Native Instruments FM8 Soft Synth,¹ This instant

I was lucky and bought this rig for 99 bucks on special. I was not disappointed. I used to own an old DX-21 (cut down version of DX-7), and I'm very happy with the software emulation.

But one caveat - you have to have a good knowledge of of FM synthesis. If you don't have that yet, please try to master it. The manual is pretty good, but not perfect. The menu layout and flow plan of the synth is about as straightforward and practical as you can get. I never had any hardware issues with it, except you have to install the ASIO sound drivers if you want to run it in standalone. If you have studio software and run it as a VST, it should work fine.

Anyway, the biggest pleasure is playing all the hundreds of patches from great sound software engineers and modifying them. The arppegiator is outstanding. If you want an FM synth at a great price, look no further.

By the way, if you want great legacy analogue synths, like the old Moog Modular, or the old Yamaha CS-80, or other great legacy synths, go to Arturia. But my bias goes to Native Instruments. Their customer service is great, and their instruments are fantastic.

Cheers

TJ



Get more detail about Native Instruments FM8 Soft Synth,¹.

IK Multimedia T-RackS Plug-In Mastering Software,¹ Order Now

Sounds absolutely great. The mono compressor used separately is excellent on bass and transparent on vocals. The multi-band limiter does result in a bit of coloration in the broad crossover zones, but works quite well for mastering and on a drum submix. I haven't worked the EQ too hard, but I haven't felt the need to substitute something else in the mastering effects chain either.

The limited number of online activations makes me wish this product required a dongle, and is the only thing I can find to complain about. I absolutely love this product.Get more detail about IK Multimedia T-RackS Plug-In Mastering Software,¹.

Mackie Tracktion 3 Ultimate Bundle, ¹ Right now

I don't know why Mackie continues selling this. They've abandoned support and development on the product, and it remains full of bugs. The nicer plugins stopped working for me (crash on insert) after upgrading to OSX 10.5.8. Nothing to see here, dead product, and shame on Mackie for continuing to sell the old dead boxes.Get more detail about Mackie Tracktion 3 Ultimate Bundle, ¹.