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The 39 best VST plug-in synths in the world today

The 39 best VST plug-in synths in the world today

Updated for 2013, MusicRadar users' ultimate soft synth collection

The 15 best DAW software apps in the world today

The 15 best DAW software apps in the world today

Which music production software should you choose in 2012?

The 30 best VST plug-in effects in the world today

The 30 best VST plug-in effects in the world today

MusicRadar users' favourite FX processors

Gear Finder

Hot Tech reviews

Waves NLS

$249.004.5 stars

Waves wants to put Non Linear Summing on everyone's wishlist

Arturia MiniBrute

Arturia MiniBrute

$549.004.5 stars

A great little synth, which manages to pack a lot of punch into its modest frame

112dB Big Blue Compressor

112dB Big Blue Compressor

$149.004.5 stars

Hardware mimickry meets software-empowered functionality

Amplesound Ample Guitar M

$169.00

Computer MusicMay 13, 2013, 10:34 GMT

Amplesound Ample Guitar M

Acoustic guitar ROMpler

A hugely convincing virtual guitar/guitarist, beautifully recorded and sonically editable enough to easily make your own.

ValhallaDSP VintageVerb

$50.004.5 stars

Computer MusicMay 13, 2013, 10:22 GMT

ValhallaDSP VintageVerb

Time-travelling reverb plugin

Another cracking plugin by ValhallaDSP that makes a great Lexicon-style wingman to ValhallaRoom.

Audio Damage Bitcom

$39.003.5 stars

Computer MusicMay 10, 2013, 10:30 GMT

Audio Damage Bitcom

Ear-bustin' bit crushing plugin

Definitely one for the serious experimentalist rather than the 'everyday' user, Bitcom is bloody bonkers.

Image-Line FL Studio 11

4.5 stars

Alex HayesMay 10, 2013, 8:49 GMT

Image-Line FL Studio 11

Performance mode, multitouch support, new plugins and workflow enhancements

FL Studio continues to age gracefully, still with its own identity but adding features that bring it into line with current music making paradigms.

Garritan Harps

$119.004.5 stars

Computer MusicMay 9, 2013, 10:44 GMT

Heart-stopping harp sampling

If a virtual harp is on your shopping list, put this one at the top - it's approachable, intuitive and sonically stunning.

Sinevibes Torsion

$49.004 stars

Computer MusicMay 8, 2013, 10:30 GMT

Sinevibes Torsion

A new spin on the monosynth

A triple-oscillator hybrid synth with an easy interface and lots of modulation sources, Torsion is an excellent oddity.

SubZero SPC25 MIDI Controller

3 stars

The MusicRadar TeamMay 7, 2013, 21:57 GMT

SubZero SPC25 MIDI Controller

A compact, two-octave keyboard controller

This MIDI controller is only two octaves. If you're looking for notes galore, that's not ideal, but if you're looking for a compact, portable keyboard controller with plenty of functionality, the SPC25 is worth a look.

Cakewalk CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier

$99.004.5 stars

Computer MusicMay 7, 2013, 10:33 GMT

Cakewalk CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier

LA-2A compressor emulation plugin

Yet another excellent LA-2A emulation for Mac and PC, with the most responsive metering and interface we've seen.

SubZero SPC61 MIDI Controller

3 stars

The MusicRadar TeamMay 6, 2013, 21:53 GMT

SubZero SPC61 MIDI Controller

A fully configurable, five-octave keyboard controller

The SPC61 MIDI Controller is great value for money. Ok, it's not the most authentic feeling keyboard we've ever played, nor is its construction the most solid we've come across, but if you're looking for a keyboard controller with a decent range and excellent configurability, you should check out SubZero's offering.

PSP Audioware PSP PianoVerb2

$49.004.5 stars

Computer MusicMay 6, 2013, 10:36 GMT

PSP Audioware PSP PianoVerb2

Plugin offers piano moving service

A fantastic update to one of the more interesting reverbs out there, PianoVerb2 is powerful, fun and inspirational.

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