Plug-ins

The former Wave Mechanics team set out to create the ultimate classic echo unit emulator, and ended up with a plug-in that does much more.

If you need a new way of adapting the feel of a loop, or you want decent pitch-shifting and time-stretching on a budget, Psoft's inexpensive utility might be for you.

Most recent electric piano virtual instruments have been sample-based, but in Lounge Lizard, AAS continue to fly the flag for their physical modelling technology; version 3 offers an improved fork model, plus modelled electromagnetic and electrostatic pickups...

We test another group of hot plug-ins: Universal Audio Dimension D • Ugo Rez, Texture, String Theory & Motion • TC Electronic VSS3 Stereo Source Reverb.

With W2, Wizoo's aim is to combine the realism of convolution reverb with the flexibility of an algorithmic design.

Since its launch in 2000, NI's B4 has been the software instrument of choice for those who want realistic tonewheel organ sounds from their computer. But NI are clearly convinced it can be better...

Sound designer Rob Papen may be best known to you as the man behind amazing sounds for the Access Virus or Alesis Andromeda. Now he's moved into producing software-based synths of his own. So how good is it?

Like many of Sony Oxford's plug-ins, their new limiter takes a familiar concept and applies a novel twist.

Ever fancied arranging 'Oops, I Did It Again' for a full choir? Well now you can, courtesy of Symphonic Choirs, the latest virtual-instrument sample library from East West and Quantum Leap.

We test two hot new plug-ins: Camel Audio's Camel Space (PC VST & Mac OS X AU) and TC Electronic's DVR2 (Mac/PC Powercore).

Software guitar amp modelling has been around for a while, but GTR is Waves' first foray into the field — and as you'd expect, they have made a huge effort to get it right, even hiring guitar maker Paul Reed Smith to design a bespoke preamp.

Basement Arts Frantic, Cakewalk Z3TA+, and Progress Software Soup get the install treatment.

Altiverb was one of the first convolution reverbs to appear. Is it still the best?

Cycling 74's Pluggo plug-in bundle continues to grow, and now encompasses over 100 effects, synths and modulation sources.

Looking for a new bass player? If you'd consider a software candidate, Steinberg's Virtual Bassist is now ready for audition...

This month: Universal Audio Boss CE1 • TC Electronic NonLin2 Stereo Effects Reverb

String Studio uses Applied Acoustics' physical modelling expertise to (in theory) generate the sound of any string instrument. Good or bad vibrations? We find out...

Anarchy Rhythms is a novel VST plug-in/stand-alone application, whose author accurately describes it as "a hybrid between an effect and a drum machine".

If you want your mixes to go to 11, Waves' new mastering limiter might be the weapon you need.

Mini-reviews of Bizune's Bizune VST • Sonalkis SV517 • Universal Audio Precision EQ • Nusofting Microrock Pro • Fabfilter Volcano

A new plug-in bundle from Dutch developer Audio Ease brings together three unique sound-shaping tools.