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.
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.
Hello everyone, this is Jooyoung Kim, an audio engineer and music producer.
Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of Arturia’s flagship bundles: FX Collection 5.
This product was provided to me as an NFR (Not for Resale) through Plugin Boutique and Arturia. If you make a purchase through the links in this post, I’ll receive a small commission, which greatly supports my blog. Let’s dive in!
I remember using Arturia’s early audio interface, Audiofuse, back in the day. At the time, there wasn’t an FX Collection bundle—just a handful of hardware emulation plugins. Now that FX Collection has reached version 5, time really flies!
This bundle introduces 4 new plugins, bringing the total to 34 plugins. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Here’s one of my favorites: Arturia Chorus Dimension-D
Table of Features and Emulations
Name
Emulated Hardware
Key Features
Efx REFRACT
None
Adds distortion and harmonics for rich textures and tonal transformation.
Efx MOTIONS
None
Introduces dynamic movement and rhythmic variations, adding vibrancy to the mix.
Efx FRAGMENTS
None
Granular processing for rhythmic stutter effects and spatial soundscapes.
Bus EXCITER-104
Aphex Aural Exciter Model 104
Enhances brightness without noise; deepens vocals and kick drums.
Bus PEAK
None
Optimizes mix loudness, boosts low-end power, and controls drum energy.
Bus FORCE
None
A parallel processor combining filter, EQ, compression, and saturation.
Dist COLDFIRE
None
Dual-engine distortion ranging from warm tube saturation to aggressive clipping.
Dist TUBE-CULTURE
Thermionic Culture – THE CULTURE VULTURE
Adds analog warmth and natural distortion in a digital environment.
Dist OPAMP-21
Tech 21 SansAmp Guitar Pedal
Digital recreation of a guitar pedal, offering treble distortion and amp texture.
Tape MELLO-FI
Mellotron
Instantly adds vintage vibes and analog warmth.
EQ SITRAL-295
Siemens Sitral w295b
Smooth, musical curves with warm transistor character in a stereo EQ.
Pre 1973
Neve 1073
Modern recreation of the iconic ’70s British sound.
Pre TRIDA
Trident Audio A-Range Dual Channel Strip
Rare channel strip with musical EQ for unique tonal shaping.
Pre V76
Telefunken V76
Renowned for its ’60s pop sound, famously used in the “White Album.”
Rev LX-24
Lexicon 224
Realistic spatial depth with subtle shimmer textures.
Rev PLATE-140
EMT 140
Smooth and clear plate reverb, blending retro and modern elements.
Rev INTENSITY
None
Combines cinematic ambience with deep modulation for a fresh reverb type.
Rev SPRING-636
Hammond Spring Reverb
Captures the dynamic texture of real spring reverb.
Comp DIODE-609
Neve 33609
A crunchy compressor, perfect for drums.
Comp VCA-65
SSL G Series VCA Compressor
A powerful VCA compressor tailored for rhythm sections.
Comp TUBE-STA
Retro STA-Level
Vintage compressor ideal for bass and vocals.
Comp FET-76
Universal Audio 1176LN
Versatile studio compressor for all sound sources.
Filter MS-20
Korg MS-20
Adds dynamic filter sweeps and distinctive distortion.
Filter MINI
Moog MiniMoog
Features a 24dB/octave low-pass filter with modern enhancements.
Filter SEM
Oberheim SEM
Multi-purpose filter suitable for a variety of synth applications.
Filter M12
Oberheim Matrix-12
Offers advanced modulation and programmable control.
Rotary CLS-222
Dynacord CLS-222
Smooth stereo swirl with patterned spin effects.
Chorus DIMENSION-D
Roland Dimension D SDD-320
Simple 4-mode operation for warm stereo chorus.
Phaser BI-TRON
Mu-Tron Bi-Phase II
Complex routing with boutique phaser sounds.
Flanger BL-20
B.E.L Electronic BF-20 Stereo Flanger
Provides wide stereo imaging and intricate modulation.
Chorus JUN-6
Built-in Chorus from Roland Juno-6
Delivers rich stereo presence and analog warmth.
Delay TAPE-201
Roland RE-201 Space Echo
Combines tape saturation with metallic spring reverb.
Delay BRIGADE
Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man
Ambient delay with dark tones and enhanced feedback.
Delay ETERNITY
None
Rich modulation and texturing capabilities in a versatile delay unit.
