Tone2( Electra X parent company) is a software company that specializes in creating virtual instruments and effects for music production. They have been in business since 2001 and have developed a reputation for creating high-quality, versatile products. Their products include a wide range of virtual synthesizers, drum machines, effects, and sample libraries. Some of their most popular products include the Electra X synthesizer, the Saurus2 classic synth, and the Gladiator2 virtual synthesizer. Tone2's products are compatible with a variety of music production software, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio. They are known for their attention to detail and their ability to emulate the sound of classic analog synthesizers in a virtual format. Their products are used by professional music producers, composers, and sound designers in a variety of genres
Electra X is a virtual synthesizer developed by Tone2. It is known for its versatility, high-quality sound, and powerful sound design capabilities. Electra X is built on a powerful architecture that allows for the creation of a wide range of sounds, from classic analog emulation to modern digital synthesis. Some of the key features of Electra X include:
Electra X also features a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and create sounds. The interface is intuitive and divided into different sections, making it easy to access the various features and controls. The synth also features a built-in browser that allows users to quickly find and load presets.
Overall, Electra X is a powerful and versatile virtual synthesizer that is well-suited for music production, sound design, and film scoring. With its vast array of features and high-quality sound, it is a versatile tool for both beginner and experienced music producers.
The purpose of the article is to provide an in-depth look at the features and capabilities of the virtual synthesizer plugin Electra X by Tone2. The article will aim to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of what Electra X is capable of, including its sound design capabilities, user interface, and preset library. Additionally, the article will compare Electra X to other similar virtual synthesizer plugins on the market, highlighting its unique features and positioning in the market. The purpose of the article is to provide readers with the information they need to determine if Electra X is the right tool for their music production or sound design needs. It will also serve as a resource for those who are already using Electra X, providing tips and tricks for getting the most out of the plugin.
Electra X features two oscillators per voice, which are the basic building blocks of sound synthesis. Each oscillator has a wide range of waveforms and wavetables to choose from, allowing for a variety of sound possibilities. The waveforms include classic analog shapes such as sine, saw, square, and triangle, as well as more complex waveforms like supersaw, noise, and vocal formants. The wavetables allow the user to create more complex sounds by using a sequence of different waveforms. This allows for a more dynamic and evolving sound, which can be modulated in different ways to create new timbres.
One of the key features of Electra X's oscillators is the ability to use multiple waveforms and wavetables at once, allowing for even more creative sound design possibilities. Additionally, each oscillator has its own set of controls, including frequency, phase, and pulse width modulation, which can be used to further shape and manipulate the sound. The oscillators also have a built-in unison feature, which can be used to create thick and complex sounds by layering multiple detuned copies of the same oscillator.
In summary, the oscillators and wavetables in Electra X are powerful tools for creating a wide range of sounds, from classic analog emulation to modern digital synthesis. With the ability to use multiple waveforms and wavetables at once, as well as a variety of controls for shaping and manipulating the sound, Electra X's oscillators provide endless possibilities for sound design.
Electra X features a four-stage stereo filter that allows for a wide range of tonal shaping options. The filter includes classic analog emulations, such as low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject, as well as more unique filter types like comb, formant, and vowel. Each filter stage can be set to a different filter type, which allows for even more creative possibilities when shaping the sound. The filter also has a variety of controls, including cutoff, resonance, and drive, which can be used to further shape and manipulate the sound.
In addition to the filter, Electra X also includes a wide range of effects that can be used to enhance and shape the sound. These effects include reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, distortion, and many more. Each effect has its own set of controls, allowing for a high degree of customization. Additionally, the effects can be placed in various locations in the signal chain, allowing for even more creative possibilities.
The ability to use multiple effects simultaneously, in any order you want, makes Electra X a powerful tool for shaping and enhancing the sound. The effects can be used to add depth, warmth, and character to the sound, making it more polished and professional.
Overall, the filters and effects in Electra X are powerful tools for shaping and enhancing the sound. With a wide range of filter types and effects, as well as a variety of controls for shaping and manipulating the sound, Electra X provides endless possibilities for sound design and music production.
Electra X is a versatile virtual synthesizer that can be used to create a wide range of sounds. Some examples of the types of sounds that can be created with Electra X include:
These are just a few examples of the types of sounds that can be created with Electra X. With its powerful sound design capabilities and wide range of features, Electra X can be used to create an almost endless range of sounds for music production, sound design and film scoring.
Electra X has a user-friendly interface that is designed to be easy to navigate and use. The layout of the interface is divided into different sections, making it easy to access the various features and controls. The interface is divided into four main sections: the oscillator section, the filter section, the effects section, and the master section.
The oscillator section is located at the top left of the interface and features the two oscillators, each with its own set of controls. The controls include waveform and wavetable selection, frequency, phase, and pulse width modulation. The section also includes a built-in unison feature and a sub-oscillator.
The filter section of Electra X is located next to the oscillator section and features the four-stage stereo filter. The filter section has a variety of controls, including cutoff, resonance, and drive, as well as a filter type selection.
The effects section is located at the bottom left of the interface and features a wide range of effects, including reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, distortion, and many more. Each effect has its own set of controls, allowing for a high degree of customization.
The master section of Electra X is located at the bottom right of the interface and includes global controls for the plugin such as master volume, pan, and tuning. Additionally, this section includes the arpeggiator, the step sequencer, and a built-in browser to quickly find and load presets.
The interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making it well-suited for both beginner and experienced music producers. The overall design is clean, minimalistic and easy to read with a well-organized layout, which allows users to focus on the sound design and music production
The Electra X interface is divided into four main sections: the oscillator section, the filter section, the effects section, and the master section.
Each section has a set of controls that allow users to shape and manipulate the sound. For example, the oscillator section allows users to select different waveforms and wavetables, adjust the frequency and phase, and use the unison feature to layer multiple detuned copies of the same oscillator. The filter section of Electra X allows users to adjust the cutoff, resonance, and drive of the filter, as well as to select different filter types. The effects section of Electra X allows users to add and adjust effects such as reverb, delay, and distortion. The master section of Electra X allows users to adjust the overall volume and panning of the sound, as well as to use the arpeggiator and step sequencer to create complex rhythmic patterns. The interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making it well-suited for both beginner and experienced music producers.
Electra X is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use. The layout of the interface is divided into different sections, making it easy to access the various features and controls. The interface is also designed to be intuitive, with clear and simple controls that are easy to understand and use. The overall design of Electra X is clean and minimalistic, making it easy to focus on the sound design and music production.
The built-in browser allows users to quickly find and load presets, making it easy to explore the wide range of sounds that Electra X has to offer. Additionally, the preset library includes a wide range of sounds that can be used as a starting point for sound design.
The arpeggiator and step sequencer within Electra X are also easy to use, providing a powerful tool for creating complex rhythmic patterns. The arpeggiator has a variety of play modes and the step sequencer allows users to create custom sequences. These tools are easy to use, providing a powerful tool for creating complex rhythmic patterns.
The manual and the help files provide a detailed explanation of the features and controls of the synth, making it easy for users to understand how to use Electra X itself. The community support, tutorials and other resources are also available to help users to get the most out of the synth.
The preset library included with Electra X is comprehensive, with over 4,000 presets covering a wide range of sounds and styles. The presets are organized into different categories, making it easy to find the right sound for a particular project. Some of the categories include:
The preset library included with Electra X is extensive and provides a wide range of sounds that can be used as a starting point for sound design, providing inspiration and a good way to discover the capabilities of the synth. The presets can be easily modified and customized to fit the user's needs, providing a powerful tool for music production and sound design.
Expansion packs are additional sound libraries that can be purchased for Electra X and used to expand its sound design capabilities. These packs contain a variety of new sounds, including presets, wavetables, and samples, that can be used to add new dimensions to the sounds that can be created with Electra X.
Some examples of expansion packs available for Electra X include:
These are just a few examples of the expansion packs available for Electra X, there are many other expansion packs available, covering a wide range of genres, which can be used to expand the capabilities of the synth. The expansion packs provide a great way to add new sounds and capabilities to Electra X, allowing users to take their sound design to the next level.
Electra X is a popular virtual synthesizer plugin that is known for its versatility, high-quality sound, and powerful sound design capabilities. However, it is not the only virtual synthesizer plugin on the market. There are many other popular synthesizer plugins that are similar to Electra X, each with its own set of features and capabilities.
Some popular virtual synthesizer plugins that are similar to Electra X include:
In conclusion, Electra X is a powerful virtual synthesizer plugin that is known for its versatility, high-quality sound, and powerful sound design capabilities. Its oscillator section, filter section and effects section provide a wide range of options for shaping and manipulating sound. The Electra X preset library, arpeggiator and step sequencer make it easy to use and explore the capabilities of the synth. The expansion packs available for Electra X allow users to expand the capabilities of the synth even further, adding new sounds and possibilities. While it is not the only virtual synthesizer plugin on the market, it is a strong contender among other popular virtual synthesizers such as Serum, Sylenth1, Massive and Omnisphere.
I would recommend Electra X to music producers and sound designers of all skill levels who are looking for a versatile and powerful virtual synthesizer plugin. Electra X is especially useful for those who are interested in electronic music production, sound design, and film scoring, but it can be used in any genre. With its powerful sound design capabilities, wide range of features, and intuitive interface, Electra X is a valuable addition to any music production or sound design toolkit.
Do you use Electra X in your music productions?
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Are you looking to add some vintage flair to your audio recordings? Look no further than the Rc-20 Retro Color VST plugin. This powerful tool allows users to easily emulate the sound of classic tape machines, analog gear, and vintage gear. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the features and functionality of the Rc-20 Retro Color plugin, as well as its sound quality, performance, and ease of use. Whether you're a professional audio engineer or a home studio enthusiast, the Rc-20 Retro Color plugin is a must-have for adding some vintage character to your recordings.
The Rc-20 Retro Color is a virtual instrument software that emulates vintage tape and coloration effects. It allows users to add warmth and character to their audio recordings, giving them a more vintage and analog sound. The plugin features a wide range of presets, including different tape machine emulations, as well as a variety of coloration options such as saturation, distortion and filtering. Additionally, RC-20 Retro Color also has a set of creative effects like tape stop, tape rewind, and more. It's compatible with most digital audio workstations and can be used on a variety of audio sources, including vocals, drums, guitars, and more. The plugin is known for its ease of use, and it's simple and intuitive interface allows users to quickly dial in the perfect sound.
The purpose of this review is to provide an in-depth evaluation of the Rc-20 Retro Color VST plugin. This includes a discussion of its features and functionality, sound quality, performance, and ease of use. The review will also compare the plugin to similar products on the market and provide an overall evaluation and recommendation for potential users. The review aims to help readers understand the capabilities of the Rc-20 Retro Color, and determine whether it would be a valuable addition to their audio production toolkit. It should also help them make an informed decision on whether it suits their specific needs, preferences and budget.
The Rc-20 Retro Color offers a wide range of vintage coloration options, including tape emulation, analog warmth, and various other types of vintage gear emulation. Users can also adjust the intensity of these effects, allowing for subtle or more pronounced vintage character. The plugin allows users to control the tape emulation, adjust the amount of saturation, warmth, and compression, and also control the noise level.
RC-20 Retro Color also includes a built-in equalizer and a stereo widener to create a more spacious sound. Additionally, the user can adjust the input and output levels, dry/wet mix, and also adjust the stereo image. The plugin also offers a collection of presets, which can be used as a starting point for users to find the ideal vintage sound for their recordings.
In comparison, some other similar plugins on the market may only offer a limited set of vintage character options or have a more complex interface. Additionally, many other plugins may only focus on tape emulation, whereas the Rc-20 Retro Color offers a wider range of vintage gear emulation options. Furthermore, the Rc-20 Retro Color also offers a collection of presets that other plugins may not have, which can be a big help to users looking for a starting point to find the ideal vintage sound for their recordings. Overall, the Rc-20 Retro Color is a powerful and versatile tool for adding vintage character to audio recordings.
Here are a few VST plugins that are similar to the Rc-20 Retro Color:
These plugins all offer tape emulation and analog warmth, and some of them also provide other vintage gear emulation options, similar to the Rc-20 Retro Color. However, each plugin has its own unique features and user interface, so it's recommended to try out a few demos before making a decision on which one to use.
The RC-20 Retro Color has received positive evaluations for its sound quality, with users praising its ability to accurately emulate the sound of vintage gear. The Tape emulation in particular has been highlighted as being particularly realistic, and the analog warmth, saturation, and compression settings have also been noted for their ability to add a natural and organic vintage character to audio recordings.
Some users have also noted that RC-20 Retro Color's sound quality remains consistent across a wide range of settings and audio sources, making it a reliable tool for achieving a vintage sound. However, as with any plugin, the final sound quality will depend on the user's settings and the audio source being processed. Therefore, it's always recommended to experiment and find the best settings for the specific audio source and the desired sound.
It's important to note that as with any plugin, there may be some latency or compatibility issues depending on the user's computer and audio interface. It is always recommended to check the system requirements and perform a test before using the plugin in a live or critical production setting.
Some users have reported minimal latency issues when using RC-20 Retro Color on older or lower-spec computers, but these issues can usually be resolved by adjusting the buffer size or disabling any unnecessary processing in the host software.
It's also important to make sure that RC-20 Retro Color is compatible with the user's host software and operating system. The plugin is available in both Windows and Mac VST, AU, and AAX formats, and it should be compatible with most popular DAWs.
Overall, the RC-20 Retro Color plugin has received positive feedback for its performance and effectiveness as a tool for adding vintage character to audio recordings. It is a reliable and versatile option for anyone looking to add a vintage vibe to their audio productions.
The Rc-20 Retro Color has a user-friendly interface that is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate. The plugin's main controls are clearly labeled and organized in a logical layout, making it easy to find and adjust the settings you need.
The interface includes a set of knobs and sliders that allow users to adjust the tape emulation, saturation, warmth, compression, and noise level, as well as input and output levels, dry/wet mix, and stereo image.
RC-20 Retro Color also includes a built-in equalizer and stereo widener, which are accessed through additional tabs within the interface. The interface is designed to be minimalistic, with a vintage aesthetic, which makes it easy to focus on the essential controls and not get distracted by unnecessary features.
Some of the user-friendly features of RC-20 Retro Color include:
Overall, Rc-20 Retro Color is an easy to use plugin, with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users of all skill levels to achieve the desired vintage character on their audio recordings.
However, as with any plugin, it is recommended to read the manual or watch tutorials to fully understand the features and capabilities of RC-20 Retro Color, to make the most of it in the production process.
