Author: Jooyoung Kim

Mixing Engineer, Music Producer

2025 Summer Expressive E Soliste String Virtual Instrument Series Launch Sale (~July 18, 40% Off)

Hey there! I’m Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a brand-new release from Expressive E called the Soliste series, featuring four virtual string instruments: violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

As with my previous plugin and virtual instrument posts, if you purchase through the links in this post via Plugin Boutique, I get a small commission, which really helps me keep going! So, let’s dive in!

Click image to purchase Expressive E Soliste Suite

Unlike traditional sample-based instruments, Soliste uses Physical Modeling technology, so it’s super lightweight. Even if you buy all four instruments—violin, viola, cello, and double bass—it only takes up about 1.3GB of space.

I’m not sure if I mentioned this when I talked about synthesizer types before, but physical modeling involves mathematically simulating the principles of how sound is produced. I believe it all started with Yamaha’s waveguide modeling.

Back in the day, these modeled instruments were tough to use due to high CPU demands, but with today’s powerful CPUs, they’re super efficient, compact, and easy to tweak while sounding great.

What’s cool about Soliste is how it’s laid out: effects related to the left hand (like vibrato and portamento) are on the left side of the interface, while bowing-related effects are on the right. Pretty intuitive!

Here are the standout features of Soliste:

  1. Vibrato and Portamento Control: You can adjust the intensity of vibrato and portamento, and control their amount using the Expression (labeled as EXP, tied to modulation).
  2. Aftertouch for Extra Expression: Beyond the modulation wheel, you can use aftertouch to dial in more EXP, which is mapped by default for convenience (though other instruments could do this too if set up).
  3. Six Tonal Flavors: Choose from Spark, Hollow, Sleek, Antique, Lyric, or Mellow to shape the sound.
  4. Bowing Parameters: Adjust Attack, Position, Tension, and more, with the ability to change their intensity in real-time based on Expression, just like vibrato or portamento.

That’s the gist of it!

You also get presets for different playing techniques, simple effects, and MIDI settings for flexible use. I used to think SWAM was the king of modeled solo instruments, but after listening to Soliste’s samples [Link] and trying it out myself, I think it’s a solid alternative. The only downside? It doesn’t seem to support double or triple stops (yet), and if you’re not careful with articulation or play it solo, the modeled nature can feel a bit obvious.

Still, for the price, it’s a fantastic deal, haha. It’s great as a solo instrument, but since there aren’t many virtual instruments with this tonal vibe, it’d also shine when mixed into a chamber string ensemble for a richer sound.

  1. Soliste VLN 356 – Violin
  2. Soliste VLA 419 – Viola
  3. Soliste CLO 756 – Cello
  4. Soliste DBS 1130 – Double Bass

You can buy the bundle or pick individual instruments based on your needs.

Oh, and if you purchase from Plugin Boutique this month, you’ll get Excite Audio Motion: Dimension Lite for free!

I’ve previously introduced the full version of Dimension (not the Lite one), and it’s a really solid delay/reverb plugin, so don’t miss out on this freebie!

That’s all for now—see you in the next post!

2025 Summer Virtual Instrument & Mixing/Mastering Plugin Sales Roundup (Part 1)

Hey there! I’m Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.

I finally submitted a new paper yesterday after about a month and a half of work. It’s a pretty straightforward paper, but building the program took forever… ugh. It’s a tool for measuring crosstalk, THD, and stuff like that. I’ve released it on my GitHub [Link], but I’ll write a detailed post about the program later.

Also, the paper wasn’t that critical, but I’ve been so busy running around for listening experiments that I totally neglected this blog. I’ll get back to writing posts diligently until I find my next topic!

Today, I want to talk about summer plugin and virtual instrument sales. I probably should’ve done this earlier, but since these sales usually happen between June and July, I think we’re still good… right? Haha.

If you purchase through the links below via Plugin Boutique [Link], I get a small commission, which really helps me keep things going. So, let’s dive in!

1) IK Multimedia

Total VI MAX

Click image to purchase Total VI MAX at Plugin Boutique

You’ve probably heard of this one! I previously introduced Total Studio 4 Max , but Total VI MAX is the version that includes only virtual instruments.

Right now, it seems they’re focusing on virtual instrument sales. I’m guessing come July, they’ll shift to mixing/mastering effect plugins. Personally, I think IK Multimedia offers the best bang for your buck, so for beginners, I’d say just grab Total Studio when it’s on sale without overthinking it.

