> Step by step

1. Getting started with Beatskillz Synthwave Keys

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As Synthwave Keys is a ROMpler, we couldn’t fit all of its installers on this month’s DVD so they are at filesilo.co.uk to download. If you haven’t already, create an account there, head to the Computer Music folder, issue 288 and answer the easy question related to this issue of the magazine. You will now get access to this month’s content. 2

There are four installers under the Software section of 288 at filesilo. co.uk: AU and VST Mac versions plus a 64-bit Windows version and a 32-bit one for older PC systems. Each installer is just over 3GB in size as this is a sample-based plugin. Simply select the one for your system and download! 3

It’s a 3.15GB fie so may take some time to download. It has also been compressed, so once downloaded, head to your download area and uncompress the .zip file. While you are at it, you might as well download the PDF manual we have up on the site as well. 4

Now you simply have to install the software, so double-click on the file that you have created when uncompressing and the software should install automatically. 5

When you open your DAW, Synthwave Keys should be picked up automatically as shown with Logic above as it scans for new Audio Units. However, you might need to restart your machine – we did – before the software is picked up. 6

That done, you should now be able to pick up Synthwave Keys as any regular plugin in your instruments folder. Again we’re showing Logic, with Synthwave Keys picked up in the Beatskillz folder.

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Let’s have a quick run through the controls you get with Synthwave Keys. Like we said in the main text, this is all about playing the sounds and the main preset area is in the centre of the UI for selecting from the 100 presets.

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The LFO section on the left is rudimentary but allows you to select from five waveforms to give your sound a wobbling effect, the rate and depth of which is controlled by the two faders.