Whether it’s emulating specific iconic instruments, entire sections of instruments or exploring the vast unknown possibilities of advanced computer-based synthesis, virtual instruments are invaluable tools in the toolbox of those who work with digital audio. It’s also made life much easier when clients ask for a 10 bpm increase (simply turn up the DAW tempo instead of scheduling and paying for the musicians to come to re-record in the studio). However, software instruments have made it possible for composers to create entire symphonic scores from their bedrooms and an entire generation of music producers to get their ideas out without learning multiple instruments or hiring musicians. This may be bad news for the session musician. Whether synth-based, sample-based, or a combination thereof, virtual instruments have truly changed the course of music production history. Like in-the-box mixing and mastering, which has become the norm in professional and home studios, instruments can now be recorded with software. The digital age of recording, in tandem with MIDI, has ushered in an entirely new way of making great music with virtual instruments.