The Rc-20 Retro Color is a powerful and versatile VST plugin that offers a unique set of vintage coloration options, including tape emulation, analog warmth, and various other types of vintage gear emulation. The plugin's user-friendly interface, built-in presets, and intensity control make it easy for users to achieve the desired vintage character on their audio recordings.
RC-20 Retro Color also has received positive evaluations for its sound quality, with users praising its ability to accurately emulate the sound of vintage gear, and its versatility and ability to add a natural and organic vintage character to audio recordings.
The plugin also has some minor latency issues that can be resolved by adjusting the buffer size or disabling any unnecessary processing in the host software, and it's also important to ensure compatibility with the host software and operating system.
Overall, the RC-20 Retro Color is a reliable and versatile option for anyone looking to add a vintage vibe to their audio productions. It's a must-have for any audio engineer, music producer or home studio enthusiast looking to add some vintage color to their audio recordings. The plugin offers a wide range of vintage coloration options, including tape emulation, analog warmth, and various other types of vintage gear emulation, allowing users to create a wide range of vintage sounds.
Additionally, RC-20 Retro Color's user-friendly interface and ability to adjust the intensity of the effects make it easy to achieve the desired vintage character. I recommend giving it a try and see the difference it can make in your audio productions. It's an excellent investment for any audio production professional.
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Nexus 3 is a virtual instrument and sample library VST plugin developed by reFX. It is designed for use in music production and offers a wide variety of high-quality sounds, including pianos, drums, basses, and more. It's known for its intuitive interface and easy navigation, making it simple to find and manipulate the sounds you need. Additionally ,Nexus 3 includes a variety of effects such as reverb, delay, and more to enhance your productions. It's compatible with most DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and supports multiple formats.
The purpose of this review is to provide an evaluation of the Nexus 3 VST plugin. This includes an assessment of the sound quality, user interface, and effects provided by the plugin. The review will aim to inform potential users about the capabilities and features of Nexus 3, as well as its strengths and weaknesses, so they can make an informed decision about whether or not it is the right tool for their music production needs.
Refx Nexus 3 offers a wide variety of high-quality sounds, including pianos, drums, basses, and more. It features a library of over 7,000 sounds, including a large collection of presets for various genres such as Dance, House, EDM, Hip Hop, and more. Nexus 3 also includes a variety of "expansion packs" that provide additional sounds and presets for specific genres or instruments. The sounds are organized into categories, such as "Arpeggios," "Leads," "Pads," and "Drums," making it easy to find the sound you need. Additionally, the plugin includes a search function that allows you to quickly find sounds by keyword or category.
The quality of the sounds in Nexus 3 is generally considered to be very high. The sounds are well-designed and have a professional, polished feel to them. They are suitable for a wide range of music production styles and genres, from electronic music to hip-hop, rock and more. The sounds are also highly customizable and can be manipulated using the various built-in effects and controls, allowing you to create your own unique sounds. Some users have reported that some of the sounds can sound similar to other plugins, but the majority of users find the sounds to be diverse and of high quality. Overall, the sounds in Nexus 3 are considered to be among the best available in a VST plugin of this type.
In comparison to other VST plugins in the same category, Nexus 3 is considered to be one of the best. It offers a wide variety of high-quality sounds and a user-friendly interface, making it easy to find and manipulate the sounds you need. Nexus 3 also includes a variety of effects and built-in controls, allowing for a high degree of customization.
Other popular VST plugins that are similar to Nexus 3 include Omnisphere by Spectrasonics, Serum by Xfer Records and Massive by Native Instruments. These plugins also offer a wide variety of high-quality sounds, but they may have a different selection of sounds, and different user interface, effects and built-in controls.
Ultimately, the choice between Nexus 3 refx and other similar VST plugins will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. All these plugins are highly regarded by professionals and are known for their quality and versatility. It's worth trying demos or searching for videos or reviews to compare the sounds, features and the workflow of each plugin before making a decision.
The layout and design of Nexus 3 is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and find the sounds you need. The main interface consists of a browser window on the left, where you can access the various categories of sounds, and a display window on the right, where you can preview and edit the sounds. The browser window is organized into categories, such as "Arpeggios," "Leads," "Pads," and "Drums," making it easy to find the sound you need. Additionally, Nexus 3 includes a search function that allows you to quickly find sounds by keyword or category.
The display window in Nexus 3 is where you can preview and edit the sounds. It includes a waveform display, various controls and knobs, and a built-in arpeggiator. The controls and knobs are clearly labeled and easy to understand, making it simple to adjust the sound to your liking. Nexus 3 also includes a built-in arpeggiator, which allows you to create complex, evolving patterns with the sounds.
The color scheme of the interface is sleek and modern, with a black background and white text, making it easy on the eyes. The layout and design of Nexus 3 is considered to be well-organized, user-friendly and visually appealing.
Overall, Nexus 3 is considered to be very easy to use. The layout and design of the plugin are intuitive, with a clear and well-organized interface. The browser window makes it easy to find the sounds you need, and the search function allows you to quickly find sounds by keyword or category. The display window includes a waveform display, various controls and knobs, and a built-in arpeggiator, making it simple to adjust the sound to your liking.
The controls and knobs are clearly labeled and easy to understand, and the built-in arpeggiator is user-friendly and simple to use. Nexus 3 also includes a comprehensive manual and tutorial videos which can help users get started quickly and easily.
Additionally, Nexus 3 is compatible with most DAWs, making it easy to integrate into your existing workflow. The users find the plugin easy to use and navigate, even for beginners. The interface is not cluttered, and the controls are well-organized, making it simple to find and use the features you need.
Nexus 3 includes a variety of built-in effects to enhance your productions. The effects are located in the display window of the plugin and include:
The effects can be easily accessed and adjusted by clicking on the corresponding tab, and the knobs and controls are clearly labeled and easy to understand. The built-in effects of Nexus 3 are considered to be of high quality and provide a lot of versatility to the users. They allow you to enhance the sounds and create unique and interesting soundscapes.
The quality of the effects in Nexus 3 is generally considered to be very high. They are of professional quality and provide a lot of versatility to the users. The reverb, delay, and chorus effects sound natural and realistic, and the phaser, compressor, EQ, and distortion effects are highly customizable, allowing you to create a wide range of sounds. The effects are also very responsive and are known for their high-quality sound.
The users have reported that the effects are very easy to use in Nexus 3 and the interface is intuitive, making it simple to adjust the settings and find the perfect sound. They are also very processor efficient, meaning that they won't use too much of your computer's resources. They are also able to work in real-time, allowing you to hear the changes you make as you make them.
Overall, the effects in Nexus 3 are considered to be of high quality, providing a lot of versatility, and are easy to use. They are a valuable addition to the plugin and can help users create unique and interesting sounds.
Overall, Nexus 3 refx is considered to be an excellent VST plugin for music production. It offers a wide variety of high-quality sounds, a user-friendly interface, and a variety of built-in effects that allow for a high degree of customization. Nexus 3 is also easy to use, and its layout and design are intuitive and well-organized, making it simple to find and manipulate the sounds you need. The plugin is compatible with most DAWs and supports multiple formats.
The sound quality is considered to be very high, with a wide range of sounds available for different genres and styles. The effects are also considered to be of high quality and provide a lot of versatility. Nexus 3 is suitable for both beginners and professionals and is known for its quality and versatility. It's an excellent choice for any music producer looking for a versatile and high-quality VST plugin.
I would recommend Nexus 3 Refx to potential users who are looking for a versatile and high-quality VST plugin for music production. It offers a wide variety of high-quality sounds, a user-friendly interface, and a variety of built-in effects that allow for a high degree of customization. It's suitable for a wide range of music production styles and genres, and is compatible with most DAWs, making it easy to integrate into your existing workflow.
Refx Nexus 3 is particularly recommended for electronic music producers and those who are into genres like Dance, House, EDM, Hip Hop, etc. Nexus 3 is easy to use and navigate, even for beginners and has a comprehensive manual and tutorial videos which can help users get started quickly and easily.
All in all, Refx Nexus 3 is a solid choice for any music producer looking for a versatile and high-quality VST plugin, and I would highly recommend it to potential users.
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Compressors are an intricate part of the mixing process and serve the purpose of controlling the dynamic range of sounds and instruments. That being said each compressor is different and serves a specific purpose depending on the application. Here are ten of the Best Waves Compressors in no particular order for you to try out yourself. Enjoy!
"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission which goes into helping our Blog and Content."
What I love about the SSL G Master Buss Compressor is its versatility and sonic imprint. Although its made to be placed as the last compressor on your master fader, the compressor can placed and used on just about anything.
Known to "glue together" your tracks, the SSL G Master Compressor is also known for taming instrument dynamics and adding punch to percussion and drums.
The compressor itself is originally from the acclaimed SSL 4000 G console, which was very popular in its day and has been used in countless hit records.
As if this wasn’t enough, it also comes with presets from some of the biggest engineers on the planet. including the likes of Chris Lorde-Alge and Dave Pensado, just to name a few. Checkout this video of famed audio engineer, Tony Maserati using the SSL G Master Buss Compressor to do some parallel compression on drums.
The Waves Renaissance Compressor or R Compressor for short, has been a gold standard for smooth and great-sounding compression for years. Using both vintage opto and electro modes, this plugin has given the top musicians and engineers unparalleled results in the industry.
The featured controls on the R Compressor are threshold, ratio, attack, release, and output gain. You also have the ability to switch from opto to electro mode as well natively within the plugin itself.
Check out this video of Multi-platinum and Grammy Award Winning Engineer for Pharrell, Mariah Carey ,and Jermaine Dupri, Phil Tan. As he uses the Renaissance Compressor to tame the dynamics of the synth on Rihanna's hit song, "Diamonds".
This compressor plugin by Waves is an emulation of the famed 1176 hardware compressor used in countless hit records both new and old. Known for its super fast attack, the 1176 compressor works incredibly well with parallel compression, especially on drums and percussion.
The compressor itself comes in 2 classic versions. The "blacky" and "bluey", both of which have an incredibly fast attack time( as quick as 50 microseconds), perfect making things hit hard.
It also features the classic "ALL" control that allows you to punch in all of the ratios at once for an explosive unmatched sound. Checkout this video showing exactly how you can use the CLA-76 for parallel compression on drums teamed up with PuigTec EQ.
The Dbx 160 compressor from Waves is a digital remake of the classic Dbx compressor that has been coined as "One of The Best Drum Compressors Ever".
With its fast acting attack, this compressor was the go to on many hit records in the 70's and all throughout the 80's. Even the later models would go on to become industry standards in most studios around the world.
Not only has Waves meticulously modeled the original piece of hardware, they have also added features not found natively on original as well. These include the Waves MS matrix, a stereo component, and mix and noise controls.
Checkout this video of The Production Expert reviewing the Waves Dbx 160 Compressor below.
Waves C4 multiband compressor has the capability to compress four different frequency ranges independently, all at the same time. This allows you to be able to sculpt vocal frequencies and dynamic responses with pinpoint precision.
One of the main things I love about the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor is the ability to have total control of which frequencies I want to compress. Say I want to just control the lower mids on a guitar track or group of guitar tracks, I can just duck the frequencies that I want specifically to control.
Checkout this video of legendary engineer Tony Maserati using the C4 Multiband Compressor to tame specific frequencies on a vocal.
The Waves PuigChild Compressor is based on the famous Fairchild 660 and 670 compressors. In the era of vinyl, these were the creme of the crop, go to compressors of that day.
Known for its advanced compression techniques and unique warm sound, it was featured on countless hit records of that particular time. Waves has now teamed up with Grammy-winning producer/engineer Jack Joseph Puig and created a virtual version of the famous compressor down to every detail and nuance and called it the PuigChild Compressor.
Checkout this video of Jack Joseph Puig himself explaining in more detail about the plugin based on his own personal Fairchild Compressor.
The Waves Kramer Pie was developed in association with legendary Producer/Engineer Eddie Kramer and based on the infamous Pye compressor. This was used in his historic sessions at London's acclaimed Olympic Studios.
This was a mainstay for British Studio during the classic rock era and the Pye compressor is considered to be one of the best bus compressors of all time.
The Kramer Pie has meticulously modeled the famed compressor in explicit detail, with even the VU meter having accurate sensitivity and ballistic behavior of an actual physical VU meter.
Checkout this video, where the Kramer Pie is used in action to help bring out the sound of a drum mic better.
The Waves CLA 2A plugins is modeled on the legendary electro-optical compressor that has a smooth behavior that engineers have loved since the 60's.
This compressor is ver versatile and shines not only on guitars and basses, but especially on vocals. To top it off it is also filled with Chris Lorde-Alge's personal presets for endless inspiration.
Checkout this video showcasing the CLA 2A in action during a shootout of other compressors on vocals.
API is a cutting-edge company that makes incredible sounding consoles and outboard gear. One of which is the classic API 2500 compressor. This versatile dynamics processor allows you to shape the punch and tone of your mix with incredible accuracy.
Waves' API 2500 also has dual channel design that allows the 2500 to function as two separate mono channels via a single compression setting. Using the auto-makeup gain feature also allows you to adjust the Threshold and Ratio while automatically maintaining a constant output level.
Containing both "feed back" and "feed forward" compression types, the Waves API 2500 has a wide variation of musical parameters that have made this plugin admired all over the world.
Check this video of the front of house engineer for the group One Republic, using the Waves API 2500 on live drums, giving it some parallel compression.
Waves Renaissance Vox or Rvox, known affectionately by some, is a wildly popular compressor plugin used on countless hit records over the last decade plus.
The Rvox plugin combines compression, gating, and limiting with an approach that just makes things sound amazing. The legendary dynamic curve allows any vocal to just cut through the mix with unmatched detail and body.
Intuitive and simple, this plugin has been hailed by the top engineers in the industry like Drake's Engineer/Producer Noah "40" Shebib as "one the most important vocal plugins ever made".
Checkout this video by top Engineer Jaycen Joshua as he recounts using Rvox as his secret weapon to get his vocals sitting right in the mix.
Waves compressor plugins are some of the most sought after and used compressor plugins available on the market. With a plethora of choices available, you simply need to pick the right one you need for each application. Either way, you can't go wrong with any of the choices we stated above!
Reverb has always been a staple in music since the early days in the modern era of recording. Adding space, depth, and perspective, is just one a few thing reverb is known to do. In today's era though there are also a plethora of different types of reverb plugins that help to better achieve this sound as a whole with added convenience. That being said, dive in while we go into our picks for the Best Reverb Plugins for Music Production and Recording.
"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission which goes into helping our Blog and Content."
