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VST/AU plug-in instrument/effect round-up: Week 15

By Ben Rogerson
published 22 June 2011

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One synth; three effects

One synth; three effects

XILS-Lab is rapidly becoming of the premier developers of virtual analogue synths, and its latest model has just been announced. We’ve also got a colouring filter, a gate and a new tool for mash-up makers.

Also check out these regularly updated features:

The 17 best VST plug-in synths in the world today

The 14 best VST plug-in drum machines in the world today

If you've got a new PC or Mac plug-in, make sure you let us know about it by emailing musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com with all the details.

NEXT: XILS-lab Synthix

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XILS-lab Synthix
PC, Mac/VST, AU, RTAS, €169

XILS-lab Synthix

This new 16-voice virtual analogue synth takes its inspiration from an ‘80s hardware synth with a similar name, but isn’t a strict emulation. Enhancements include new LFO types, a polytimbral mode and eight independent layers. If you purchase now as part of the group buy offer, you could get up to 50% off the full price.

Buy or download demo of XILS-lab Synthix

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One Small Clue Preston Gate
PC/VST, $49

One Small Clue Preston Gate

Billed as a high quality gate, expander and ducker, Preston Gate is said to be ideal for adding punch to drums, dynamics shaping and noise removal. It can be triggered by either an audio or MIDI signal and also features high and low cut filters for improved gating accuracy.

Buy or download demo of One Small Clue Preston Gate

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Sinevibes Filther
Mac/AU, $19

Sinevibes Filther

This ‘colouring’ eight-pole -48 db/low-pass filter is designed to add character to any sound. It also features dual-stage waveshaping distortion and in input envelope follower with adjustable sensitivity and smoothness. Its capabilities are said to range from deep low-end isolation through juicy wah-wah to growling sweeps and waveform sculpting.

Buy or download demo of Sinevibes Filther

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QuikQuak MashTactic
PC, Mac/VST, AU, £50

QuikQuak MashTactic

Originally designed as a mash-up tool, MashTactic can split a mix into eight zones. These can then be panned, emphasised or cut out completely. The developer says that you can think of it as an eight-band filter that deals with stereo ranges as well as frequency. Here’s a demo video.

Buy or download demo of QuikQuak MashTactic

Liked this? Now read: Free music software: the best audio app and plug-in downloads on the net

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Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
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I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it. 

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