The simplicity and classic focus of the Guitar Rig series is basically everything you need to get started with home recording. With the other options on this list, there may be extra features that aren’t worth it if you have access to a studio or hardware guitar gear.

vs Player 

The Pro vs Player debate really just boils down to whether you need to pay the full cost for Guitar Rig 6 Pro. The obvious benefit is that if you opt for Player you can test it out to see if you like the general guitar rig software and then use that to help your decision between pro and whoever other amp sim you are considering. How much guitar will you actually be using? 

Pro is simply a paid-for version of Player that has more features. Ampos and FX skew towards classic rock, pop, and other guitar-based genres like indie and punk. There are also jazz tones and classic effects like fuzz and phaser. 

That being said, Player is relatively basic compared to other contenders and does not have as many FX. It only offers one cabinet, in practice it works a bit more like a pedalboard than a full-fledged amp sim. However, it’s worth it if you want to decide between Guitar Rig 6 and Amplitube, for example, as both have their free versions. 

Guitar Rig 6 vs Amplitube: Does it Stand Up For Audiophiles? 

The ONE downside of Guitar Rig 6 compared to something like Amplitube, apart from the detail levels, is that Amplitube has a real edge with its VIR technology. This models the sound of actual amps in a non-linear way, capturing the nuance and individuality of classic amps by brands such as Orange and Mesa Boogie. 

Whilst Helix Native pays attention to high-end sound quality, Guitar Rig uses ICM (intelligent circuit modelling) tech to faithfully recreate each component of your favorite amps and FX pedals. 

Although this makes them very accurate, Amplitube also has this feature – and goes further with its VIR which allows you to control tone much more with features like mic placement and a much more granular detail level regarding its IRs.

You can get Amplitube on the IK Multimedia website by .

The Amplitube 8 Track Recorder and Mixer: is AmpliTube Worth it Because Of This Feature? 

There are a lot of articles already giving you a Guitar Rig 6 review in comparison, and mentioning how great the Amplitube 8 track recorder and mixer is. Yes, it is a brilliant feature and done really well, but it raises one question: is it really necessary if you already have a DAW? 

Ultimately it depends on how much you care about convenience. If you don’t want everything in one place, it isn’t such a feature. But if you’re a producer, and combined with all the other features of Amplitube such as the VIR technology, it is worth it if you want to have a holistic look at your mix in one go and make the changes you need. 

Another benefit Amplitube 5 is that it DOES come with an app for iPhone and iPad. In this way you can record guitar on the go, turning your phone into a portable DAW or ‘tone studio’. This DOES give it an edge over Guitar Rig 6 because it means if you have an idea or experiment that you want to try out on the go… you can. 

However, if you already have a confident home studio setup, you may not need this feature as much.

Guitar Rig 6 vs Helix Native: The Audiophile’s Choice

At the most basic level, Helix Native is a high-end industry-leading amp sim designed for professional musicians recording full albums hence the higher price. Sound quality is top notch and it allows you to record unprocessed guitar that you can play with to your heart’s content afterwards. It allows hyper-detailed control over impulse responses and you can even load new ones. Thus, it’s best for audiophiles who don’t mind if it’s slightly less intuitive.

Is Helix Native Worth it Compared to Guitar Rig 6? 

One potential benefit of Helix Native is that the FX such as reverbs, delays, and even pedals are more creative and nuanced, there’s marginally more variety and diversity, and they’re slightly more skewed towards musicians who want to push their sound. 

If you’re looking for MORE than just classic sounds and want something a bit more out of the box, Helix Native is the one to go for. For high quality and uniqueness, it can’t be beat. 

With the new Guitar Rig 7 update, if you want some smart production tools and an interesting range of gear, but are willing to sacrifice a little bit of realistic detail in terms of sound, this may be your best choice instead.

How To Decide Between Different Amp Sims

There are so many Guitar Rig 6 review articles breaking down the specific specs of these amp sims without looking at how they work in reality. As a result, we have done a bit of research to see how the different options available work regards your individual situation. 

GUITAR LEVEL: 

Are you a beginner or a more experienced guitarist? It may not sound like it matters with an amp sim but if you are just starting and want to record yourself, Guitar Rig 6 has more than enough options without breaking the bank. It is also infinitely more beginner-friendly as at this stage you may not be able to fully exploit the quality or range of options Helix Native has to offer. 

PRODUCTION LEVEL:

Like your playing level, this is even more important to consider as it’s crucial to getting the best sounds out of any amp sim. Great equipment can only go so far, if you’re not fully confident on how to use a more complex amp sim having better gear won’t make your tracks sound better. Either way all three options are very intuitive and help visually represent the signal chain. 

That said, the new Guitar Rig 7 update has a LOT of great stuff for producers such as the LoFi FX bundle that offers analog warmth and the tonal control of real-life recording. It’s features like these that make all these amp sims a lot more than just that – but for interesting quirks and production versatility with the new update, Guitar Rig may sometimes have an edge despite its other shortcomings. 

GENRE: 

There are MANY pop, hip-hop, indie, alternative, synthpop, post-punk, and electronic producers who still use a bit of guitar in their music now and then. The key question is how much will you be using guitar? If you are playing a guitar-heavy genre like metal, punk, indie rock, or hard rock, then Helix Native may be the option for you – or Amplitube for the greater control and diversity it offers. 