2) Universal Audio

UAD Summer Mixtape Bundle

Click image to purchase UAD Summer Mixtape Bundle at Plugin Boutique

Since the UADx (Native) versions came out, Universal Audio plugins have become super affordable. The Summer Mixtape Bundle, at about $100 for 10 plugins, is a fantastic deal for first-time buyers.

My recommended plugins:

  • Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor
  • UA 1176 Classic FET Compressor
  • Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection
  • Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler
  • Pultec Passive EQ Collection
  • Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb

These six are solid picks, and you can choose the rest based on your taste.

That said, after years of working with audio and music, I’ve noticed UAD plugins tend to have pretty aggressive saturation. They’re not like, “Wow, UAD is the best!!” for me, haha. Still, they add a punchy vibe to flat recordings or budget mics, so they’re great when used in the right context.

UAD Analog Classics Pro Bundle

Click image to purchase UAD Analog Classics Pro Bundle at Plugin Boutique

If you want even better value, the UAD Analog Classics Pro Bundle is the way to go. The LA-2A and 1176 series get used in projects all the time, so they’re super reliable.

3) Waves

Horizon

Click image to purchase Waves Horizon bundle at Every plugin

Waves isn’t quite the value king anymore with IK Multimedia’s crazy sales, but if you want something lightweight and industry-standard, Waves is still the go-to. You’ll likely find the best deal at EveryPlugin .

Waves’ update plan gets a lot of flak (I’m not a fan either). Switching from Intel to Mac Silicon cost me like $200, which was annoying, haha. That said, newer Mac OS updates don’t seem to cause major issues with older Waves plugin versions.

Horizon is the best value, and if you feel it’s not enough, grabbing the SSL 4000 Collection or API Collection should cover you. Waves’ SSL compressor is really well-made.

4) Eventide Audio

ShimmerVerb

Click image to purchase Eventide ShimmerVerb at Plugin Boutique

Blackhole

Click image to purchase Eventide Blackhole at Plugin Boutique

If you’re into ambient music, Eventide Audio’s ShimmerVerb and Blackhole are pretty much must-haves. They’re great for creating expansive vibes and are consistent bestsellers, so grabbing them during a sale like this is a smart move.

5) Mastering The Mix

EQ Excellence Bundle

Click image to purchase Bassroom and Mixroom bundle at Plugin Boutique

Mastering The Mix makes some really solid plugins, and I especially recommend their EQ series. Plugins like Bassroom and Mixroom visually show how frequencies pop out or sit back based on loudness, which makes tweaking super intuitive.

6) Native Instruments

Click image to purchase Komplete bundle at Native Instruments

Oops, this one’s got just one day left! I should’ve posted this sooner… sorry! Personally, I think getting the Standard version of Komplete is enough. Ultimate or Collector’s Editions feel a bit overkill, haha. You’ll barely use half the stuff in Standard as it is.

7) Synchro Arts

Revoice Pro 5

Click image to purchase Revoice Pro 5 at Plugin Boutique

VocAlign 6 Pro

Click image to purchase VocAlign 6 Pro at Plugin Boutique

Synchro Arts’ VocAlign Pro and Revoice Pro are pretty awesome. I reviewed them last Black Friday,

Synchro Arts Vocalign 6 & Revoice Pro 5: On Sale (40-50% Off, Until Dec. 1)

and they’re still on a 50% sale. If you don’t have a tuning program, I’d recommend Revoice Pro over Antares Auto-Tune or Celemony Melodyne.

8) BFD

BFD 3.5

Click image to purchase BFD 3.5 at Plugin Boutique

BFD London Sessions

Click image to purchase BFD London Sessions at Plugin Boutique

BFD’s expansion packs are on a crazy 70% sale right now—never seen a discount like this! Grab BFD 3.5 and the London Sessions kit, and you’re set for most genres. If you need more, snare add-ons or jazz kits are great options.

There’s probably more coming in July, but these are the standout sales right now. Some of these end today, so if you’re thinking about buying, act fast!

I’ve got a ton of topics in mind, so I’m not sure what the next post will be, but I’ll see you there!

FRISKETCH X Yeonjun Yoon | Um – Sound Directing for the June 14 Performance

Hello, I’m Jooyoung Kim, an engineer and music producer.

Today, I’d like to share a quick recap of the performance I worked on as a sound director last Saturday.

Originally, the plan was to rent some basic speakers and gear for simultaneous recording. But things took a slight turn, so I ended up hauling my own audio interface (Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core) to the venue… haha.

