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The 14 best new effects plugins of 2018

News
By MusicRadar Team ( Future Music ) published 29 December 2018

Add these ace effects to your sonic arsenal

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

10. Sound Radix Powair

10. Sound Radix Powair

The Future Music/Computer Music/MusicRadar Best in music tech 2018 polls received thousands of votes, and we're now ready to roll out the winners. The nominees were what we considered to be the personalities and gear that have excelled in 2018. Here, we present the best new effects plugins of 2018.

Taking up positions 14 to 11 are:

14. Gothic Instruments Dronar Master Edition
13. Kush Audio REDDI
12. Audiority Tube Modulator
11. Kush Audio Novatron

Kicking off the top 10 we have Sound Radix Powair...

We say: An absolutely stunning compressor and leveller that no one should be without.

Read the review: Sound Radix Powair review

Page 1 of 10
Page 1 of 10
9. Positive Grid BIAS Amp 2

9. Positive Grid BIAS Amp 2

We say: Positive Grid has raised the amp plugin game with this fully featured, tone-filled update.

Read the review: Positive Grid BIAS Amp 2 review

Page 2 of 10
Page 2 of 10
8. eaReckon EARevolve

8. eaReckon EARevolve

We say: With its two layers of rotary speaker action and sublime dual chorus, EARevolve is a stereo modulation powerhouse.

Read the review: eaReckon EARevolve review

Page 3 of 10
Page 3 of 10
7. D16 Group Toraverb 2

7. D16 Group Toraverb 2

We say: Even at its increased price-point, Toraverb 2 is still one of the biggest bargains in music software - don’t miss it.

Read the review: D16 Group Toraverb 2 review

Page 4 of 10
Page 4 of 10
6. Softube Weiss DS1-MK3

6. Softube Weiss DS1-MK3

We say: If you can’t afford five grand for the second hand hardware, Softube’s plugin Weiss DS1- MK3 is a more than worthy substitute.

Read the review: Softube Weiss DS1-MK3 review

Page 5 of 10
Page 5 of 10
5. Universal Audio Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor

5. Universal Audio Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor

We say: Like having a real Distressor inside your DAW, EL8 Distressor brings one of the greatest dynamics processors ever made to Apollo and UAD-2 in style.

Read the review: Universal Audio Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor review

Page 6 of 10
Page 6 of 10
4. Waves Abbey Road Chambers

4. Waves Abbey Road Chambers

We say: A superb reverb/delay that offers much more than ‘just’ a flawless emulation of Abbey Road’s Studio Two chamber.

Read the review: Waves Abbey Road Chambers review

Page 7 of 10
Page 7 of 10
3. DMG Audio TrackComp

3. DMG Audio TrackComp

We say: Integrating five brilliantly realised virtual compressors within an intuitive homogeneous GUI, TrackComp rocks.

Read the review: DMG Audio TrackComp review

Page 8 of 10
Page 8 of 10
2. u-he Colour Copy

2. u-he Colour Copy

We say: The German maestro strikes gold again with this gorgeous-sounding, wonderfully creative delay effect. Essential.

Read the review: u-he Colour Copy review

Page 9 of 10
Page 9 of 10
Winner: FabFilter Pro-L 2

Winner: FabFilter Pro-L 2

We say: What was already a first-choice limiter is now even more essential, with expanded scope for both mixing and mastering.

Read the review: FabFilter Pro-L 2 review

Page 10 of 10
Page 10 of 10
MusicRadar Team
MusicRadar Team
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Plugins
To mark Plugin Week, here’s our pick of the most out-there sound design plugins you should grab now
Plugins Future owns
Our resident platinum award-winning mixer and producer shares 10 of his go-to plugins
Sonic Charge Synplant 2
"This really is the ultimate sound design tool": 6 of the most creative plugin synths for sound design
Plugins
Our go-to plugins for adding flavour to our sounds
Pluginweek logo
Plugin Week 2025: Exhibitor A-Z
API
Our pick of the very best VCA compressor software emulation plugins for any music project
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