Virtual Instrument

Vir2’s Phoenix is a one‑stop shop for rises, hits and whooshes.

Arturia’s mighty V Collection continues to grow and improve.

Rating: 5/5 Stars. If you are looking for an ‘easy’ virtual acoustic drum instrument, GoranGrooves’ Handy Drums provide an interesting alternative.

Softube take on Roland’s classic SH-101.

Modo Bass 2 builds on the success of the original, adding more and better basses.

This powerful ROMpler aims to be all things to all synthesists.

Toontrack’s EZdrummer just gets better and better.

Sampleson’s modelled Wurlitzer ticks all the right electric piano boxes.

Veteran software Mellotron specialists GForce have recreated the sounds of the earliest models with startling accuracy.

Sample Logic deliver a flexible pad, soundscape and atmosphere designer with a powerful DIY twist.

Hans Zimmer’s drum collection doesn’t disappoint.

Martinic take Akai’s long‑neglected AX73 ball and run with it.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. Built from detailed sampling of chromatically tuned metal discs, Alloy Vol I's tones are reminiscent of chromatic orchestral percussion, hang drums, steel drums and tubular bells...

The latest version of Krotos’ Concept adds granular synthesis and an impressive modulation engine.

Korg add more instruments to their growing stable of software classics.

Imagine uses physical modelling to let you create any acoustic instrument you can, er, imagine.

Cherry Audio recreate Moog’s classic polysynth at a fraction of a fraction of the price of an original.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. Electric Vintage has been created around samples and performances from a vintage ’50s Fender Telecaster.

Hyperion is a hugely capable synthesizer with a complex modular heart.

The JD‑800 is the latest instrument to join the Roland Cloud.

Pipa is a wavetable and granular synth with a voice of its own.