I also brought a boutique mic preamp, handcrafted in Japan, known for its clean sound. It felt like a perfect fit for recording the acoustic piano, so I decided to take it along.

For miking, I went with an unconventional setup. To avoid peaks, I positioned the mics slightly off the hammers, using different mics for the left and right channels (Peluso P87 and Charter Oak E700). With just a touch of EQ in post-production, the sound came out surprisingly great.

For the audience-facing ambience mics, I was a bit short on options, so I used a Peluso CEMC 6 and an M30 measurement mic. They have different directionality and characteristics, but the result was honestly pretty impressive. Now I’m wondering if I should grab another pair of each to make a proper set…

The main mics ran through the external preamp, while the ambience and vocal mics for narration went through the built-in preamp. The synthesizer was recorded via the artist’s audio interface as a mono line while simultaneously outputting.

In post-production, I widened the synth’s mono line using the UAD Precision Reflection Engine and Leapwing Audio StageOne 2 to enhance the stereo image.

For output, we rented Yamaha 400i speakers, commonly used for busking.

I didn’t get a chance to snap a photo of the audience mic setup… oops. The photos I do have were kindly taken by a friend I was working with. [photo]

Hauling all the cables and gear was a bit of a hassle, but the sound came together nicely, and I was pretty satisfied.

The final mix turned out better than expected, and both the artist and I were really pleased with it. I’d love to share it with you all, but I can’t just post it without permission. If the artist releases it on YouTube or as promotional content later, I’ll make sure to share it here.

Until next time, see you in my next post! 😊

Pulsar Audio Vocal Studio Launch

Hey there! I’m Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer, and music producer.

It’s been a whirlwind week with listening experiments, live performance recordings, and mixing, so I haven’t had much time to focus on the blog… haha. I worked on a pretty unconventional setup for a recent gig—more on that in the next post!

Today, I’m excited to introduce Pulsar Audio’s Vocal Studio, a new plugin designed specifically for vocals, brought to you thanks to Plugin Boutique.

If you purchase through the link on my blog, I’ll earn a small commission, which really helps me keep things going… thank you! 😊

Ready to check it out? Let’s dive in!

What’s Pulsar Vocal Studio?

Click image to purchase Pulsar Audio Vocal Studio

Think of this as an all-in-one vocal effect and channel strip. It’s packed with everything you need: compression, EQ, gain, saturator, gate, de-esser, delay, reverb—you name it, it’s here.

Top Section

Let’s break down the controls in the Top Section of the Pulsar Vocal Studio interface:

  1. Sensitivity: Automatically adjusts volume to maintain consistent levels, working independently of the compressor.
  2. Drive: A saturator offering three distinct flavors—Solid State (inspired by Neve-style circuits), Tube (emulating a pentode preamp), and Germanium (mimicking a germanium transistor preamp).
  3. De-ess: Reduces sibilance by attenuating frequencies around 4kHz and above.
  4. Gate: Exactly what it sounds like—a gate! 😄
  5. Compress: Offers three compression modes—Natural (FET-based, smooth and transparent), Modern (faster attack/release with added saturation), and Gritty (the fastest and most aggressive for a bold effect).
  6. Volume: Adjusts the final output level of the plugin.

Mid-Section

On the left, you’ve got controls for how much EQ to apply. On the right, the Focus section offers three dynamic EQ presets: Air, Edge, and Presence.

Bottom Section

Down below, the Special FX section lets you add creative effects.

  • Delay: Includes standard delay, ping-pong, slap delay, and more.
  • Reverb: Offers a wide range of types—hall, plate, spring, room, chamber, ambience, you name it.

All delay and reverb parameters are fully tweakable, of course.

Impressions

This plugin is a bit heavy on CPU due to its many effects, but if you think of it as a one-stop shop for an entire vocal track, it’s well worth it. Personally, I think the reverbs are so clean and polished that I’d love to see them sold separately at a lower price. They’re some of the best digital reverbs I’ve come across!

Purchase Pursar audio Vocal Studio at Plugin Boutique

Bonus Deal!

This month, if you buy any plugin from Plugin Boutique, you’ll get Wave Alchemy’s Pulse—a faithful recreation of the Lexicon PCM-60 reverb—for free. Don’t miss out!

If you’re in the market for a vocal channel strip, Pulsar Vocal Studio is definitely worth checking out.

Catch you in the next post! 😊