Reviews > Synths

MTM 84	Tone 2 Gladiator 2 Boasting some unique sound design features, is Gladiator 2 is a good entry-level all-rounder? Alex Holmes checks it out.	MTM 80	Native Instruments ABSYNTH 5 Renowned for its distinctive sounds, Absynth is one of NI’s most respected products. Mark Cousins gets intoxicated.
MTM 80	MacProVideo Omnisphere 101	MTM 76	Novation SL MKII If you think hassle-free, hands-on plug-in control is just a pipe dream, this might be the answer. Hollin Jones takes two.
MTM 75	C-Thru Music AXiS-49 If you’re stuck for ideas, the AXiS-49’s revolutionary keypad might just help fire your creativity. Keith Gemmell taps in.	MTM 74	Roland V-Piano Roland’s V Series is renowned for bringing innovation, so how will the newest member fit into the family? Hollin Jones gets the lowdown on the V-Piano.
MTM 73	Kurzweil PC3X Kurzweil’s keyboards have earned the company an enviable reputation, so how will the company’s new flagship PC3X shape up? Hollin Jones tinkles the ivories.	MTM 72	Nord Nord Electro 3 The Nord Electro series is a firm favourite with serious players, so how will the Electro 3 measure up? Hollin Jones finds out.
MTM 69	Arturia Origin The long wait is finally over, so will Arturia’s hotly anticipated Origin live up to expectations? Hollin Jones finds out.	MTM 69	Spectrasonics Omnisphere With more than 40GB of content and a custom sound engine, has Spectrasonics brought us its finest virtual instrument to date?
MTM 68	ESI KeyControl 49+ The market for USB MIDI keyboards is pretty crowded, so how will ESI’s KeyControl 49+ stack up? Hollin Jones finds out.	MTM 67	Yamaha MM8 If you’re after a flexible entry-level keyboard with real-piano feel, this could be the answer. Hollin Jones unwraps the MM8.
MTM 66	Moog Little Phatty Stage II Moog claims that its Little Phatty Stage II is the most accessible Moog synth to date, but can that actually be true? Hollin Jones puts the latest offering through its paces.	MTM 65	Yamaha Motif-Rack XS Almost 12 months after the original Motif XS7 appeared, Yamaha has finally released the rack-based Motif-Rack XS. Mark Cousins finds out if it was worth the wait.
MTM 64	Fatar Numa Fatar keyboards are well known for their excellent action, so how will the Numa stack up? Hollin Jones tickles the ivories.	MTM 64	Roland Fantom-G8 When Roland’s flagship workstations get a makeover, expectations are inevitably high. Hollin Jones finds out if the Fantom-G still does the business.
MTM 63	Yamaha KX25 We’d all like a little more hands-on control over our software, but can Yamaha’s KX25 deliver? Hollin Jones finds out.	MTM 63	Access Virus TI Snow Access’ Virus synth is legendary in electronic music, and now it’s more portable than ever. Hollin Jones goes on the road with the Virus TI Snow.
MTM 61	CME UF80 A master keyboard with wireless MIDI capabilities and an attractive price tag? Hollin Jones checks out the UF80...	MTM 59	CME M-Key
MTM 58	Kurzweil SP2X If you’re more of a performer than a programmer, Kurzweil may just have produced the stage piano you’ve been waiting for. Hollin Jones checks out the SP2X...	MTM 57	Roland SonicCell Packing plenty of features plus performance portability is Roland’s new SonicCell. Hollin Jones hits the road...
MTM 56	Humanoid Sound Systems Scanned Synth Pro When it comes to unusual synth noises, there’s a lot on offer in the VST world. Hollin Jones explores the strangest of sounds...	MTM 55	Novation ReMOTE 49SL Compact Novation’s innovative AutoMap feature comes to a new range of controllers. Mike Hillier goes remote...
MTM 54	Korg M3 The Korg M1 had the distinction of being the world’s first workstation, so is the company’s new M3 likely to be equally distinguished? Hollin Jones finds out...	MTM 53	Roland V-Synth GT FREE FULL REVIEW. Roland's V-Synth re-wrote the book on innovative sound creation, so can the company's new V-Synth GT live up to the family name? Hollin Jones finds out...
