Easily setting the standard when it comes to home studio sound, the flat and neutral frequency response of Yamaha HS Series models, even despite the compact size, delivers everything that engineers and producers need in a studio monitor. The HS4 fills an important hole in the HS Series lineup. Unlike the HS3, the HS4 features a 4.5 inch woofer and 1 inch tweeter: a format and configuration that's perfectly optimised for engineering, production, writing and content creating in smaller studio spaces - but without losing out on sound quality. Class-D AmplificationWhat makes both the HS3 and HS4 monitors so special is the Class-D amplifier that comes built in and controls both monitors at the same time. This doesn't just save weight, but means that your XLR, jack and RCA cables only need to be hooked up to one monitor, while a single cable links the pair. Both monitors also come housed in a robust MDF cabinet, which isn't just durable but helps reduce resonance to result in tight sound and, one of the best-kept secrets of these near-unrivalled Yamaha monitors has to be the Twisted Flare Port: a smart piece of tech that reduces the noise caused by air turbulence in the bass reflex port, giving you more defined and more accurate low-frequency reproduction.

In the tight form of the Bridge Cast, Roland serve up 'Pro Sound for Pro Gamers' by blending an audio interface with a podcasting mixer to complete a console that can fully level-up your gaming sound, and on top of that, the Bridge Cast has also been fully primed to support professional live streams. This desktop hub comes pre-packed with features designed to make the heart of any gamer beat a little faster, including effects that you can add to your voice and the ability to mix multiple tracks. This unit even supports broadcast-grade microphones and headphones, setting up any vlogger and streamer with a slick and progressive sidekick. Produce Professional Mixes Via the Bridge Cast, you can quickly dial in a mix of everything you need to hear via the bank of level controls provided for your microphones, chats, the gameplay sound and your background music. At the same time, you can craft a mix for your listeners and completely streamline the experience. Via the fitted line-out you can hook up a set of external gaming speakers, and to really polish everything up, you can apply effects, including equalisation and compression, a low-cut filter to shave off the low-end and soften the plosive sounds like 'P', 'S' and 'T' in your speech, and a noise suppressor to eliminate any unwanted background noise. The beauty of this compact system is that everything happens inside the hardware via an onboard DSP chip, leaving the CPU of your computer free to focus on more important things. Fully Customisable So users can stamp their Bridge Cast with their own unique brand, Roland have made it easy to unscrew and remove the faceplate so you can download a template, create your own custom skin and get it printed onto a sticker that can be placed it over the faceplate before reinstalling it to complete a fully personalised look. Besides stamping your console with your brand colours and your logo or gamer tag, you can also pick your own LED colour-way to match. Besides customising the aesthetics, your own custom sounds can be saved as presets and called up later and, if you need to hear the dialogue or certain sounds like footsteps more clearly, then you can also save sound settings as a preset and call them up for specific games.BGM CastIf you want to add some background music to your content and streams, then one of the first hurdles is rights and royalties. You could, of course, just make your own music, but if you're not so inclined, then Roland make things easier with BGM Cast, which supplies royalty-free music made by AI which has been checked and optimised for the human ear. With a free Roland account, you get a library of thirty-six background tracks and sixteen sound effects, but when you opt for Roland Cloud Core membership via the Bridge Cast app, then you gain access to thousands of extra tracks and hundreds of sound effects.

And so we arrive at the tenth edition of the Arturia V Collection: an iconic collection of virtual vintage synths that only gets better with every fresh release. From the MiniMoog and the Jupiter to the CS-80, the ARP 2600, the Yamaha DX7 and the 'Wurli', the Arturia V Collection X sets you up with every synth-based plug-in you ever wished for. Whether you're into synth-pop, film score or experimental music, this plug-in bundle is always worth the investment.

