Review: Arturia AstroLab, the stage keyboard with Arturia instruments

Arturia’s first foray into integrated software and hardware has arrived, effectively packing the V Collection into a standalone keyboard. We turn to guest reviewer Benjamin Weiss for an independent perspective on how this instrument performs.

Review: volca modular takes on creative synthesis in a small package

Can KORG take modular patching and Buchla-inspired synthesis, and squeeze it into an inexpensive instrument that’s still accessible to synth newcomers and experts alike? We go deep with the new $199 KORG volca modular to find out.

Francis Preve - January 15, 2019

Inside Cypher2, and what could be a more expressive future for synths

For all the great sounds they can make, software synths eventually fit a repetitive mold: lots of knobs onscreen, simplistic keyboard controls when you actually play. ROLI’s Cypher2 could change that. Lead developer Angus chats with us about why.

Peter Kirn - September 3, 2018

Step one: How to start using VCV Rack, the free modular software

Ted Pallas - December 29, 2017

Going deep in techno technique and technology with Denmark’s CTRLS

Peter Kirn - August 1, 2017

In-depth: Cubase 9 adds integrated Sampler Tracks, lots more

Peter Kirn - December 8, 2016

Launchpad Pro Grid Controller: Hands-on Comprehensive Guide

Peter Kirn - July 21, 2015

Here’s What Korg’s $99 SQ-1 Step Sequencer Can Do [In Depth Guide]

Peter Kirn - February 26, 2015

Multi-Touch with Your Current Keyboard, And How Expressive, Crowd-Funded Keys Stack Up

- August 15, 2013