Katherine Reed
Katherine soaked up Bristol's bass-heavy, dub-influenced sound as a teenager and it never left her ears. She's drawn to low end, rhythm and the culture of sound systems. She writes about bass, electronic music and studio gear.
Articles by Katherine Reed
Novation Circuit Tracks Explained: Features, Types and Tips
The Novation Circuit Tracks combines two polyphonic Nova synth tracks with four drum tracks and a 32-step sequencer in a battery-powered portable groovebox.
A Guide to Akai Mpc
Since 1988 the Akai MPC has gone from a boxy 12-bit sampler to a full standalone production system. Here's the story and the technology behind it.
Sp 404 for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The pads and the menus look intimidating from the outside. Here's a calm, step-by-step start with the SP-404 for a genuine first-timer.
Cdj: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying your first CDJ is a big decision. This guide walks you through what actually matters — workflow, specs that count, budget reality and common mistakes.
Everything You Need to Know About Vst Choirs
A choir VST can transform your arrangements, but choices range from free pads to professional orchestral libraries. Discover how to pick the right one for your needs.
The Best Dj Sets for the Money
There's no single best DJ set — only the right tier for what you're actually trying to do. Here's how the options break down by budget and use case.
A Guide to Novation Circuit
The Novation Circuit is a standalone groovebox combining a two-part synthesiser, drum machine and 32-step sequencer in a hardware format designed for live improvisation. Here is how it works and what...
Beat Pad for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Connect, map, record, quantise — here's the complete first-session walkthrough for getting started with beat production on a pad controller.
Common Midi Keyboard Mistakes to Avoid
A MIDI keyboard is relatively simple — but the mistakes are predictable. Katherine explains what goes wrong and how to avoid it.
Everything You Need to Know About De Esser Plugin
A de esser plugin reduces harsh sibilant frequencies in vocals. Understand how they work, proper settings, and when to use them for professional vocal recordings.
Common Roland Synthesizer Mistakes to Avoid
Roland synthesizers are accessible, but accessibility breeds particular habits that limit your progress — here is what to watch for.
The Best Novation Circuit Tracks for the Money
From best starting patches to ideal companion hardware and live performance settings, this guide covers how to get the most from the Novation Circuit Tracks.
Serum Plugin: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The practical guide to purchasing Serum — what the licence covers, how Serum 2 differs from the original, and whether the third-party preset ecosystem is worth your money.
The Complete Guide to Record Cleaner Brush
A record cleaner brush removes dust and static from vinyl records, preventing damage and maintaining playback quality through simple routine maintenance.
Plugin Boutique for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The catalogue is huge and the flash sales are relentless. Here's how to actually get started buying plugins without overspending or downloading something you can't use.
Mpc One: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A spec sheet can seduce anyone. Here's how to work out whether the MPC One actually fits your workflow before you commit.
Common Midi Foot Controller Mistakes to Avoid
Most MIDI foot controller problems come down to a short list of common errors. Here are the ones to know about — and the specific fixes that resolve each one immediately.
How to Set Up and Use Pioneer Dj Decks
From wiring to your first blend, here is the proper order for setting up Pioneer DJ decks, preparing a rekordbox USB, getting your gain staging right and fixing the setup problems that trip up newcome...
The Best Sample Pads for the Money
A ranked guide to the best sample pads at each price point — for live drumming, beatmaking, and entry-level performance.
Ableton Live for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Ableton Live can feel overwhelming on day one. Here's a simple, encouraging path from a blank screen to your first recorded idea.
Numark Industries Lp: A Complete Guide
Numark Industries delivers reliable DJ equipment at accessible prices. This guide explores their turntables, controllers and how to select equipment for your DJing needs.
Everything You Need to Know About Ableton Live
Ableton Live is one of the most distinctive DAWs around, built for improvising as much as editing. Here's what it actually does and how it fits together.
Dj Controller for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Getting started with a DJ controller is accessible — but knowing the right order to learn things makes all the difference. This beginner's guide gets you mixing properly from the first session.
What Katherine Reed covers
Analog Synthesizer
Analog synthesizers for creative sound design, live performance and distinctive hardware-based music production.
Bass Synthesizer
Bass synthesizers for expressive low-end sound design and practical studio or live use.
Behringer Synthesizer
Affordable synthesis instruments for beginners and experienced players who want hands-on sound design and analogue-style...
Korg Synthesizer
Korg synthesizers combine expressive sound design with practical control for stage, studio and creative work.
MIDI Controller
Flexible controllers for software instruments, recording and live performance, from compact pads to full keyboard setups...
1 topic
MIDI Keyboard
Compact or full-size controllers for software instruments, hardware synths and production workflows in studio or live se...
1 topic
Roland Synthesizer
Roland synthesizers for electronic sound design, live control and flexible studio or stage performance.
1 topic
Synthesizer
Find a synthesizer for studio sound design, live performance and electronic music, from classic analogue tones to versat...
13 topicsPopular topics
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