The hyper-popular fourth-gen KRK Rokit has gone into retirement, ushering in the age of the fifth-gen KRK Rokit 5 G5. Believe the hype: this fan-favourite should never, ever be underestimated. Just like the studio monitors that came before it, this model grants musicians, producers, beat-makers and writers affordable access to the quality of sound demanded by both the production and mixing process.The KRK Rokit 5 G5 Studio MonitorThis 5 inch model is ideal for medium-sized spaces, so if you've set up your studio workspace in a large bedroom, this monitor will be perfect. While you might be tempted by the deeper bass of bigger models, more bass demands more space - otherwise you're looking at a warped audio image that creates more issues than it does solutions. So, it's the size as well as the price that makes the 5 inch Rokit such a popular choice. Meanwhile, the 54 Hz to 30 kHz (+/- 3 dB) frequency response has been perfectly calibrated for most popular music, which doesn't do any harm either.High-End OptionsThis monitor comes with three different operating modes: Mix, Focus and Create. The Mix setting is ideal for the mixing phase, which will probably be the most-used mode. The Focus setting, meanwhile is an ultra-valuable yet more specialised mode that emphasises the mid-frequencies, where the more critical instruments in your production are likely to sit, so it's usually the area of your mix that requires the most attention. To finish, the Create setting supports more casual listening, so is perfect for the writing process (the bit before the more critical mixing phase). Another handy feature is the bank of EQ settings which, in earlier times, you wouldn't even touch since neutral sound during mixing used to be considered a must, but because more and more producers are aware of the acoustic colouring of the space they work in, some EQ settings are pretty useful when it comes to compensating for any less-than-optimal acoustics.

The hyper-popular fourth-gen KRK Rokit has gone into retirement, ushering in the age of the fifth-gen KRK Rokit 7 G5. Believe the hype: this fan-favourite should never, ever be underestimated. Just like the studio monitors that came before it, this model grants musicians, producers, beat-makers and writers affordable access to the quality of sound demanded by both the production and mixing process. While the 5 inch edition is the most popular model going, if you're in need of a little more low-end 'oomph' and have the space for it, this 7 inch Rokit will definitely do it for you.The KRK Rokit 7 G5 Studio MonitorThe larger 7 inch woofer is able to dive 9 Hertz deeper than the 5 inch model, which might not sound like much, but remember: as the frequency gets lower, the volume gets louder. Basically, the numbers are good - especially if you want to work on full-bodied EDM or even orchestral music as well as pop. Just be aware that more bass demands more space, so make sure that you're working in a room that's big enough to handle that 7 inch woofer, otherwise you'll be looking at mix-warping wall-reflections, so it might be worth investing in some absorber panels and bass traps while you're at it.High-End OptionsThis monitor comes with three different operating modes: Mix, Focus and Create. The Mix setting is ideal for the mixing phase, which will probably be the most-used mode. The Focus setting, meanwhile is an ultra-valuable yet more specialised mode that emphasises the mid-frequencies, where the more critical instruments in your production are likely to sit, so it's usually the area of your mix that requires the most attention. To finish, the Create setting supports more casual listening, so is perfect for the writing process (the bit before the more critical mixing phase). Another handy feature is the bank of EQ settings which, in earlier times, you wouldn't even touch since neutral sound during mixing used to be considered a must, but because more and more producers are aware of the acoustic colouring of the space they work in, some EQ settings are pretty useful when it comes to compensating for any less-than-optimal acoustics.

At the moment of writing, the Audient ORIA is the world's first audio interface and monitor controller in one to support immersive audio platforms. With this unit, you're free to mix in Dolby Atmos but you can also calibrate and control your monitors in detail - and with the ORIA - we're talking multiple monitor pairs and speaker setups in everything from a standard stereo configuration all the way up to 9.1.6 systems. A USB-C Audio Interface or Standalone Monitor Controller The ORIA can not only serve as a high-end, studio-ready USB-C audio interface that seamlessly integrates with your studio rig, but features ADAT inputs, so it can also simply be linked up to your current interface to serve as a tight, standalone monitor controller. Advanced Speaker ProcessingAnyone working with professional audio, and especially with multi-speaker setups, will be well aware of how fiddly it can be to calibrate your speakers to match the room acoustics. To relieve producers and engineers of the stress, Audient have kitted out the ORIA with Advanced Speaker Processing - an intelligent perk that makes room calibration that much quicker and that much easier. Users can even create custom presets for stereo and surround systems and, so you're assured of impeccable results, Audient has even enlisted the expert help of Sonarworks. In short: whether you're working in the film, TV, music, or gaming world, this versatile unit provides the ultimate solution.

