MetaSynth

I've owned this since around 2008, but hadn't used it for a while until the current updated version appeared.

I won't repeat the features, as you can read all about those in the specs listing. But what I will say is that if you're a genuinely experimental musician - if you want to enter into a musical environment that will generate unexpected and startlingly fresh results, and trigger new ideas and directions to go in - then this is for you. If you only want to make music that sounds like other music then you might struggle.

I previously used Metasynth mainly as a secret weapon, to augment sounds I'd made as part of conventional tracks in Logic etc. The Effects Room is an excellent suite of tools for doing this.

Getting back into it now though, I'm startled by the sheer density of what's on offer. Each of the 'rooms' is stuffed to the gills with features and unexpected parameters. I've only just begun to scratch the surface, and thinking about the potential for creativity is dizzying. And it's all organised and easy to use: the UI is excellent.

I will reiterate that it's not a platform to come to if you aren't willing to be surprised, and aren't open-minded or of an exploratory nature, but if you are there's riches here to keep you going for years.