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Plug-ins
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At the heart of any digital audio workstation (DAW) you will find the plug-in. Plug-ins are software representations of synthesizer instruments, digital effect processors, and MIDI data generators. Plug-ins can be sent to a bus output or inserted directly on a channel strip in your DAW. below you will find a collection of popular plug-in synthesizer Instruments that I use every day as a sound designer. Each plug-in synthesizer offers complex forms of analog, additive, harmonic, wavetable, modeling, sampling, multi sampling and granular synthesis. It should be noted that I hold all these plug-in synths as equal in value. They are all sound designing tools and each one offers something unique to the user. It should also be noted that the sound of any plug-in synth or effect is only as good as the digital-to-analog converter in your audio interface. As all of them are basically numerical binary signal processors, how the 0s & 1s are managed by the D/A converter is very similar regardless of plug-in designer. In addition, not all plug-ins can be used without a DAW host driver. Always make sure if the instrument plug-in you are interested in purchasing can stand alone, or requires a DAW host to work.
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NOTE: Plug-ins that are not designated as "DAW only" stand alone.
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With each plug-in displayed, you will hear one of my original designed sounds for the plug-in being presented. The preset will be demonstrated as a short performance sequence. As each plug-in has an unlimited amount of instrument sound possibilities, the audio examples are just a simple reference. They are unrelated to the plug-in graphic shown and cannot portray the huge range of sonic capability each plug-in can provide.
Pigments
Pigments is Arturia’s flagship plug-in instrument. It combines 5-types of synthesis engines: analog, wavetable, sample/grain, harmonic, and model. There are 2-parallel oscillator sound generators, and a Utility Oscillator providing noise and analog wave sample generation. There is a separate modulation oscillator for each parallel oscillator, providing Frequency/Ring Modulation, Phase Modulation, Phase Transform, and Wave Folding. With an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop modulation matrix, extensive set of multi-mode filters, build-in sequencer/arpeggiator, and Arturia’s multi-effect processors, Pigments is one of the most powerful plug-in instruments on the market today.
ComtrailsProfJeff
00:00 / 00:58
Serum 2 (DAW only)
Xfer Serum 2 is one of the most popular wavetable plug-in synthesizers in the music industry. The update to the original Serum, Serum 2 now offers 3-parallel oscillators (OSC) with 5-synthesis engines for each oscillator. The OSC engines include Wavetable, Multi-sample, Sample, Granular, and Spectral. There is a Noise OSC, a Sub OSC, and even an additional Sample OSC for importing your own Samples. With 2 versatile multi-mode filters, an extensive rack of effect processors, and a complex modulation matrix, Serum 2 is a sound designer’s dream.
SonicClouds1ProfJeff
00:00 / 00:55
Omnisphere 3
Spectrasonic’s newly released Omnisphere 3, is an 8-part multi timbrel, sample playback and synthesis plug-in instrument. It features multiple forms of synthesis including Wave, Unison, FM, Ring Mod, Freq Shift, Wave Shaper, Harmonia, and Granular synthesis. With 4-oscillators per patch, a powerful arpeggiator, huge multi-effects processing rack, and a complex modulation matrix with morphing capabilities. New features in Omnisphere3 include Mutation, an AI evolving auto-patch generator, Quadzone layering for patch oscillators, and Globel Controls, MIDI mapping to an extensive list of MIDI keyboard synth controllers. With a completely remastered sample library containing 58GB of premier sample content, Omnisphere 3 offers the user, unbelievable possibilities for sound creation.
Pastors&PlainsProfJeff
00:00 / 00:58
Falcon
UVI Falcon v26, is a comprehensive hybrid synthesizer and sample processing playback plug-in. It offers 8-sample processing engines including Grain, IRCAM Grain, IRCAM Multi Grain, IRCAM Scrub, IRCAM Stretch, Sample, Slice, and Stretch. As a synthesizer it offers 808 Bass Drum, Additive, Analog, Analog Stack, Bowed String, Drum, FM, Harmonic Resonance, Noise, Organ, Phase Shaper, Pluck, Super Saw, Texture, VOSIM, and Wavetable synthesis. It’s powerful modular architecture and multi-layer key group structure-design gives the user unprecedented sound shaping control. With a wide range of MIDI event processors (scripts) multi effect audio processors and modulation system for every layer, Falcon offers the user limitless opportunities for manipulating and designing preset instruments. Add to this a multi-channel mixer with independent assignable audio and MIDI outputs for each channel, and direct CAF file import, Falcon is only limited by the power of your computer’s CPU.
