VST/AU plug-in instrument/effect round-up: Week 58

New year - new releases

The 2013 Winter NAMM show is just around the corner, but for software companies, launching new products is a year-round enterprise.

So here’s our first plug-in round-up of 2013, which is fit to bursting with new releases from the past few weeks.

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: Exponential Audio PheonixVerb and R2

Exponential Audio PheonixVerb and R2

Two new reverbs, each of which is designed for a different purpose. If you want clean and natural reverbs, take a look at PheonixVerb; those who require a more classic sounding ‘verb can check out R2, which also sports its own chorus and gate effects.

Buy or download demo ofExponential Audio PheonixVerb and R2

Xfer Records Cthulhu

A twin pronged MIDI processing plug-in that features Chords and Arp modules. The former is a chord memoriser and player that enables you to create and rework chord progressions by pressing single notes. The Arp module, meanwhile, is a pattern-based arpeggiator that manipulates incoming notes and chords in a variety of different ways.

Buy Xfer Records Cthulhu

SampleSumo SaltyGrain

A granular processor that can do all kinds of things to your audio. The process starts with a delay line; small pieces of various durations from the signal are then selected, amplified, transposed and enveloped to form grains, then each grain is panned around the stereo field.

Buy or download demo of SampleSumo SaltyGrain

SoundToys Radiator

Based on Altec’s 1567A tube mixer from the 1960s, this dual drive tube input channel and EQ is designed to add distinctive warmth and punch. You get the original bass and treble tone controls, a mix control for parallel processing, and the saturation and harmonic effects of the original hardware’s input and output amplifiers.

Buy or download demo of SoundToys Radiator

MaxSynths DSP-1

This dynamics processor is designed specifically for use on drum tracks. Use it on individual drum channels or the whole kit bus - the idea is that you increase the perceived level without adding colour or introducing distortion,

Buy or download demo of MaxSynths DSP-1

ValhallaDSP ValhallaVintageVerb

Apparently, this is a “postmodern” reverb plug-in, presumably spending its spare time reading Jean Baudrillard. On a more practical level we should say that it’s inspired by the digital reverbs of the ‘70s and ‘80s and offers eight true stereo reverb algorithms, three colour modes and an accessible interface.

Buy or download demo of ValhallaDSP ValhallaVintageVerb

WOK Uncle Sam

This is the big brother to WOK’s Sam, which is in itself an emulation of Oberheim’s SEM synth module. It promises to retain the earlier plug-in’s warm sound but also adds (among other things) fully equipped envelopes, a third oscillator, a ring modulator and an effect unit with delay and chorus.

Buy or download demo of WOK Uncle Sam

AAS Lounge Lizard 4

There are now several physically modelled electric pianos on the market, but Lounge Lizard was among the first to come to market. The version 4 update promises to be a big one, adding a new factory library, compressor and EQ effects, a Character control, a limiter and a streamlined interface.

Buy or download demo of AAS Lounge Lizard 4

Sinevibes Turbo 2.0

A waveshape modelling effect that takes an input signal and ‘bends’ its shape using one of eight sine-based transfer functions. This process is designed to enrich spectral content with new harmonics. Coupled with the hi- and low-pass filters, you can apparently create totally new sounds out of basic waveforms. This updated version offers a new interface and more.

Buy or download demo of Sinevibes Turbo 2.0