MTM 52	Yamaha Motif XS7 Competition in the high end of the synth market is hotting up, so has Yamaha’s new flagship Motif XS got what it takes to make it to the top? Hollin Jones finds out...	MTM 51	Yamaha MM6 Entry-level workstations are becoming increasingly powerful, so does Yamaha’s new MM6 have enough features to make it a worthy contender? Hollin Jones finds out...
MTM 48	Line 6 TonePort KB37 Line 6 has united the TonePort audio interface with a 37-note keyboard and a MIDI controller. Mike Hillier assesses the KB37.	MTM 48	Roland VP-550 Don’t have sufficient room to accommodate a gospel choir in your studio? Help is at hand, as Hollin Jones finds out when he stirs up the Roland VP-550...
MTM 46	Roland Juno-G Its heritage is undeniably second to none, but will Roland’s latest synth live up to the high standards set by its predecessors? Hollin Jones lifts off with the Juno-G...	MTM 46	Native Instruments Absynth 4 Designing sound can be a tricky business, but Native Instruments’ Absynth aims to make it easier. Hollin Jones finds out what the latest version has to offer.
MTM 45	Novation XioSynth x25 Novation’s latest synth promises a wealth of features in a truly portable package. Hollin Jones takes to the road with the XioSynth x25...	MTM 44	M-Audio MidAir 25 M-Audio’s new MIDI controller brings wireless technology to the popular Oxygen8. Mike Hillier breathes in the Air...
MTM 43	Yamaha CP300 Yamaha was a key player in the digital piano revolution, which changed the way pianists thought about playing live. Hollin Jones meets the company’s latest model – the CP300.	MTM 42	Roland SH-201 Roland reinvents a modern classic and arms it with a host of new features, but can it live up to the company’s high reputation? Hollin Jones gets intimate with the SH-201...
MTM 41	Korg Radias Good things do sometimes come in small packages, as Hollin Jones finds out when he test-drives Korg’s new baby, the deceptively compact Radias.	MTM 40	Korg X50 Korg’s new baby packs all the punch of a heavyweight sound engine in a light and portable package. Will it be a knockout? Hollin Jones gets a handle on the X50...
MTM 39	Alesis Fusion 8HD The latest feature-packed workstation from Alesis promises to fulfil your every studio need. Hollin Jones gets it together with the Fusion 8HD...	MTM 39	Arturia Prophet V Arturia is back with another software re-creation of a legendary vintage synth. Hollin Jones finds out what the future holds for the Prophet V...
MTM 38	Yamaha M08 Yamaha’s newest workstation certainly boasts a wealth of player-oriented features, but does it cover all the bases? Hollin Jones test-drives the MO8.	MTM 38	Applied Acoustics Systems Lounge Lizard EP-3 The latest version of AAS’ electric piano boasts a dramatically improved feature set – among other things. JoE Silva looks in.
MTM 38	Creamware Pro-12 ASB Creamware’s latest Authentic Sound Box synth is modelled on a genuine classic. Hollin Jones goes retro...	MTM 38	Kjaerhus Audio Spectra Spectra combines multi-stage additive and subtractive synthesis in an intuitive environment. Keith Gemmell tries it out...
MTM 37	Cakewalk Rapture Cakewalk’s latest virtual synth promises cutting-edge electronic sounds, but can it deliver on that promise? Hollin Jones feels the Rapture…	MTM 36	Arturia Brass Augmenting the company’s expertise in virtual analogue synthesis, Arturia takes a big leap into the world of physical modelling. Mark Cousins polishes his Brass.
MTM 34	Access Music Virus TI How do you improve on a synth that’s already considered a modern classic? Hollin Jones integrates with the Virus TI...	MTM 34	VirSyn Cube 2 Can additive synthesis ever be a truly intuitive and rewarding experience? Mark Cousins gets to the root of Cube 2.
MTM 33	Way Out Ware TimewARP 2600 Without doubt a hardware classic, the ARP 2600 reappears in software form. Mike Hillier dances the TimewARP again...	MTM 33	Rob Papen Blue A virtual synth that revels in both its analogue and digital sides, could Blue be the ultimate cross-fusion sound-design tool? Mark Cousins finds out.