However, if you’re looking for an amp sim simply to add a bit of guitar into tracks of a genre that doesn’t heavily use it, AmpliTube or Guitar Rig 6 is the way to go. Simply put, Helix Native is an amazing amp sim but won’t be worth it if you intend to mix your guitar sounds into another genre where they will interact with lots of effects. However, if guitar is to be center stage, helix native is definitely worth considering. 

GEAR SETUP:

Ok, so who wouldn’t want over 400+ FX, pedals, and other options for your guitar? All of these are essentially tone modeling studios, but whether you go for a fuller or more basic option will depend on how much analog gear you have and how satisfied you are with it. If you’ve already found your sound and are playing something pretty stripped back with a few hardware amps you may not want as many of the features on offer with these amo sims in which case it makes sense to go for the most basic. 

However, even at the free level, sims like Guitar Rig 6 and Amplitube are LIFESAVERS when it comes to providing creative sounds for bedroom musicians on a budget.

Bottom Line 

In the end, there is no strict hierarchy of ‘which is better’ when it comes to amp sims. There are many musicians who find Helix Native to sound more realistic. Ultimately though, it depends on your purposes. Ifyou aren’t necessarily going to use all the FX a particular sim has to offer, then it makes sense to opt for a more basic option. 

There’s also the fact that limitations can stimulate creativity. 

However, a more basic amp sim like Guitar Rig now comes with more production-oriented detail.  thus, it can be a good middle ground if you want something to cut your teeth on as a new producer and/or guitarist.If you found this useful to help distinguish what amp sim is right for you, we have many more comparisons in our reviews section here. In addition, if you simply love reading about VSTs in-depth and checking out new software, take a look at our software section.

Cloudbounce Online Mastering Service Honest Review

This month, we’re looking at CloudBounce online mastering for an underrated browser-based platform and desktop app that generates killer master tracks from your mix. We’ve already compared the best online mastering services before. Yet, for producers looking to maintain their sound, we go in-depth into one of the best options below…

Cloudbounce online mastering: super-fast music mastering with intelligent AI

CloudBounce is an AI music mastering platform similar to LANDR. Like its competitors, cloudbounce online mastering offers the option to upload a mixed track and let its AI master it to an industry standard, master unlimited files with its infinity plans and keep things secure with cloud backup. 

Based partly in Finland and partly in the US, it gets granular with specific genres. However, it also offers flexibility with both CloudBounce online and the CloudBounce app on desktop.

How does CloudBounce online mastering compare to a professional mastering engineer?

Essentially, the platform’s AI analyses the audio file and uses different audio processing tools to modify your track’s parameters by just the right amount. CloudBounce excels at sounding professional while still sticking to your original creative intention. 

This is one of its biggest selling points. With over 15 genre options it doesn’t require you to force your work into any particular standard. 

How does the CloudBounce post mastering options compare to it’s competitors?

CloudBounce online mastering has been gaining an edge over some of it’s competitors. So, we decided to look at why. 

Cloudbounce’s main competitor is LANDR, but when you look at the options you have to tweak your master, it’s pretty obvious. LANDR only offers three mastering styles on it’s Plugin – warm, balanced, and open. 

These more or less correspond to different eras and trends in audio technology. 

One area where LANDR has an advantage is that it offers controls. Fore example, the plugin has an equaliser section with low, mid, and high knobs. It also has automatic compression and a de-esser. 

These controls are not as diverse as the range of post mastering options that cloudbounce offers. However, they do allow the user more control. This means you can get slightly involved with the mastering process as opposed to leaving it all to AI. 

On the flipside, the cloudbounce post master options let you make it louder, warmer, dip or boost the mids, and control brightness, bass, and stereo width. 

We go deeper into what this means for the user below. However, first, let’s see how cloudbounce online mastering stacks up by itself.

Real producers tested CloudBounce: here’s what they found

CloudBounce was actually run past the ears of industry pros in controlled testing. This was to demonstrate whether people could pick out a track that employs machine listening and AI from those mastered by a professional mastering engineer. These found that masters made with CloudBounce were almost impossible to distinguish. This is due to how CloudBounce’s lightning fast AI quickly analyses sound characteristics and adapts to them.

Reasons to use CloudBounce online mastering service

Genre specifics are just one reason to use Cloudbounce. However, there are a few other things that give it an edge over other mastering options.

  • Smart technology: separating genres successfully enough to keep even the most detail-oriented producers happy is no small feat for AI when you think about it. Honestly, Cloudbounce wins out on this point. Plus, it offers specific subgenres in addition subjective qualities like warmth or openness. This means you get greater choice in an easier form. 
  • Not too polished: Furthermore, the above means the qualities that make genres such as punk appealing don’t have to be lost just because you’re using an AI mastering service. 
  • Major industry credibility: Cloudbounce is actually an alumnus of Abbey Road Red, which is the legendary recording studios’ tech incubator wing.
  • Lets you control parameters like boost, dip, warmth, and more
CloudBounce has a desktop app!

Cloudbounce mastering honest review: what else is good about it?

The biggest appeal is this is a very naturalistic AI. However, the industry quality technology means that it’s even been recommended by label founders. This is especially as a way to ensure your track gets heard when submitting to professionals. In fact, it is actually recommended as a way to optimize your music for Spotify. 

How does the AI work?