GoastWolvesProfJeff
00:00 / 00:56
Kontakt Sampler/Editor
One of the most powerful sample playback devices in the world today is native instruments Kontakt. Kontakt provides users with all the features you would ever need to create your own original custom sample library. Just drag a sample into Kontakt and go from there. Kontakt offers groups, zones, loops, multi sample layering, sample wave editing, sample wave warping along with insert and send effects. Numerous Kontakt instances with separate MIDI channels can be combined to make up a polyphonic multi-channel, multi timbrel Kontakt instrument.
StewPotProfJeff
00:00 / 00:24
Kontakt 8 Library/Editor
Like the Kontakt sampler, Kontakt 8 is Native Instrument’s world-wide sample library editor/player. There are over 900 factory instrument libraries with instrument ranging from traditional East Asian instruments to Stradivarius violins. From vocal and chorus textures to haunting moans and screams. Drums and percussion of every imaginable type, style, and application along with Keyboard preset libraries with unending sonic design possibilities. In addition to the multitude of ready-to-play, sampled instrument presets, there are huge cinematic stereo libraries that create large orchestral cinematic landscapes, using a variety of complex layering and granular synthesis. To top it off, Kontakt 8 gives the user tools for instantly creating chords, patterns, melodies, and beats using Native Instrument’s AI technology. When you dive in to Kontakt 8, be careful, you just might drowned in sound.
SpaceHunterProfJeff
00:00 / 00:42
Massive X (DAW only)
Massive X, Native Instruments upgrade from their popular plug-in Massive, takes the concept of massive synthesis to a whole new level. This quirky yet powerful synthesizer provides all the sound generating tools any sound designer requires to shape sound in new and exciting ways. With the UI modulation convention found in the original Massive plug-in, Massive X offers 2 very robust and complex multimode oscillators offering wavetable, PWM, FM, AM and RM modulation synthesis, numerous envelopes and LFOs, pattern modulations and keyboard scaling, a huge list of filters, noise generators, insert effects, output effects processors, and snapshot capture of all synth parameters, the term massive does not come close to describe the limitless preset sounds Massive X can create. Recently, Native Instruments has updated Massive X with an incredible animating morphing pad with snapshot capture for macro parameters. Presets can morph between 4 captured snapshots that are assigned to eight of the 16-macro knobs. Users can either mouse between the 4-snapshots or select one of the 12-selectable morphing patterns. The outcome of this Massive X upgrade is the incredible evolving and morphing sounds of both the factory and your user defined presets. Today, where you take sound design with Massive X is solely limited by your imagination.
DecayClicksProfJeff
00:00 / 00:37
Twin 3 (DAW only
FabFilter’s Twin 3 is an analog subtractive plug-in synthesizer instrument that uses a XY exponential frequency and amplitude real-time graphical interface. It offers 4-basic analog waveform oscillators with Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Squar, White Noice, and Pink Noice. Each oscillator offers a multi-mode, adjustable graphic filter that can be modulated in many ways. There are 4-effect processors, arpeggiator, and a huge range of modulation sources.
LoopDeeDueProfJeff
00:00 / 00:42
Blue III (DAW only)
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Rob Papen’s BlueIII is a 6-oscillator/operator, cross-fusion, algorithmic, waveform and sample playback, 16-voice synthesizer plug-in. The total amount of synthesis processes is enormous. To begin, there are 6-parallel engines. These engines can serve as a single oscillator, accessing a large library of Single cycle waveforms, instrument samples, stereo samples and even user imported samples. Or, the 6-oscillators can be used as FM operators, configured into a traditional 32-algorithmic structure. For each oscillator there are controls for Phase Distortion, Wave Shaping, String modeling, along with LFO modulation. There are also 4 editable multi-envelopes with up to 16-points per envelope with looping capability. There are 3, 32-step modulation sequencers with a variable looping function. The modulation matrix offers 16-slots for source and destination targets. There is even a 8-voice Chord Memory function where pitch, velocity, pan, and even chord strum is available. Add to all of this a 32-step arpeggiator and sequencer, and 4-assignable stereo effect processors, and BlueIII becomes a sound-generating monster. Just remember, BlueIII has a 16-voice capacity, and every oscillator generates a voice. It is easy to overwhelmed the plug-in so make sure to save often.
