Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • "She knew what she'd created": Back to Black
  • Trower's '80s supergroup
  • Music theory tricks
  • Stage Tour game
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Tech
  2. Software & Apps
  3. Plugins

VST/AU plug-in instrument/effect round-up: Week 39

News
By Ben Rogerson
Published 29 February 2012

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

Running the gamut

Running the gamut

There’s still time for you to vote for the best VST plug-in effect in the world today, but right here we’re looking at the brand new instruments and audio processors that are up for your consideration this week.

Also make sure you check out these regularly updated features:

The 20 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: MaxSynths Latte

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
MaxSynths Latte

MaxSynths Latte

Leaving aside jokes about this being a ‘frothy’ concept for a synth, Latte is a 2-oscillator instrument that comes with a filter, two LFOs and extensive modulation options. One of the most notable is polyphonic aftertouch, which promises to facilitate the creation of super-expressive sounds. A free 4-voice version is available, too.

Buy MaxSynths Latte

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
Softrave Harmonium Pro

Softrave Harmonium Pro

If you want to give your music a 19th century vibe, this sample-based virtual harmonium could be the way to go. Extra flavour can be added by engaging the analog drift control, and the good news is that you don’t need to use your legs to pump air into the thing. A feature-limited free version is also available.

Buy Softrave Harmonium Pro

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Cableguys VolumeShaper 3

Cableguys VolumeShaper 3

VolumeShaper is designed to shape and automate the levels of an audio signal, which means you can use it to create the likes of pumping, extreme gating and tempo-synced stutter effects. Version 3 adds an oscilloscope and an option to trigger the LFO via MIDI notes.

Buy or download demo of Cableguys VolumeShaper 3

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
G-Sonique Mid-Side: Envelope Follower/FX Multifilter

G-Sonique Mid-Side: Envelope Follower/FX Multifilter

The developer says that Mid-Side: Envelope Follower/FX Multifilter differs from some of its rivals by splitting the signal into Mid and stereo parts, each of which can be processed individually. It can be used to create “crazy, funky” sounding beats, on stereo channels or on the master channel.

Buy or download demo of G-Sonique Mid-Side: Envelope Follower/FX Multifilter

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
Sound Magic Neo Dynamic

Sound Magic Neo Dynamic

Neo Dynamic is said to be modelled on a total of 10 vintage compressors and limiters, but also promises more “sonic variety” than traditional units. Intriguingly, we’re told that it’s more like a sampler than a typical compressor/limiter, and also easy to use.

Buy or download demo of Sound Magic Neo Dynamic

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
Imea Studio Groove Drums

Imea Studio Groove Drums

Not just a sampler but a sequencer that enables you to create drum and percussion grooves. Groove Drums gives you eight channels to work with, each if which can contain 16 patterns of 24 steps. Effects are included, too - check out the demo video here.

Buy or download demo of Imea Studio Groove Drums

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Crysonic Spectralive NXT4

Crysonic Spectralive NXT4

This ‘spectral audio vitalizer/enhancer’ is designed to help you give your music a commercial, professional sheen. The big claim made of this new version is that it’s now a complete mastering tool that comes complete with two compressors plus a bass enhancer, limiter, gate and dithering capabilities.

Buy or download demo of Crysonic Spectralive NXT4

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 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
Social Links Navigation
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. 

Read more
Steinberg Classics Collection
Plugins Steinberg marks 30 years of VST with the Classics Collection, which includes the first VST synth
 
 
ujam
Tech UJAM's Retrocraft is an all-in-one multi-effects plugin for lo-fi vintage vibes
 
 
A guitar VST running in Kontakt player on a computer
Plugins Best guitar VSTs 2026: Get the best simulated guitar tones for your next production
 
 
Native Instruments Komplete 26
Soft Synths “We know you want it, but do you really (really) need it?”: Native Instruments Komplete 26 review
 
 
lucid
Tech Minimal Audio's Lucid is a granular powerhouse with scale locking, deep modulation and much more
 
 
lunacy
Tech Lunacy launches Nova platform with five free virtual instruments – but bigger things are on the way
 
 
Latest in Plugins
autotune
Tech "Since 1997, the complaint about pitch correction has been the same: it takes the singer out of the singing. That's the problem DVA was built to solve": Antares launches AutoTune Advanced with new DVA vibrato engine
 
 
autotune
Tech Antares AutoTune Advanced makes the trade-off between pitch-perfect vocals and natural vibrato a thing of the past
 
 
An Arturia MiniFreak synthesizer on a table
Hybrid Synths One of our favourite synths of recent years now lets you upload your own sounds
 
 
zplane
Tech Zplane's Timbre is a formant-shifting plugin with a few tricks up its sleeve
 
 
lunacy
Tech Lunacy launches Nova platform with five free virtual instruments – but bigger things are on the way
 
 
topline
Tech Universal Audio's Topline Vocal Tune is now available for Apollo and UAD hardware
 
 
Latest in News
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK - MAY 05:  Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood pose backstage during the exclusive launch event of The Rolling Stones new album “Foreign Tongues” at Weylin on May 5, 2026 in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for UMG)
Artists Andrew Watt says he kept thing loose when he produced the Stones, but also added a surprising synth sub-bass
 
 
Brian May
Guitarists “It blew me away so badly”: Brian May says that hearing Jimi Hendrix made him question whether he should be a guitar player
 
 
Prodigy
Samples Want to sound like The Prodigy? Download this free pack of Prodigy-style samples
 
 
(EDITORS NOTE: A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Olivia Rodrigo at Daisy Chain Fields Festival 2026 held at Great Park on August 29, 2026 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)
Artists Olivia Rodrigo on how being a "novice" guitarist led to a happy accident when she was writing The Cure
 
 
Jackso Pro Series Phil Collen PC1-E
Artists Phil Collen on why you can play anything on his new Jackson, and even nail those Hysteria tones
 
 
Oasis Dont' Look Back in Anger poster crop
Gigs & Festivals “Please remain vigilant”: Oasis warn against scammers in the forthcoming Live 27 ticketing bunfight
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...