Cloudbounce does this through complex stereo imaging using audio processing ingredients like EQ, compression, and an inbuilt limiter. This boosts your sound quality like a real audio engineer would, both online and on the desktop app, and also adds polish.

How much does CloudBounce cost?

Depending on which plan you go for, Cloudbounce pricing can range anywhere from 10.90 USD to 219.00 USD. You can click here to go to their website and check out the current price.

CloudBounce mastering subscription options: one-off purchases vs infinity, CloudBounce desktop app, and more

One great feature of CloudBounce mastering is that it actually lets you purchase tracks on a one-off basis. So if you’re not immediately sure, you don’t have to sign up to any packages. CloudBounce is a small company and there have been complaints in the past about it’s lack of customer support. However, the one-off purchase option lets you try things upfront.

Best for testing things out: An individual master, which costs 10.90 USD and includes 16 and 24 Bit Wav as well as 320 kbps MP3. There’s no limit to the amount of individual masters you can purchase. 

Best for casual to serious music producers: The Infinity Monthly Plan – everything included in a one-off master for 21.90 USD. Plus you can store unlimited files with its cloud backup.

Best for passionate musicians and unlimited mastering: the Infinity Yearly plan offers the same for 219.00 USD. This truly gives you the unlimited masters needed to experiment if you don’t get your ideal sound quality first time around.

CloudBounce vs LANDR

Ok, what makes CloudBounce online audio mastering stand out from other mastering options that do a similar thing? There are a lot of companies that offer to give you a commercial-level sound via high-quality audio mastering. So let’s see how it compares to LANDR. 

Does it matter that CloudBounce is missing some of the features of LANDR? 

CloudBounce online mastering, and the (since 2020) new desktop app, are still one of the best mastering options for freedom and flexibility with your sound. In fact both online and the desktop version have over 20+ settings for the final result.

Yes, LANDR offers options like instant shareability. However, CloudBounce gives you more scope to keep your individual sound as a producer. Should you choose CloudBounce over LANDR? Why or Why not? 

Ultimately as we said above, CloudBounce has been gaining some significant popularity in recent years. Heres why we think it more than makes up for the areas where LANDR superficially is better. 

WHY CLOUDBOUNCE WINS (DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS) 

  • So, so much cheaper. The mthly subscription model and pay per song strcture of cloudbounce mean it is jsut so much mroe affordable for the averga emusician. Enough said. 
  • LANDR may be slightly more interactive (more manual controls), but the automatic post mastering setting on cloudbounce offer more variety
  • Much easier to use. You don’t have to have any prior production knowledge. And the genre names and descriptors don’t require much technical know-how either. 

Ok, so it seems like CloudBounce’s pros are finally getting recognised. What other great features does it have? 

Cloudbounce 2 free masters for CDBaby and Soundrop customers 

If you’re already a CDBaby user, CloudBounce allows you to get two free masters to see if you’re a fan and offers the same for Soundrop customers. So, in the end, this partly makes up for its lack of other distribution features. 

CloudBounce new desktop app- the biggest update since this platform’s inception

The new CloudBounce desktop app actually offers more exciting mastering options compared with the browser-based version. Here, it offers reference-based mastering where you can upload your own references or choose from those provided. This feature is actually limited to the desktop app, which requires you to subscribe to either of the two infinity plans. 

CloudBounce review in summary: 

PROS:

  • Ability to purchase masters on a one-off basis 
  • Desktop app has reference-based mastering options (including using existing genre references)
  • Exclusive free masters for users of other services (CDBaby, Soundrop) 
  • Granular, genre-specific mastering styles help you maintain the sound that you want both on the desktop app and on your browser
  • Both the browser version and desktop app supports the ability to upload multiple audio files
  • Compatible with all major file formats (WAV, AIFF, and MP3 on the single purchase and OGG, FLAC, and AIFF on the infinity version) 
  • Instant previews let you discard a master that you don’t like
  • Master entire albums and specify album-wide settings, track order, and more

Cons:

  • Relatively few additional options at a high price. However, this depends on individual producers preferences.

You can go to the Cloudbounce website to see the current offer by clicking here.

Final Thoughts: 

Ultimately CloudBounce is one of the best quality options in terms of naturalistic, human-like mastering AI. It’s not concerned with giving you an innumerable amount of tools. However, it IS perfect for authentic, varied masters that don’t compromise quality. 

If you love detailed reviews, we have a whole section of them. Plus, for more music software to hack your production, check out our software section.

Top Guitar Modeling Accessory 2023 – A Review of ToneX Capture

Have you ever wished you could capture the exact sound of your rig, digitally? TONEX Capture (from the minds behind IK Multimedia) is the guitar accessory that lets you do just that. Read on to hear why we’re so excited about it, and why you need it as part of your setup. 

What is ?

TONEX Capture is one of the most exciting and underrated guitar accessories out there. Essentially, it allows you to perfectly capture the tone and sound of your amp and store it on your interface. Capture is designed to work in tandem with TONEX guitar modeling and tone modeling software. Yet, what makes it stand out is its ability to copy your tone directly from real life to the workstation in front of you. From here, you can then play with it to your heart’s content. This ease of use and clean, smart way of pinpointing tone make it one of the most exciting guitar accessories this year. Capture fills a much-needed niche and does it smoothly and intuitively. 

So, how does work?

