6 of the most creative effects for sound design

Welcome

What do you think makes an artist or

IK Multimedia T-RackS Tape Machine 80

The next best thing to quality tape is a quality tape emulation. This month we’re bringing you just that, and it’s absolutely free!

EASY SOUND DESiGN

In these days of ‘ultimate sample banks’ and ‘preset-packed’ synths and effects, it’s easy to think that sound design is a dying art. But, if anything, we think it should be your go-to creative process. So, here’s how to get into it, whatever your level of understanding

6 of the most creative synths for sound design

Everything from plants that grow sonic tentacles to synths that create sounds in both time and space

Using effects for sound design

Branch out into the world of effects and expand your sound design aspirations beyond the basics

6 of the best free plugins for sound design

Need some extra sound design firepower but lack the funds? Here are six to download (actually more!)

14 easy sound design tips

A few tweaks here and there for sound design heaven

‘It’s ready to bite!’

The purveyors of some of the most exacting soft synths on the market turn their attention to the Oberheim OB-1

Just ducking out

Slate Digital has unveiled a new automatic ducking

RE-wind

First released in 1974, the RE-201 Space Echo

Reason Studios: The sea of possibilities

From their groundbreaking mid-’90s releases to the all ‐new 13th version of Reason, the brains behind some of the most important products in computer music history speak…

The CM Plugin Suite – reloaded!

We’ve been busy auditing and overhauling our world-famous

MOONILENA

Standing at the intersection of music and art, where melody and memory blur into hazy half-formed shapes, stands Moonilena. We spoke to the Stockholmbased creative about her technical approach to her aural constructs, and the genesis of her captivating new album, Minnet

JESS CAMILLERI

From engineering the likes of MIA, Rudimental and GoldLink at Strongroom Studios to her current career as an MPG award-nominated engineer and producer, working with new artists to develop their sound, Jess Camilleri is one of the recording industry’s most impressive new talents…

The Prodigy's No Good: recreate a rave classic

Rave stabs, detuned saws, a frantic pace and gnarly bass. Let’s toast the 30th anniversary of one of The Prodigy's best tunes

How to create dance pop

Dance music’s core genres have influenced pop for decades. We dig into their impact on the mainstream

Using dynamic EQ in a mix

Dynamic EQ is a great tool for achieving level-dependent frequency changes, and can be a true life saver in certain mix situations

CM /reviews

The latest computer music gear tested and rated!

Reason Studios Reason 13

A quarter of a century after v1, Reason reaches the not so unlucky v13, but is this once influential DAW still relevant?

Augmented Yangtze

Stuart Adams embarks on a sonic journey though the world of traditional Chinese instruments – set against a modern backdrop

Waveform Pro 13

After a series of big updates, Waveform hits v13 and it might be lucky for some. This could be the DAW you’re waiting for, says Andy Jones

Icarus 3 $199 PC MAC

This under-the-radar synth has just received its biggest update ever, and if that doesn’t make it ‘over the radar’, what will, asks Andy Jones

Hollywood Strings 2 $499

LA’s finest is back for a long-awaited cinematic sequel. Roland Schmidt auditions EastWest’s new string-based nod to tinseltown

UC1 with 360 Link £569 PC MAC

SSL’s UC1 can now control everything thanks to its new 360 Link plugin. Andy Jones hits the big play button and watches worlds collide…

Soundware round-up

Loopmasters Infinity Choir £29.95 Haunting, multiplex-filling, choral arrangements

Two new sample packs!

This month, we’ve got a platter of drops and breakdowns – a perfect complement to the Tech House Toolkit. All you need for club euphoria!

The Synth Decades

Classic samples

Kit Grill

After a decade of making experimental, multihued records, Kit Grill’s most recent release, Swimming in Honey concludes a journey of bold aural adventuring with the addition of his vocals to the mix. We spoke to Kit to hear more about the making of this atmospheric, nuanced listening experience