Music Production

My Top 10 Plugins of 2025! 30 BEST VST Plugins For Music Production In 2025 (Tier List) | FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro X These Are The Only Plugins Worth Buying in 2026

Arturia KeyLab 88 MK3 vs Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 A detailed comparison of two flagship 88-key MIDI controllers aimed at serious players, producers, and composers. (Image: Arturia Keylab 88 MK3) (Image: Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3) 1. Concept & Philosophy Feature Arturia KeyLab 88 MK3 Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 Design approach A versatile, all-round studio controller with lots of hands-on controls. A premium, streamlined controller optimised for NI’s ecosystem. Ecosystem stance Open and flexible; works well with many DAWs/plugins. Deeply tied to Komplete, Kontakt, and NKS libraries. Best for Multi-role producers and players wanting a central studio hub. Composers and sound designers who rely heavily on NI software. 2. Keybed & Playability Feature KeyLab 88 MK3 Kontrol S88 MK3 Keybed type Hammer-action with aftertouch. Fully weighted premium keybed. Playing feel Expressive, piano-like with extra modulation via aftertouch. Consistent, high-end piano feel designed for precision and reliability. Extra performance features Aftertouch, splits, layers, scales, chords, arpeggiator. Light Guide for key switches, scales, drums; deep instrument feedback. Ideal for Pianists, film composers, expressive players. Kontakt users, sample-library players, orchestral composers. 3. Controls, Layout & Workflow Component KeyLab 88 MK3 Kontrol S88 MK3 Drum pads Yes (RGB pads) No Faders & knobs Many – suitable for DAW mixing and sound design. Minimal – relies more on screens and pre-mapped controls. Transport controls Full transport + DAW shortcuts. Supported for major DAWs but less extensive. Screens Small display mainly for utility. High-resolution dual displays for browsing and editing. Navigation style Hardware-first (pads/faders/encoders). Screen-first (instrument browsing, parameter pages). Workflow strength Live production, DAW control, hybrid workflow. Virtual instruments, sample library navigation, preset browsing. 4. Software Integration & Ecosystem Integration Area KeyLab 88 MK3 Kontrol S88 MK3 DAW support Wide support: Ableton, Logic, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, etc. Supported: Ableton, Logic, Cubase, etc., but less mixer control. Plugin integration Broad compatibility with generic MIDI mapping. Deep NKS support: pre-mapped parameters, categories, tagging. Arturia software Excellent with Analog Lab + V Collection. Not designed for Arturia workflow. NI software Works, but not deeply. Best-in-class integration with Komplete & Kontakt. Ideal use-case Mixed plugin environment, flexibility. NI-centric production, cinematic scoring, large sample libraries. 5. Build Quality & Design Component KeyLab 88 MK3 Kontrol S88 MK3 Construction Metal chassis + wood ends; very solid. Sleek, modern, premium design. Layout Busy front panel due to many controls. Minimalist, streamlined. Hardware extras Music stand, laptop stand, rack-style frame options. Light Guide, large screens. Aesthetic “Instrument + controller” hybrid. High-end studio keyboard. 6. Use-Case Scenarios Scenario Best Choice Why All-round production / hybrid workflows KeyLab 88 MK3 Pads, faders, knobs, DAW control, broad compatibility. Deep Kontakt / Komplete library work Kontrol S88 MK3 Screens, Light Guide, preset browsing, NKS mapping. Live performance KeyLab 88 MK3 Performance controls + hardware layout. Minimalist, clean studio aesthetic Kontrol S88 MK3 Less clutter, screen-driven workflow. Sound design across multiple plugin brands KeyLab 88 MK3 Not tied to any single ecosystem. 7. Pros & Cons Summary KeyLab 88 MK3 Pros Cons Expressive hammer-action with aftertouch Busier layout Pads, faders, knobs, transport controls DAW script quality varies Broad DAW/plugin compatibility Less deep NI integration Great for all-round production Can feel “controller-heavy” Kontrol S88 MK3 Pros Cons Outstanding NI/NKS integration Limited hardware controls High-quality screens & Light Guide Best features depend on NI ecosystem Premium keybed feel Less suited to DAW mixing/beat workflows Excellent for cinematic/orchestral libraries Not a generalist controller 8. Verdict Recommendation Why Choose Arturia KeyLab 88 MK3 A flexible, hardware-rich controller great for DAW work, sound design, playing, and broad plugin compatibility. Choose NI Kontrol S88 MK3 The definitive controller for Komplete, Kontakt, and NKS libraries, with unbeatable browsing and parameter integration.