Waves Renaissance Reverb or R-Verb is classic recursive reverb that emulates vintage sounds from 12 different reverb types. These include halls, room, chamber, church, plates, echoverb, gated, reverse, and many more. R-verb also has an advanced early reflection system, dual band EQ, and damping controls.
Another notable feature is the plethora of presets from world renown producers and engineers like Michael Bauer, Eddie Kramer, and more. Overall, this reverb plugin has so much flexibility, giving you the right reverb sound for just about any situation. Definitely top shelf when it comes to Waves Plugins.
Little Plate by Soundtoys is a reverb plugin that was inspired by the original EMT 140 plate reverb. The original actual plate reverb could only do 5 seconds of reverb max. However, the plugin has managed to boost the time to an infinite setting that runs up to forever! It also has an onboard low-cut filter to get out any of that muddiness in your mix out introduced from the plugin itself.
The reverb plugin also contains a mod switch that allows you to add a little modulation into the reverb tail. This can help to offer an overall thick sound to the reverb especially on things like keys, guitars, and voices. All in all, this a great little reverb plugin for price and handy on the go if you’re looking for a plate type reverb plugin.
The PCM Bundle is a collection of reverb plugins types including halls, plates, rooms, concert halls, and chambers that are based on the classic Lexicon reverb hardware unit used for the past 40 years in all major studios.
Each plugin algorithm has the ability to be run in either mono, stereo, or a combination of the two. The visual interface has 9 of the logical parameters including knobs to control early and late reflections, as well as EQ settings like shelf, frequency, and band. This plugins like the classic hardware its emulated off of will absolutely add some extra spice to your tracks and sounds.
Valhalla is known for its classic and incredible plugins like Vintage Verb and Shimmer, but a lot of people I sleep on their room reverb plugin. Valhalla Room has 12 original algorithms that provide a wide range of natural reverberation soundscapes. The reverbs range from tight rooms though traditional halls and plates, to vast modulated spaces for deeper reverbs.
Valhalla Room was designed from a psychoacoustic point of view instead of an algorithm based off of an actual physical space. This modeled room has the early and late reflections needed to create the ideal room impression as well.
The EMT Plate reverb is a famous classic hardware plate reverb unit installed in Plant Studios in Sausalito, California. UAD has created 3 modeled versions of this classic unit and added all the warmth and beauty of the original.
On the reverb plugin itself it has features like balance, width, and modulation that aren’t available on the original hardware itself. With balance you can play around with how you want a particular sound to be in the stereo field. With the width you can take things like pads and strings and spread their sound wide. Lastly, with the modulation feature you can add some shimmer and shine to things like vocals.
Liquid Sonics’ Seventh Heaven plugin is an emulation of the legendary Bricasti M7 reverb unit. The unique convolution-based reverb was specifically designed to meet the specifications of the acclaimed M7 as well.
The reverb plugin also has some pretty incredible curated presets as well. The wide selection halls, plated, chambers, rooms, and ambiences can be accessed with just the touch of a dial, enriching your vocals, drums, synths, and other sounds at your fingertips. In fact, 30 of the Bricasti M7’s biggest reverbs are available at your disposal!
Vintage Verb by Valhalla is a greatly popular reverb plugin that is widely known in the Music Producer and Beatmaker community. This plugin is known for emulating the classic hardware digital reverbs of the 1970’s and 1980’s. Each color and sonic artifact is specified to a specific era of music.
The 1970’s era color model is dark and noisy with added random artifacts. The 1980’s era color is funky with a bit of a brighter sound. Last, the Now era color is actually colorless with a digital feel and very much clean sound!
The TSAR-1 by Softube is an amazing true stereo algorithmic reverb that has incredible versatility. This particular reverb plugin is not an emulation at all but is made of stock design, and its own product. On the interface it simply has 5 sliders including Predelay, Time, Density, Tone, and high cut.
The Predelay slider is used to adjust the time before the reverb kicks in. Time adjusts the tail while Density controls the lush and sparseness of the reverb. Tone controls whether it is dark or bright and High cut controls the highs making it less harsh. TSAR also comes with a plethora of high-quality presets that make the plugin ready to go in a breeze.
The Pro-R by Fabfilter is an amazing reverb plugin that operates more musically than other traditional technical reverb plugins. Without using more technical terms that may be confusing for some, Pro-R uses terms like Brightness, Character, and Distance that even some beginners can relate to and understand.
On the technical side of things, Pro-R has room models ranging from large concert halls and huge cathedrals to small ambiences and rooms. The Pro-R also doesn’t add any extra coloration, density, and phase issues as well.
Now when it comes to the crème of the crop reverb plugins, there is no question that Altiverb by Audioease reigns supreme. This reverb plugin is a convolution-based reverb with sample of just about every space you could imagine. This even includes non-conventional spaces like a car, jumbo jet, train, clubs, stair corridors, and more.
They have literally gone around the world to collect hundreds of different impulse responses from a plethora of different spaces. You can even use features like keyword searching to go through hundreds of spaces to fit your exact need. You can also use the similar feature to find alternative space of a space that may be close to what you are looking for. With so many feature and options, it’s no wonder Altiverb tops the list of the best reverb plugins for music recording and production.
In conclusion, the best reverb for you really is a matter of taste and preference depending on what you are trying to accomplish. Whether it is placing a sound in particular space or giving a vocal the right amount of perceived distance, knowing when and why to apply the right reverb will bring you plenty success.
Mitchell “The Innovator” Tillotson is a Music Producer, Sound Designer, and Engineer who has worked with the likes of Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Ayo The Producer, and Teejay3k just to name a few. Hailing from Baltimore, MD, the music producer grew up a Military Brat, idolizing producers like Teddy Riley, Rodney Jerkins, The Neptunes, Mike Will Made It, and Timbaland.
Website: Iamtheinnovator.com
IG @Iamtheinnovator
FB @Iamtheinnovator
Twitter@Iamtheinnovator
]]>Delay is one the most prominent components of both Music Production and Music Recording and Mixing today. You will hear this element on just about every song you hear out on the radio in some form or capacity. Now some of you may be asking? What is Delay and how do you use it? We will answer all these questions and more as we dive into the 10 Best Delay VST Plugins for Music Producer and Audio Engineers.
Delay, not to be confused with Reverb, is simply the same audio signal being repeated over and over again to a desired amount of time. The number of times the signal is repeated is called feedback.
"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission which goes into helping our Blog and Content."
Tube Delay by Softube is a vintage style delay vst plugin based on a classic analog echo unit from the past. The plugin itself has 3 modeled tube stages that can be overdriven for extra gritty saturated delays. This includes typical slap back delays to classic reggae dub style echoes.
As far the basics go, Tube Delay has tempo sync and specific time feature that allow you to tailor it specifically to your song. There is also a vintage style passive onboard EQ that allows you to further tailor your sound within the plugin itself. Overall, this is a solid delay plugin, perfect for any music producer or audio engineer.
Primal Tap by Soundtoys is a nostalgic emulation of the 80’s classic Prime Time Delay. Just like the original hardware this plugin is modeled after; Primal Tap is a hybrid of both analog and digital soundscapes. There are also some added controls that differ from the original that add some additional flavor as well.
Another notable feature I love about this plugin is the “freeze” feature. This allows you to take a slice of incoming audio and essentially loop it to a specified time length or tempo. Allowing you to quickly create you own warped soundscapes perfect for things like sound design.
Galaxy Tape Echo by Universal Audio is an emulation of the classic Roland RE-201 Space Echo. The delay plugin just like the original adds harmonic character and warmth delay on anything it touches. The plugin also has distortion, wow & flutter, and pitch shifting options for more organic sounding time-based effects.
This plugin emulates a piece of analog gear that has immense history as well. The original piece of gear has been used on records from artists like Lee “Scratch” Perry, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and King Tubby. I personally own this plugin and love it on things like vocals and guitars to get that classic analog tape delay sound.
Replika XT by Native Instruments is a delay plugin that has 3 distinct algorithms in place. One is the Vintage digital that aims to deliver the classic grit of the early studio era. Modern is the algorithm that aim to deliver the pristine and clear repeats of high-end units. Last but not least is the Diffusion algorithm that aims to deliver a new sound that blurs the line between delay and reverb.
The delay plugin also has a modulation feature that integrates in a nice resonant filter as well as a classic phaser to give your delay some added motion. Another dope feature about this parameter is its ability to be synced to the tempo of track which can be ideal for sound design. Lastly, you can even adjust the effect in your mix with normal, wide, and ping pong stereo modes.
The Valhalla delay is an incredible delay plugin that emulates modern delay, as well as classic echo units as well. This include aspects like Tape echo, BBD, pitch shifting, and old-school digital. The Valhalla Delay takes these classic emulations and take them to the next level with the Ratio and Quad delay styles, as well as the Ghost mode which adds frequency shifting and diffusion.
The different modes include, Tape, Hi-Fi, Bucket Brigade, Digital, Ghost, Pitch, Reverse Pitch, BBD Duck, Clarity, and Duck Tape. These modes allow you to switch between the different delay algorithms instantly. The style mode controls the relationship between the left and right channels and the number of delay voices in each channel as well. Overall, just like Valhalla’s other incredible plugins, Valhalla Delay is pristine.
Repeater by Slate Digital is yet another delay plugin that emulates classic hardware from the past. However, this plugin features 23 authentic emulations to date, all ranging from classic oil cans and tape machines to vintage digital delays. The interface itself is slated to be absolutely user friendly and easy to understand and tweak.
The emulations also offer some pretty amazing effects as well, including authentic pitch, telephone, and vintage tape tones too. The stereo spread option helps to offer wide stereo delay with just the press of a button. Overall this option can help you create some very complex delay soundscapes perfect for unusual creativity. Digital Repeater by Slate Digital is just an around classic delay plugin with limitless options.
Timeless by Fabfilter is a delay plugin that I feel is underrated, but boy does it hold its own. Modeled after classic delay, this plugin uses high quality filters to create incredible soundscapes. You can also create flanger, echo, chorus, phaser, and scratch effects. The delay plugin also has drag and drop modulation features for unlimited modulation possibilities.
Another notable feature is mid/side processing feature and freeze buttons and also cross-feedback and phase inversion. These helps set this plugin apart from other delay plugins with the sheer number of effect possibilities. Last Timeless comes with over 300 presets, crafted to perfection for instant inspiration on your sounds. Timeless by Fabfilter, like other Fabfilter classic plugins is definitely a go to when it comes to delay plugins.
H-Delay by Waves is yet another delay plugin that isn’t talked about much, but is widely used in the industry as a go-to delay. It offers the usual settings tempo syncing and time syncing. However, it also offers incredible depth and rate modulation controls, that allows you to take your repeat signal to the next level.
One of my personal favorite features of this delay plugin is the left and right phase invert button. This can be used to give your delay the illusion that it is jumping out of the speaker and extremely wide. H-Delay is one of the few delay plugins I see with this ability. All in all. This plugin is a stable in industry with or without the clout of some of the bigger names.
Comeback Kid by Baby Audio is definitely the new kid on the block when it comes to all the other delay plugins on the list. But it ranks high on our list for good reason. It comes with your basic delay features like temp sync modes, low and high cut, ping pong, and attack & sustain. The sauce comes in with a few special effects Comeback Kid has tucked up its sleeve.
The most notable feature is the “Richer” knob that allows a pitch-shifting algorithm that allows for lush and wide 80’s type delay responses. There is also a “Destiny” knob that allows for subtle randomization, giving the delay response a more human feel. The last notable feature is the “Cheap” button which give the delay path an 12-bit degraded feel, emulating vintage digital delays. This has easily become one of my favorite delays for its very accurate emulations.
Echoboy by Soundtoys is a delay that is modeled on 30 different vintage Echo boxes from the past. These include classics like the Echo Plex, Space Echo, Memory Man, DM-2, and the Tel-Ray. Echoboy also has classic onboard effects emulations like the CE-1 Chorus, a world-famous guitar pedal chorus.
Echoboy also has powerful saturation effects like “Studio Tape”. For the warm vintage tape sound inspired by the Ampex ATR-102. You can also drive the circuit hard, just like actual analog gear to get a more saturated sound. Echoboy of course has all standard tempo sync and echo features, but it also allows you to get under the hood and tweak to your custom liking using the Rhythm Editor. One of the most sought after and used delay plugins in the music industry and for good reason.
In conclusion, the best delay plugin is really what works best with your workflow and taste. Depending on what you are trying to accomplish you may need a certain delay tool for the job. This list however, will absolutely put you in the right ballpark of getting started and standing out with your own style and sound. Hope you enjoyed our blog on The Best Delay VST Plugins for Music Producers and Audio Engineers.
Mitchell “The Innovator” Tillotson is a Music Producer, Sound Designer, and Engineer who has worked with the likes of Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Ayo The Producer, and Teejay3k just to name a few. Hailing from Baltimore, MD, the music producer grew up a Military Brat, idolizing producers like Teddy Riley, Rodney Jerkins, The Neptunes, Mike Will Made It, and Timbaland.
Website: Iamtheinnovator.com
IG @Iamtheinnovator
FB @Iamtheinnovator
Twitter@Iamtheinnovator
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The Lofi sound over the last 5 years has taken over the Music Industry as a whole. You’ll hear it in all the latest hits, degraded and warped sounding melodies and samples in not just Trap and hip Hop but Pop music as well. In this blog we will run down the list of the best plugins to give you that vintage and nostalgic Lofi Hip Hop sound. I present the 10 Best Lofi Plugins to Make Incredible Lofi Hip Hop Beats!
"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission which goes into helping our Blog and Content."
Last Updated 1/2/22
Vinyl Strip is a multi-effect Lofi plugin that include distortion, a compressor, a sampler, tilt EQ, Reverb, and a Vinyl emulator. The plugin overall uses all of these effects to give your sample and tracks that classic, degraded, old school feel.
The Vinyl module specifically adds dust, noise, and warp to best emulate that vinyl sound. The distortion module adds different types of vintage harmonics. The tilt EQ gives balance to the sound like an old hi-fi system. The sampler module emulates classic samplers with the reverb giving it some warmth as a final touch. You can also drag and drop all modules to make your own unique sound!
Waves Reel ADT is an amazing Lofi plugin that allows you to emulate the famous Abbey Roads Artificial Double Tracking process. This in turn gives you a genuine tape-sounding ADT plugin. The features include exclusive 2 voice components, manual and automatic control, different tape sounds for sources, and separate drive control for each path.
The classic “ADT” sound was developed in the 1960’s and is essentially the recreation of an artist “doubling” their voice over their own performance to thicken the overall sound. The Abbey Road engineers had t come up with this process because of John Lennon’s dislike for overdubbing vocals. This effect has now become a Lofi weapon of choice. Absolutely one of the top Waves Plugins to choose from.