MTM 32	Yamaha S90 ES Tired of taking two keyboards on stage? Fear not, Yamaha’s S90 ES is here – and it’s going to change the way you think about playing. Hollin Jones explains why.	MTM 32	Creamware Minimax ASB Creamware’s latest synth is more real than virtual and aims to faithfully re-create a much-loved classic. Hollin Jones takes it to the max...
MTM 30	Roland V-Synth XT Roland’s ground-breaking V-Synth gets a radical makeover and some neat new tricks in the V-Synth XT. Hollin Jones finds out if good things really do come in small packages…	MTM 29	Applied Acoustics Systems String Studio VS-1 Can the latest offering from AAS string up other synths? Mike Hillier ties it down.
MTM 29	Mark Of The Unicorn MX4 2.0 Mark Of the Unicorn’s latest virtual instrument has a powerful and distinguished heritage. Mike Hillier takes the lead.	MTM 29	Native Instruments Reaktor 5 Few applications will tax your brain like Reaktor 5, but with a sound this good, can you resist its temptations? Mark Cousins puts his willpower to the test.
MTM 28	U & I Software MetaSynth 4 U & I Software’s much-loved Mac OS9 application finally makes the leap to OSX. JoE Silva tries his hand at painting with sound.	MTM 27	Cakewalk Project5 Version 2 Cakewalk’s new sequencer has a stack of new features for use on stage as well as in the studio. Hollin Jones gets to the heart of Project5…
MTM 26	Hartmann Neuron VS Hartmann brings its neural synthesis from hardware into software form – but the best bits have been left intact. Hollin Jones gets stuck into the Neuron VS.....	MTM 26	Future Retro Revolution If you want fat, acid sounds you might want to check out this unusual-looking synth from US manufacturer Future Retro. Hollin Jones joins the Revolution...
MTM 25	IK Multimedia Sonik Synth 2 With over 5,000 vintage and modern instrument sounds, Sonik Synth 2 might just might be the ultimate workstation. Keith Gemmell gives it a workout.	MTM 25	Dave Smith Instruments Poly Evolver The latest bit of gear from synth designer Dave Smith promises huge soundsand total control... Hollin Jones finds out why we all need to evolve.
MTM 25	Roland RD-700SX Roland’s flagship stage piano derives its compelling sounds from multi-sampled concert grands. Hollin Jones gets in on the action.	MTM 24	Native Instruments Absynth 3 Ever fancied writing a film score but are too lazy to use more than one finger? Absynth 3 could provide the solution. Bob Dormon tries his hand.
MTM 24	Arturia ARP2600 V Another legendary synth gets a software makeover, courtesy of French company Arturia. Hollin Jones gets nostalgic with the ARP2600 V...	MTM 23	Applied Acoustics Systems Ultra Analog VA-1 Big analogue sounds without the cables and headaches? Hollin Jones finds out if the Ultra Analog VA-1 can deliver…
MTM 23	Novation X-Station 25 Novation’s latest offering is an all-in-one audio/MIDI interface and hardware synth. Hollin Jones finds out if the X-Station is too good to be true…	MTM 22	Clavia Nord Modular G2X The mighty Nord Modular G2 gets a bigger brother, with more keys and more power. Hollin Jones finds out if it has the X factor…
MTM 21	Native Instruments Electronic Instruments 2 Is NI’s latest offering really a cutting-edge collection of instruments and effects? Mike Hillier finds out.	MTM 21	Zero-G Vocaloid Miriam Modelled on the voice of professional vocalist Miriam Stockley, Zero-G claims its new Vocaloid package offers unprecedented realism. Alistair Lindsay holds an audition.
MTM 21	Arturia Moog Modular V 2.0 Arturia updates the classic Moog Modular V with some new modules. Hollin Jones gets retro with version 2.0...	MTM 20	Ultimate Sound Bank Ultra Focus Synth Anthology Using a vast array of classic synths as its sample base, this new software instrument offers huge sonic potential – but can one synth do it all? Nigel Lord is Focussed...
MTM 19	VirSyn Cantor Cantor pushes VirSyn’s existing expertise in additive synthesis into the realm of vocal synthesis. Mark Cousins stretches his vocal cords...	MTM 18	Native Instruments Xpress Keyboards NI releases entry-level versions of three of its classics. Hollin Jones goes retro...
