About ModWheel
We built ModWheel to solve a specific problem: most sample library reviews are rewritten press releases. We are working composers who need tools that actually work in a deadline-driven environment.
Who This Is For
Our content is written for working composers, producers, and sound designers. We assume you know the basics of a DAW and are looking for tools that provide specific colors, textures, or workflow advantages. We prioritize reliability, speed, and character over endless feature lists. If a library sounds great but takes 5 minutes to load, it’s not for us.
Our Testing Process
We don't just open a preset and play a C major chord. We test every library in actual production scenarios. This ranges from writing rapid sketches to delivering commercial pitches. We evaluate how they perform in a dense template, not just in isolation. We look for:
- Dynamic Range: Does it sound good at `pp` and `ff`?
- Playability: Can you perform a convincing line without drawing strict automation curves?
- Mixability: Does it sit in a mix without excessive EQ?
Why You Should Trust Us
Trust is the currency of the web. We preserve ours by buying the majority of the plugins we review. Occasionally, vendors provide NFR (Not For Resale) copies for evaluation, but this never guarantees a review or a positive verdict. We are reader-supported: if you buy through our links, we may earn a commission, but our editorial choices are never for sale. We will always tell you if a product is not worth your money.
Also Considered
The market is flooded with plugins. For every category (like "Cinematic Pianos"), we audition the top 8 to 15 standard options. We discard any that suffer from poor scripting, slow load times, or uninspiring sampling. If we don't review something popular, it's usually because it didn't pass our initial "inspiration test."