As previously mentioned, modulation effects involve altering a parameter over time. Tremolo specifically modulates volume over time.
When applied heavily, it can create a pulsing effect, and it’s also useful for adding an artificial groove to your track.
2) Vibrato
Vibrato, unlike tremolo, modulates pitch instead of volume.
Pretty simple, right?
3) Flanger
The flanger effect has roots tracing back to Christiaan Huygens, the Dutch mathematician, physicist, and astronomer. (For those familiar with physics, you might recall Huygens’ Principle from studying waves!)
Flanger works by duplicating the original sound and playing the copy after a very short delay, creating what’s known as a comb filter effect.
By adjusting the delay time, the peaks and troughs in the frequency response created by the comb filter shift back and forth.
This may sound complex, but experimenting with it will make the concept much clearer. It’s this shifting comb filter effect that produces the signature whooshing or “rocket-like” sound of flanging.
4) Chorus
Chorus is similar to flanger but has a few key differences.
In chorus, the original sound is copied and delayed (often with multiple copies), but the delay time is longer than in flanging. Additionally, chorus effects often include adjustments to panning and pitch, creating a richer and fuller sound.
5) Phaser
Phaser is another modulation effect that shares similarities with flanger but operates differently. Instead of applying a short delay like flanger, a phaser uses an all-pass filter to manipulate the phase of the sound.
This phase-shifted sound is then blended with the original, resulting in a comb filter effect, just like flanger. However, the method of achieving this effect gives phasers their unique, swirling sound.
If you look at the waveforms, you’ll notice the phase shifts caused by the phaser. While the subtle changes in pitch can also be observed in the waveform, it’s tricky to capture it perfectly in a screenshot.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the principles behind these effects can help, but hands-on practice is essential to mastering their use. Spend time experimenting with these effects to familiarize yourself with their unique sounds and applications.
Both theoretical knowledge and practical experience are crucial, so try to balance learning with experimentation!
Hello, I’m Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.
This post is Part 3, focusing on other plugins (mixing tools or those that don’t fit neatly into earlier categories but are still highly recommended).
As with previous posts, I’ve partnered with Plugin Boutique, so plugins available on their platform will be linked accordingly. If you purchase through these links, I’ll earn a small commission, which helps me a lot. Thank you for your support!
Let’s dive right in!
1) Vocal Tuning Tools
Three industry-standard vocal tuning tools dominate the market:
Antares Auto-Tune Pro 11 ($252.45): A powerful tool for manual pitch correction. With skilled adjustments, this plugin delivers highly natural-sounding results. Antares also offers various vocal processing plugins worth exploring.
Celemony Melodyne 5: Highly intuitive and fast for general tuning needs, though it lacks graphical pitch drawing capabilities. It’s my go-to plugin for vocal tuning. Multiple versions are available, but eventually, you’ll want the Studio edition. If you own a previous version, upgrading ($31.90) is most affordable. Otherwise, take advantage of the Black Friday deal ($327.80). Alternatively, you can start with Melodyne Essential ($53.90) and upgrade to Studio ($273.90) for the same cost.
Synchro Arts Revoice Pro 5 ($275): With an improved UI in version 5, it excels at aligning chorus and lead vocals, as well as matching timing and volume. It might take some getting used to, but it’s indispensable once mastered. Revoice’s specialized tools, Vocalign 6 Standard ($97.9) and Vocalign 6 Pro ($229.9), are also great for vocal alignment. Among the three, I recommend Revoice Pro 5 the most.
2) Analyzers & Plugin Diagnostic Tools
DDMF Plugin Doctor (~$30): An invaluable tool for analyzing and testing plugins or hardware. It helps you make informed decisions when buying plugins.
Yolean Loudness Meter ($29.7): A fantastic analyzer for measuring LUFS values. The free version is solid, but the paid version allows file-based loudness analysis. A reliable reference tool for mastering engineers.
Flux:: Session Analyzer (Studio Session Pack, ~$70): A versatile tool for analyzing multiple metrics simultaneously. It’s more cost-effective to buy the Studio Session Pack than individual tools. For advanced users, consider the Analyzer Essential ($478.8), which supports offline analysis and multichannel setups.
(Unfortunately, iZotope Insight 2 isn’t discounted yet, but it’s another excellent choice.)
3) Filters and Creative Effects
Moog MoogerFooger ($163.9): Moog is known for both synths and filters. This plugin bundle emulates the MoogerFooger pedals beautifully. If the full bundle feels expensive, consider smaller bundles: 4 plugins ($108.9) or 2 plugins ($60.5). I highly recommend the MF-101 Lowpass Filter ($31.9) as a must-have.
Denise Audio: Known for tools like the Motion Filter ($42.9) and other effects such as enhancers, gates, and saturators. The Motion Filter stands out for its unique capabilities.
