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  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
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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
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
 
 
Native Instruments Kontakt on the screen of an Apple laptop
Black Friday plugin deals 2025 LIVE: my pick of today's best music software sales at Plugin Boutique, Native Instruments, UA and more – plus, the freebies to blag right now
 
 
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
 
 
Soma Laboratory Warp
“Create endless soundscapes out of almost any sound”: Soma Labs Warp is a digital effect powerhouse
 
 
iZotope FXEQ
“Allows you to do away with stacks of insert or return effects and potential high processor loads”: iZotope FXEQ review
 
 
A selection of IK Multimedia plugins for music production on a purple background
Buy one $49.99 IK Multimedia plugin and get a whopping 38 free with the best plugin deal of the year so far
 
 
Latest in Plugins
Soundtoys SpaceBlender
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A selection of free plugins on a lime green background
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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 just dropped a genuine Black Friday freebie - take your pick from an 1176, LA-2A, Pultec EQ, and more completely free of charge
 
 
mercury 8
"It's not just another recreation of the Jupiter-8": Cherry Audio goes "beyond Jupiter" with the Mercury-8 soft synth
 
 
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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
 
 
Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2 and Cre8audio Boom Chick
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I’ve scoured the Earth for the best Black Friday iPad deal, and this is the one I think musicians should go for
 
 
Squier Sonic Strat deal
This amazing-value Walmart Squier Sonic Strat deal proves beginner guitarists have never had it so good - get 25% off for Black Friday
 
 
Roland TD313 with Black Friday logo
Roland only just released its next-level TD313 electronic drum set, but you can already save £200 with this surprise Black Friday deal
 
 
Moog Messenger and Walrus Audio Qi Etherealizer deals at Sweetwater
Get $200 off the Moog Messenger at Sweetwater this Black Friday
 
 

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