Whether you're a producer, musician, gamer, live-streamer or podcaster, with the Steinberg IXO12 audio interface you're assured of crystal-clean sound thanks to a studio-grade IXO preamp and premium converters. This 1-in/2-out interface doesn't just support audio resolutions up to 24-bit/192 kHz and latency-free monitoring via the fitted headphone output thanks to the USB-C connection, but can be slotted into a backpack and set up for recording on-location. Best of all, this sleek little audio interface doesn't cost a fortune. Full iOS Compatibility The IXO12 comes complete with the Cubasis DAW app for iOS, allowing you to record audio wherever you want. Simply connect the audio interface to your iPhone or iPad using a USB-C cable or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter kit (not included) and you're ready to record. Cubasis is essentially a mobile version of Steinberg's industry-leading Cubase DAW software and, since this interface is fully class-compliant, no extra drivers are required. Simply plug in and start working via a smooth and intuitive interface. Loopback Function for Podcasts and Live-StreamsIf you've made a podcast or a live-stream before, you no doubt know that it's important that your audience can hear the same audio that you're hearing. With the Steinberg IXO12, there's no need for complicated workarounds involving virtual devices to properly set up your stream or podcast, because this interface has been equipped with a dedicated loopback function. Via this solid feature, you can effortlessly route your in-game sound, music or other system audio back into the interface and work it into your live-stream or recording. The result is a streamlined, fuss-free workflow.

The Transcend ESD265C is a high-speed external SSD in a slim and lightweight housing. The whole thing weighs next to nothing and can simply be slipped into your jacket pocket. Equipped with a USB 3.2 (Gen2, 10Gb/s) type-C interface, the ESD265C can be connected to almost every modern laptop, gaming console and smart device using the included USB-C or USB-C to USB-A cable, and supports all common operating system including Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Secure Data Protection and Management Transcend's newest SSDs come including the Transcend Elite software so you can activate password protection for either your SSD as a whole or specific documents. You can even go one step further and lock your files using 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standards (AES) encryption, making it practically impossible for unauthorised users to access your personal data. The software also offers backup, restore and cloud-based features and is available in the form of both Windows/MacOS software and an iOS/Android app.

A mini-SSD in the form of a USB-A stick complete with two terabytes of storage space, the Transcend ESD320A is a pocket-sized magician backed up by a maximum reading speed of 1050 MB/s and a maximum writing speed of 950 MB/s. The size of this SSD is impressive and completely removes the need for any connecting cables or power supplies, completing a clean and tight data storage solution, whether you're backing up your laptop or tablet or simply saving files. This little USB stick can even be used to expand the storage capacity of, say, your gaming console.Transcend Elite: Enhanced Data Integrity & Protection So that all of your data can be fully secured and protected against unauthorised use, a copy of Transcend Elite software comes included. This software supports 256-bit data encryption; cloud uploads (Google Drive, oneDrive, iCloud and Dropbox); restoration from any point in the backup task list; and data decryption.

One of Zoom's best-selling multi-track recorders, the H4N has been upgraded with 32-bit float technology - enter the Zoom H4Essential. Thanks to the new tech, this 4-track recorder does away with the need to set the input level for your recordings. The H4Essential simply does that for you and will even automatically adjust the level setting for optimum results without noise or distortion. The dynamic range is always broad enough for both really loud and really quiet parts. User-Friendly: Also For Blind and Partially Sighted UsersIn addition to the audio quality, Zoom have also upgraded the user friendliness by adding audio support to the menu so that, when navigating the settings and functions, the names are called out via the built-in speaker or headphone output. This makes the H4Essential a safe pick for blind and visually impaired users. Send Audio to Your PC or PhoneWith the H4Essential, you can stream in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card. When connected to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C port, the H4essential can be used as a 4-in/2-out audio interface. MicroSDHC/SDXC cards up to 1TB are supported.Colour OLED Display and Bluetooth Timecode This is the first Zoom recorder that's kitted out with a full-colour OLED display, making it particularly easy to access settings and recordings. You also have the option to pair the recorder using the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter (not included) to synchronise audio with video when the H4Essential is connected to a video camera via the fitted mini-jack line output or when it's connected to an iOS device. The Perfect Tool for Interviews and PodcastsSince the H4Essential is equipped with both an XY stereo microphone and two XLR inputs, it's perfect for podcasters, interviewers and other content creators as you're free to plug external microphones into the XLR ports and mix ambient audio with your main recordings later on. Needless to say, the whole thing is nicely compact and portable.