Sonarworks Reference 4: Adjusts frequency responses for speakers and headphones. While the bundled mic (Behringer ECM8000) has its critics, it’s still a useful tool for improving your monitoring environment.
Other tools like Dirac Live and Trinnov Audio Optimizer are popular in the hi-fi world, but they’re on the pricier side. Personally, I use an Earthworks M30 measurement mic with a routing program (Audio Storm LiveProfessor) to manage my dual subwoofer setup.
I’ve compiled as much information as I could over the past two days. There may be additional discounts on the actual day, so I’ll update this post if needed.
Hello! This is Jooyoung Kim, mixing engineer and music producer, and singer-songwriter.
Now, let’s dive into Part 2 – Virtual Instruments (Synthesizers, Sample-Based Instruments, Orchestration Tools).
As mentioned in Part 1, I’ve collaborated with Plugin Boutique for this guide. Links to products on Plugin Boutique will direct you there, while those unavailable on their platform will link to their respective websites or other discount pages.
Purchasing through Plugin Boutique links provides me with a small commission, which helps support my work. Your support is greatly appreciated!
This section is organized by instrument type for easier navigation.
Virtual Instruments
1) Acoustic Drums
BFD3: My go-to acoustic drum plugin. While the initial setup might seem tricky, just a bit of knowledge about drum recording will let you create realistic drum tracks. At $42.9, it’s a steal! However, you’ll likely need to invest in some expansion packs for serious use.
SSD5.5: Another solid acoustic drum plugin. Currently priced at $49. It also requires expansion packs for full functionality. I used to use the free version back on Cubase 10 with Windows, though there were compatibility issues back then. These should be resolved now.
Superior Drummer 3: Although I haven’t used this personally, it’s a favorite among pop producers. It comes with a wealth of preloaded sounds but is quite pricey at €299 (Black Friday price).
UVI Key Suite: Offers an extensive and diverse library of sampled pianos and synthesizers, surpassing even Keyscape. At $224, this is a great deal if you’re looking for an all-in-one bundle.
Arturia V Collection X: Arturia excels at emulating classic synthesizers. This collection features 39 instruments, including acoustic pianos (Piano V, with nine piano types), electric pianos, and synthesizers. Priced at $328.9, it’s worth exploring if you love classic sounds.
Korg Collection 5: This bundle includes 15 emulations of iconic Korg synthesizers and is priced at $328.9.
IK Multimedia Modo Bass 2: Instead of purchasing the bass plugin alone ($54.99), consider the IK Multimedia Total Studio 4 MAX bundle ($164.99) for better value. Many are transitioning from Trilian to this plugin, though I ended up buying a physical bass instead.
Scarbee Series: Decent bass libraries, but it’s better value to purchase them as part of Native Instruments Komplete during sales.
NI Guitar Rig 7 Pro: Another top-tier effects processor for guitarists. However, for composers, it’s wiser to wait for a Komplete sale rather than buying this standalone ($103.4).
Bias FX2: Widely used among guitarists. Currently 50% off at $149—definitely worth checking out.
Brainworx Guitar & Bass Bundle: Includes 24 amp models, 7 pedals, and various effects, all for $69.3. With 34 plugins in total, it’s an excellent value for its price.
Unfortunately, Trilian, the staple of bass virtual instruments, doesn’t seem to be on sale either. Perhaps closer to the day?
4) Strings & Orchestration Tools
Musio 1: Amazing value! With over 80 instruments (including the iconic Cinesamples library) at $163.9, this is a no-brainer. Updates are ongoing, and though a “2” version may be on the horizon, this is still an unbeatable deal.
Spitfire Audio: A classic name in orchestration. Albion One is great for cinematic sounds, while Chamber Strings suits pop strings. BBCSO is excellent for classical vibes, and their Abbey Road and Studio series are worth exploring.
EastWest Sounds: Known for their Hollywood Orchestra OPUS Edition and Symphonic Orchestra. Their Pop Brass and Voices series are also excellent. Their ComposerCloud subscription is discounted at $149/year for Black Friday.
VSL (Vienna Symphonic Library): Produces ultra-realistic orchestral libraries with a steep price tag and a learning curve. Ideal for professionals dedicated to orchestration.
Orchestral Tools: A long-established brand, now offering 50% off. Their Berlin series is highly recommended.
Project SAM: Known for their Symphobia series, which is great for cinematic sound design. Symphobia 1 and 2 are staples, while 3 and 4 add more nuanced effects.
Audiobro: Popular for Korean pop strings, particularly the LA Scoring Strings series. They’re now pushing their Modern Scoring series as well.
Closing Thoughts
I wanted to include samplers or sound effects for video work, but I’m less familiar with these areas. I primarily use Logic’s built-in sampler and NI Battery. Also, since I play guitar myself, I didn’t cover virtual electric or acoustic guitars here.