Decimort 2 has been a lowkey classic Lofi plugin for quite some time now. The highly sophisticated bit crusher specializes in degrading a sounds’ bit depth, in turn making it sound more vintage like some of your classic samplers used to do natively. In fact, it actually has some presets that aim to accurately emulate classic samplers like the Ensoniq ASR-10 and Akai MPC.
It also gives you added controls for parameters like quantization depth, dithering, and sampling frequency, which allows you to emulate almost every classic AD/DA converter of classic drum machines ever invented. The great thing about this tool is it can be used on just about any sounds to really make it cut through your mix.
Izotope Vinyl was one of the first Lofi plugins to come out early on in the industry. It offered for what seems like them first time, the ability to give your sounds the warped vinyl effect that is nostalgic to the old school days of the LP record. I think what is also so amazing about this plugin is it has always been and is still currently absolutely free.
The plugin itself comes with a slew of different parameters including mechanical noise, wear, electrical noise, dust, scratch, and warp depth. It also has another incredible feature that allows you to select the year of the record sound of that time period. Overall, this plugin rocks, especially for free.
Klevgrand DAW Cassette is coined as the plugin that brings back the magic era of the 80’s. I can affirm that this Lofi plugin does just that. The plugin allows you to choose between 3 different tape types including normal, chrome, and metal. You can also control the amount of noise with Dolby emulation.
There are also tape head and motor quality that allow you to dial in the sound to your specific liking and taste. On the back side of the plugin there is an onboard EQ, that further allows you to sculpt and craft your sound to taste. Another amazing plugin in the realm of the Lofi Hip Hop sound.
Sketch Cassette is little known Lofi plugin that still packs quite the punch. Inspired by 4 track tape recorders, this plugin has been designed to create a plethora of Lofi effects for your musical compositions. This includes everything from simple pitch warping to complete distortion and annihilation of your sounds in a good way.
Some of the more notable features include age modeling, saturation, adjustable wow and flutter, tape hiss, tape type frequency profiles, and noise-reduction encoding compression. This gives you endless possibilities to crazy and crate very unique sounds. It is also available for both MacOS and Windows computer as well. Definitely one of the most slept on Lofi plugins on the market that is absolutely game changing.
So yes, we have yet another Lofi plugin for Goodhertz and it too is a banger! Wow Control is plugin that is entirely focused on the modulations of analog tape and other analog playback devices. Their aim was to accurately capture the essence of 3 different tape machines that span through 3 decades.
Some of the more notable features include high quality wow and flutter, massive pitch range with expressive shape controls, controllable speeds and beat syncing, an analog tape section with 3 modes, and a random section for more complex modulations. This plugin is absolutely next level because it expands on the Vulf Compressor plugins’ Wow and Flutter section, bringing more tools to the table. All in all, this Lofi is absolutely in the top tier, especially for the wide range of control.
Now Super VHS by Baby Audio has the 80’s written all over it. It has six unique one-knob effects that are inspired all by the 80’s VHS era. These include static, heat, shape, magic, drift, and wash. Static includes adding noise, while the heat feature adds a bit of analog tape saturation. The shape knob is a sample rate reducer inspired by 80’s 8-bit samplers.
The magic knob is a widening effect inspired by the Juno Chorus. The infamous drift feature allows for pitch LFO fluctuation for changes in pitch and time while the wash feature is a reverb inspired by classic 80’s rack units. This is personally for me one of my favorite Lofi plugins.
One of the newest plugins on the block that everyone is talking about is Waves new Lofi Plugin, Retro Fi! Now I must say this plugin is pretty phenomenal and has the same features as some of the other Lofi plugins but takes things to a whole new level. The plugin itself features four different sections. Device, space, noise and mechanics. While having each section have its own unique features and characteristics.
The Device sections offers you the ability the choose tones from different era's like the 50's,60's,70's, and 80's. It also gives you some ring modulation and compression as well. The Space section simply adds some effects like delay and reverb to take things to the next level. There are also added controls to the types of reverb and the timing of the delay as well. The Noise section allows for you to add classic analog noise found in things like cassette tapes and vinyl for added character. You can even add it pre or post reverb within the plugin itself. Last but not least, we have the Mechanics section that allows you to add wow and flutter to your sounds with added controls to fine tune these parameters. This plugin is, if not the best Lofi plugin out right now, then definitely one of the best available on the market today! Top pick for 2022!
RC-20 Retro Color is definitely the crème of the crop when it comes to Lofi hip hop plugins period. The Plugin come locked and loaded with 6 effects modules that work great by themselves or teamed up together. These effects include a Noise Generator, Wobble & Flutter, Saturation and Distortion, Degrader and Bitcrusher, Reverb, and Volume Drop.
The noise generator adds texture with different noise types while the wobble & flutter add pitch inconsistencies that emulate the unstable playback properties of analog gear. The saturation and distortion does just that, with everything ranging from mild saturation to fuzz. The degrader and bitcrusher helps to reproduce the sounds of vintage sampler and reverb and volume drop speak for themselves. This plugin alone has everything you need to create Lofi Hip Hop period!
With the growing demand of the Lofi Hip Hop sound in modern day music, it is becoming more and more popular to use these types of plugins. No matter what plugin you use however, this list of Lofi plugins will definitely take your sound to the next level.
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USB Microphones have been in high demand as more and more businesses focus on branding online using avenues such as Podcasting, Video Streaming, and YouTube Channels. Many beginners are curious, “How do I choose the best USB microphone for me”? “What makes a USB microphone good?” We will touch on all these points and more in this blog. With that I present to you, The Best USB Microphones for Podcasting and Video Streaming.
When searching for the best USB mic it really depends on personal preference. Portability is an important factor to consider, especially if you are constantly on the go and need to set up on the fly. Most of these USB mics are plug and play, while a few require you to do some extra installation. Another thing to consider is durability. You wanna get something that is gonna be able to take the punches on the go, nothing too fragile.
"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission which goes into helping our Blog and Content."
The CAD U37 is a usb mic that you will always see on just about everyone’s list and for good reason. It features large front address condenser mic, and can be set to eliminate unwanted noise via the cardioid pattern.
The mic also comes equipped with a 10dB overload protection switch that protects it from loud sound sources overloading the microphone circuit and damaging it. It also has a bass reduction switch to limit room noise. The whole package comes with a 10-foot USB mic cable as well as a desktop stand too!
When it comes to mobility, there is no question the Samson Go Mic takes center stage. All you have to do is plug this into your laptop and simply point and record whatever it is you want. The mic itself can switch between omnidirectional to a cardioid pickup pattern making it perfect for a laptop setting or to pick up the entire room.
As far as down sides, one main issue is it only recording in 16-bit audio at 44.1kHz. Though it’s rare that you will need anything higher than that for your podcast, it is still a good thing to note. The mic also doesn’t do a good job of attenuating outside background noise as well. However, there is a -10dB switch to reduce the risk of overloading the microphone circuit. For the price and mobility however, this is still a solid usb microphone option.
The Audio Technica AT2020 is a great condenser USB microphone perfect for podcasting. It contains an internal headphone amplifier that gives you a clear signal path of whatever it is you are recording. Underneath the microphone grill there are two knobs that allow for basic mixing of the audio on the fly.
The left knob specifically mixes vocal with any prerecording audio which is ideal for post-production work and can save you quite a bit of time in the editing phase. Alternatively, the right knob simply adjusts the headphone mix level to desired volume level. This is another great choice for your podcast, especially for those with a little experience.
The Hyper X Quadcast is an incredible USB microphone that has been labelled as the mic to have in gaming. It also just so happens to be pretty amazing for podcasting as well. Its built to almost perfection in its tilted stand that elevates the capsule and sits in a dual-shock mount. It also contains foam material under the grill of the mic which eliminates the need to buy a pop filter.
When recording you have the options for either a cardioid pickup pattern or bi-directional. This perfect for either picking sounds directly in front of the mic or recording things that are off axis. On the top of the capsule there is also a touchpad that can be used to mute and unmute the mic. Great choice for an all-around great podcast USB mic.
The Yeti by Blue is a condenser usb microphone that is probably the most common mic I see out here amongst Youtubers and Podcasters currently. It allows for cardioid, bi-directional, omnidirectional, and stereo patterns for various types of recording subjects and situations. The Yeti also contains a micro USB out and a 3.5mm headphone jack as well for monitoring.
One amazing feature of the mic is it able to record in 24-bit audio at 48kHz, this affords you more opportunities when it comes to post editing. Located on the back of the USB microphone is the pattern selector to select your recording pattern. If you have PC, you can use their Blue Voice recording software to real time effects as well. All around this is our best pick for best USB microphones for podcasting and video streaming.
In conclusion, the best USB mic is really dependent to what best suits your needs. With such a plethora of choices, it really comes down to mobility and quality of the recording device you choose. However any of the above picks in this article for the Best USB microphone for podcasting will definitely get the job done without breaking the bank.
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So, you may be wondering, what is a MIDI Keyboard Controller? A MIDI Keyboard Controller is simply a keyboard that translates MIDI data information into your DAW. In other words, a MIDI input keyboard that take the notes your play, and lays them out in your respective DAW.
Now that we have established what a MIDI Keyboard is for those who may not have known, we can move on to the list. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for the best MIDI keyboard 2019 or the best MIDI keyboard 2020. We have complied our top picks for the best MIDI keyboards for Music Production Period!
"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission which goes into helping our Blog and Content."
The Nektar SE25 MIDI Keyboard is a great add, especially for the beginner mobile producer. This MIDI controller is quite small but still packs a punch with its incredible features. Its small enough to fit in your laptop bag and cheaper than most other MIDI keyboard controllers in its price range.
The thing I love the most about this keyboard is its DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) integration features. You are able to control the Transport functions and Track selection directly from the MIDI Keyboard itself. Currently this integration supports the following Digital Audio Workstations. Bitwig, Cubase, Garageband, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Mixcraft, Reason, Reaper, Sonar, and Studio One.
The Novation SL MK2 is both sleek and pretty amazing to look at cosmetically. This MIDI input keyboard is much more than just a MIDI controller that can control you DAW (Digital Audio Workstation. This MIDI keyboard also has an onboard eight channel sequencer with many different forms of both analog and digital outputs.
One of the most prominent features I love about this MIDI keyboard controller is its ability to sequence analog hardware, MIDI hardware, and Plugins. As an owner of my vintage synths and drum machines this was definitely a win for me. No more will you need to have an external MIDI interface to solve these issues when you purchase the Novation SL MK2. Definitely one of the best MIDI keyboards for beginners and experts. Innovation at its finest!
The Keystep MIDI keyboard by Arturia is quite the MIDI controller in regards to its amazing capabilities. The Keystep has four sequencing channels, each of which can record up to 64 steps. Each of these are also polyphonic with up to 16 notes per step. The track 2,3, and 4 each have an arpeggiator while track 1 can be used as a 24-part drum sequencer.
The polyphonic step sequencer also has 8 programmable memories that you can recall, all at the turn of a knob. The ability to transpose your track and adjust swing times on the fly also makes this MIDI controller perfect for the live scene as well. In my opinion this one of the best all in one MIDI keyboards on the market period.
The Novation Launchkey series is definitely one of my favorites as I actually personally own one. The thing I love about this series of Keyboard with MIDI is its versatility. Ideally developed for Ableton Live users, this MIDI controller also has a nice arpeggiator and a chord memory feature as well.
For Ableton users the buttons and transport are integrated directly with the clips list and other features. This MIDI input keyboard is not exclusive to Ableton however, and works with all the other great Digital Audio Workstations as well. This is absolutely one of the great keyboards with MIDI, especially given the price point.
The Keylab by Arturia is an absolute gem, especially when compared to its little brother the Arturia Keystep. The Keylab features velocity sensitive after touch capabilities as well as backlit drum pads and 3 assignable auxiliary pedal inputs.
The greatest part about this MIDI keyboard to me is its direct integration with Arturia’s Analog 3 software. These are virtual renditions of classic synths used on classic records from the 70’s and 80’s. The MIDI controller is also able to operate in 3 distinct modes. DAW, Analog Lab, and User respectively. This MIDI keyboard is a great addition to any music producer’s arsenal.
Akai for me has always been king since I first got my hands on their MPC2000 13 years ago. Their legacy has always been unmatched, so when I heard of their MPK249 MIDI keyboard controller, I had to take notice. One of the features I love are the 16 MPC pads that are actually the exact same pads Akai uses on their new MPC’s. Other notable features include USB MIDI input and output, MPC note repeat, MPC swing, and full-size keys with aftertouch.
As if this wasn’t enough the MIDI controller also comes with the VIP 3.0 software that is integrated into Akai products for hands-on control of virtual instruments. It also contains Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 from AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0, and Akai Pro MPC Essentials software. So much bang for your buck in this MIDI input keyboard.
The Komplete Kontrol S49 MIDI keyboard is quite popular in the industry music producer world and for good reason. This MIDI controllers and accompanying software are simply unmatched. Essentially this software can integrate with Plugins and you can create tagged based preset browsing to find and audition sounds quickly and instantly.
All Native Instrument and NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) compatible plugins also have the controls pre-mapped on the keyboard as well. One of my favorite features however is RGB lights above each key that can highlight drum cells, key switches, scales, chords and more making creating music much easier.
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The new Akai MPK Mini 3 is Akai’s newest keyboard and has made some major upgrades to the series. It has 8 assignable backlit pads that are the same ones from the new MPC series. It also boasts a vivid OLED display that shows you instant feedback on any parameter you manipulate and the classic Note repeat parameter as well.
Towards the top of the MIDI keyboard there is a 4-way joystick that controls pitch and modulation as well a built-in arpeggiator button. The 25 key MIDI controller also has a sustain input jack on the back and sustain, mode, division, latch, oct, and sync control knobs as well for extra control and feel.
The Seaboard Block by ROLI is a very innovative MIDI keyboard that is less traditional than the other choices for best MIDI keyboard controller. Using the pressure-sensitive surface, you can shape the notes as you play adjusting the character of the sound with each movement of your finger.
Another great feature on this product is its wireless and has multitouch capabilities perfect for live performances and gigging. Because the MIDI controller is wireless, it uses a re-chargeable battery and Bluetooth technology to access the sounds. This can also be achieved with a USB and IOS apps as well.
The M32 MIDI keyboard by Native Instruments to me is the most versatile and portable MIDI keyboard controller on the market. The MIDI controller squeezes 32 keys into a portable lightweight keyboard with most of the same features of the S49 A series. One notable change is the pitch and mod wheel parameters have been replaced with Touchstrips.
