The Best Free DAWs for Windows
You don’t need to pay anything to record audio or make music on your PC. See our picks for the best free DAWs for Windows computers.
Music Software and Plugins
The right software can inspire great ideas and expand your creativity. Check out these useful guides to find of the best plugins and programs available.
Cakewalk | DAWs | FX Plugins | Virtual Instruments | Other Applications
Sixth Month June: A Brilliant Juno-6 Emulation That Shows Its Age
Sixth Month June is a free Juno-6 emulation. It’s impressive for what it is, but its age makes it a buggy plugin by today’s standards.
TAL-U-NO-LX by TAL Software
The TAL-U-NO-LX is a stunning recreation of the Juno-60 synthesizer with some welcome upgrades. Learn all about this amazing software synth.
TAL-U-NO-62: This Free Juno-60 Emulation Still Holds Up
TAL-U-No-62 is a surprisingly faithful recreation of the classic Roland Juno-60. Learn all about this free plugin in our review.
The Original Sample Libraries Used in Ocarina of Time
It’s well-documented that Koji Kondo used sample libraries to make the Ocarina of Time soundtrack. Let’s take a look at those classic products.
How to Install VST Plugins in Cakewalk by Bandlab
If you’re new to Cakewalk, you may be wondering how to install those new VST plugins you just downloaded. We’ll show you what to do.
Cakewalk Keeps Crashing at Startup? Try This Simple Solution
It’s incredibly frustrating when Cakewalk keeps closing during startup. When that happens, you can try this super-easy solution.
Komplete 14 Standard vs. Ultimate vs. Collector’s Edition: Differences Explained
Komplete 14 comes in three premium bundles. Find out what’s the same and what’s different between Komplete 14 Standard vs Ultimate vs Collector’s Edition.
4 Yamaha DX7 VSTs for Glassy FM Glory
Looking for lush, FM synth sound? These Yamaha DX7 VST plugins will give you the thick, glassy tones that defined ‘80s music.
5 ComposerCloud Alternatives You’ll Actually Own
EastWest’s subscription service isn’t for everybody. Here are 5 ComposerCloud alternatives that you’ll actually own after paying for them.
What is Legato in Music Production?
Legato is a term that means “smooth and connected”. In music, it describes a series of two or more notes … Read more
4 Minimoog VSTs That Perfectly Replicate the Original
Moog’s Model D is one of the most iconic synths ever. Now you can capture its magical sound with these faithful Minimoog VSTs and plugins.
UAD Minimoog: An Incredibly Faithful Recreation of the Original
The UAD Minimoog is a perfect digital recreation of the original Model D synthesizer. It looks, sounds, and feels like the actual hardware.
Cakewalk Next Has Arrived! Here Are My Early Impressions
Cakewalk Next is the latest addition to the Cakewalk family. Listen to a demo and read some of my early impressions.
Recreate the Super Mario 64 Soundfont Using Original Sources
Love N64 music? Here are some of the original instruments and sample libraries Koji Kondo used to create the Super Mario 64 soundtrack.
Kontakt Player vs. Kontakt 7 Full – What Are the Differences?
Kontakt is an essential plugin every composer should have in their toolbox. But if you’re new to Kontakt, you might … Read more
Dexed: The Free Yamaha DX7 VST You Can Download Right Now
Dexed is a free Yamaha DX7 VST that faithfully captures the glassy FM sounds of the original. Check out what else it can do.
Music Production Terms for Composers, Producers, and Audio Engineers
There’s a lot of jargon in the audio world. So we’ve put together this glossary of music production terms for … Read more
4 Kontakt String Libraries for Diverse, Cinematic Sound
There’s a butt-ton of Kontakt string libraries. Most of them sound the same. Here are some unique libraries for a diverse range of sounds.
How to Record Audio in Cakewalk by Bandlab
Recording audio is an essential function in any DAW. Learn how to record audio in Cakewalk by Bandlab for music, podcasting, and more.
6 Kontakt Libraries for Retro Game Music (Free & Paid)
Looking for nostalgic bleeps and bloops for your chiptune tracks? Here are some Kontakt libraries for making retro-style video game music.
How to Make 16-Bit Music (SNES & Genesis Chiptunes)
The SNES and Genesis had legendary music. This guide will help you learn how to make 16-bit music using both free and paid plugins.
8 Sample Library Companies To Check Out In 2024
Need some new virtual instruments for your digital collection? These are some of our favorite sample library companies you should buy from.
Byte Riot: Shockingly Great, Even For Non-Maschine Users
Byte Riot is a Native Instruments expansion brimming with delightful chiptune samples. Find out what we think about it in our review.
PCM2612: The Dead-Simple Bitcrusher for Sega Genesis Fans
If you need a simple bitcrusher, look no further than PCM2612. It’s free to download, so you can add that tasty 16-bit crunch right away!
Native Access Not Installing? Try This Easy Solution
More people are having issues installing the latest version of Native Access 2. If you’re stuck, try this easy workaround.
What is Pulse Downloader? Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve ever bought digital music products online, you probably had to download and install them through an external application. … Read more
Komplete Now vs. Komplete 14: Which One Comes Out On Top?
Subscribe or buy? We go over the similarities and differences between Komplete Now and Komplete 14 Standard.
What Instruments Were Used in Banjo-Kazooie?
Want to recreate the whimsical sound of Banjo-Kazooie? Here are the original instruments Grant Kirkhope used to compose the Banjo soundtracks.
What Is Kontakt? And Why Do You Need It?
