ABSTRACT
Software instruments and effects are the backbone of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Whereas the project studio was once crowded with racks and racks of outboard gear, hardware samplers, synth keyboards, sound modules, reverb units, and drum machines, it’s more likely now that your whole production studio fits in your backpack or at the most takes up a small corner in your bedroom, just you, your computer, an audio interface, and your MIDI controller. By no means should you abandon all analog devices or reduce your project studio down to a shoulder bag, but trends have led us to the point where there are many amazing software-based sample libraries, virtual instruments, and every imaginable digital signal processor (DSP)-powered effect plug-in you can imagine. Some of you have never even handled outboard gear except at the used and discounted section of your local pro audio store. That being said, don’t go running out and trading in all your hardware—not that anyone would take it; but you should consider buying at least some more RAM and a large capacity hard drive! While you’re at it, don’t forget to pick up or upgrade to Live 9 Suite and download a few Packs too!
