Category: Plugin Sale Info

2024 Black Friday Virtual Instruments and Plugins Sale Guide Part 1 – Mixing

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:

  1. Part 1 – Mixing (Compressors, Reverbs, and more by company)
  2. Part 2 – Virtual Instruments (Synths, sample-based libraries, orchestration tools)
  3. 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.

Recommended purchases:

2) Waves

Click Image to purchase Waves Plugins

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.

If you’re looking for the best value:

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.

Check out my previous review on T-Racks Max 5:
IK Multimedia T-Racks Max v2 Unprecedented Discount (Until June 30th)

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!

Recommended individual plugins:

5) Eventide

Click Image to Purchase Eventide H9 Bundle

Eventide is renowned for their reverbs and modulation effects.
I highly recommend their H9 Series, though it’s a bit pricey.

For individual plugins, check out:

6) Arturia

Click Image to Purchase Arturia FX Collection 5

Arturia FX Collection 5 Overview & Sale (50% Off, Until December 10th)

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.

Recommended individual plugins:

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:

8) Leapwing Audio

Leapwing Audio produces high-quality plugins, though they rarely go on sale. These are on the pricier side but are worth it.

Recommended plugins:

  • CenterOne: Advanced LCR processing beyond standard MS processing.
  • StageOne 2: Great for adjusting stereo width.

You can check my earlier reviews of these plugins here:

9) iZotope

Click Image to Purchase izotope plugins

iZotope was acquired by Native Instruments last year, resulting in several collaboration bundles.

Key plugin recommendations:

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.

Recommended plugins:

  • The Orb: A formant filter plugin.
  • Valves: A tube saturator that’s surprisingly effective and budget-friendly.

Especially consider Valves—it’s inexpensive yet highly effective for saturation tasks.

13) FabFilter

Click Image to Purchase Fabfilter Plugins

FabFilter is known for its top-tier optimization and performance. However, their plugins can be pricey.

Recommended plugins:

  • Pro-Q3: Exceptional EQ with superior latency performance compared to others. Great for those managing large sessions.
  • Pro-L2: A premium limiter with few alternatives in its class.
  • Pro-MB: A highly versatile multiband compressor.

If the cost is a concern, alternatives like Sonnox Claro and Arturia Bus PEAK might be worth considering.

14) NUGEN Audio

Click Image to Purchase Nugen Audio Plugins

NUGEN Audio is perfect for audio engineers who enjoy a technical approach.

Recommended plugins:

  • SigMod: Allows creative routing and effects processing.
  • Monofilter: Ideal for managing stereo width in low frequencies.

Their plugins are tailored for professional and technical audio work, offering unique utilities.

15) Softube

Click Image to Purchase Softube Plugins

Softube creates exceptional plugins with authentic analog emulation.

Recommended plugins:

  • Weiss Gambit: A versatile channel strip plugin.
  • Tape: A reliable tape simulation plugin.
  • 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.
  • Kickstart 2: Simplifies creating rhythmic sidechain effects.

Their full bundle costs under $100, making it a great value for both mixing and music production.

This concludes the mixing plugin recommendations! Up next will be virtual instruments and other effects plugins. Stay tuned for Part 2!😊

The History of the UA 610 Preamp and Introduction to the LA6176 Plugin (90% Off Until Nov. 30)

Hi everyone! This is Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.

It seems like every company is releasing tempting new gear—just yesterday, Warm Audio unveiled a new series of 1176 replicas! I was planning to grab a hand-crafted Japanese unit, but now I’m seriously considering their Rev D model instead. Decisions, decisions…

Today, I want to introduce you to the UAD LA6176 channel strip plugin, which combines the 1176 compressor and 610 preamp.

Purchase LA6176 at Plugin Boutique

This plugin was provided to me as part of the UAD Spark NFR subscription. If you decide to purchase it via the links in this post, I’ll receive a small commission—any support is greatly appreciated! 😊
Let’s dive in!

The History of the Universal Audio 610 Preamp

Universal Audio 610 Console

The 610 preamp originated from Universal Audio’s custom-built mixing console, designed by Bill Putnam Sr. in the late 1950s. Most recording equipment of that era was bespoke, but the 610 introduced a modular design, making it easy to swap out broken channels.

The 610 preamp module

The console offered:

  • High headroom (+30 dBm output, equivalent to a whopping +32.2 dBu!)
  • Mic/line inputs, pad functionality, high/low EQ, and echo sends.

Only about 25 units were made, but they were used by legendary artists like Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.

Reissues and Plugins

Based on this legendary design, Universal Audio released various reissues like the 2-610, Solo/610, and M610 channel strips and mic preamps.