For TONEX Capture to work its magic, you simply place it between your guitar amp and interface in the signal chain. Capture connects to your audio interface and then the output of your amp is connected back to it. This means that the signal from your amp goes directly to capture. The program then works to feed that signal to your computer. Lastly, it then captures and preserves your tone for you to model it with other TONEX accessories such as TONEX SE, which comes free with it.

After setup, Capture offers player and modeler sections. Of these, the modeler lets you capture tone and work with an amp and cab, complex rig, stompbox, amp, or stompbox and amp. 

Once you do this, the program also breaks down the signal chain for you by color coding. t will also prompt you to select which interface you’re using. Simultaneously, it shows you which input you connect to your guitar and which you connect to your microphone (if modeling a whole cabinet setup), and so on. This is one of the smoothest and most helpful features of its setup process. It makes your first capture totally intuitive, just walking you through it. 

Capture then prompts you to check the input and other levels such as return. Then, you can move forward to the fourth stage, the part that it is really all about. 

The actual Tone Capture process:

The actual capture process of your tone doesn’t require you to play your instrument at all, as TONEX Capture doesn’t work like the recording process. Instead, it sends frequencies to your rig and these allow the program to figure out how exactly your setup sounds. 

This is then modeled within the ‘training’ stage of the process for accuracy. Predictably, more accurate tone captures take longer for the program to process. This can sometimes be up to an hour, so if you want to play around with this it’s best to set aside some time. Essentially think of this process as the AI learning the ins and outs of your tone. 

To finish up, the review section requires you to check the accuracy. It does this by allowing you to listen to its model of your tone and then switch back to your amp and play. This feature is also a bonus, as it means you don’t have to save captures that aren’t accurate or that you don’t like.

What makes it stand out?

Honestly, TONEX Capture is just really really intuitive and does what it does very well. However, there’s more than meets the eye to this accessory. It’s not just about capturing amp tone in the instances that you want a specific sound. Tonex Capture works more like a portable laboratory to experiment and tinker with your sound. Why? That’s because depending on how you connect it, Capture can snapshot the sound of your entire cabinet. You can then experiment with how it would work with other amps, mics, and features by using the rest of the TONEX range. Likewise, it can capture the sound of pedals if they are placed in the same position as the amp. 

The free plugins they include are also designed to make this one of the most fulfilling musical experimentation processes. With TONEX capture, IKMultimedia also offer you the FX modeling software of AmpliTube 5 SE and the AmpliTube TONEX SE plugin application.

What is so good about tonex capture?

TONEX Capture is ACCURATE. 

Capture also opens up a whole new world of amp and tone modeling. It doesn’t have to work in tandem with the rest of the TONEX range but it can and if so, it means you can then play around with the captured tone from your amp. 

It also has installed a GND lift button which breaks the connection with the ground, minimizing ground loops. These are circulating noise currents that can create hums when picked up by equipment, another part of how it works so cleanly and well. 

Capture also allows you to record anywhere, regardless of soundproofing or if you have microphones available. As a result, it’s invaluable for travel and can quickly become part of your recording process. 

The sonic experimentation potential it has is also worth mentioning again. Unlike preset amp sound and other tone modeling software, capture allows you to have an unprecedented level of personalization. This is because it works in direct connection with your pre-existing gear. Capture is, in this way, a really good tool for organically experimenting with and developing your sound.

Lastly, if you want more than the treasure trove of abilities to reinvent your sound to your heart’s content, Capture also has an online community, the ToneNET. Here, users can upload their own modeled tones. Plus, they can gain access to presets and download tones from other users. 

Bonus: Includes FREE AmpliTube 5 SE and TONEX Capture SE applications for both Mac and PC.

Is there anything bad about it?

There’s not much bad to say about Capture except that it requires some skill to get working in the first place. Capturing your tone isn’t immediately easy, and some of your models might not be perfect, but this is part of the process of using it. Sometimes you need to tweak things, but ultimately this is a great accessory that is as exciting and relevant this year as when it first came out.

Tonex capture availability:

TONEX Capture is available from the IK Multimedia for around 300 EUR website but also from other retailers such as Thomann and works for both Mac and PC. You can click this link to access IK Muldimedia’s product page, and if you use this link to buy the product, we will be getting a small kickback, which we appreciate and need to fund the idesignsound.com project.

Final Thoughts

Tonex capture is a very exciting accessory at first glance and looking deeper it reveals so much more. This is especially in terms of shaking up the way you relate to your entire studio setup. It’s versatile and keeps providing. Plus, it remains useful as you develop your sound, both recording specific tones and as an experimental tool.

Want more news on the best underrated guitar accessories and other music hardware? We have a whole hardware section. And, if you love gear reviews, we have a whole section of them here.

Best Moog Synth VST Plugin – A Look at Memorymode from Cherry Audio

When looking for a moog synth vst, you can be spoiled for choice. In fact. we’ve previously covered a rundown of the best moog synth vsts out there. However, the Memorymode from Cherry Audio really deserves a mention, as it takes on the legacy of Moog’s polyphonic synths for one of the most inventive emulations yet. Read on for a look at how Memorymode replicates the legendary Memorymoog synthesizer of the 80s. 

What is this moog synth vst inspired by?