Kontakt is one of the most essential plugins for any composer and producer. We explain what Kontakt is and why you need it in your toolbox.
Tracking Down GoldenEye 007’s Original Music Samples
It finally happened! The original GoldenEye 007 game is now on Nintendo Switch and Xbox! And with the recent release, … Read more
Are Video Game Soundfonts Legal? Arguments For and Against
ROM-hacked sounds are a cool way to make authentic game music. But are soundfonts legal? We explore arguments for and against using them.
Exploring the Sounds of Digidesign’s Sample Cell Library
Digidesign’s Samplecell sounds were often used in Nintendo 64 games. Learn more about the library’s history and what games they appeared in.
Zero-G Ethnic: The Sounds Behind Zelda & Other Classic Media
These world instrument sounds have shown up in Zelda, Mario, and other games. Learn a little more about Zero-G’s Ethnic Flavours pack.
How to Make Commodore 64 Music
The Commodore 64 has an iconic sound that stands out from other 8-bit devices. And if you’re a media composer … Read more
How to Make 8-Bit Music (With Free & Paid Plugins)
8-bit music is the definitive sound of retro gaming, and has seen a resurgence in the indie game scene. Whether … Read more
The Best Chiptune Software for 8-Bit & 16-Bit Music [2024]
Thanks to a wealth of chiptune software, there’s never been a better or easier time to write 8-bit and 16-bit … Read more
SNESVerb Review: The Secret Sauce to 16-Bit Music
There’s something magical about SNES music. Part of it was the faux reverb effect that many soundtracks used. And with … Read more
PS1 Reverb: Free Impulse Responses for Retro Gaming Reverb
Reverb is one of the secret ingredients that makes certain retro game music shine. And now, fans of the original … Read more
The Stock Convolution Reverb Plugin in Every Major DAW
Most major DAWs come with a stock convolution reverb plugin, but the names aren’t always obvious. Here’s a list of every one.
RYMCast: Why Chiptune Composers Need This VGM Player
There are loads of chiptune plugins and software applications out there. Most of them are virtual instruments. But RYMCast is … Read more
DefleMask Tracker: An All-in-One Chiptune Solution
Aside from using original hardware, trackers are arguably the most authentic way to write chiptune music today. Over the years, … Read more
SocaLabs Commodore 64 SID: It’s Free, but Super Buggy
Over the years, dozens of plugin developers have tried to emulate and sample the Commodore 64’s SID chip. Many have … Read more
8-bit VST Plugins for Retro Chiptunes in 2024 (Free & Paid)
We’ve sorted out the best 8-bit VST plugins. These virtual instruments faithfully recreate the sounds from the ’80s game consoles.
Kontakt vs. Komplete 14: Which One Do You Get?
If you’re new to Native Instruments, you might be a bit confused about their products. Here’s a brief explanation of Kontakt vs. Komplete 14.
Komplete Kontrol vs Kontakt: What’s the Difference?
On the surface, Komplete Kontrol and Kontakt are pretty much the same. Find out what’s different and figure out which one is best for you.
Commodore 64 Sessions Deluxe: Free C64 Sounds for Kontakt
Level up with this free Kontakt instrument from Rhythmic Robot. Commodore 64 Sessions Deluxe delivers the chiptune goodness you’ll love.
How to Install 3rd-Party Kontakt Instruments
We give you step-by-step instructions on how to install 3rd-party instruments for both Kontakt Player and the full version of Kontakt.
5 String Libraries That Don’t Require Kontakt
Not everyone’s a fan of Kontakt. Thankfully, other options exist for orchestral sounds. Here are 5 string libraries that don’t require Kontakt.
Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2: The Abandoned Classic Software Synth
Longtime Cakewalk fans may be familiar with Z3TA+ 2, the “Ultimate Waveshaping Synth”. It was one of the first virtual … Read more
Cakewalk Announces Sonar Revival & New Cakewalk Next DAW
Cakewalk just announced two new flagship products: Cakewalk Next and the newly revived Sonar. Learn about each one and how it affects users.
The Official WinGROOVE Plugin You Don’t Know About
For many people, WinGROOVE was the definitive General MIDI sound of the mid-90s. Some of you reading this will want … Read more
Furia Staccato Strings: Epic Music Made Easy (Review)
As a composer, you probably write a lot of action music for movies, trailers, and video games. But many string … Read more
How to Bulk Change MIDI Track Channels & Events in Cakewalk
You may be working with MIDI tracks that don’t behave properly with your VST instruments in Cakewalk — especially if … Read more
Sonic Images: An Abandoned Classic Sample Library
Lately, I’ve been hunting down the instruments and samples used in my favorite video game soundtracks. One sample library that’s … Read more
Exploring the Voice Spectral Sample Library by Best Service
Voice Spectral is a collection of over 1000 vocal hooks and phrases. Learn more about it’s history and what games they appeared in.
How to Activate Z3TA+ 2 In 2024
Z3TA+ 2 is a classic virtual synth that was discontinued in 2017. Even if you’ve managed to redownload the software, … Read more
9 VST Plugin Companies for Premium Mixing, Mastering & Effects
There’s no shortage of VST plugin companies out there. We’ve put together this list of our favorite brands to help you find a starting point.
Super Audio Cart: Is This Chiptune Software Worth It?
Super Audio Cart is the definitive collection of retro game samples. It’s a must-have for any working composer. See why in our review.
5 Free Bitcrusher VST Plugins You Can Download Right Now
Looking for a free bitcrusher VST plugin? We’ve picked out the best ones you can download right now. Use them to make your music sizzle.