Traktor MX2: A New Beat in DJ Creativity The DJ world is buzzing, and for good reason: Native Instruments has dropped a controller that’s both familiar and forward-thinking. The Traktor MX2 isn’t just another piece of DJ gear. It’s a compact performance instrument that wraps pro-level tools into a friendly two-channel format — perfect for bedroom DJs stepping up their game, vinyl lovers exploring digital workflows, or seasoned selectors looking for a portable second rig. ...

Suno Suno has launched Suno Studio, a cloud-based platform it calls the first generative DAW - a digital audio workstation built around AI. Unlike traditional DAWs that rely only on pre-recorded sounds, Suno Studio puts generative technology at the core, letting creators compose, edit, and arrange music directly from text prompts while still offering pro-level multitrack tools. Users can upload samples, tweak tempo, pitch, and volume, and export stems for use in other software. ...

YouTube Videos [2025-01-10] Mikey Shulman, CEO @Suno: The Future of Music, What is Gonna Happen? | E1244 Mikey Shulman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Suno, the leading music AI company. Suno lets everyone make and share music. Mikey has raised over $125M for the company from the likes of Lightspeed, Founder Collective, Matrix and Nat Friedman and Daniel Gross. Prior to founding Suno, Mikey was the first machine learning engineer and head of machine learning at Kensho technologies, which was acquired by S&P Global for over $500 million.

Here is a list of useful links for the best DJ gear, controllers & software 2024 Best DJ controllers 2024: Hands-on control for Serato, rekordbox, Traktor and more - our expert picks Best DJ Gear 2024: 11 best DJ software for mixing and playlisting in 2024 Best DJ plugins of 2024: Free software and apps for DJing Best DJ Software - Top 5 Choices for Digital DJing 2024 Best Pioneer DJ Gear 2024 The best DJ controllers in 2024 The Ultimate Guide to the Best DJ Setups in 2024 for any Budget! 2023 Best DJ Gear 2023: 9 of the best DJ Controllers under $400 Best DJ Gear 2023: 8 of the best Standalone DJ Controllers in 2023 The 10 best DJ software available in 2023

About I already have a ridiculous amount of piano libraries already and I honestly don’t need anymore. However, IK Multimedia’s Pianoverse pianos sound fantastic, also the UI is great and I love the effects, couldn’t resist ! https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/pianoverse/ Individual pianos are $99.99 Pianoverse MAX currently $299 (total value $800, save $500) You get all 6 Pianoverse pianos available now plus 2 more scheduled for release Pianoverse - Concert Grand YF3 Pianoverse - Royal Upright Y5 Pianoverse - Black Diamond B280 Pianoverse - NY Grand S274 Pianoverse - Gran Concerto 278 Pianoverse - Hamburg Grand S274 Pianoverse - Liberty Upright (coming soon) Pianoverse - Black Pearl B200 (coming soon) YouTube Videos Pianoverse - The only piano instrument you’ll ever need Jordan Rudess Pianoverse Gran Concerto 278 piano virtual instrument sound demo IK Multimedia Pianoverse Sound Demo and Walkthrough Into The PIANOVERSE From IK Multimedia | Is it truly the only virtual piano you will ever need?

About The Roland Fantom EX is a series of professional-grade synthesizer workstations aimed at musicians and producers. It’s known for its versatility, high-quality sounds, and powerful features. Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics: Sounds Diverse sound library with over 7,000 tones covering various musical styles. Roland’s sound engine technologies like ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) for realistic analog sounds, ZEN-Core for sample-based sounds, V-Piano for superior piano tones, and SuperNATURAL for rich and expressive acoustic instruments. Access to premium sound content through Roland Cloud for further sonic exploration. Hardware and User Interface Comes in three models: Fantom 6 EX, 7 EX, and 8 EX, differing in the number of keys. User-friendly interface with a combination of buttons, knobs, sliders, and a large, dynamic color touchscreen for intuitive control and sound shaping. Option to personalize the interface with custom images. Workflow and Features Onboard sampling and composition tools for creating and arranging musical ideas. TR-REC step sequencer for programming drum beats and rhythmic patterns. Real-time recording with piano roll editing for capturing and editing musical performances. RGB pads for triggering sounds, samples, and launching clips. Various effects processors for adding depth and character to sounds. Here are some additional points to consider ...