Hopefully, this guide helps you navigate this year’s deals!
Stay tuned for the final part, covering effects plugins and miscellaneous tools—coming soon. Time to recharge before tackling the rest!
Hi everyone! This is Jooyoung Kim, mixing engineer and music producer.
Black Friday week has finally arrived! To help those of you still deciding what to buy, I’ve compiled a list of recommendations, sorted by category:
Part 1 – Mixing (Compressors, Reverbs, and more by company)
Part 2 – Virtual Instruments (Synths, sample-based libraries, orchestration tools)
Part 3 – Other Plugins (Recommended plugins that don’t fit into the above categories)
I’ve received a lot of support from Plugin Boutique over the years, so plugins available on their platform will link to Plugin Boutique. For others, I’ll provide links to the developers’ websites or other sale platforms.
If you purchase via my links, I’ll receive a small commission, which helps support my work. Your support means the world to me! 😊
This list is quite extensive. If you want to search by company, simply use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) to find what you’re looking for. Let’s get started!
1) Universal Audio
Click Image to Purchase UAD Plugins
Universal Audio (UA) is a household name in the audio world. In the past, you needed a Satellite PCI-E card or hardware with DSP chips to use UA plugins. Now, their plugins are available in native formats, making them more accessible.
Waves plugins are studio staples worldwide. While some dismiss them due to their age, affordability, and widespread cracked versions, don’t underestimate the quality of their offerings.
For example, their SSL 4000 compressor emulation is one of my personal favorites.
For more advanced needs, you can opt for Mercury, though its high price makes it hard to recommend unless you’re fully committed.
That said, Waves’ current sale isn’t as steep as others, so if you’re shopping for mix bundles, check out IK Multimedia below!
3) IK Multimedia
Click Image to purchase IK Multimedia Total Studio 4 MAX
IK Multimedia has gone all out with their Total Studio 4 MAX bundle sale this year. At $164.99, this is an unbeatable deal! (Note: This price isn’t available on their official site.)
This bundle is ideal for beginners, covering virtual instruments, mixing, and mastering plugins—all for under $250!
The bundle includes the T-Racks Max 5 v2 version for mixing plugins. While it’s not the latest (T-Racks Max 6), the difference is negligible.
If you’re looking for a great all-in-one bundle, you won’t regret purchasing this!
4) Soundtoys
Click Image to Purchase Soundtoys Plugins
Soundtoys occasionally offers 60% off their bundle, as they are now. In previous Black Friday sales, discounts hovered around 40–50%, so now is the perfect time to grab it!
Arturia’s FX Collection 5 is packed with mixing plugins, and I recently reviewed it in detail. If you want to know what’s included and which classic hardware they’ve emulated, take a look at the post.
However, individual plugins aren’t currently discounted, so I’d recommend this bundle for those with intermediate to advanced mixing knowledge.
7) Brainworx
Click Image to Purchase Brainworx plugins
Brainworx creates some fantastic plugins that I often use in my mixes. Originally exclusive to Plugin Alliance, they’re now also available on Plugin Boutique.
Recommended plugins:
Maag EQ4: Great for boosting high-frequency airiness.
Additionally, iZotope has developed Neoverb, a reverb plugin leveraging technology from Exponential Audio (previously acquired by iZotope). It’s worth exploring!
10) Sonnox
Click Image to Purchase Sonnox Plugins
Sonnox is a renowned plugin developer for mixing, recently offering steep discounts amid market changes.
Recommended plugins:
Claro: Combines EQ and stereo widening in one tool.
SuprEsser: Initially a De-Esser, but versatile for other tasks.
Pro-Codec: Ideal for mastering, allowing playback simulation across codecs.
Though their UI might feel dated, their plugins perform exceptionally well.
11) Goodhertz
Click Image to Purchase Goodhertz Plugins
Goodhertz is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a 37% Black Friday discount!
Recommended plugin:
Good Dither: A reliable dithering plugin for mastering.
12) AudioThing
Click Image to Purchase AudioThing Plugins
AudioThing produces affordable and highly useful plugins.
Softube Essentials Collection: Includes Tape, British Class A (Neve console emulation), Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer (Juno-106 emulation), FET Compressor Mk II (1176 emulation), and Wasted Space (reverb). This bundle is affordably priced at $128.7.
Additionally:
Weiss DS1-MK3: A mastering limiter, although pricey, it’s a highly acclaimed plugin.
16) Cableguys
Click Image to Purchase Cableguys’ Shaperbox 3
Cableguys plugins are excellent for creating groove and movement in your tracks.
Recommended plugins:
ShaperBox 3: Adds creative modulation and rhythm to your mix.
