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  1. Tech
  2. Software & Apps
  3. Plugins

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

News
By Ben Rogerson published 22 June 2011

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

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

Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5
XILS-lab Synthix

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

Page 2 of 5
Page 2 of 5
One Small Clue Preston Gate

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

Page 3 of 5
Page 3 of 5
Sinevibes Filther

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

Page 4 of 5
Page 4 of 5
QuikQuak MashTactic

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

Connect with MusicRadar: via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Page 5 of 5
Page 5 of 5
Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
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Deputy Editor

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. 

Deals not to miss
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Black Friday plugin deals 2025 LIVE: I'm logging all the unmissable deals this weekend with huge discounts on killer software from Native Instruments, IK Multimedia, Plugin Boutique and around the web
 
 
Soundtoys SpaceBlender
Soundtoys makes some of the best effects plugins we've ever tested - and they're discounted by up to 75% for Black Friday
 
 
cubase 15
Steinberg unveils Cubase 15, a "major leap forward" for its flagship DAW with new instruments, effects, modulators and AI-powered stem separation
 
 
A selection of free plugins on a lime green background
I've found 9 free plugin deals for Black Friday including a killer bundle deal - help yourself to something for nothing
 
 
A Macbook running Universal Audio plugins on a studio desk
Universal Audio's genuine Black Friday freebie is still live - for now. Take your pick from an 1176, LA-2A, Pultec EQ, and more completely free of charge
 
 
Soma Laboratory Warp
“Create endless soundscapes out of almost any sound”: Soma Labs Warp is a digital effect powerhouse
 
 
Latest in Plugins
Toontrack Hitmaker SDX
I've waited for Toontrack's Hitmaker SDX Expansion to be discounted ever since it was released. Now it's nearly half-price for Black Friday and I'm about to ruin Christmas by spending way too much on Superior Drummer samples in Thomann's Cyber Week Sale
 
 
Soundtoys SpaceBlender
Soundtoys makes some of the best effects plugins we've ever tested - and they're discounted by up to 75% for Black Friday
 
 
A selection of free plugins on a lime green background
I've found 9 free plugin deals for Black Friday including a killer bundle deal - help yourself to something for nothing
 
 
ValhallaDSP Supermassive 5.0
Valhalla Supermassive 5 can do everything from clean delay to “nearly eternal space reverbs” – and it’s free!
 
 
A selection of Universal Audio Spark plugins on a multi-coloured background
With a year’s UAD Spark subscription plummeting to just $79, this plugin deal is the best way to improve your mixes over the next 12 months
 
 
A Macbook running Universal Audio plugins on a studio desk
Universal Audio's genuine Black Friday freebie is still live - for now. Take your pick from an 1176, LA-2A, Pultec EQ, and more completely free of charge
 
 
Latest in News
Roland TD716 Black Friday
Roland's TD716 electronic drum set is designed to be a VST killer. Now it's had a massive $1,800 wiped off the price at Sweetwater for Cyber Weekend – you’ll get a drum rug and throne worth nearly $500 for free, too!
 
 
Apple MacBook Air M4
If I was buying my first Apple MacBook for music-making, this is the bargain $749 Black Friday deal I’d go for
 
 
TC Electronic Plethora X1 pedal
Just £99 for 14 effects pedals in one? Surely this TC Electronic Plethora X1 compact multi-effects deal makes it the most value-packed stompbox this Black Friday
 
 
SYNTHDEALS
I've spent all day looking at Black Friday synth deals and these are the ones I'd actually buy
 
 
Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2 and Cre8audio Boom Chick
Buy bleeps, get beats free: These synth and drum machine combos are the most tempting Black Friday deals I’ve seen
 
 
Apple iPad Air M3
I’ve scoured the Earth for the best Black Friday iPad deal, and this is the one I think musicians should go for
 
 

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