About The Yamaha Montage M was released in the UK on 10th October 2023. It is the next-generation flagship synthesizer from Yamaha, building on the success of the original Montage. It boasts several improvements and new features designed to enhance the sound, control, and workflow for professional keyboardists. Here is a summary of the key aspects of the Yamaha Montage M Three Powerful Engines - Like its predecessor, Montage M features three sound engines: AN-X, AWM2, and FM-X. These engines offer a vast sonic palette, allowing you to create warm vintage analog tones, cutting-edge FM sounds, and ultra-realistic acoustic instruments. Increased Polyphony - A significant upgrade is the 400-note total polyphony, a jump from the original Montage’s 256 notes. This allows for more complex and layered sounds without worrying about dropped notes. New AN-X Virtual Analog Engine - This engine offers a fresh take on virtual analog synthesis, providing more detailed control over sound shaping. Improved User Interface - The Montage M features a redesigned user interface with new easy-edit pages and shortcuts, making sound creation and editing more intuitive and efficient. Additional Knobs and Encoders - More physical controls give you more immediate access to tweak parameters and add dynamics to your performance. VCM Rotary Speaker Effect - This new effect accurately emulates the classic sound of a Leslie speaker cabinet, adding warmth and movement to organ and electric piano sounds. Powerful USB Audio Interface - The Montage M functions as a 6-in/32-out USB audio interface, allowing you to record audio directly to your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for seamless integration into your studio workflow. Overall, the Yamaha Montage M is a premium synthesizer workstation offering a powerful combination of sound quality, versatile sound engines, improved control options, and seamless studio integration. It caters to professional keyboardists who demand the best in performance and production capabilities. ...