The original Memorymoog synth was a lush, creamy polyphonic analog synthesizer. It appeared in 1982 and was made by Moog as they ventured into polyphony. The Memorymode does its best to faithfully emulate this as a vst plugin. The designers even went so far as to use a Memorymoog owned by jazz legend Chick Corea. The result is essentially a super high-quality digital Memorymoog – but even simpler to use.  

The designers behind Memorymode make this vst equally exciting, as the team included Fleetwood Mac and The Cure collaborator David Polich, and naturally, as a vst, it doesn’t have the few issues with tuning that showed up on the original.

System Requirements:

To begin with, here’s a breakdown of what you need to run this fantastic plugin:

  • Windows 7 and above 64-bit or Mac 10.13 or above 64-bit required
  • also supports MacOS 13 Ventura
  • both available in VST, VST3, AAX and standalone formats
  • 8 GB Ram recommended
  • Native Apple M1 and M1 Ultra supported

Availability: You can buy the Memorymode from Plugin Boutique, where it is currently on offer, by clicking this link. If you buy using our link, you will be helping our website since we get a small kickback. Thanks!

Memorymode: a moog synth vst that replicates the original 

It’s fair to say that the Memorymode is a faithful emulation of the original. This goes right down to how the designers worked with a real Memorymoog to do this. But does it live up to this?

The Memorymode does a really good job at replicating everything that makes the Memorymoog so desired. That’s because the designers actually took the original factory preset patches of the Memorymoog and replicated them for the Memorymode. It doesn’t just provide a similar sound. It’s a Memorymoog for those who can’t get their hands on one, with additions.

The designers also clearly put a lot of thought into how to expand on the original. It uses the original ladder filter system but then adds touches like tempo sync on some of the FX for a modern feel. Then there are details like how the filters were replicas of the original Memorymoog. It shows, because the only noticeable differences in sound are ones you would expect from the fact it’s digital. Likewise, the only features they changed are to do with navigation. Here, they streamlined some of the input methods and introduced menus more suited to vst plugins. The vst has lost the original’s numerical keyboards, but its ease of use is second to none and it’s got some really cool updated features, as seen below:

Memorymode moog synth vst features:

  • Three oscillators and ladder filter system of the original, 16 voice polyphony and single key chord memory
  • 6 destinations for voice modulation
  • 48 oscillator per key unison mode
  • Repurposing of classic features for modern musicians. Notably: tempo sync on the LFO, delay, and arpeggio features (not featured on the original!)
  • Moderniser features that touches up the sound to make it more contemporary (by altering the bass and high frequencies) 
  • Drift parameter – this is a really cool feature that allows you to alter the tuning. This can make your instrument sound ‘aged’ or ‘slack’, bringing real character that is sometimes hard to find with digital vsts. 
  • Phaser, echo, reverb, and stereo ensemble effects 
  • Full midi polyphonic expression capability (not possible with the original!) 
  • Midi control and daw automation 
  • Ultra-low CPU

Memorymode moog synth vst – what’s good about it?

Obviously one of the biggest upsides of the Memorymode is the price. It’s affordable for most musicians especially as secondhand Memorymoogs are expensive and disappear quickly.

The Memorymode was one of the last synths Moog designed before the company shut down. Now, it has a relatively legendary status for simply sounding great. 

Such an accurate emulation shows that the people behind the Memorymode genuinely care about providing an alternative for fans. The Memorymode is not just taking a few bits of inspiration here and there. They nailed the things that make original Moog synths still so popular, but also introduced new additions which worked with what made the original great. For example, the Memorymode has the same overdrive when pushed that the original hardware synth did. Yet, the new FX also sound fantastic with it. Ultimately, it’s little features like this, that create the color that musicians loved. 

This isn’t just a synth for hardcore Moog fans though. As a general vst plugin it stands up without having to attach itself to the legacy of its hardware counterpart. It just sounds great. You can hear the lush sounds that the Memorymoog became known for. The factory presets are fantastic too, so if you’re looking for a polyphonic synth plugin, it works well on its own accord.

Is there anything bad about the Memorymode?

There’s not much bad to say about the Memorymode, it does a really good replica of the Memorymoog and it ensures that the qualities that helped gain its original fans are here. 

However, the only thing is that it doesn’t have a huge variety of sounds outside what you would consider ‘classic’ Moog features, but that’s to be expected. However, if you’re looking for a good replica or even deciding which moog synth vst to go for, this is a really good option. It gives you a great introduction to the typical Moog sound. Similarly, it has all the richness and character of the synth that it models. 

You can buy the Memorymode from Plugin Boutique by clicking this link.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately there are very few bad things to say about the Memorymode – the fact that a replica of a great polyphonic Moog synth exists is just a start. However, the Memorymode also works because the synth it emulates was so great in the first place. Ultimately it’s really worth it as a moog vst plugin. Yet even for those who aren’t fans of these synths, the Memorymode is a great polyphonic synth vst for your setup.

Liked this? We have many more articles on music software, plus more on emulations of classic synths here too.

Best Underrated Budget DAW: A Guide to Reaper by Cockos

Looking for an underrated budget DAW? Your best bet is Reaper, one of the best DAWs which is still relatively underground. We briefly mentioned this DAW in our budget sound design guide here, but it honestly deserves a full feature. Reaper is a simple but effective DAW, perfect both for seasoned producers and those starting out. Read on for a proper, in-depth look at what makes it so great.

