Once I’d heard ‘Are Friends’ Electric?” by Tubeway Army, I knew synthesizers would be a huge part of my life. Despite drums becoming my main instrument for many years, I dabbled and lusted after countless pieces of gear and started using computers to help me make my own music with a Commodore 64 and a copy of Electrosound.
Over the years, I eventually progressed to more professional tools and began to truly indulge my love of electronic music making, slowly building a collection of gear that covered most synthesis methods, from sampling to physical modelling and beyond. However, my love of the gear that soundtracked my formative years was strong and I was fortunate enough to be asked to work with the inventor of the Fairlight CMI on their more recent projects. This then led to me restoring Fairlight CMI’s, something I still do to this day.
My home studio is now filled with classic vintage gear of the 80s and 90s, as well as modern classics. In recent years, I have been producing podcasts for Sound On Sound, as well as writing articles for them and I also present a weekly live stream for the Pro Synth Network. I still drum, albeit now on e-Drum kits, which are far easier to move around and a lot quieter when practising! You can often find me delivering seminars & lectures and at various synth shows around the world, talking about and demonstrating iconic synths.
It might not have the gravitas of its Roland counterparts, but the KORG KR-55 was used on many influential records of the day. Now you can rediscover it thanks to the KR-55C.
Arturia's KeyLab 88 finally arrives for its third iteration. We take a look to see what's changed and what hasn't.
BFD gets a healthy update to version 3.5, but can it cut it against the other big drum plugin kids?
Analogue Solutions TC-5000 is very real & coming soon. We also mourn the passing of Seiki Kato of KORG and the coming together of CHOMPI & Chase Bliss!
IK Multimedia's Pianoverse expands with the addition of the Grand Piano Y7, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 Grand.
This week, we go into battle with Crowds, play with a free Bodhrán and immerse ourselves in a blend of Japanese instruments with orchestral textures.
Mozart and Chopin are two of the great composers of all time. Now you can play instruments that they actually played via the magic of sampling.
Momo Müller, creator of a wide range of hugely useful and affordable software controllers for hard synths, now has a Universal editor and controller for everyone!
This week's Synth Journal looks at the new Behringer Wasp Filter module, an editor for a classic VA synth and a couple of great little mini synth docs!
So you've just picked up your Behringer LM Drum and you're looking to expand and explore other classic drum machines. Here are some tips!
If vintage synths are your thing, we've got you covered with a great deal on a huge library and some samples from the past!
Arturia's compact analogue drum machine gets a retro makeover. Introducing the DrumBrute Impact 1984.
NAMM
With NAMM 2025 behind us, I take a look at the synth-related high and low points of another momentous week in Anaheim and beyond!
NAMM had been and gone for another year. We get back to our sounds and presets with a selection of goodies covering lots of bases, including Chiptune!
Arturia's flagship soft synth returns for its latest iteration, Pigments 6, and introduces a new Modal engine, new filters, a vocoder effect and more!
NAMM
Expect compact size with big performance from the new DTX6 range flagship, the DTX6K5-M, with dual-layer Remo mesh heads!
NAMM
Ever since Behringer bought Tears For Fears' old Yamaha DX1, anticipation of a recreation has been rife. Today at NAMM 2025, the speculation ended. Introducing the Behringer BX1.
NAMM
CME have announced a new MIDI solution, the C2MIDI Pro cable, a revolutionary dual-purpose USB-C MIDI cable that's also a MIDI filter, mapper and router!
NAMM
The original Novation Bass Station sought to fill the shoes of the rare and expensive TB-303 at a time when squelchy bass was all the rage. Now it's back, bigger & better than ever.
NAMM
The Alesis Crimson III is the latest iteration of its very popular mid-range e-Drum kit, getting a much-needed module upgrade.
NAMM
KORG announce the KORG miniKORG 700Sm, a mini version of the classic "mini" but with all the spec.
NAMM
KORG KRONOS returns, a collective sigh of relief is emitted from its fanbase and we have another killer workstation to enjoy!
NAMM
One of their most successful digital synths, the KORG multi/poly module delivers it in a compact 19" rack mount/desktop unit.
This week, we have presets that work on both the hardware or software versions of two great synths. Everyone's a winner!