In the plugin world, Universal Audio introduced two versions:

  • The 610-A Preamp Plugin (faithful to the original design).
  • The 610-B Preamp Plugin (modeled after the reissue).

They also released hardware like the LA-610 (a 610 preamp paired with an LA-2A compressor) and the 6176 (a 610 preamp with an 1176 compressor).

The UAD LA6176 plugin recreates the latter in software form, bringing both its preamp and compressor/EQ sections to your DAW.

Plugin Features

610 Preamp + EQ

The input section works best in Line mode when used with UA Apollo’s Unison preamps. You’ll find:

  • Input Gain control.
  • 75 Hz low-cut filter, -15 dB pad, and phase inversion switches.

The EQ section features a simple shelving design, but the High EQ acts like a tilt EQ when boosted, subtly cutting low frequencies as you increase highs.

High EQ boosted to +4.5

Comp Mode

The compressor section offers two modes:

  1. 1176 Mode (top selector).
  2. LA-2A Mode (bottom selector).

Both modes exhibit slightly different tonal characteristics, with subtle differences in low-end compression.

Even when the EQ and compression are bypassed, the plugin adds natural saturation.

At high SPLs, you’ll notice slight compression even with no additional processing.

1176 Compression

In 1:1 mode, the 1176 exhibits a very subtle knee, creating a compression ratio that feels like 1:1.01—barely noticeable but present.

In 4:1 mode, compression is tighter and more aggressive. Comparing the UAD LA6176 to the standalone UAD 1176LN plugin, their compression curves are nearly identical, suggesting the plugin replicates the 1176’s algorithm seamlessly.

LA-2A Compression

The LA-2A mode behaves slightly differently depending on the model emulated. For example:

  • The Silver model exhibits distinct compression characteristics compared to the Gray model and Tube Compressor emulations.

When used, the plugin adds more harmonic richness than applying the 1176 or LA-2A plugins individually. This makes the sound fuller and more dynamic.

Why Choose the LA6176 Plugin?

UAD has shifted its pricing strategy dramatically, offering deeper discounts during sales like Black Friday. Considering its detailed emulation of legendary hardware, the LA6176 is a powerful addition for any studio setup.

Purchase LA6176 at Plugin Boutique

If you’ve been eyeing premium channel strips, now might be the perfect time to grab this plugin at a fraction of the original cost!

Introducing Leapwing Audio StageOne 2 (50% Off Until Dec. 9)

Hi everyone! This is Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.

The weather has turned sharply cold since yesterday—it truly feels like winter is here.

Today, I’m introducing a plugin that enhances stereo imaging: Leapwing Audio StageOne 2.

Purchase Leapwing Audio StageOne 2 at Plugin Boutique

About the Plugin

I received this plugin as an NFR (Not for Resale) from Plugin Boutique. If you make a purchase through the links in this post, I’ll receive a small commission—which greatly supports my work. 😊

StageOne 2 features five main parameters: Width, Depth, Phase Recovery, Mono Spread, and Center Gravity. Let’s explore each one.

Width

The Width parameter adjusts the stereo width of your mix. While the phantom center remains intact, sounds outside the center are pushed towards the speakers or even beyond their physical position.

On the analyzer, the original sound appears as a dark blue, while the modified sound is shown in light blue.

Depth

The Depth parameter adds reflections to specific frequency ranges, making the sound feel wetter. Think of it as a Studio Reverb that can be applied selectively to certain bands.

Phase Recovery

Phase Recovery identifies anti-phase elements between the left and right channels and prevents them from disappearing when summed to mono.

I tested it by duplicating a track, phase-inverting one copy, and panning them hard left and right.

Without the plugin, the sound is entirely anti-phase, perceived as coming from outside the speakers. But with StageOne 2 and the Phase Recovery turned on, the sound becomes phase-correct and plays seamlessly.

This feature is perfect for pulling overly phasey sounds back into the stereo field.

Mono Spread

Mono Spread scatters the frequency response and phase of a mono source, creating a pseudo-stereo effect.

Center Gravity

This parameter pans specific frequency ranges left or right, giving precise control over the stereo field.

Why StageOne 2?

There are many stereo imaging plugins out there:

However, few stereo enhancers offer as many advanced algorithms and features as Leapwing Audio’s StageOne 2. Moreover, it tackles phase issues, a rare capability among similar plugins.

The only other plugin I’m aware of with comparable functionality is Acoustic Audio’s Space Control , but StageOne 2’s intuitive parameters and analyzer make it more versatile, even at the composition stage.

If you’re considering a single stereo enhancer, this one might be all you need.

