Hello, this is Jooyoung Kim, mixing engineer and music producer!
For this year’s Black Friday deals, I believe the best bang-for-the-buck offer is IK Multimedia’s Total Studio 4 Max. Let me introduce it in detail for those who are curious!
This product was provided to me by Plugin Boutique in an NFR (Not For Resale) format.
If you purchase using the links provided in this article, I’ll receive a small commission that helps me greatly. (Rest assured, buying through these links doesn’t cost you more than purchasing directly from Plugin Boutique!)
What is Total Studio 4 Max?
Total Studio 4 Max is a comprehensive music production suite containing 170 plugins across multiple categories. Below is a neatly organized overview of the included plugins:
Virtual Instruments
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| SampleTank 4 MAX v2 | Comes with 34 expansion libraries, offering diverse loops, sounds, and effects such as Beat Machines, Bionic Drums, and Salsa Percussion. |
| Syntronik 2 MAX v2 | A hybrid sampled and modeling engine synthesizer featuring 34 synths and over 5,000 presets. |
| Miroslav Philharmonik 2 | A sample-based workstation for classical symphonic instruments, including rich strings and brass. |
| Hammond B-3X | Accurately recreates the legendary Hammond B-3 organ sounds, perfectly integrated with AmpliTube Leslie for authentic organ tones. |
| MODO BASS 2 | Adds fretless and upright basses, totaling 8 additional instruments with advanced performance controls for lifelike realism. |
| MODO DRUM 1.5 | Provides 13 customizable drum kits with modal synthesis and advanced sampling technology for realistic, flexible drum tracks. |
Guitar & Bass Tones
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| AmpliTube 5 MAX v2 | Includes 18 brand/artist collections with 435 gear models and thousands of AmpliTube presets. |
| AmpliTube TONEX MAX | Utilizes AI Machine Modeling™ technology to model amps, cabinets, and pedals, offering 1,100+ tone models with options for user-created tones. |
Mixing & Mastering
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| T-RackS 5 MAX v2 | Adds 15 new processors on top of 38 existing ones, supporting album creation and project finalization. |
| ARC 3.5 | Features 3D analysis and correction algorithms to minimize acoustic issues in your room and provide natural sound correction. |
| MixBox | Offers 72 mixing processors and creative effects, enabling custom channel strips and multi-FX chains with over 600 presets. |
| Lurssen Mastering Console | Reproduces the mastering chain and setup of GRAMMY-winning mastering engineer Gavin Lurssen for various genres. |
My Personal Favorites
Out of all these fantastic plugins, my personal top five favorites are:
- Hammond B-3X
- MODO BASS 2
- MODO DRUM 1.5
- AmpliTube 5 MAX
- T-RackS 5 MAX v2
Let’s dive in!!
Virtual Instruments
1) SampleTank 4 MAX v2
SampleTank 4 MAX v2 functions similarly to Native Instruments’ Kontakt, serving as an engine to load virtual instruments. While the orchestral library Miroslav Philharmonik 2 has its own standalone engine, it can also be loaded into SampleTank for convenience.
Like other sample-based virtual instrument engines, SampleTank allows individual output assignments and offers a built-in mixer, making it incredibly versatile. With a massive library of 88 virtual instruments and over 600 GB of content, it offers plenty of material for any production.
During initial tests, many instruments provided high-quality sounds. However, keep in mind that IK Multimedia often includes preset effects within their mixer. To fully understand and adjust the raw sound, it’s best to turn off these effects and listen without additional processing.
2) Syntronik 2 MAX v2
Syntronik 2 MAX v2 is a sample-based virtual synthesizer that recreates 34 legendary synthesizers. Instead of listing every model, the variety is extensive—just imagine the classics.
As a sample-based instrument, Syntronik requires significant storage space, similar to SampleTank. While it doesn’t offer the sonic flexibility or dynamic textures of physically modeled synths like those from Arturia, its affordability in this bundle makes it an appealing option.
Despite its limitations, Syntronik delivers excellent value, particularly for its breadth of iconic sounds. It’s an easy recommendation if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for synth-based tones.
3) Miroslav Philharmonik 2
Miroslav Philharmonik 2 is IK Multimedia’s orchestral virtual instrument. At first listen, its sound might strike you as overly classical and dated. However, by tweaking the Filter setting in the Edit window (turning it Off), you can bring back a brighter, more balanced tone.
Another key feature is its Velocity-based attack nuances, which might confuse users expecting modulation-based dynamics. By linking the Expression parameter to your modulation wheel via the LEARN function, you can gain better control and make the instrument much more expressive.
Though its presets may initially seem underwhelming, with some adjustments, Miroslav offers an enjoyable orchestral experience perfect for adding traditional textures to your compositions.
4) Hammond B-3X
Hammond B-3X is a must-have for any producer seeking the iconic tone of a Hammond organ. Officially licensed by Hammond, this virtual instrument perfectly captures the authentic character of the B-3.
In addition to replicating the organ itself, the B-3X includes Leslie rotary speaker simulations, as well as various effects to refine and customize your sound. These features make it more than just a simple organ plugin—it’s a complete tone-shaping toolkit.