SpringMeTunesProfJeff
00:00 / 00:22
Predator3 (DAW Only
Predator3, by Rob Papen, is a powerful, versatile, and comprehensive plug-in synthesizer. With Predator3, all the tools you would ever need to dive deep into sound design and synthesis await your creative imagination. Starting with Predator’s 3 incredibly powerful oscillators offering an extensive collection of single cycle and sample waveforms, a user definable waveform editor with 64 additive partials along with draw-your-own waveform, 8-user definable waveform slots, and an entire waveform processing system for making further modifications to the waveform structure. Once you have selected the waveforms you wish to use, either from the factory library or your user defined waveforms, the Predator3 oscillator structure takes you deeper into waveform processing. Each of the three oscillators are by timbrel. A mixture between two selected waveforms for each oscillator can be Mixed, Morphed, Interpolated, High & Low Morphed, Ring, FM, Phase modulated, and combined. Predator3 also offers two Multi mode filters with an OSC to Flt routing network. Each filter offers an enormous selection of 6, 12, 18, 24, & 36dB filter types such as LP, HP, BP, Notch, Formant, Shift, and Comb. Predator3 also offers an incredible 4, 16-step arpeggiator, a 128-step XY vector control pad, and a 3-layer multi effects processor, a play mode for unison, string delay, and pan Control, and a vast modulation matrix for most parameters. Of course, there is so much more inside Predator3 that once you get started creating a sound, it’s hard to stop exploring.
StrumRunProfJeff
00:00 / 00:47
SynthMaster 3 (DAW only)
SynthMaster3, KV331 Audio’s unique multi-layer synthesizer plug-in offers a one-of-a-kind, easy-to-use UI that facilitates the creation of never before heard preset timbres. SynthMaster3’s 16 layer architecture starts with the 6-oscillator engines: Basic, Granular, Additive, Vector, Wavetable, and VAnalog. Add to that, 9-filter types, multiple modulation sources for each layer, wave shaping, FM and Ring modulation synthesis, stereo effect processing, and an arpeggiator/sequencer for each layer. SynthMaster3 provides a routing network for each layer, allowing users to patch, synth engines, filters, and modulators in any configuration. With SynthMaster3, the only limit is your imagination and the amount of CPU you have on hand.
SkatingInHeavenProfJeff
00:00 / 00:38
Grain (Reason Studio)
Grain by Reason Studios is a powerful unsung hero. Found only in the Reason rack plug-in, Grain’s user interface is clean and simple. Basically, there are 4-parts to the Grain plug-in. The wave display, the signal path, the modulators, and the modulator matrix with the effects pane on the right-hand side. There are 4-grain engines, spectral grain, grain oscillator, long grain, and tape. Grains can be one-shots, scanned in both directions, looped, and frozen at any point along the waveform. There is even a dedicated envelope (ENV1) that can modulate the speed and direction of the grain scan. From the display, the signal path moves through the grain shaper, providing length, rate, and X-fade controls. Next, pitch control with octave, semi, tune, and key controls, along with a selectable waveform oscillator directs the audio into the filter that can be bypassed if required. Finally, the signal path moves to the output, controlled by a global graphic envelope generator. For modulation, there are 4-shapeable looping envelopes, and 3-LFOs with rate and fade controls. Add to all of this, an 8-slot modulation matrix with drag-and-drop targeting, and a 6-selectable and configurable effects processor, and Reason Studio’s Grain, stands out among granular plug-in instruments.