Below is a list of my favourite music production YouTube channels 343 Labs - teach Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Mixing & Mastering, Composition, Music Theory, Sound Design & Synthesis, Vocal Production and much more Ableton Tips by PML - Ableton Live tips & tricks to elevate your music production game Accurate Beats - music production, music gear and beatmaking Alex Rome - everything related to music production, beat making, and songwriting Alice Yalcin Efe - Mercurial Tones Academy - anything related to electronic music, from advanced production methodologies to music documentaries and vlogs Andrew Huang - Canadian YouTube personality, musician & video producer Andertons - music hardware & software reviews Applied Acoustics Systems (AAS) - official YouTube Channel of Applied Acoustics Systems. Physical Modeling since 1998. Arturia - Arturia official YouTube channel BBC Maestro - inspirational online courses taught by the most experienced creators Benn Jordan - music and science BoBeats - videos about synthesizers and music production gear Charles Cleyn - songwriting, music production, and marketing strategies to create and release great music Creative Sauce - helps you on your home recording journey David Bennett Piano - pianist and music lover creating educational music videos about all things interesting in music and music theory Doctor Mix - music production hardware & software reviews, also offers mixing & mastering service All Doctor Mix Reconstructions All My Moog Videos All Prophet Videos All Roland All Yamaha Videos Cubase Videos Doctor Mix Tips Great Drum Machines, Groove Boxes & Loopers World’s Best Synthesizers Dom Sigalas - music producer, film composer, and musicologist E-Clip - official Youtube channel for music release and music production education EDMProd - EDM production blog and resource site EDM Tips - how to produce Electronic Dance Music like a pro! – Techno, House, Trance, Progressive and much, much more Gear4music Synths & Tech - discover the latest synths, samplers, and software, with valuable tips and advice along the way Glenn Main - Norwegian electronic music composer Gospel Musicians - a plethora of instructional videos, software and resources for musicians Guy Michelmore (ThinkSpace Education) Film Scoring Interviews Music Theory Music Tutorials Reviews Sample Library Reviews Sound Tutorials ThinkSpace Education Course Trailers In The Mix - simplifying the recording, production, mixing and mastering process Jef Gibbons - video production, photography & music production Arturia Vids Cubase Basics Cubase Tutorials General Music Production Hardware Synthesizers Maschine+ Maschine Tutorials Native Instruments Expansions Virtual Instruments Joe Luegers Music Academy - step-by-step videos on musical ear training, as well as resources for music teachers of all levels Jordan Rudess - american keyboardist, composer, and software developer - voted “Best Keyboardist of All Time” Junkie XL - grammy nominated multi platinum producer, musician, composer and educator Liam Killen - electronic music producer sharing how to create music Loopop - in-depth electronic music & synth ideas tips, tricks & reviews LotusTunes Academy - learn about deep & organic house music production Martin Stürtzer - an Ambient / Electronic / Dub Techno artist from Wuppertal (Germany). He works with analog, digital, hardware and virtual instruments to create Ambient, Electronic and Dub Techno music Mastering․com - turn self-producing artists into professionally trained mastering engineers in just 9 weeks Mattias Holmgren - guides you in music production, sound design and creativity Mix with the Masters - offers the unique opportunity to work closely with the world’s top music mixers, producers and engineers and to improve one’s skills in music production Multiplier - electronic music production tutorials, reviews, vlogs, Ableton Live & Serum tutorials … muzykujkropka.com - testujemy instrumenty, aplikacje iOS i różne akcesoria dla Apple Native Instruments Native Instruments official YouTube channel Nu-Trix The Synth Guy - synthesizer reviews & music production Output - help you make music Piano From Scratch - resource to help you become a better student and learn the building blocks of music Pick Yourself - helps electronic music producers finish music they’re proud of PlugInGuru - created by John “Skippy” Lehmkuhl (Korg sound designer), home of the amazing Unify plugin Point Blank Music School - music school with courses in London, LA, Ibiza & Online Producing In The Box - how to make incredible-sounding music in the box! ProjectSAM - official channel of the creators of the acclaimed Symphobia Series, Orchestral Essentials Series and Swing! sample libraries Rachel K Collier - Welsh electronic producer & performer who makes songs and performances with Ableton Raveyard Sounds - music production tutorials ReOrder - sneak peek into the life of a DJ and music producer Rick Beato - everything music Rhodes Piano - official Rhodes channel Rob Papen - powerful instruments and plug-ins that bring together innovative design, uncompromising sound quality, and musical, production-grade presets to make your tracks shine Roland - music production hardware SamTheBeardGuy - virtual instrument reviews Sanjay C - music production, gear & tips School of Synthesis Seed To Stage - Anthony Thogmartin creating deeply informative instructional videos for learning how to use Ableton Live Simeon Amburgey (PraiseTracks) - virtual instrument reviews Heavyocity Native Instruments Kontakt Past Livestreams Plugin Guru UNIFY Vienna Symphonic Library Virtual Instrument Reviews Virtual Pianos, Searching For The Best Slynk - Ableton tutorials SonicState - gear reviews, interviews and features Sound On Sound - recording & music technology magazine Sounds Good - educational videos about music Spectrasonics - official Spectrasonics videos for Omnisphere & Keyscape State Azure - electronic music producer from the UK Studio - hands-on learning platform for cultivating your creative side Sweetwater - giving music makers the ultimate shopping experience Tom Salta - ASCAP award-winning and BAFTA-nominated composer Tom Salta is one of the most versatile and prolific music artists/producers working in film, television, advertising, and video games True Cuckoo - taking synths, bleeps, dance and pop to the stage. Underdog Electronic Music School Venus Theory - music production & reviews Bass Design Bitwig Tutorials Gear and Reviews Hardware Stuff Morning Coffee with Cameron Music Theory Stuff Producer Tips Production Tutorials Sound Design Stuff UVI Falcon Tutorial Series Vir2 Instruments - international team of sound designers, musicians, and programmers who specialize in creating the world’s most advanced virtual instrument libraries Vulture Culture - uncovering the hidden gems of the synth world Woody Piano Shack - music production & reviews Yamaha Global - official Yamaha Corporation YouTube channel Yamaha Music Europe - official YouTube Channel of Yamaha Music Europe