The MIDI input keyboard has an integration via the NKS (Native Control Standard) feature that allows you to browse and tag plugin presets as well as control the transport of your favorite DAW’s like Logic Pro, Garageband, and Ableton Live. The smart play feature also allows scale snapping, chord triggering, and arpeggiation too. For the price and portability, this is by far the best MIDI keyboard controller on the market.
In conclusion, having the right MIDI keyboard controller is really dependent to what best suits your needs. With such a plethora of choices, it really comes down to which MIDI keyboard can best be integrated with the current workflow you have. However we have laid out 10 of the best choices we feel will accompany you best in this journey.
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So you may ask? What are the best laptops for music production? Well we have an epic compilation for you listed below. In the music production world today, your laptop is the center of the universe. Gone are the days when sequencers and tape machines ruled the industry. Your laptop has now become the epicenter of creation in the world of music production. Choosing the best laptop for you can be difficult, but it is a simple as what suit your needs. With that, I give our picks for Best Laptops for Music Production 2020.
When it comes to choosing what type of laptop is best, whether Mac or PC, it can come down to a few things. The first questions you should ask yourself is what DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) do you use or prefer? Some DAWs only work on Mac computers like Logic Pro. Another thing to consider is that some, while few, plugins are not compatible for Mac computers. However, as far as quality, Mac computers are amazing but expensive. PC computers on the other hand tend to be cheaper for the same specs as a Mac, and mostly compatible with all plugins.
Ideally, there are few notable specs I wanted to point out that are important when selecting a laptop for music production. These will be the bare minimums I believe are best.
"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission which goes into helping our Blog and Content."
The ThinkPad by Lenovo has some incredible features including ultra-fast processing, tough construction, and somewhat high-end onboard graphics. Its packed with an Intel Core i7 7600U Processor, up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 1 TB HDD with SDD options. It also has a USB 3, HDMI, and RJ45 headphone jack as well.
Another thing I love about this laptop is some of the strong security features. It includes a ThinkShutter cover that well physically close access to the webcam. There is also an integrated biometric fingerprint reader too as an extra added bonus. Last but no least it has the new USB-C port for connectivity to the newest hardware and devices.
The Envy by HP has been on the best laptops for music production list for quite some time. It boasts a 7th Gen i5 processor, but can be upgraded to an i7. This is ideal as music production software and its plugins can be quite demanding. The HP Envy also comes equipped max 32GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 2TB SSD.
On the side of the unit there are USB Type-C, HDMI, and USB Type-A ports. Perfect for the new era of hardware and devices. The computer is also touchscreen with a 3 cell, 51 WHr battery that holds up to 4 hours of battery life. This definitely one of our top picks for best laptop for music production, especially this on a budget or just starting out.
The Inspiron by Dell is a classic computer that may not be initially associated with music production. But for me it is perfect, especially for the beginning producer on a budget. The computer has an i7 Intel Core 10 generation processor and can be expanded to up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM.
As far as connectivity, the Inspiron has a USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and a HDMI port for multiple access points of connectivity. It also has a 3-cell, 42 WHr battery a SD card reader as well. While this isn’t the most flashy laptop for music production, it will absolutely get the job done.
The Acer Aspire is an incredible gaming laptop, that is perfect for music production. It has a 7th generation Intel i7 Processor and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card perfect for handling the heavy stress display of plugins and music software. It also is capable of up to 8 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1 TB HHD as well as a 128 SSD.
On the sides of this laptop it has USB-C, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, and USB 2.0 slots to connect the most recent hardware and devices. The 3-Cell battery also has a max of 6 hours of total battery life. This laptop is the perfect addition to the serious music producer and is equipped with the right tools for the job.
The XPS from Dell is another laptop that has its foundation in gaming. These specs tend to lend itself towards the music production community as well as they both use software that puts heavy strain on the computer. It can come up to an i7 9th generation processor up to 3.8 GHZ for ultrafast processing power too.
The memory starts out at 8GB DDR4 RAM, but can be expanded for more. The XPS also comes with a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card and 256GB SSD that can also be expanded. The sheer quality of Dell and these high-quality gaming specs make the XPS a great candidate for best laptop for music production.
The Asus Rog is well known for being one of the best music production laptops in the music production community for a while now. It boasts a 10th generation Intel Core i9 processor, 32GB DDR4 RAM, and a 2TB RAID SSD. That being said it is also yet another one of those music production laptops that can has its roots as a gaming laptop.
On the back and side of the laptop it also has USB Type-C, HDMI, and 3 Type-A USB 3.2 ports to connect all the latest and greatest hardware and accessories. The onboard NVDIA GeForce RTX graphics card is quite powerful bringing in a brilliant and vibrant display. Checkout Super Producer MikeWillMadeIt using the ASUS ROG in this video by Genius.
Alienware is definitely at the top of the food chain when it comes to music production laptops. It has an 10th generation Intel Core i7 quad core with 32GB DDR4 RAM. This of course is expandable for even more memory. It also comes with 1TB of SSD space as well leaving plenty of room for large plugins like Omnisphere and Keyscape.
Other notable features are a Thunderbolt 3 port, USB 3.1 input, and a SD card reader. The Alienware M15 R3 has powerful specs that can definitely get the job done in all aspects of music production. Just checkout Roddy Ricch “The Box” Producer 30 Rock as he breaks down the beat using his Alienware computer.
MSI is absolutely one of my favorite brands when it comes to laptops for music production. Besides the overall look and feel of the laptops the specs are out of this world. The laptop has a 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor with 64GB of DDR4 RAM. As far as hard drive space the GR63 comes with up 2 a TB SSD.
The laptop also has a mic line in jack as well as a headphone out RJ45 jack as well. This great for quick recording into the laptop and using it on the go. On the side of the laptop are 3 USB Type-A 3.2 ports, a HDMI 4k port, and 1 USB Type-C port for connectivity to the latest hardware and devices. This laptop for music production is definitely in a league of its own.
I am both a Mac and PC user but I must say Macs are great, and I know my Logic Pro X users can agree! The new MacBook Pro 16” is simply a work of art in my humble opinion. It has a 9th Generation Intel Core i9 Processor and up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM perfect for lightning speed activities.
It also features 1TB of SSD storage as well as a magic keyboard, and touch bar/touch ID. The touch bar alone has many multi-functional features that coincide with music production as well. On the sides of the unit there four Thunderbolt ports, perfectly compatible with the latest hardware devices and instruments. Checkout Grammy-Nominated Producer Oak Feldman crafting hit using the MacBook Pro 16" below.
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The Razer Blade laptop is definitely one that hits close to home, as I personally own this device. That being said I can firmly attest that this laptop for music production is incredible! It has a 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of DDR4 RAM. It also comes with 1TB of storage perfect for music files and large plugin libraries.
On the side of the laptop is USB Type-C input, HDMI, Thunderbolt display port, and a USB Type-A input as well. These are all the latest inputs that are compatible with external devices like audio interfaces and hard drive. The Razer Blade laptop is by far in the top tier when it comes to the best laptops for music production. Period! Checkout Super Producer Murda Beatz, showing his skills using the Razer Blade Laptop.
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The studio monitors we use to hear our music, plays an intricate part in the success of how our music is translated across different devices, and ultimately your audience throughout the world. Not only is having the right set of studio monitors important, but more importantly is knowing your particular studio monitors intimately.
This is why you see top studio spending upwards of $10,000 on a great pair of studio monitors. However, in a home environment, a good pair of studio monitors can be achieved without spending a lot of money. To show exactly what I mean I have compiled our list of the Best Studio Monitors for Music Production.
In order to serve the Music Production community better I have some criteria that I’ve laid out to better accommodate the home studio producer.
"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission which goes into helping our Blog and Content."
The Mackie HR824s are an absolutely great pair of studio monitors, especially for those just starting out. It is a 2-way active system that is THX pm3 certified and great in the creation of high definition audio for video, film, and video game projects.
The rear panel of the monitor also has XLR, TRS, and RCA connection inputs that are sure to fit just about all pieces of audio gear you can think of. The controls on the back contain both HI pass and low pass filters along with space matching which will help your monitors fit for each specific workspace.
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IK Multimedia is most widely known for their amazing plugins. They have since however dived into the electronics game with their iLoud series of studio monitors. The monitors boast ultra-flat frequency response, a phase coherent sound, and extended buy controlled low-end.
Another notable feature on these studio monitors is it has built-in auto-calibration. This allows you to adjust depending on the room you are in for a more accurate response. You simply hold down a button and the speakers generate four frequency sweeps. Each speaker then calibrate itself all in under 30 seconds.
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JBL has historically been known for a long time in the audio electronics game. This time around they’ve introduced their studio monitor 30 series ranging in various sizes. The JBL 308P is bi-amplified monitor with next generation drivers. It also had class D amplifiers installed to power the 8-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter.
The Studio monitors also include a balanced XLR input and a balanced ¼ inch TRS input, both of which offer dented level control feature. Other notable features are a EQ setting to cut any low frequencies that may interfere with the sound due to environment issues and a HF Trim that adjust the high frequencies in a room to personal preference.
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The KRK Rokit 7 is probably the most famous set of studio monitors I see in the Music Production scene period, and for good reason. They are relatively cheap in cost and knock hard AF. The drivers on these are also made with Kevlar to ensure sonic integrity and minimize ear fatigue of the listeners.
The monitor itself has a scientifically designed speaker enclosure and a front-firing port that helps with low end extension and punch. The KRK Rokit 7 also boasts Class-D 145W output and a built-in brickwall limiter that aims to protect the system and offer some wider dynamics.
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Dynaudio has been a leader in studio electronics for quite some time now. The handmade design of the monitors helps implement aluminum wire coils as well as Class-D amplifiers in a 96 kHz 24-bit signal path. It also has onboard DSP that helps out a lot with the audio performance.
On the back of the unit are XLR inputs for most professional audio setups as well as RCA input for those into hi-fi sound. The lightweight onboard woofer also helps translate a quick and more accurate transient response as well which is crucial for making important mixing decisions.
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The Yamaha HS series is also a fan favorite and monitors I definitely see in a lot of home and major studios. The HS series is bi-amped and designed specifically for accurate sound reproduction. On the back of the monitor it has both TRS and XLR inputs as well.
The HS series is designed from the ground up to eliminate any unwanted resonance to reproduce the most accurate sound production possible. The room control feature allows you to attenuate any unnatural or exaggerated low end bass that can accumulate when speakers are put next to walls or in small room.
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Genelec studio monitors are an incredible addition to any studio for good reason. The 8040B is equipped with Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) technology which automatically activates the monitor when an audio signal is detected. It also places the monitor in standby mode when there is no signal detected as well.
The monitor is itself is enclosed in a die-cast aluminum enclosure which minimizes any unwanted artifacts cause by edge diffraction. It features a 90W Amplifier for its ¾-inch tweeter and another 90W amp for its 6.5-inch woofer.
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The Twin6 by Focal is widely known in the industry for top notch quality without a doubt. The Twin6 Be definitely doesn’t disappoint, boasting two 6.5-inch subwoofers, one handling the bass and the other handling the mid/bass regions. This helps to preserve the signal dynamics without masking the midrange frequencies.
Each driver has an amplifier to give the monitors a total of 400W of sheer power. The rear panel has a XLR input and an input sensitivity control for both the subwoofer and the tweeter. The monitor is also magnetically shielded to prevent any interference from other electrical equipment. The Twin6 BE can also be positioned both vertically and horizontally.
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I must say I might be a little biased because I own these studio monitors, but they are simply amazing, especially given the price point. It features a 7’ carbon fiber midwoofer and X-ART tweeter that help give wide ranging frequency response and ultra-crisp and accurate audio. Each driver also has its own amplifier providing 150W of power.
On the back of the unit are both XLR and RCA input connects allowing you to connect virtually all audio equipment you may need to hook up. The A7Xs also have two bass ports on the bottom which help to extend the bass response. There is also high and low shelving controls on the back of the unit as well.
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The Avantone Mixcubes to me are the gold standard for studio monitors and a must no matter how big or small the studio is. Back in the day and still currently, the Yamaha NS-10s were gold standard for transparent flat response studio monitors. Today the Mixcubes in my opinion have matched that effort. These are also great to mix music that translates on lo-fi speakers like laptops and smartphones.
The Mixcubes come in both passive and powered options, with the powered option having an accurate 60W amplifier. On the back of the unit are both XLR and ¼-inch inputs that accept both balanced and unbalanced cables. These are a great reference monitor to hear how your mix will sound on things like, car stereos, televisions, clock radios, ear buds, and computers.
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When it comes to the best studio monitors for music production, it really comes down to taste and functionality. You may need many different tools for the job, and each set of monitors may serve a different purpose to achieve the sound you want.
It is important however to understand the strengths and weaknesses in each and purchase accordingly. Hope you enjoyed our picks for the Best Studio Monitors for Music Production!
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"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission."
Chord Progressions are the foundation of music. These serve as the background bed for the melodies we all know and love. However, unless you are a music theory guru or can read and write music, learning chord progressions can be a struggle.
I mean even if you are a seasoned pro, nothing is like having instant inspiration at your fingertips. Chord Progression Generator plugins are absolutely clutch and can make you come up with melodies and combinations you never even thought about.
So, on that note let’s get into it! Top 10 Best Chord Progression Generator VSTs to Make Amazing Melodies.
Scaler by Plugin Boutique an amazingly intuitive plugin that has great musical composition features. It allows you easily combines chords with features such as note detection, scale selection, chord suggestions, editing tools, and a whole lot more.
Scaler can automatically detect the scale and key of your musical project and then recommend chords that will fit in to the project seamlessly. Scaler also has a library of 2,000 scales and modes that have both artist and genre specific presets included.
They even have a built-in sound engine to test out the MIDI pattern you’ve created, using Scaler as a virtual plugin itself. You can also export the MIDI for the compositions you’ve created and place them anywhere you’d like at any time.
Scaler uses a MIDI capture feature too that allows you to capture the MIDI from any audio into Scaler and export it right out as a MIDI clip.
Captain Chords by Mixed In Key has got to be one of my favorite Chord Progression Generator plugins by far. This plugin quickly and on the fly, allows you to modify chord progressions inside you DAW.
Within the Captain Chords plugin itself you can sequence, make custom chords, record, and edit. The plugin ensure also that you always stay in key of your current project within your DAW.
Captain Chords also has the ability to manipulate your own rhythms to your playing by tapping out the rhythms you want in your chords.
Not to mention there are also over 100 plus dedicated rhythm presets you can choose from if you not feeling inspired. If that wasn’t enough, it also has a built-in strum feature that allows you to have more realistic sounding progressions.