Still the most-used DAW package around, whether you're an EDM producer or a self-recording musician, Ableton Live has already reached it's 12th incarnation. The Ableton Live 12 Suite edition is the biggest version in the line-up, and is still as aptly named as ever, since this software has been designed for exactly what it says: Live. Alongside the standard-issue recording functions and workflows, you get access to an array of tools designed for live music-making, or in Ableton-speak, clips can be created and triggered on the fly using an Ableton controller - a solid bonus for creative DJs and musicians alike. This is exactly the Ableton Live draw: electronic music that's actually interactive and anything but static.What's New in Ableton Live 12 Suite?The basic vibe and technical options of the new version are the same across the Intro, the Standard and the Suite editions. The difference between them lies in the included sounds and effects. Since this is the most extensive edition, Suite includes the whole deal - so much in fact, that it would be impossible to list everything here. But here's a quick glance at some of the highlights: an improved version of Operator comes included, granting access to a virtual FM synthesizer complete with subtractive potential. Meld is an all-new soft synth that packs fat sounds and MPE support (a must-have for sound-designers). Granulator III is another new addition, giving you everything you could ever want from granular synthesis. On the side, you also get some exclusive Ableton Packs, including the Lost and Found and Performance Pack. All in all, you're looking at over 71 gigabytes of packs, samples and loops, plus 58 audio effects and 14 MIDI effects, all navigated and manipulated via the smooth, signature Ableton interface.Version 12 AdditionsOther general version 12 updates include full support for screen readers, which is brilliant news for users with visual impairments. And, since searching for a sound was always a bit of a hassle, a smart search function that brings up sounds that come close to what you're already working with is a real time-saving tweak, as well as other great features like User Tagging, which even extends to the included Packs. And that's on top of the options to save search results and access your search history, so you can always find just the right things, whether you're in the studio or mid-set.

Still the most-used DAW package around, whether you're an EDM producer or a self-recording musician, Ableton Live has already reached its 12th incarnation. While you don't get the full mountains of sounds and effects that come with the Suite edition, Ableton Live 12 Standard still includes a pretty hefty chunk of it, and that's alongside the classic Ableton concept: a blend of two workflows, so alongside the standard-issue recording functions and features, you get access to an array of tools designed for live music-making, or in Ableton-speak, clips can be created and triggered on the fly using an Ableton controller - a solid bonus for creative DJs and musicians alike. This is exactly the Ableton Live draw: electronic music that's actually interactive and anything but static.What's New in Ableton Live 12 Standard?The basic vibe and technical options of the new version are the same across the Intro, the Standard and the Suite editions. The difference between them lies in the included sounds and effects. So, while Standard is a touch more trim than Suite, you're still getting more than enough to play with. What separates Standard from Intro is the inclusion of both the Golden Era Drums and Trap Drums libraries from Sound Oracle, as well as an array of virtual instruments like Electric Keyboards, Orchestral Strings, Session Drums (Club and Studio) and Synth Essentials. The list of everything that you get is actually too long to fit here, but be assured that it's long, and includes every essential and even non-essential to support pro-grade recordings and performances.Version 12 AdditionsOther general version 12 updates include full support for screen readers, which is brilliant news for users with visual impairments. And, since searching for a sound was always a bit of a hassle, a smart search function that brings up sounds that come close to what you're already working with is a real time-saving tweak, as well as other great features like User Tagging, which even extends to the included Packs. And that's on top of the options to save search results and access your search history, so you can always find just the right things, whether you're in the studio or mid-set.