It has never been as easy to stay "in the box" as it is now. There are lots of software virtual instruments out there; some emulate hardware instruments, and others offer completely new sounds. That said, there's something special about performing on a synthesizer or MIDI instrument with its own sound engine that's difficult, if not impossible, to ...

​We're in a golden age of sampled instruments; these days, you can find realistic-sounding samples of everything, including drums. Back in the day, programmed drums sounded artificial and mechanical. Today, drums only have to sound that way if you want them to — and that sound is perfect for certain tracks! But assuming you want realistic-sounding ...