At one time, if you wanted the best sounds, you had to buy an expensive hardware synth or sampler. When you wanted a new sound, you went shopping for a newer keyboard or MIDI module. Lots of us are still paying off instruments we bought in the 1990s – or even the ’80s! Today’s hottest new sounds are available right on your Mac or PC – even your laptop! Virtual instruments have opened a whole new world of sonic possibilities for studio musicians and live performers, delivering recreations of vintage analog synths, totally new digital sounds, or realistic emulations of acoustic instruments. Want to know which “soft synths” are right for you? Just go to Sweetwater’s Guide to Virtual Instruments and MIDI Controllers for features, articles and even some awesome videos. Experts like Craig Anderton and Nick Batzdorf can help you keep up with the state of the art in virtual instruments. Oh, and you’ll actually have fun doing it!