MTM 18	Arturia Storm 3 Budget sequencers will always lack pro features, but Arturia’s Storm 3 may have just enough to make its presence felt. Bob Dormon is your weatherman…	MTM 17	Roland Fantom-X8 Roland dispatches a new variant of its battleship class of audio workstations. Joe Silva discovers whether she’s seaworthy…
MTM 17	TC Electronic Intonator, TC Thirty, Filtroid, Virus\|PowerCore A four-piece from TC Electronics that expands PowerCore to ever greater limits. Pete Crisp puts the plug in…	MTM 17	Korg Electribe EA-1 mkII Korg revamps its analogue synth sequencer with up-to-the-minute sounds and styles. Hollin Jones goes in search of the Electribe…
MTM 16	Korg Triton Extreme 88 Korg’s Triton gets some new toys, including a real-life valve for warming up your sound. Hollin Jones takes it to the Extreme….	MTM 16	Creamware SCOPE Professional Creamware has streamlined its product line, placing SCOPE Professional at the top of its range. Hollin Jones gets to grips with the new platform…
MTM 16	Applied Acoustics Systems Tassman 4 You can build powerful vintage synths and invent strange acoustic instruments à la carte in Tassman 4. Keith Gemmell samples the latest menu...	MTM 15	Wizoo Hyper Modules Wizoo has created three new modules to expand your Hypersonic workstation – but are they really an asset to your existing setup? Keith Gemmell gets Hyper active…
MTM 14	Arturia Minimoog V The first classic, affordable Moog synthesiser is now available in software form. Ian Waugh looks at the future for Arturia’s latest creation...	MTM 14	Bitheadz Inc. Unity Session 3.0 As its name suggests, Unity can bring together all sorts of sampler and synthesis options. But is Mark Jenkins at one with it...?
MTM 14	u-he Zebra Yet another great-sounding soft synth hits the market place. But, as Keith Gemmell asks, can Zebra outpace the competition?	MTM 13	Cycling 74 Pluggo 3.1.2 The latest revision to this Mac-only collection of plug-ins finally brings Audio Unit support and loads of new DSP options. Joe Silva checks out the new bits…
MTM 13	Elektron SFX-6 MonoMachine It’s silver, it’s Swedish, and it’s designed like no other instrument you’ve ever seen. Mark Jenkins gets to grips with the latest synth from Elektron...	MTM 12	Synapse Audio Orion Platinum 5 Orion Platinum takes a rather different approach to sequencing and recording from most software DAWs – but where does its appeal lie? Hollin Jones looks to the stars…
MTM 12	GMedia impOSCar GMEDIA has brought the legendary OSCar back to life and given it even more features than before. But, as Keith Gemmell asks, is it really still OSCar?	MTM 12	Zero-G Vocaloid Lola Once in a while a new technology comes along with the power to change the face of modern music. Mark Jenkins is very pleased to meet Lola...
MTM 11	Camel Audio Cameleon 5000 Creating unique sounds doesn’t require an in-depth knowledge of synthesis. Hollin Jones looks at how the Cameleon 5000 enables you to create your own sounds using morphing...	MTM 10	Arturia CS-80V Arturia does it again with a software emulation of the classic Yamaha CS-80 analogue synth. Ian Waugh goes back to his youth…
MTM 10	VirSyn TERA 2.0 VirSyn has given its monster modular synth a friendlier face. Pete Crisp introduces himself...	MTM 10	Applied Acoustics Systems Lounge Lizard EP-2 With the revised version of its virtual instrument, Applied Acoustics delves further into the cool sounds of the electric piano. Joe Silva Lounges around…
MTM 09	Yamaha Motif ES7 Sequencing isn’t all about computers and sophisticated software – it can be done on a workstation synth. Bob Dormon checks out Yamaha’s Motif ES7.	MTM 09	Roland RS-70 Synthesizer ‘Forget about MIDI and get on with playing’ is the concept behind the RS-70 – but does it take the mystery out of multi-track recording? Keith Gemmell goes loopy…
MTM 08	Roland Fantom-S Synthesizer Roland has released a new version of its Fantom synth/workstation, but is it the machine to put the company back on top? Mark Jenkins looks for spirits in the material world…	MTM 08	LinPlug RMIV The RMIV is a VSTi ‘drum machine’ offering analogue-style synthesis and sample playback, but can it bring down the house? Dan Duffell finds out...
