TABLE OF CONTENTS Computer processing speeds have now reached the point where it is becoming increasingly viable to run software simulations of synthesizers, samplers and drum machines on machines like the Apple G4 within the popular MIDI + Audio DAWs, such as Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Logic Audio and Cubase VST providing an even more highly integrated environment for music recording and production. Just as the wide range of software signal processing plug-ins has been developed bringing the outboard into the computer environment now the programmers are bringing in the MIDI gear as well. These software simulations are also known as virtual instruments, as they are constructed using computer code rather than real hardware.
One of the first virtual instruments was Rebirth 338 a simulated TR808 drum machine plus a simulated TB303 synthesizer which plugs into Cubase VST or other software using a technology called Rewire. The Roland TR808 and TB303 were probably the most popular pair of analogue drum and bass synthesizer units ever made. The wonderfully named Propellerheads came up with the utterly brilliant idea of recreating these in software and this really started the whole virtual instruments ball rolling.
Widely used in dance music and rap, the TR808 is revered for its bass drum and sought after for its quirky snare, toms, congas and other sounds. The TB303 can play basslines or melodic lines and can easily be persuaded to make all the sorts of squeeks and blats you hear on acid house or trance records. You actually get...
