VST/AU plug-in instrument/effect round-up: Week 3

Let's get serious

Mobile platforms such as the iPad are certainly giving musicians another creative option, but let’s not forget that the majority of serious music making is still done in a PC- or Mac-based DAW, and when you want to refresh your sound, a new plug-in or two might be the way to go. Here’s the latest selection of new releases.

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 PolyKB Player

XILS-lab PolyKB II Player

XILS-lab’s PolyKB is a full-on emulation of the RSF Polykobol II analogue polysynth, but great though it is, it’ll be too much (and too expensive) for some. Hence this cutdown Player version: it’s based on the same engine but offers just a small selection of parameters for easy tweaking.

Buy XILS-lab PolyKB II Player

SKnote GTS-39

This limiting and tube compressor was developed based on measuring and testing of a vintage hardware model. It offers mono/stereo or dual mono modes, an additional hold control for envelope shaping, 8x oversampling and a ‘3D’ interface. Expect it to be available within a week or so.

Find out more about SKnote GTS-39

Tekit Audio APC Punk Console

This little plug-in emulates the Atari Punk Console - a popular DIY circuit that’s designed to produce a “fun, lo-fi sound”. It takes the form of a square wave synthesizer and sports Bleep, Bloop and Loud controls, while you’ll also find a resonant high-pass filter that self-oscillates and a gate controller with a hold function.

Buy or download demo of Tekit Audio APC Punk Console

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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.