Best Underrated Budget DAW: What Makes Reaper Stand Out

All of Reaper’s best points are actually highly dependent on personal preference. Ultimately, this is a breakdown of what makes it unique – yet its tight-knit following proves these quirks are part of its appeal

  • Simplicity

Reaper’s simplicity is also its biggest potential downside, but in its own way, it’s actually a real selling point. The clean interface allows you to project your own way of doing things onto a basic format. Options to organise and colour code tracks may at first appear limited, but actually provide everything you need and customisable packs can be downloaded from the official site.

  • Value for Money

Another bonus is Reaper’s value for money. The DAW costs 225 USD for the commercial listen or 60 USD for the basic licence.  At such a great price for personal use, this really makes it stand out compared to Logic and others.

  • 60-Day Trial Period

Speaking of the trial period, Reaper gives you the option to ‘purchase now’ or click ‘still evaluating’. What this shows is that Reaper is good enough that legions of musicians have chosen to pay for this bit of kit. The developers, Cockos, brand it as ‘audio production without limits’. Ultimately there are no downsides to taking the plunge with the trial period – especially when other DAWs require payment upfront.

  • Freedom of Organisation

Reaper is really minimalist in its interface, and as a result, it doesn’t use as much processing power as more complex daws. It also has next to no extraneous content, going by the rule of thumb that more doesn’t necessarily equal better. For example, the built-in drummers and loops found on a DAW like Logic are omitted, meaning it takes up minimal space, with the flip side being that it’s relatively bland in terms of visuals. As mentioned above, you can buy customisable user interfaces from Cockos, However, if cleanly organised and stripped-back daws are your thing, you might not need it, and ultimately Reaper raises the question as to how many extra features on other DAWs actually get used by the average, serious producer.

An Underrated Budget DAW: Are There Any Pitfalls?

The one thing which makes it a bit different is the fact you have to sift through files to find the FX you need. Some people have found that as a result, on a surface level it is not as intuitive as other DAWs. It’s sort of like Linux – an operating system which differs considerably from other options on the market but which has users who swear by these differences. 

What Other Good Points Does Reaper Have?

The most potentially polarising thing about Reaper is how stripped back it is. Although we’ve mentioned earlier how this can be a plus, looking deeper into its usefulness reveals Reaper to be even more of a worthy candidate for your favourite value DAW.

  • easily adaptable to any genre 

The bare-bones layout of Reaper is another potential downside which can actually be a bonus. unlike, say, Ableton or FL Studio, Reaper really does work for any genre. Ultimately, you are getting an absolute breakdown of the signal chain and recording studio, digitally and in miniature – without being steered one way or another by the developers’ creative preferences.

  •  lack of presets stimulates creative innovation 

So, as Reaper doesn’t have any built-in loops or software instruments. it’s geared more towards those who are already confident recording. It’s not as easy to quickly make a track which sounds good as with something like Apple Loops. However, a pro is that this total freedom can actually stimulate creativity. It can seem scary at first, but this is the kind of thing which can really challenge you as a producer. Ultimately, Reaper is a bold experiment as to what happens if you give musicians just the basics.

Tech Specs: Everything You Need to Know About Reaper

Don’t let its basic appearance fool you! Like any DAW worth its salt, Reaper allows you to:

  • side-chain
  • glue, resize, loop, and overdub tracks
  • create busses
  • colour code tracks
  • add the full expanse of necessary FX and plugins

Beyond the quirks about having to dig through files, Reaper’s interface is easily understandable if you’ve used Logic or even other DAWs such as Ableton Live. In addition, its built-in FX, sampler, and synth are very high quality, if slightly generic in terms of style. However, like most things to do with Reaper, this can be a bonus because it makes them very adaptable.

Reaper- A Basic Plugin Rundown:

  • ReaEQ – EQ plugin
  • ReaVerb – high-quality neutral-sounding reverb
  • JS Saturation – saturation plugin
  • ReaComp – compressor
  • ReaGate – high-quality gate with sidechain options
  • ReaTune – manual and automatic pitch correction plugin
  • ReaSynth – high-quality basic synth
  • ReaSample – Reaper’s own sampler

… and lots more! What’s great is these can actually be downloaded as a package to use with other hosts. Yes, that’s how much some users like the sound of them. And, like everything Reaper, they’re all really low CPU.

What Does Reaper NOT Have?

  • built-in software instruments.
  • the personalisation of daws like logic
  • real recorded session musicians on their virtual instruments. however, as said before, this can be a bonus in that it promotes more creativity. 

Final Thoughts: Is Reaper Worth It?

Ultimately, the answer is a resounding YES. For such an underrated, basic-looking DAW, Reaper has very few flaws. If you’re confident with mixing and mastering, it’s easy to get to grips with. Even if you’re not, it’s an ideal place to learn the ropes due to its simplicity. If in doubt, Reaper is 100% worth trialling for the free 60 days it gives you. Regardless of your preferences, you never know which bits of it might grow on you. 

Build Your Own Synth: Intro to Erica Synths mki x es.EDU Series

Ever wanted to build your own synth? Erica Synths’ mki x es.EDU series allows you to do just that. In this way, it’s both a project and a way to learn modular synthesis from a hands-on perspective. In this way, you can really familiarise yourself with how signal chains and sound design works, too. Read on to find out more about this exciting new way of getting to grips with modular synthesis.

mki x es.EDU: What Exactly Is Involved?