Purchase Leapwing Audio StageOne 2 at Plugin Boutique

Final Thoughts

While the regular price is steep, the Black Friday discount makes this a great opportunity. If you’ve been looking to refine your stereo imaging, give it a try!

See you in the next post! 😊

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

Hello! This is Jooyoung Kim, an audio engineer and music producer.

It seems like more companies are starting their sales earlier, even before Black Friday.. 🙂
There’s a mountain of tools I want to introduce (and need to introduce).. haha

Around the week after next, I’ll prepare a comprehensive list of Black Friday deals on everything from virtual instruments to mixing/mastering plugins.

Find out Synchro Arts’ Plugin Sale at Plugin Boutique

Anyway, today I’ll be introducing two plugins: Vocalign and Revoice Pro, specialized tools for audio timing and pitch alignment.

When I was using Revoice Pro 4, this tool dramatically sped up my workflow, making it one of the software I personally recommend the most.

As with my previous posts, I was provided with an NFR (Not for Resale) code from Plugin Boutique to write this article.

Also, if you purchase the plugin through the links provided in the post, I’ll receive a small commission, which greatly helps with the blog’s operation (and my living expenses)… It’s been tough lately.. ^^;;

Thank you so much to everyone who supports me!

Now, let’s dive into Vocalign first.

Vocalign 6

Clicking on the image will take you to the Vocalign 6 Standard/Pro purchase and upgrade page.

Synchro Arts first developed Vocalign back in 1995.

Initially, it was targeted at syncing ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) to live-recorded performances in film and TV environments.

However, when it was used in music to align doubling/chorus tracks with the main vocal, it worked so perfectly that it became widely used in music production as well.

Vocalign 6, as the name suggests, is the sixth iteration of Vocalign, and it’s excellent at aligning vocals and choruses.

How to Use

Using a vocal alignment example:

  1. Insert the Vocalign plugin on the doubling/chorus track.
  2. Use sidechain input to set the guide (main vocal) track.
  3. Click Capture, similar to other pitch correction plugins, to record the section you want to align.

Next, you can decide how to align timing and pitch through the presets above or use the icons on the right (clock icon, waveform icon, settings icon) to adjust timing, pitch, and other settings.

Once configured, you’ll see how the pitch, volume, and timing of the two sources align.

That’s it! The effect is so dramatic that I’d love to demonstrate it for you, but recording and editing videos is quite labor-intensive for me.. haha.
Here’s an official demo video instead:

I’ve set the timestamp, so just listen from here.

Purchase VocAlign6 Standard at Plugin Boutique
Purchase VocAlign6 Pro at Plugin Boutique

Standard vs. Pro Versions

There are two versions: Standard and Pro. Below are the Pro-exclusive features:

Pro-only Features:

  1. Pitch Alignment – Align pitches.
  2. SmartPitch – Intelligent pitch alignment feature.
  3. Process Groups – Align groups of tracks simultaneously.
  4. Formant Shifting – Adjust formants (a more advanced concept in phonetics).
  5. Transpose Shift – Change pitch intervals.
  6. Sync Points & Protected Area – Set specific sync and protected zones.
  7. SynchroLink – Integrate with RePitch for enhanced functionality.

For basic timing alignment, the Standard version should be sufficient. However, if you want faster workflow with pitch alignment, the Pro version is a great choice.

Revoice Pro 5

Clicking on the image will take you to the Revoice Pro 5 purchase and upgrade page.

After Vocalign proved highly useful in music, Synchro Arts developed Revoice Pro in 2012 by adding pitch modification capabilities.

From the materials I’ve found, the first product name was RVP2 (Revoice Pro 2). Perhaps they started the numbering from 2 to signify it as the successor to Vocalign..? haha

Revoice Pro allows you to create doubles from recorded sources or sync them with the main source. It also includes pitch and timing adjustment features similar to Melodyne or Auto-Tune.

Compared to Vocalign, it offers more detailed control.

After importing audio files, you can right-click to choose whether to generate doubles, adjust pitch, timing, or level.

Wow, compared to version 4, this is much more convenient. You can now adjust timing, pitch, and level simultaneously, which was previously a separate process in version 4.

If the result isn’t to your liking, you can right-click and use various tools to fine-tune timing or pitch, just like you would in Melodyne or Auto-Tune.

Version 4 was less intuitive, making the initial learning curve steep. Fortunately, version 5 has a much more intuitive click-and-scroll interface.

When I used version 4, I thought, “The features are great, but the UX could be better.” Thankfully, version 5 addresses that.

If you don’t have any pitch correction software yet, I’d highly recommend starting with this one.

Purchase Revoice Pro 5 Standard at Plugin Boutique

That’s it for today’s post!

See you in the next article~ ^^