MTM 08	Korg Electribe MX-1 Music Production Station The first of the long-awaited additions to the Electribe range is here. But is the MX-1 Production Station a worthy flag bearer? Pete Crisp gathers the ’Tribe…	MTM 07	Clavia Nord Lead 2X Like a good song, the Nord Lead has endured the test of time and continues to charm the pants off all who get to know it. Dan Duffell falls in love all over again...
MTM 07	Novation Bass Station In the studio or on the road, the Mini-Me takes it all in its stride. Pete Crisp gets converted...	MTM 07	Dave Smith Instruments Evolver Dave Smith Instruments is a new name – but it has an impressive pedigree. Mark Jenkins investigates its first product, the Evolver…
MTM 06	Native Instruments Absynth 2 It’s been two years since the first release of this semi-modular soft synth and now it’s got more features than ever. Ian Waugh sees if Absynth makes the heart grow fonder...	MTM 06	Creamware Noah EX Tactive Instrument Modeller 1.3 Promising digital re-creations of some of the most desirable instruments of the past few decades, Pete Crisp takes a look at one of the most eagerly awaited products of the year.
MTM 06	Steinberg Xphraze “Your musical life is about to change!” claim the people behind Xphraze. Keith Gemmell delves beneath the surface of Steinberg’s latest software offering...	MTM 06	VirSyn Cube VirSyn’s new ‘spectral morphing additive synthesizer’ promises user-friendly control over hundreds of sine waves – but how does it sound? Ian Waugh squares up to the CUBE...
MTM 05	Bob Moog Voyager Analogue Synth Synth pioneer Bob Moog has updated his classic Minimoog analogue monosynth for the 21st century. Simon Trask finds out if Voyager has what it takes to go the distance...	MTM 04	Propellerhead Software Reason 2.5 Propellerhead has managed to stuff six new devices into this latest version of its flagship sequencer. Pete Crisp spends some time on a virtual rack...
MTM 04	Native Instruments Reaktor 4 Native Instruments gives one of its core applications a bit of a facelift as well as some added muscle. Joe Silva gauges the reaktion…	MTM 04	Rob Papen Albino VSTi Synthesizer Arm a synth with presets created by a leading sound designer and factors like programmability pale into insignificance. But, as Nigel Lord discovers, there’s nothing pale about Albino…
MTM 04	Applied Acoustics Systems Tassman 3.0 Tassman can produce seemingly impossible instruments such as bowed marimbas and plucked trumpets. Ian Waugh ponders the patch for one-hand clapping...	MTM 03	VirSyn TERA Modular Synth There’s nothing like a big modular synthesizer to bring out the experimentalist in you – but can it be done in software form? Pete Crisp experiences TERA…
MTM 02	Cakewalk Project5 Cakewalk jumps head first into the all-in-one softsynth studio fray with their new offering, Project5. What does it bring to the party, and how does it fare against the competition? Ben Gerrold takes a look…	MTM 02	Yamaha Motif-Rack Proving that size isn't everything, Yamaha's new rackmount module offers more polyphony, more patches and more effects than its Motif keyboard counterparts, but are there also compromises? Simon Trask sizes it up…
MTM 02	Arturia Moog Modular V Arturia has developed a software emulation of a legendary modular synthesizer. Ian Waugh gets in the Moog…	MTM 02	E-mu Vintage Pro E-mu's latest sound module takes its cue from the seemingly unquenchable desire for old keyboard sounds. Simon Trask samples a modern vintage…
MTM 01	Roland V-Synth With increased competition from the software sector, can Roland’s new flagship synth cut the sonic mustard? Simon Trask plays a awhile.	MTM 01	Steinberg D'Cota Software synth manufacturers have a confident swagger about them at the moment, and they’re pushing back the boundaries of what’s possible. Nigel Lord discovers D’cota...

Reviews > Synths

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