The hardware replicas were identified by me, while the descriptions are from Arturia’s website. 😊
Among them, I frequently use the Pre 1973 (modeled after the Neve 1073), Comp Diode-609 (modeled after the Neve 33609/N), and Chorus Dimension-D (modeled after the Roland SDD-320). Other notable mentions include:
Comp VCA-65 (modeled after the dbx 165)
Chorus JUN-6 (from the Juno synthesizer)
Filter M12 (inspired by the Oberheim Matrix-12)
While I’d love to introduce every single plugin, covering all 34 of them in one post would be too much. Instead, I’ll share links to my previous reviews of FX Collection 2:
This post will focus on the new additions: Bus PEAK, Bus EXCITER-104, Efx MOTIONS, and Efx REFRACT. Among these, Bus PEAK and Bus EXCITER-104 caught my attention as an engineer.
Bus PEAK
Bus PEAK combines a Clipper, Limiter, and Tilt EQ into one plugin, designed for mastering.
It offers convenient features like True Peak and LUFS metering. One standout feature is Equal Loudness, which allows you to compare the sound before and after applying effects at the same perceived loudness.
Another noteworthy parameter is Character: increasing it enhances attack, while lowering it softens attack.
I’ve tested it on a project, and it’s fantastic. It’s transparent yet effective, thanks to its built-in clipper. You won’t need to add a separate clipper plugin anymore.
You can even adjust the Clipper Knee, shaping how hard or soft the clipping sounds.
Previously, I relied on Fabfilter Pro-L2 for loudness boosting, but now I’m seriously considering using Bus PEAK for all my future projects. It’s that good.
For users of FX Collection 4, the upgrade decision might be tough, but if you have version 3 or older, I’d say the new additions make it worth it. Even as standalone plugins, I highly recommend them.
Bus Exciter-104
Bus Exciter-104 is a faithful recreation of the Aphex Aural Exciter Model 104, a type of saturator designed to enhance audio clarity and presence.
Recently, I’ve been exploring various saturators and enhancers, and this plugin has effectively addressed many of my concerns.
The plugin operates in two distinct sections: Big Bass, which handles low frequencies, and Exciter, which focuses on higher frequencies.
In the above image, the settings show some Drive applied in the Big Bass section and Mix in the Exciter section, though these aren’t the default values.
Big Bass adjusts the low-end frequencies by controlling both volume and drive.
Exciter generates additional harmonics slightly below the high-frequency range, enriching the sound with artificial overtones.
By carefully tweaking these parameters, you can achieve a well-balanced mix without overwhelming either the bass or high-frequency regions.
The results are immediately noticeable, and I imagine this would be particularly effective for producers working with drum loops or aiming for a more pronounced, textured sound.
Efx REFRACT
Efx REFRACT allows you to clone the original source up to eight times, expanding the stereo image through modulation.
The cloned signals are then passed through five different effects: Band Pass, Comb Filter, Bit Crusher, Distortion, and Harmonizer, enabling you to craft unique and experimental soundscapes.
This plugin is more suited for creative uses in the composition phase than traditional mixing. It works well not only on vocals but also on lead instruments and even background elements.
For genres like instrumental or experimental music, Efx REFRACT can truly shine.
Efx MOTIONS
Efx MOTIONS is a multi-effects plugin centered around Filter, Noise, Volume, Pan, and Drive.
Its design reminded me of Cableguys’ ShaperBox, suggesting a direct competition between the two.
The plugin offers a variety of control options, including Envelope Sequencers, Euclidean patterns, Transient detection, and MIDI triggers. It even includes advanced features like macros, sequencers, and an envelope follower, making it highly versatile for both sound design and mixing.
With additional functionalities like Repeat/FX for loop-based effects, reverse playback, and pitch modulation, it feels like a hybrid between a sampler and a virtual synth.
For someone like me who frequently uses ShaperBox in mixes, Efx MOTIONS feels even more flexible. I’m excited to explore its full potential in upcoming projects.
Arturia FX plugins can be resource-intensive, but their unique sound often makes them indispensable in my mixing workflow. With modern hardware, especially on Macs, these plugins run smoothly.
If you’ve been curious about Arturia’s mixing and mastering tools, this sale is a great opportunity. Even if you own previous bundles, the new Bus PEAK alone might justify the upgrade.
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