Last but least you drag and drop MIDI, MIDI export, MIDI route, and explore the over 249 built in sound the Captain Chords plugin has to offer. A great chord progression generator piano plugin.
Cthulhu is a very distinct plugin that I have seen used by some of the top sound designers and music producers in the game. It is basically a 2-part MIDI Fx module combined into one single plugin.
One part of the plugin is a memorizer and player that allows you to re imagine chord progressions with single notes presses.
The second part of the plugin is the arp module that allows you to transform your chords in a new way you may not have thought of. The inspiration with Cthulhu is endless with the ability to record your own chords in or import your own MIDI.
Cthulhu also comes with over 150 chord presets for a limitless possibility of chord combinations and can also analyze the chords you play and offer suggestions. This include using tools like the circle of fifths, chromatic, low note, etc. Definitely a great all in one plugin for sure.
Chord Composer by Intuitive Audio is yet another incredible chord progression generator plugin. You can audition chord progressions, edit, and sequence all within the plugin itself.
Other notable features in this chord progression generator are the customizable chord progression builder, MIDI sequencing, MIDI editing, Rhythm pattern generators, and visual chord charts.
Chord composer also features guitar mode where you can strum different chord progressions to hear how they sound if a guitar played them. Almost like a guitar chord progression generator, with the ability to drag and drop MIDI right into your DAW of choice.
Chord Potion is chord progression generator plugin that can help you create new melodies and harmonic compositions instantly.
The plugin also allows you to mix and combine different playing styles to help you generate unique compositions you wouldn’t normally think of in your project.
Another cool feature is this chord generator plugin also allows you to drag and drop MIDI into your favorite DAW.
Instachord by W.A. Productions is yet another dope chord progression generator vst that helps you play chords and progression in a pinch. If you are a song writer or producer this tool also helps speed up your workflow.
The great thing of this chord progression generator vst is that it can play chords any combination of notes and with different voicings. You can also learn some music theory to help you on your producer journey.
You also have access to hundreds of common chords as well as unlimited combinations of those chords as well. Great tool for songwriters and musicians alike.
Liquid Notes by Re-Compose is an amazing chord progression generator vst that can help chords, chord progressions, and scales.
This chord progression generator vst is a little different in the fact that it works with any plugin inserted on your corresponding track and as a standalone plugin itself. Liquid Notes also routed the MIDI data back into your sequencer.
From here when you’re finished you can simply record the music right back into your sequencer. Liquid notes will also give you chord suggestions and allow you to customize progressions with tools like, Chord substitutions, alternate functions, adding tension and more.
All in all, this plugin is a top-notch chord progression generator vst and much more!
Chord Prism is a dope chord progression generator vst that is said to “Enhance your ability to play keyboard with patented technology”. The plugin also raves that you can create stunning melodies, bass lines, and arpeggios over any chord progression.
The basics are simple with Chord Prism, just choose your respective key and scale and the plugin will map out of the relevant notes and chords across your keyboard.
It also features an onboard chord generator with chord editing options and various MIDI effects. One of the most interesting features of this chord progression generator Vst is its sync feature.
MIDI Madness 3 is an algorithmic melody generator perfect to get your tracks jumpin in a pinch. The plugin uses a simple set of probability weightings to create unlimited numbers of melodies.
All you need to do is set the parameters, like a chord sequence and some MIDI controls and MIDI Madness will get to work creating amazing melodies, chord progressions, and sequences for you.
You are now also able to load your favorite synth and work with MIDI Madness 3 directly. Another notable thing about this chord progression generator vst is also has live performance options as well.
Hook Pad by Hook Theory is more or less a chord progression and melody sketchpad. It contains built-in music theory, melody guides, and intelligent chord suggestions that can assist you in writing some of the most amazing melodies and chords.
Hook Pad also includes a huge library of chords and melodies from over 13,000 hit songs from the past and present. You can then use this as inspiration and a starting point and retextualize them as your own.
This chord progression generator software also allows you to drag and drop MIDI in tracks for Logic Pro, FL Studio, Ableton Live, and many more.
Moreover, you can also export your compositions to sheet music, lead sheets, or guitar tabs as well. This is an absolute incredible tool and be used an amazing resource.
In Conclusion, there are definitely a plethora of options when it comes to Chord Progression Generator plugins and Vsts.
Depending on your needs to me they all seemingly can do the job. It just comes done to a matter of taste, cost, and what works best for your workflow.
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The Camel Crusher VST has definitely put the industry on its head since its release. Simplistic in design, Camel Crusher takes your sounds to the next level with its cutting-edge effects.
Bought out by Apple in 2015, Camel Audio’s plugins have since been integrated into Apple’s Digital Audio Workstation, Logic Pro X.
This plugin is essentially a distortion plugin that can be used on everything from basses and subs to even vocals and reverbs.
It even has little subtle controls onboard like a compressor and a filter. Perfect the dial in the perfect sound of distortion and saturation you need.
Throughout this review we will go into the specific parameters of this plugin and how it functions. We will also look at both the Negative and Positives of this plugin, in case you want to get your hands on it yourself.
There are quite a few functions available for the Camel Crusher VST. Up next we’ll get into each one and how to use them.
When you first bring up the plugin, at the very top you’ll notice the preset “Patch” selection menu. To the right of that you will find the “Randomize” button for the patches.
There are 20 presets all together with “British Crunch” being my personal favorite. A lot of these presets are incredibly versatile. Giving you everything from tube distortion emulations to pedal amp.
The randomize feature actually randomizes the parameters functions you have available for a distinct sound every time. You can also turn each of the effects modules off you that they will not be affected by the randomize feature. This can be helpful if you already have the effect the way you want but just want to make subtle changes.
Next, right below the patch and randomize features you find 4 effects modules that include distortion, compressor, filter, and master.
The distortion module can be seen represented in two areas, both “TUBE” and “MECH”. If you are looking for more of the vintage analog sound, I would say definitely go with the Tube feature. However, if you are looking for a grittier mechanical pedal sound, I would say go with the Mech option. Both sound great and are very accurately emulated.
The filter module is represented by two areas, both “CUTOFF” and “RES” or resonant. The cutoff option will cut any unwanted frequencies that may be harsh from the distortion just like a high cut filter or low pass. The resonant on the other hand will boost frequencies where you have the cutoff option set up.
The Compressor section is slightly different with “AMOUNT” dial and a “P” button that I see stands for “Phat Mode”. The Amount section simply lets you dial in the amount of compression you want on the affected sound. This helps to bring out more of the subtle nuances of the effect, and lets it be heard better in certain scenarios. The Phat Mode button takes whatever compression you’ve added and amplifies it tremendously. You will definitely hear a major difference when it is engaged.
The master section is simple enough. It contains two parameters both “VOLUME” and “MIX”. The Volume dial of course just affects the overall volume of the plugin. The Mix dial controls how much of the overall affected plugin will be on the source affected sound. All the way to the right is 100% affected, while all the way to the right isn’t affected at all. This can be compared to a dry/wet knob we see in a lot of other plugins on the market.
The great thing about this plugin, Camel Crusher is it is quite versatile. It can be used on anything you want to have a little bit more bite and crunch on. This includes, 808s, Vocals, Guitars, Synths, and Drum Sounds.
I personally love using this an effect on vocals. Especially if the vocal talent is screaming to really enhance the message being performed.
Of course, historically distortion has always been used on guitars to get that gritty sound, however this plugin will do wonders on your 808s.
It will help fatten them up and hit and cut through the mix just a little bit better than the original 808.
However, don’t be shy. Play around with this Camel Crusher plugin and try it on anything you’d like.
Unfortunately, as I stated before this amazing plugin company that created Camel Crusher was bought and acquired by Apple in 2015. It was largely still available on the company’s site and is still floating around on some 3rd party companies’ websites. However, if this plugin is no longer available to you, I will list some valuable alternatives you could try and get the same effect if not better.
Created by Soundtoys who has other epic plugins like the Effectrack and Echoboy, Decapitator is known for its grit. The thing I love the most about this plugin are the distortion types located below. They are very accurately emulated off of very highly acclaimed and iconic pieces of analog gear. Definitely a great alternative.
Fabfilter is yet another great plugin company who makes incredible plugins like their Pro-Q series as well as others. However, their Saturn plugin takes the cake as far as saturation and distortion goes. What is even great about this plugin is you can saturate and distort just certain frequencies that you want. I love using this plugin to fatten up drums and just about anything really.
Trash by Izotope to me is another slept on plugin when it comes to distortion. There are plenty of speaker and space emulations in this plugin. As well as sophisticated filtering and dynamics effects. You can also distort up to 4 frequency bands at a time.
Kilohearts is another dope plugin company who has more recently worked with the company Slate Digital to incorporate their plugins in Slate’s everything bundle. Their distortion plugin however, is def cutting edge. The plugin has 5 different distortion types and can snapin to Kilohearts Toolbox to work with other incredible plugins.
In conclusion, the Camel Crusher plugin by Camel Audio is an extraordinary plugin. Especially due to the fact that it is 100% FREE. The fact that you get so much with this free plugin to me makes it a steal.
The learning curve on this plugin isn’t too shabby at all and you can pull this thing up, go through some presets and be up and running with an amazing sound in minutes.
Although this plugin is discontinued, you can still get your hands on it on some 3rd party websites and different places on the web.
If you are looking for an inexpensive distortion option that will give you an A level sound, look no further than Camel Crusher. Trust me you won’t be disappointed. Thanks for checking out our Camel Crusher review!
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These days Autotuned Vocals has become a stable in our industry. No longer just used as simply an effect, Autotune has now become the norm. That being said, the plugin itself can be pretty expensive. Ranging anywhere from $199 to $399, the plugin itself can break the bank.
Luckily though, there are quite a few alternative options, and these days even for free. These plugins are different, but essentially do the same thing to achieve the vocal corrective sound, depending on how much of the effect you want to use.
In general, vocal or pitch correction plugins help to subtly correct small imperfections in an artist’s vocal performance. The changes can range from very minute to drastically different. This article is perfect if you're looking for the online FREE Autotune alternative. Here we will list the top FREE Autotuner plugins capable of substituting Antares Autotune.
🔥Download our extensive library of FREE Omnisphere kits, Sample Packs, Drum Kits and more – CLICK HERE
KeroVee is an older pitch correction plugin that was released back in 2010. Though it may not look as favorable as many other plugins, rest assure it holds its own. While the plugin doesn’t exactly give you the T-Pain effect, it does adjust pitch quite accurately.
It’s actually closer to what you’d find with the plugin Melodyne. The scaled interface on the left-hand side of the plugin depicts exactly what KeroVee is doing and respond accordingly. Another notable feature only found in KeroVee is the nuance parameter.
This feature allows you to ignore any small insignificant changes in pitch like normal vibrato from that may be wanted. The only downside I must say to this plugin is its only Windows 32 bit based. Meaning it’s a no go for all my Mac OS users.
Download KeroVee for FREE here: KeroVee (Windows Only)
GSnap is the OG of Free Autotune Plugins, as it was the first widely available Free Autotune plugin. Back then to have a plugin that achieves this feat was quite scarce.
One of the great features of that makes this plugin so awesome is its ability to be controlled by MIDI that you can personally feed it. For instance, if you want to correct an artist vocal performance by simply playing in the notes via a piano plugin, GSnap will then use this data as a guide and correct the notes.
Another notable feature on this plugin is the ability to add and adjust vibrato, which is incredible given this is a free plugin. It also has an onboard gate that allows you to set the sensitivity of the plugin in case there are some quieter parts of a vocal performance you don’t want affected.
Like KeroVee, unfortunately the only downside to this plugin I see is it is available only for Windows based systems. So again, if you are a Mac OS user this will not work. Other than that though, this plugin is pretty solid, especially for free. When it comes to a free Autotuner vst, KeroVee doesn’t miss.
Download GSnap for FREE here: GSnap (Windows Only)
Melda Production is known for its amazing high-quality plugins both free and paid. I actually personally use a lot of their plugins daily, especially their metering plugins. MAutoPitch doesn’t miss the mark and shows us that Melda is just as good at vocal pitch plugins as well.
The pitch control is very intuitive with adjustable parameters like depth, range, scale, detune and speed. It also contains a nice stereo width feature that can be useful especially for background vocals in the mix.
The FREE Autotuner plugin also contains an onboard effects section where you can shift the formants of your vocal and also play around with the dry/wet signal. Adjusting the formant can be very crucial when pitching vocals. This can help to give the vocal a more realistic sound. MAutoPitch also has a visual display that shows you every note that is being detected.
There is also a scale function that allows you select a scale to operate on. MAutoPitch comes bundled in a group of dope plugins from Melda Production and is available for both PC and Mac OS.
Download MAutoPitch for FREE here: MAutoPitch (Mac OS and Windows)
Graillon 2 by Auburn Sounds is definitely worthy of the top spot in our list of best free Autotune plugins for good reason. It is compatible with just about every digital audio workstation on the market, as well as available on both Mac and PC via VST or AU formats. Pitch correcting vocals with Graillon 2 is simply a breeze.
Just add the plugin as an insert on your vocal processing chain and you are good to go. If you need even more added control, the plugin has control feature like pitch correction speed, note scale range control, and note detection.
Graillon also has the ability to be subtlety adjusted to sound more realistic and human. There is also a mix knob that allows you to further control just how much of the affect you want on the vocal sound.
Another notable feature is the onboard bitcrusher area that give a vocal more grit and dirt as an extra affect. To me this plugin is the crème of the crop when it comes to free Autotune plugins period.
Download Graillon for FREE here: Graillon (Mac OS and Windows)
Voloco by Resonant City is simple but dope plugin that I feel should be merely used as a creative effects tool. This plugin while great isn’t suited at all for pitch correction, but simply for creative uses only.
The sound of the plugin is a very robotic and vocoded sound. However, as a free plugin it was definitely up to make the list. It is available for both PC and Mac OS as well. It is also available as a FREE Autotune apps as well.
Download Voloco for FREE here: Voloco (Mac OS and Windows)
In today’s era of music, the Autotune sound has almost become somewhat of a necessity on vocals. Because of this, it’s great to see that there are some free Autotuner options for those music producers and engineers just starting out or on a tight budget. Hopefully, we were able to help you decide some great options to achieve this sound for free! Use the links above, download these for free and tell us what you think?
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In today’s multifaceted era of music, compositions are mostly created on both computers and laptops. Whether you use Mac or PC however, having an audio interface is pretty much a necessity in the world of music production today. This amazing device essentially helps you to get the best quality of audio both in and outside of your computer. It also allows for your computer to connect and interface with a slew of different devices including, speakers, studio monitors, external instruments, headphones, microphones, drum machines and more. So, the big question is? How do you choose the right audio interface for you? Which ones do I chose from? Well the answer is as simple as reading our blog below!