Having compared it to Arturia’s B-3 V2, Logic Pro’s Vintage B-5, and NI’s Vintage Organs, Hammond B-3X stands out as one of the most well-crafted virtual organs available. If you’re looking for unparalleled realism combined with extensive customization, this plugin is a fantastic choice.
5) MODO Bass 2
MODO Bass 2 uses physical modeling technology to recreate the physical structures and sound characteristics of various bass guitars. Unlike sample-based instruments, MODO Bass is incredibly lightweight yet still provides rich, realistic tones.
This plugin allows you to customize nearly every aspect of a bass guitar—pickup type and position, playing style, fret position, number of strings, and more. The sound quality holds up impressively, even with these vast customization options.
Its wide array of features makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals. Whether you’re fine-tuning grooves or crafting intricate basslines, MODO Bass provides the flexibility and performance needed for any project.
6) MODO Drum 1.5
MODO Drum 1.5 is another physical modeling-based instrument, this time focused on acoustic drum kits. Its smaller file size compared to sample-heavy libraries reflects its modeling-based architecture.
When working with acoustic drum plugins, multiple factors must be considered:
- Kit configuration: Decide on the instruments and arrangement.
- Tone and timbre: Adjust parameters like attack, release, tuning, cymbal size, and stick type.
- Mic placement: Balance close mics, overheads, and room mics for optimal sound.
MODO Drum simplifies mic placement by limiting multi-mic setups, which speeds up the process. It also allows real-time kit customization, such as altering kick or snare drum shapes to achieve desired tones.
While its presets may not be particularly inspiring, starting from scratch often yields better results. Customizing your own kits and settings within MODO Drum can help you create highly personalized and professional drum tracks.
Guitar & Bass Tones
1) Amplitube 5 MAX v2
Amplitube 5 MAX v2 is already widely known and needs little introduction. In my opinion, it’s one of the most user-friendly and intuitive guitar effect and amp simulators available. Although I’m not a particularly skilled guitarist and primarily play acoustic rather than electric, I’ve found Amplitube 5 MAX v2 more than sufficient for creating tracks without any significant limitations.
It’s also great for bass amp and effect purposes, and pairing it with Modo Bass can deliver very satisfying results. Since it’s packed with so many features, it’s hard to go into detail about each one, but guitarists who are familiar with their gear will likely find everything they need here.
For bass users who might feel unsure about their setup, a simple configuration with a compressor in front and a preferred Ampeg amp model can often yield excellent tones.
2) Amplitube TONEX MAX
Amplitube TONEX MAX utilizes AI-driven machine modeling to replicate the sound of real amps, cabinets, and pedals. It integrates seamlessly with Amplitube 5 and also has a mobile app (TONEX App) for additional compatibility. In addition to the 1,150 professionally modeled tones offered by IK Multimedia, users can capture their own gear and upload it to ToneNET, where others can download and use it.
While the standalone TONEX plugin might feel slightly inconvenient or less streamlined, using TONEX within Amplitube 5 makes it much more accessible and easier to explore the diverse range of modeled tones available. For those willing to invest time into exploring and experimenting, it can be a powerful addition to their setup.
Mixing & Mastering
1) T-RackS 5 MAX v2
I’ve reviewed T-RackS 5 MAX v2 before and found it to be a solid mixing suite with many impressive tools. Over time, I’ve been particularly impressed by its tape simulation, which stands out for its quality. If you’re considering the Total Studio 4 MAX bundle, the mixing plugins alone make it a great value and justify the purchase. The wide array of features and tools in T-RackS 5 MAX v2 can significantly enhance your workflow and results.
2) ARC 3.5
ARC 3.5 is a room correction tool designed to optimize your monitoring environment. To use it, you need to perform measurements with a calibration microphone. While there are budget options like the Behringer ECM8000, I’d recommend the UMIK-1 or IK Multimedia’s own microphone for more accurate results, as these come with calibration files.
The measurement process involves capturing data across three layers (low, mid, high) with seven measurements per layer, which takes roughly 10 minutes in total. Once completed, the results can be saved and loaded into the ARC plugin within your DAW. For 2-way speaker setups, ARC 3.5 offers a straightforward and effective way to enhance your monitoring accuracy, though multi-subwoofer setups may require additional fine-tuning.
3) MixBox
MixBox is a plugin that consolidates 72 effects derived from T-RackS, AmpliTube, and SampleTank into a streamlined interface modeled after a 500-series rack. It allows you to build custom signal chains without needing to open multiple plugin windows, offering a more efficient and intuitive workflow for sound shaping.
4) Lurssen Mastering Console
The Lurssen Mastering Console, developed in collaboration with Grammy-winning engineer Gavin Lurssen, is a mastering-focused plugin that combines multiple processes like compression, EQ, and saturation into a simplified interface. While it appears minimalistic, all essential parameters are working in the background, which can be confirmed via the signal chain view.
Interestingly, it also includes a standalone mode with automation support, effectively functioning as a dedicated mastering DAW. It’s a unique tool that’s easy to use yet capable of delivering professional results, making it a valuable addition for anyone focused on mastering.
This wraps up my introduction to IK Multimedia’s Total Studio 4 MAX bundle. It’s one of the best deals I’ve encountered recently, offering tools for everything from tone creation to mixing and mastering. I hope this overview helps you explore these plugins effectively—until next time!
Jooyoung's Music Blog 