Plug-ins

WaveMachine Labs' sophisticated DirectX plug-in allows you to replace the sounds of individual drums with samples, while keeping the human feel of a performance.

R3 comprises a five-band, fully parametric EQ design plus switchable-slope, variable-frequency high and low-pass filters.

Dominion is a 'signal modelling device' similar in concept to SPL's highly regarded Transient Designer dynamics processor, embodying characteristics of both compressors and expanders, yet without being either a compressor or an expander in the normal sense.

Digital hardware that models classic guitar amps has been big business in recent years, but in the software field Line 6's Amp Farm has had the market to itself. Now, however, IK's Amplitube looks set to provide some serious competition.

Applied Acoustic Systems, known best for their Tassman software synth, have now used their modelling technology to create an electric piano plug-in. But of course, theirs isn't the only one around...

TC's DSP-powered effects board has been upgraded, and now includes a much more impressive plug-in bundle.

The flexibility of the effects assignment in modern MIDI + Audio sequencers (DAWs) can be daunting, so here's some advice on how to sort out the routing and order of your plug-ins for common recording and mixing tasks.

Formats: PC DirectX, VST

Reviewed: Mac version

The SPL De‑Esser user...

Plug‑in pack: Mac/PC, all formats; TDM and Mac stand‑alone versions also available

Reviewed: PC...

Originally designed by SOS author Craig Anderton as a DIY hardware circuit, Spectral Design have now turned this into a software plug‑in. Unlike most other distortion effects, it splits the signal into four frequency bands and distorts each one individually.

TC Native Bundle 2.0 can now be seen as roughly equivalent in scope to Waves' Native Power Pack, or as a high‑end version of their own Native Essentials bundle...