]]>In today’s multifaceted era of music, compositions are mostly created on both computers and laptops. Whether you use Mac or PC however, having an audio interface is pretty much a necessity in the world of music production today.
This amazing device essentially helps you to get the best quality of audio both in and outside of your computer.
It also allows for your computer to connect and interface with a slew of different devices including, speakers, studio monitors, external instruments, headphones, microphones, drum machines and more.
So, the big question is? How do you choose the right audio interface for you? Which ones do I chose from? Well the answer is as simple as reading our blog below!
In this article we will detail all you need to know in regards to choosing the best audio interface to suit your music production needs, as well as our own personal recommendations of our 10 best audio interfaces you can purchase right now.
When trying to decide what’s the best audio interface for you some things you first want to consider are, the number of inputs and outputs you will need for your respective studio setup.
If you are simply recording one artist at a time or one instrument like a guitar, then 1 or 2 inputs should be perfect. However, if it is your goal to record a live band with drums, many vocalists, guitars, etc., then you will need more inputs.
Quarter inch XLR cables are more often than not what you will see as far as inputs on an audio interface. Sometimes this is even converted into combo connectors so you can connect synths, keyboards, guitars, and microphones into the same input jack. Most audio interfaces also have 48V phantom power as well to power microphones that need power like condenser mics.
Most current audio interfaces these days connect to your computer via USB or Thunderbolt connections. It is important that you make sure to look at your personal computer and see the type of connection it has before purchasing an audio interface as well.
USB-C connections are also starting to pop-up on audio interfaces now as well, with adapters available to make it compatible with older USB computers.
It may also be in your best interest to make sure the audio interface you choose is compatible with both PC and MAC operating software systems. Whether that is Windows 10 or IOS. Many of the higher end audio interfaces also offer low latency while recording to give you the best possible audio in time for your musical works.
"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission."
The Audiofuse by Arturia is a very sleek and compact audio interface that works with both PC, Mac, and other IOS devices. Despite its small stature, the Audiofuse has plenty of options in regards to plug and play connectivity. Along the front of the unit, you will find two independent headphone jacks with both ¼ inch and mini jack hookups, as well as some combi inputs.
Alongside the back of the unit there are outputs for two pairs of studio monitors. SPDIF and ADAT in and out ports as well as MIDI in and out ports. The interface also contains audio inserts to allow you to track through analog EQs and Compressors.
Connection wise the interface uses USB 2 and also houses a built in USB hub to help with extra connectivity issues. While the Audiofuse is a bit pricey at right under $600, it is still a great option to explore with above average internal preamps.
The PreSonus Audio Box is an affordable alternative in the audio interface game, weighing in right at $100. The Box boasts two mic/line inputs as well as two mic/instruments inputs. Connection wise it uses USB and supports sample rates up to 96 khz.
The dual channel design allows you to record both a mic and instrument at the same time. The onboard mixer also allows you to get the best balance between your input and audio playback as well. Though a cheaper option, this is still a great tool, especially for the new producer just starting out.
Steinberg has stepped up their game and made some massive improvements to their UR audio interfaces. The UR now have added USB Type- C connectivity as well as DSP improvements that have made any latency issues of the past no longer an issue when monitoring.
The Interface itself has two inputs and two outputs. Included onboard is also some balanced Neutrik combo inputs, each of which contain Yamaha’s D-PRE mic preamps and two balanced line outputs. The design is also built tough for travel as it is enclosed in a metal casing. At just under $190, this is definitely a viable option.
The Komplete Audio 2 interface is a perfect addition to the arsenal. Especially if you already use Native Instruments products. The interface has a two input, two output design with inline line/mic/instrument inputs. There is also a selector switch that allows you to switch between line and instrument inputs.
Other notable feature is 48V phantom power that can be engaged globally through one switch. A large level dial controls the main output next to the phantom power, input, and USB meters and indicators. At a price point of around $139 this audio interface is absolutely a great buy for its value.
The SSL 2+ boasts the classic “SSL sound” delivered in an affordable option and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. For the price point, this is a great way to get that classic sound heard on countless hit records.
An upgrade to the SSL 2, the SSL 2+ adds two more outputs on the 2 in, 2 out MIDI, another independent headphone out, and an incredible 4K button which adds some high-end air and presence to the mix. Some secret sauce if you will.
The interface also contains two combi/mic inputs with Hi-Z options that allow one to switch between instruments like keyboards and guitars with ease. 48V phantom power is also available on board to use microphones like condensers. With so much top-notch value for the price, this audio interface is highly recommended.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has got to be one of the most common audio interfaces I see both music producers and musicians alike using today, and for good reason. Coined “The bestselling USB audio interface in the world”, its cheap price and abundance in volume definitely helps.
The Scarlett is simple enough with two mic/line/instrument inputs and two outputs that support sample rates up to 192khz. With the 3rd addition Focusrite has reportedly added what they call their “Air Circuit” to the preamps of this model.
They have also re-engineered the inputs to have the hottest pickups as well. Last but not least, the interface boasts super low latency, allowing you to monitor your mixes through native plugins in real time. At $160, this is a great starter for any music producer or musician.
I have personally used this interface for quite some time, and let me say as far as mobile on the go audio interfaces, it is immaculate. Audient, known for their high-end consoles, has bought that sound and more into this small interface at an affordable price.
The Audient ID14 is a 2-channel input and output device, with an optical ADAT port that enables you to expand the number of inputs and outputs if need be. The device itself is bus powered, however it will need to be plugged in to allow the use of phantom 48V power for microphones that need it. The preamps on this model sound just incredible as the ones in Audient’s expensive consoles. For around $300, this is definitely a solid tool for the job.
The Duet by Apogee I must say has definitely been a favorite of mine for quite some time. Their pristine preamps have been something of legend for a while as well as their D/A and A/D converters.
The interface features 2 inputs and 4 outputs to add a secondary set of speakers. It is also compatible all with Mac, PC, and IOS devices. The included breakout cable also has 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs and 2 TRS outputs. Its USB connected with a color OLED display for instant level feedback. The audio interface also uses the new Maestro 2 software which is included with purchase.
The Duet 2 by Apogee is a straight go to in my opinion for not only mobile A-list setups but stationary setups as well given the amount of recording you do. Coming in at around $650, it's definitely worth its weight.
Antelope has come on the scene in the last few years and put out some really great audio products. The latest audio interface is their Audio Zen Tour model. The interface is very compact compared to all the functions it offers, and the workflow is amazing. The onboard touchscreen is small, but allows you to access all the basic features of the unit. These include headphone levels, talkback levels, and input gains.
Along the front of the unit are 2 re-amping outputs, 4 Hi Z/line, and 2 headphone outs all supported by ¼ inch jacks. On the back of the unit are 2 pairs of ¼ inch monitor outputs, 4 dual XLR/1/4 inch inputs, and 8 analog DB25 outs. Additionally, it has 2 SPDIF ins and outs and both USB and Thunderbolt connections. On the left-hand side are 2 pairs of ADAT in and out connections.
Once connected, the Antelope Audio Zen Tour offers an incredible operating software. It has amazing amplifier emulations covering everything from new to vintage amp models. It also has a slew of its own EQ’s and Compressors that sound pristine.
Though this audio interface is a bit pricey at around $1500, it will most certainly be the last audio interface you may need to buy.
The Apollo Twin by UAD is quite the amazing piece of hardware when it comes to audio interfaces. I personally own this piece of hardware and when I’m on the go I never leave home without it. The interface has 2 inputs and 6 outputs with recording capabilities up to 192khz. It connects via Thunderbolt and also needs to be plugged into the wall to be powered up. Along the front is a ¼ inch headphone jack to monitor incoming signals.
One notable feature is the DSP option that comes in Solo, Duo, or Quad options. This allows for the Unison preamps to have latency free recording and tracking through UAD's glorious plugins.
The most amazing part of this audio interface is its seamless integration with UAD’s console software that allows you to interface with Universal Audio’s world renown plugins. With no latency recording you are now able to record with no lag as if you are actually using analog hardware.
Plus, you get a few free Universal Audio plugins when you purchase this audio interface as well. To me this is as good as it gets. At $800 this audio interface is worth every penny.
You’ll find the Top A List Producers and Engineers swear by their sound and quality. Everyone from Chris Lord Alge to Jaycen Joshua has either been sponsored by them or given out their secret processes using their tools.
So, with that being said we present to you, 20 Amazing Waves Plugins You MUST Have!
"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission which goes into helping our Blog and Content."
Last Updated 1/3/22
The Vitamin Sonic Enhancer is a multiband harmonic enhancer than can dramatically affect certain aspects of your track in different frequency bands. When used correctly this tool can make your track go from amateur to amazing in seconds.
The plugin itself has zero latency and can used in both a studio and live environment. When added to a track or bus this plugin gives unparalleled warmth and color comparable to a parallel chain of EQ, Compression, and Saturation but with just one plugin.
The controls on the plugin are very intuitive and user friendly, allowing you to find and adjust the crossover points between the 5 frequency bands and also control the over mix level of the direct signal. On top of all this, it also has an added feature to control the stereo width of each band as well, allowing ultimate control to leave room for things like vocals in the mix.
This is a great tool to be used on just about anything from synths, drums, vocals, and guitars to the overall mix in general. Check out this video of The Production Expert showing you how to dramatically sweeten up your mix with the Waves Vitamin Sonic Enhancer Plugin.
If you work as a Vocal Producer or Recording Engineer, this is a must have plugin end of story! Those who work in this field know that riding vocals and vocal automation is a tedious yet crucial aspect that is needed on professional sounding vocals.
This plugin does just that, automatically in minutes. Simply setup your ideal level for the vocal and then set your thresholds and the plugins does the rest. This plugin is also ideal because it doesn’t add any sonic characteristic to the track at all.
It just simply does the hard work for you, even writing in automation within Protools and other DAWs as well for your vocal tracks. An absolute time saver for any Vocal Producer and Engineer. Watch this video by Waves detailing how to use this plugin perfectly.
Doubler by Waves has been a best kept secret for many years in the industry. It has also been used on tracks by the likes of big stars like Justin Timberlake and Rhianna.
This plugin is used on background vocals to thicken them up in the mix and give them a more desired chorus effect that most of us are used to on background vocals. Very versatile though, this plugin can be used on instruments like claps to make them seems like they are coming from the side instead of straight down the middle.
You can also change the pitch slightly on each side of the stereo spectrum on instruments to create more interest in the mix. This is by far one of the best plugins to use period and should be in everyone’s arsenal.
This plugin can be quite difficult to understand at first, but once you do, this thing is a power house! Intuitively its quite simple as there are only 4 controls to use but one main slider control.
Basically, this plugin allows you to expand the stereo width of a sound to create more room for other things like vocals and drum up the center. This is a great tool to use on thing you want really wide in the mix like background vocals and even pads and synths.
This is THE PLUGIN everyone uses to get those wide background vocals that stand out in the mix. Check out this video of Engineer, Jordan “DJ Swivel” Young using the S1 plugin on Beyoncé’s background vocals for her song “I Care”.
For those who don’t know, API’s Compressors, Console’s, and EQ’s have been a stable in the recording industry for quite a few decades now. Their plugins models don’t fall far from the tree as well. API actually partnered up with Waves to bring you a true to life remodel of the original hardware sound that API makes.
Within minutes you can dial in just what you need with these plugins as they are very user friendly. The fact that you can have classic gear that greats like Jimi Hendrix used on his records right at your disposal is insane. This is a definite must have plugin.
One of my favorite techniques to use this plugin with is parallel compression a snare. Check out this video by Grammy Award Winning Engineer Dave Pensado as he showcases how he uses the API EQ plugin doing this very technique.
What I love about this plugin is the simplicity. I personally use this plugin in just about every mix. What this plugin does essentially is let you separate the center from the content on the left and right sides and vice versa. Allowing you to take something that is in stereo and make it completely mono as well as the opposite where you take the center channel completely out of a track.
This can be ideal for things such as pads where you want to make room up the middle for that perfect vocal to shine or just to make room in the mix in general. The punch knob located on the plugin basically does the same thing except it reduces the transients of the incoming signal.
Overall this plugin rocks and is a must especially those who remix songs and needs to remove certain unwanted parts from acapella tracks.
The CLA Classic Compressor Bundle comprises of 3 classic and vintage remodeled compressors. The LA-2A, 1176, and LA-3A all of which were originally manufactured by Universal Audio.
Waves has since teamed up with Legendary Engineer Chris Lord Alge, who has worked on records from the likes of Green Day, U2, James Brown, and Tina Turner to accurately capture the sound and feel of these classic compressors. Here is the breakdown of the 3 types of compressors that come in the collection.
This compressor bundle to me is a must have tool with so many options at your disposal and so many uses.
Now this next plugin has to go down as the secret weapon of the recording industry. Ask any top-level recording and mixing engineer and they’ll tell you this plugin is straight gold.
The Renaissance Vox plugin or RVox, is a simplified compressor that takes any sound and really brings it into the forefront. This has been a staple on lead vocals in the industry for quite a while now to get those in your face vocals everyone loves on today’s records.
The compressor also features a gate and gain knobs for added control over the recording or sound. Check out this video of Legendary Engineer Andrew Scheps using RVox in his mix.
So Waves partnered up with legendary mixing engineer Eddie Kramer to deliver an incredible tape plugin. I’m sure you’ve heard other producers explain just how great the sound of tape can be on your tracks.
Well Kramer Master Tape is a tape emulation plugin modeled after a rare ¼” reel-to-reel tape machine. Please believe this plugin will give you all the warmth and richness that is true to the tape & Lofi sound and also has key features and controls like adjustable tape speed, wow & flutter, bias, flux, and noise parameters.
Don’t believe us? Check out this video with the man himself, Eddie Kramer explaining this heavyweight plugin!
The renaissance compressor is another OG plugin that has been around forever but is still in my humble opinion one of the best they’ve put out and has stood the test of time.
This multi-purpose compressor has a very musical sound and works great on instruments like synths, drums, bass, and vocals. As far as controls go, you can toggle between both “Opto” and “Electro” modes for slightly different types of compression.
Check out this video of multi-platinum recording and mixing engineer for Pharrell, Jermaine Dupri, Mariah Carey, and more, Phil Tan as he shows how he uses the renaissance compressor on his mix of the song “Diamonds” by Rihanna. Check out the video here.