Modular synthesis has a reputation for being challenging. However, it’s ideal to learn with as it breaks down the signal chain. Moritz Klein has been providing accessible synth-building information for a while now, but their collaboration with Erica Synths is like nothing they’ve done before. It helps bridge the gap between technical knowledge of synthesis, and using it fluently as a musician.

Any modular synth is comprised of different modules which are then patched together by connecting cables to alter the signal flow. These include LFOs, VCAs, and envelope generators. Together they give the input a number of interesting pathways through which to travel, altering the soundwave as it goes. The mki x es.EDU series allows you to build each of the 9 models separately. As a result, you end up with a fully formed modular synth which you are ALREADY super familiar with – inside and out.

What makes the series so great for hands on learning is it doesn’t introduce any technology of its own. Instead, it just picks from the best available. This means as you go along, you learn familiar components of modular synthesis AND get a snapshot of what modules are out there for future reference. The sample and hold module, for example, is less commonplace than an envelope generator, but after building it, you will have this in your arsenal to be able to freely experiment with. 

Build Your Own Synth: Technical Specifications

  • What does it include? 

The mki x es.EDU (Moritz Klein x Erica Synths) system includes a Eurorack case for the synth as a whole plus three sets of braided patch cables comprised of 5 pieces each of different lengths. In addition, the synth modules included are as follows:

  • VCO (voltage controlled oscillator)
  • VCA (voltage controlled amplifier)
  • Envelope Generator
  • VCF (voltage controlled filter
  • Sequencer
  • Mixer
  • Noise Generator/Sample and Hold module
  • Wavefolder
  • Output

So, How Does it Fit Together?

Erica Synths released each module alongside a detailed instruction manual every 4 to 6 months. Now all modules are out, you could in theory order them all in one go. However, it could also work to build each module separately and really get to grips with it. Either way, you end up with a fully working modular synth.

  • What’s it like as a synth?

The series is meant to be educational, as opposed to a game-changing modular synth. However, the mki x es.EDU modular synth is both creative and high quality. The wavefolder module, for example, is designed to make simple waveforms more complex. ES is great at introducing musicians to concepts not found on the mainstream market. The sample and hold module is also a great addition. Here, the company knows how to create interest in a way which is both simple and educational.

The kit is also value for money. As you build it yourself, its quality is obvious, but Erica Synths have a history of creating well-designed synths which are value-for-money. The mki x es.EDU series lives up to this.

How Does the Learning Process Work?

On the Erica Synths website, the page for each module has a selection of videos. These are both introductory but also take you through some of the construction processes. They include official ones from Moritz Klein, as well as samples of users putting the synth together themselves.

The instruction manual for each module is available for download as a pdf. It does a pretty good job at approaching the topic, both for absolute beginners – and for those with prior experience.

The manual includes the absolute basics, such as an introduction to using a breadboard. Additionally, it breaks down the fundamental concepts that synth building requires. Even if you’re completely new, it’s approachable and breaks down what comprises a synth internally. Between this and the variety of resources out there, Moritz Klein and Erica Synths have left no stone unturned when it comes to making something which works for everyone.

Build Your Own Synth: mki x es.EDU Pros and Cons

  • Pro: Suits multiple styles of learning

Moritz Klein has been making accessible introductions to synthesis for a long while. In fact, they have posted plenty of videos online on this topic.

We all know how some musicians can perfectly read music and follow along. Others have to take the song apart and get into the details before they can learn it from scratch. 

Luckily, the mki x es.EDU series caters to both. Its instruction manuals have good text-based explanations. Its handly flow diagrams make it useful for those who prefer to work visually, too. Additionally, the synth-building process itself really breaks things down if you prefer a hands-on way. And just to be on the safe side, there are plenty of video tutorials online.

  • Pro: Transferrable skills

One bonus of the synth-building project is it allows you to develop transferrable skills. By using it, you are understanding sound right down to the bare bones. This happens in a way which only comes from building a synth from scratch on a practical level. As a result, you gain the knowledge needed to work with sound more competently. This can extend to recording, mixing, mastering, and other music and sampling. Deeply understanding things like signal flow can make your production work smoother, too. Ultimately, the amount of extra skills you gain from the series is a real draw. 

  • Potential Con: Investment if unsure 

The only downside is that it is a big project. If you’re not sure whether it’s something you want to commit to, it’s probably better to start smaller. That said, it is also a unique birthday or Christmas gift. Its novelty factor is part of this. It’s also just really high quality – perfect for the synth lover in your life. so in many ways, rewards outweigh the risks.

Interested in the synth? You can check reverb.com for it by clicking here.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately this is one of the most exciting synths out there on the market. There isn’t much out there like it. Synthesis – and especially modular synthesis, can be hard to break into. High in technical terms, it can be daunting for a beginner. The combined creativity of Erica Synths, with Moritz Klein’s prior experience introducing newcomers, makes a powerful combination. This is a rare hands-on experience which provides fundamental knowledge. As a result, it makes a huge difference in developing your skills

Love hardware synths? We have a great collection which we’ve covered in our hardware section.

Soundtrap – Spotify’s Collaborative DAW: A Quick Rundown of Pros and Cons

Soundtrap pros and cons tend to include much of the conversation around Spotify as a whole. While some in the music industry are really happy with its ease of use, other musicians feel it doesn’t quite cut it and oversimplifies the creative process. Read on for a look at both sides.

