Now that both DirectX and VST‑specific plug‑ins can be accessed by such a wide variety of applications, it makes sense to organise them in a more global fashion, so that a vital folder doesn't disappear during a routine update to another application. This is partly due to software protection problems (as I discussed in November's PC Notes), but also because of the simultaneous arrival of Wavelab 3.0 and Cubase 3.71. This month I seem to have spent an inordinate amount of time re‑installing and moving plug‑ins. You can download it from This month Martin Walker examines the changes in the latest Cubase VST v3.71 update, and finds you yet more musical freeware!

It certainly sounds exactly like the original (if my memory serves me well), and in honour of its most illustrious user, Stylophone VST has been dubbed RolfWare. Unlike the original, this VST Instrument provides eight notes of polyphony and full MIDI control. Stylophone VST lets you recreate the memorable tones of the original Stylophone Classic.

Here's a chance to incorporate the sound of a classic '60s synth into your latest songs.

Downloading Steinberg VST Live Pro 1.3