Now when it comes to my top EQ weapons, this is by far my secret gem. This plugin is a modeled recreation of the infamous Pultec EQP-1A EQ that is famous for having the ability to both boost and cut the same frequencies simultaneously creating a resonant shelf.
In collaboration with Jack Joseph Puig the good people at Waves have recreated and emulated this iconic hardware unit that has been heard on some many classic recordings. I’m talking everything from the likes of U2 to Lady Gaga to the Rolling Stones and more!
I personally love enhancing my low end with this plugin and it fits the bill quite nicely. Check it out for yourself and watch the Legend Dave Pensado use it in action here.
Ask any audio engineer and I’m sure this compressor is either in their repertoire or on their wish list. This SSL G plugin is modeled after the famous SSL 4000 G console compressor within the board and has captured the true sound of the original immaculately.
This is thee plugin synonymous with the phrase “gluing” that you hear come out of a lot of producer’s and engineers’ mouth. Where the SSL buss compressor really shines is on a drum buss or mix buss.
Add this plugin on your drum buss and hear how the drums go from individual sounds to a cohesive unit working together. But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Check out this video by Raw Technique Studios where he details how to use this very plugin to achieve success on your drum buss. Watch the video here!
When I need my snare, clap or percussion tracks to really smack my first choice sometimes isn’t to always grab a compressor, or even an EQ. Sometimes I like to just go with a transient shaper like Trans -X that does the work for me with ease.
Essentially what Trans-X is, is a transient plugin that will attenuate and accentuate the attack of anything it’s put in front of. This is especially great for things like loops and drums.
If you’re a sound designer this tool should definitely be in your toolbox period.
Multiband compression can be a hard concept to master in the beginning, but when learned effectively it can be an incredibly powerful tool. Basically, multiband compression allows you to separate only certain frequencies you want to be affected by compression and leave out the other frequencies you don’t want.
This is especially helpful say on your mix buss where you want to contain the low end of the whole track and not affect any of the other instruments in the track. The C4 also has 4 different bands you can affect independently for maximum transparency.
Watch top mixing engineer for Pharrell and Robin Thicke, Tony Maserati, as he walks through using the C4 Multiband Compressor. Watch the video here!
Another Chris Lord Alge plugin makes the list again and for good reason. This plugin has got to the best one stop shop vocal plugin on the market period. It’s basically an all in one multi-effect plugin that has the top 6 effects you’ll need when handling vocals.
That includes bass, treble, compression, reverb, delay, and pitch. Don’t sleep on this plugin. It was used heavy on the vocal mixing of Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow”.
This is my go to delay for all projects I do! H- Delay by Waves is a PCM style delay plugin that has incredible built-in effects like filtering, phasing, and flanging as well as classic delay effects like ping-pong delay, slap-back delay, and tempo synced echo.
Hence the name Hybrid (H) Delay, it can function like both a vintage delay unit and as a modern one. The controls on this thing are incredibly useful as well with things like a tap tempo pad to find tempos on the fly and the ability to sync the tempo to the host tempo or adjust it manually.
With so many features in one, this delay plugin is a must, end of story! Check out Grammy Award Winning Engineer, Jordan “DJ Swivel” Young as he showcases how he used H-Delay on his mix of The Chainsmokers hit “Closer”! Watch the video here.
This is another slept on plugin that a lot of people don’t know about. It especially comes in handy for Sound Designers who make their own drum sounds or any sound for that matter.
Torque is a frequency shifting and tuning plugin that allows you to accurate identify and change the pitch of drum and percussion elements in your mix. This plugin is great because a lot of people don’t know that tuning your drums to the key of the song is so critical for success.
With a tool like this, it makes the process so much easier and quicker. Check out Producer for Dr. Dre and Beyoncé, Focus explaining how he incorporated the Torque plugin in his workflow. Watch the video here!
To all my Producers and Sound Designers, this plugin is for you! In the era where everyone and their mom is creating samples, this plugin helped you alter the pitch of loops and samples to create a whole new vibe different than what you had before.
Soundshifter also allows you to time-stretch audio as well to mold it to your specific tempo. It does all of this in real time and the pitch algorithm is smooth and accurate.
Check out Platinum Producer, Jahaan Sweet as he showcases how he uses the Soundshifter plugin in his production of Eminem’s “Lucky You”. Watch the video here!
When you want to get your 808s to hit HARD, this is the plugin you go to. Renaissance Bass or RBass is essentially a low-end enhancement tool that helps deliver deeper and richer low end that sounds great on any sound system.
I love to you this plugin in parallel on an 808 to give it even more low-end harmonics, still keep the original timbre of the 808 from the beginning.
Try this plugin on anything you want to enhance the low end on, including bass and kicks as well.
When you need a crazy effect to go on just about anything, look no further than this plugin from Waves. Metaflanger is basically a flanger on steroids that can also do things like chorus, phasing, and more.
This plugin is great on things like pads and synths to give them added interest. You can also add this to a vocal for crazy effects that sound out of this world!
Check out Grammy Award Winning Engineer for Timbaland and Madonna, Marcella Araica as she shows how she uses the Metaflanger plugin in her workflow. Watch the video here.
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In this modern beat making era, the days of being limited to a desktop computer or laptop containing a DAW are over. Now more than ever we are seeing hit records being created that were made completely from an App. Yes, you heard us correctly an App! More notably, Legendary Producer Madlib stated in a recent tweet, “I made all the beats for Bandana on my iPad”. Please believe he isn’t the first. Other Producers like Mannie Fresh and Steve Lacy have also crafted their own hits using their respective mobile devices and Apps as well. In this article we will touch a few of the best apps for making beats of your own. I present the Top 5 Best Beat Making Apps for Producers and Beatmakers.
Apple’s Garageband app has been around for quite some time now and has been Apple’s go to mobile production app, as no app version of their main DAW, Logic Pro X has been released. However, Garageband fits the bill just fine as it is capable of multitrack recording and MIDI editing. It also boasts a new collection of Touch Instruments and Live Loops. Not to mention the Multi-touch gestures that allow you to play keyboards, guitars, and drum like a pro. You can also plug in your favorite guitar into the plethora of Classic Virtual Amps and Stomp box Effects as well. What is even more incredible is you can run 3rdParty AU Instruments and Effects plugins all from the app itself so you aren’t just limited to the stock plugins it comes with. To me, when it comes to beat making apps, this app just kills the competition period. The greatest thing in my opinion is that this beatmaker app free. As long as you have an apple device this beat making app is free of charge.
Native Instruments beat making app iMaschine 2 is nothing new on the market but has been slightly updated recently and given a sleeker look. The app has a virtual 16 pads representation and comes equipped with hundreds of onboard professional sounds as well as a smart play keyboard that always keeps things in key. The state-of-the-art arranger allows you to take your loops and scenes turn them into full tracks with just a finger swipe. It also has the basic features we are used to in Maschine with things like note repeat and drum pad modes to help speed up workflow. To me the best feature about iMaschine is you can start a beat here and then export with all the samples into the regular Maschine software and products. If you already use Maschine software you will feel right at home here.
This next app to me is a straight monster and a favorite to many mobile based beatmakers who use apps to make beats. Beatmaker 3 comes with 128 banks of 128 pads and each can be used as an instrument with multiple dimensions. You can record, assemble, chop live, and resample on the fly with world renown sampling engine Beatmaker 3 is known for. Sampling is also a breeze with the ZPlane’s Elastique live stretch and pitch shift that allows you to make any sample fit right in with your song’s tempo and key signature. What I love about this platform the most is the sound store which always has professional samples, loops, and sounds at my disposal from incredible sound designers.
FL Studio Mobile is the newest member of apps to make beats on the market and is quite powerful. It comes with quite a few features like Touch Controllers, to be able to configure virtual pianos and drum pads, Audio Recording, to capture live performances, onboard effects, mixers, and midi control as well. You can also export created files as WAV, MP3, or AAC and sync them over multiple devices as well. The app also includes in app purchases for more sounds and drum libraries as well. Overall this beat making app is new to the game and could use some improvement, but is still worth checking out.
To me, out of all the apps for making beats, this one is a god amongst men. This beat making app is a 64-track music production powerhouse that also comes with built-in sampling capabilities, effects, a sound library, and plenty of performance features. An upgrade from the original iMPC app, this new upgrade boasts more tracks and more music. Each of the 64 tracks contains 4 pad banks of 16 pads to help you build a song from start to finish. Each track also has a dedicated mixer, compressor, and 3 band EQ. Sampling is a breeze with 5 different ways to record audio in. These include the onboard iPad mic, iPad input, Multi-touch virtual turntable interface, Inter App Audio, and Resampling your own audio. The all new Sample Editor is cutting edge multi-touch editing, containing zoom, envelopes, gain controls, and more. Additionally, you can also normalize, reverse, fade in, and amplify all from the sample editor itself. When it comes to kings amongst kings in the beat making app arena, iMPC holds the title.
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"Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission."
3. Wow Control by Goodhertz – Widely unheard of, Wow Control is another warping tape plugin that’s great for catching that detuned vibe used producers like Cubeatz, Frank Dukes and Pvlace of 808 Mafia. Wow Control however, has so many more options and tools to play with. You can control noise, wobble, as well as the harmonics associated with analog tape and cassette. It even emulates the 3 analog tape modes as well. Checkout Wow Control here: https://goodhertz.co/wow-ctrl
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Of course, this plugin is nothing new, but is still a go to in so many of our favorite productions we know and love. With the recent addition of the Artist Series to the arsenal in recent years, the plugin has been reinvigorated with new and cutting-edge sounds for every genre. You can find sounds from Nexus being used in productions from A-List Producers like DJ Mustard, as well as TM88 and Southside of 808 Mafia. More recently Nexus 2 was used in Lil’ Wayne’s Carter V, on the song “Open Safe”. It features the preset “PL VZ Bells 2” under Plucked in Nexus 2.
Released just this past year Output’s newest subscription-based plugin Arcade is slowly becoming a secret weapon for mainstream and underground producers. The plugin itself has a wide variety of libraries to choose from with everything from loop libraries to actual playable instruments. Arcade is also organized into 3 categories which include Product Lines, Kits, and Loops which can all be synced to the tempo of your DAW. Last but certainly not least, this plugin allows you to import your own samples and use their effects to manipulate them in your own creative ways with their incredible onboard effects engine. To me the greatest thing about this plugin is it is constantly being updated with new libraries all the time so the inspiration is endless. All this for only $10/month, to me it’s worth every penny.
Here is yet another underrated plugin that some may or may not know about. Miroslav Philharmonik 2 is an Orchestral Plugin full of rich sounds including guitars, violins, cellos, trumpets, french horns, trombones and more. It is also packed with over 58GB of sounds with over 2,700 instruments that have been sampled into the library. More notably this has been a go to plugin for the Multi-Platinum Producer Duo Cubeatz, who use this plugin in many of their most popular productions.
Another Vet in the game, Kontakt has been around for quite some time. Now with updated Kontakt 6, we get a little more power and more plugins libraries added to the mix. It comes with a full arsenal including some newbies like the synth Analog Dreams, instrument Ethereal Earth, and Hybrid Keys. As well as new effects like Replica delay, room reverb, and cry wah. To me the greatest feature of this plugin is the endless 3rdParty libraries by various companies at your disposal. If you’re bold and want to create your own 3rdParty instruments for Kontakt, there is a new and improved debugger feature in creative tools that allows you to identify and fix script issues more easily. Overall this plugin to me is a must have period.
If you haven’t heard about this plugin than you must have been hiding under a rock the last couple of years. Since its rise to fame in the industry around 2015, Serum has become a stable for EDM and Pop Producers specifically. But don’t let that fool you, Serum is just as powerful in the realms of Hip Hop and Trap as well. One of the biggest features renowned by everyone is the ability to import your own wavetables within the synth itself. This includes classic wavetables from classic synths of the past as well which enable you to build a whole slew of different sounds never possible before. Let’s also not forget the built-in effects, ability to import your own audio samples, and real-time wavetable manipulation. All around this plugin is simply fire!
This is by far becoming one of the biggest go to plugins for the modern day producer. Electra by Tone2 can be used as a synthesizer as well an audio playback engine for importing your own audio samples. With over 1300 production ready sounds already included, there are endless possibilities of creativity. I think the biggest highlight of this plugin is the endless amount of 3rd Party Expansions out there that have been used on countless hits in the industry. This plugin is definitely still my main go to in 2019.
This plugin is so slept on it is ridiculous! Xpand! 2 by AIR, has got to be one of the most versatile plugins I’ve had the pleasure of using in a long time. Originally only offered as a plugin native to Pro Tools. AIR has now made this colossal plugin available for everyone in every DAW. One of my favorite features of this plugin are the Advanced Arpeggiation and Multitimbral aspects allowing you to mix and match presets for endless possibilities. More notably this plugin was used on quite a few early Drake records including 2011’s “Headline” which featured the patch #13 “Eurodance” under #11 Soft Leads in Xpand! As well as 2012’s “Thinking Bout You” by Frank Ocean which feature the patch #6 “Scanner Pad” under #1 Soft Pads. This plugin should absolutely be in your everyday arsenal!
Yet another GOAT plugin, this one has some serious history in the industry. For those who don’t know, this is a whole collection of classic analog synths recreated in a virtual plugin at your disposal. I’m talking classic synths used in records by the likes of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Bon Jovi, Earth Wind & Fire, and Prince just to name a few. The Analog Lab is dope is because you can mix and match the classic synths to create all new sounds never possible before. However, the standard VCollection is just as good. Giving you access to over 24 iconic instruments. One of the more notable aspects is Arturia also has a store dedicated to new and innovative presets for each classic synth, as well as presets from the classic records we all know and love. Endless inspiration!
Indeed, a fan favorite, Keyscape has taken the producing world by storm since its release. To me this is the cream of the crop when it comes to sampled keys period. Not just pianos, but Rhodes, Wurlitzers, and other classic keyboard-based instruments as well. With over 500 total sounds and 36 instrument models, this to me is the best sounding and most accurate keys collection on the market.
This year yet again Omnisphere 2 reigns supreme on top of the VST Plugin list. I mean, can you blame it though? This year we saw the introduction of Omnisphere 2.5 and 2.6, which gave us access to a slew of new features and sounds. One of the biggest being hardware synth integration as well as the sounds of classic analog synths like the Roland D-50 and Jupiter. With such a massive sound library that is constantly being updated it’s no wonder why this plugin is such a no brainer for producers. As far as notable sounds and presets, we can go with the preset “Pinging Cheese Delay” under Retro Land, which was used in Cardi B’s song “Drip” feat Migos.
Hope You Enjoyed Our Blog! Top 10 Best VST Plugins For Beatmakers and Producers 2019!