Soundtrap Pros and Cons: How it Works

Soundtrap is essentially an online DAW. You can make music and bring in collaborators from all over the world, in groups. It makes things easy for long-distance projects, which are now a staple of the digital music era. However, the first impression is it’s geared towards a particular type of producer. It also takes this model and expands it to other areas of sound design.

Soundtrap operates on a subscription basis and starts with Soundtrap Free. After this, it advertises four tiers: Soundtrap for Music Makers premium and supreme, as well as Soundtrap for Storytellers, designed for podcasters, and Soundtrap Complete, which has the most features. All that’s needed after this is a simple login. Then you can begin sharing your projects with friends and collaborators. There are chat features and you can tune into projects and make adjustments, too.

Successes and Failures so Far:

It’s important to remember that Spotify started in advertising, not in music. Soundtrap’s taglines are a bit unusual for a serious producer or musician. The names of the tiers and how it’s targeting the education sector, too, mean Soundtrap feels like a very simplified DAW. However, these points make Soundtrap relatively unappealing to a large proportion of the music industry. For starters, musicians tend to work in certain ways and as a large company, Spotify isn’t familiar with this.

Essentially Soundtrap is the recording process democratised. The mystery which previously went on only in famous recording studios is now openly available to anyone. However, mainstream DAWs such as logic still sometimes prove to be too complex for the complete novice to work with. This is especially true if your goal is not necessarily to become a producer, but you need a DAW as part of a side project such as for a film score. This is where Soundtrap comes in. It is really good at combining lots of pre-existing ideas. As a result, is perfect for this sector of the market. It also removes a lot of the steep learning curve which comes with DAWS.

Main Competitors:

Obviously, Soundtrap’s competitors include other popular DAWs. However, Soundtrap differentiates itself from these by generalising as opposed to specialising. DAWs such as FLStudio and Ableton market themselves towards particular types of musicians. Even Logic, with its heritage instruments and aesthetics, is the go-to DAW for a specific industry subculture. In this case – the pro songwriting, Nashville, California, and pop/rock audience. Yet who is Soundtrap best for? Spotify’s size is also one of its greatest flaws. The company is so large that it becomes a jack of all trades. This same principle is at play with Soundtrap. As a result, it works for those who look at things from a general perspective. This tends to include educational institutions and beginner sound designers.

One major competitor for the social collaboration aspect is Audiomovers ListenTo, which we reviewed last month. Nevertheless, ListenTo is actually far more in line with the writing process at an industry level. It also offers a slicker and more streamlined service, prioritising high quality. This includes control over specific aspects of the transmission process such as latency. 

Soundtrap Pros and Cons: The Good Points

Soundtrap has many of the same pros and cons as Spotify itself. Spotify is primarily an expert in music consumers. These are people who have music on in the background but who don’t really deep dive. As a result, this audience excludes the vast majority of sound designers and producers and even a significant percentage of guitarists and other instrumentalists. Soundtrap is therefore a unique product of this – a DAW geared towards not geeks but casual creators. This makes it less than exciting for serious music lovers – but a real lifesaver for the increased number of those now interested in music creation.

It’s also collaborative, which means that it is perfect for teaching. This is in line with how Soundtrap is a social endeavour. It follows the same pattern as how Spotify allows users to share playlists and listen together. It’s clear Spotify targets Soundtrap for a certain kind of creator. 

Soundtrap’s Flip-Side: The Bad Points

However, this has its downside. Many of the things found only on Soundtrap are best for novices. Its preset beats make it really easy to create music quickly which is perfect for a school or university project, but on an industry level doesn’t quite hold up. As a result, some of the platform’s marketing, which seems aimed towards serious musicians, falls short. There is the air of a large company trying and failing to keep up with the times. This is not to say Soundtrap is bad, per se. It’s just that its target audience isn’t what you might expect and it’s prone to false advertising.

Soundtrap Pros and Cons: Overall Assessment

Soundtrap tries to do a lot in one go. Its values and the kind of musical interaction it promotes are similar to Spotify as a whole. It prioritises sharing and socialising similar to a social media platform as opposed to the serious studio work promised by potential competitor ListenTo by Audiomovers. Again, this doesn’t mean Soundtrap is bad. It just means it’s niche seems more within education or casual music creation.

Therefore, Soundtrap is fun if you’re a diehard Spotify user and you need a usable DAW with a small learning curve. It’s fantastic if you need shortcuts and you don’t want to teach yourself full music production. The designers gave it some really good software development, so you can push it to quite high levels for independent artists. However, it’s just not the kind of challenging, stimulating software which really pro gear fanatics would use – but Spotify didn’t intend it this way.

Final Thoughts:

Soundtrap pros and cons are very dependent on whether you like Spotify’s overall way of doing things. Some people love it. Some hate it. It focuses on big business and is another wing of the Spotify behemoth. Therefore, it’s a bit one size fits all. Producers can use it for their own purposes as a result of this sort of blank slate. Yet, it’s also lacking some of the things which really draw music lovers to gear. Yet if you need something easy to understand and want to start producing quickly, it’s worth a shot.

If you liked this article, check out more on software here, as well as our review of ListenTo by Audiomovers here.