Beat combines competent hardware and software tests with dedicated reviews as well as reports and interviews from musicians and the music business. We will report on music production with the latest synthesizers and computers, introduce new trends in recording, and always have our finger on the pulse with up-to-date reports. Many well-known specialist report on the widespread music production solutions and experienced editors take care of the most important entertainment and scene topics. This magazine is a platform for musicians and contains a regular demo and MP3 section for readers as well as a download with high-quality sample and music files for creative musicians. Software licenses available while stock lasts. You can check the availability of each product here: www.plugins-samples.com/all-issues
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SOFTWARE HIGHLIGHTS
Navigator: Best of Beat # 247
Magazine
HEY! BEAT introduces itself
My Personal Superbooth Diary • Dear diary … after years away from synths, this was only my second year at Superbooth, so please forgive me if some of this is old news to you. The short version: I thought it was brilliant! The long version: I’ll tell you here why, and what my highlights were …
Our SUPERBOOTH26 highlight: Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave • Bob Coover was clearly one of the rising stars at Superbooth. His Groove Synthesis booth was constantly packed, and he truly captivated his audience with his enthusiasm during the presentation of the 3rd++ Wave synthesizer. Cool!
Can Modules Dance? • We were out and about with our recorder again and have to say: Holy moly! The trip to Superbooth and our CV FREQS Eurorack concert afterwards was well worth the journey. The line-up was top-class, the venue absolutely authentic and, thanks to our co-sponsor Tascam, we were able to mix and record everything – so you can listen to the sets again afterwards. Win-win! Find out here exactly what you might have missed - and what we’ve still got in store for you …
THE BEST HARDWARE DEALS UNDER 500 EUROS THE BUYER‘S GUIDE FOR SMART PRODUCERS • Fuel, food, going out … everything has been getting more expensive for quite some time now, and the fun is getting left behind. Or is it? No, because cutting yourself to pieces through saving isn’t the answer! In this masterclass, we’ll show you why 2026 is the year of the “Smart Producer.” From serious analog synths and wavetable and granular specialists to portable samplers, controllers, and effect pedals that won’t blow your budget, we present exciting hardware highlights under 500 Euros so you can more quickly find the tool that truly fits your workflow. So hopefully at the end of the money there won‘t be that much month left again.
What are you really missing? • Budget gear is tempting: a small synth on sale, an affordable pedal for more mojo, a controller instead of a mouse. But not every new device makes your setup better. Sometimes what you‘re missing is new sounds, and sometimes it‘s more structure. Maybe you already have everything you need and simply need to get to know your gear a little better. This buyer‘s guide will show you whether your next tool will be a game changer or just another dust collector with USB-C.
10 questions for new gear • G.A.S. or a real need? Every new device should genuinely improve your setup, not just excite you for a short time. Answer the following questions honestly before investing. If you hesitate on several points, that‘s not a bad sign – it‘s a valuable clue. Maybe you don‘t actually need a new tool right now. Maybe what you‘re really missing is a clearer understanding of what‘s slowing down your workflow.
Synths: Compact all-rounders & modern classics
Synths: Analog charmers
Synths: Digital sound designers
Your hardware needs effects! • Guitar pedals on a synth? Absolutely!...