MerryGoGrainProfJeff
00:00 / 00:31
Zebra2 (DAW only)
Zebra2 by u-he is a powerful wireless modular rack-style plug-in synthesizer. Its main front panel architecture is divided into 2-parts, the upper bar and the lower bar. The upper bar from left to right houses the rack display for the sound generators and audio signal path modifiers. This includes the oscillators, the Noise generators, the voltage control filters, the FM oscillators, Comb filters, the Shapers, Mix mods, Ring mods, the XMF filters, SB mods, Distortion mods, and the Fold mods. In the center of the top bar is the 4-lane modular routing grid, allowing users to direct the audio signal path from mod to mod. The 4-lanes connect to a 4-channel mixer at the bottom of the routing grid, providing output assign, volume, pan, mute, and envelope assign for each lane. On the right side of the upper bar is the modulation sources rack display. When a modulation source is selected anywhere within Zeber2, a dropdown menu with numerous mod sources appear. There are more than 30 mod sources including global LFOs, individual LFOs, ENV generators, MSEG envelopes, MMaps, MMix, ArpMod, and all the MIDI controller functions like pitch bend and mod wheel, after touch, velocity, keyboard follow, etc. On the bottom bar there are tabs for global control, the oscillators, the MSEG shape display, the Arp/Seq display, the XY pad display, and the matrix display. When an oscillator is selected, a 16-key frame (KF) sequence wave display appears with the first KF waveform selected. Each KF can have a different wave shape depending on the waveform generator. There are 4-waveform generators: GeoMorph, SpectroMorph, GeoBlend, and SpectroBlend. Each waveform engine, changes how the waveform is created and appears. Zebra2 also includes an arpeggiator, a step sequencer, and a multi effects processor that can be bussed within the effects grid. As you would expect, there is much more to Zebre2 than seen here. However, its powerful synths features, numerous mod sources, and audio effects, along with a low CPU footprint, gives Zebra2 a synthesizer sound beast you can easily tame
BinWhileProfJeff
00:00 / 00:38
Bazille (DAW only)
Bazille by u-he is a semi modular analog style plug-in synthesizer. Unlike other plug-in synths, Bazille uses a patch cord architecture, giving it the feel as if you are working with a hardware modular system. With four extremely versatile oscillators, two complex LFO’s, four envelope generators, two multi-mode filters, an extensive MIDI voltage processing section with white and pink noise generators, 2 multiplex combinators, a fully functional 16-step arpeggiator, 4 multi effects processors, 2 128-step programmable LFO modulators, 2 independent output channels, and even an on-board oscilloscope, Bazille gives the analog hardware synth programmer, a software dream come true.
ElecSwordPlayProfJeffe
00:00 / 00:20
Hype
AIR, Advanced Instrument Research’s plug-in Hype, has a unique futuristic look to the user interface. The plug-in has 2-sound engines and its UI sports four separate synthesis engines, Analog, Sample, Wavetable, and FM that can be combined using both oscillators in multiple ways provided by the manufacturer. Oscillator parameters are represented by a series of 3D shapes you drag up or down on. There is an oscillator mixed parameter that rotates between the sound of both oscillators layered, a single circle, to both oscillators represented by a side-by-side blue and green circle. There is a filter, 2-LFOs, 2-envelopes, and a complete rack of effects. It comes with a wonderful library of presets with lush and exciting pads, textures, leads, basses, percussion, and so on.
ClickHaaVueProfJeff
00:00 / 00:33
Modwave
KORG’s Modwave (native) plug-in is the software interface of the KORG Modwave hardware keyboard. It features a two layer, (A/B) 4-oscillator (2 for each layer) wavetable and sample engine with Kaoss physics modulation. Entering the edit mode, there is access to layers A and B, the Kaoss pad, main global effects, zones and scales, modulation list and global tempo settings. There are individual filters, effects, mixer, an arpeggiator, and even a programable rhythmic sequencer for each layer. Besides the huge number of wavetables, samples and modulation sources, including four assignable mod knobs, there is a Kaoss Physics modulator pad. The Kaoss Physics modulation pad acts like a typographical map containing an animated ball that is triggered when you press a note. Depending on the typographical surface of the modulation pad, the ball can move up or down according to time, height, tilt, friction, and lag time along the X, Y, oscillators A, B, C and D coordinates. To make this Kaoss Physics even more interesting, the surface location of the typographical map can be modulated as well. Add to this, Modwave’s global effects processor with reverb, dynamics, and equalization, you now have a plug-in that goes beyond the surface.
RollMaryProfJeff
00:00 / 00:40
Iris 2
iZotope’s Iris 2 is a four layer sample playback device with a twist. Each sample lane can transform into a harmonic frequency spectrum. Areas within the spectrum can be selected and modified using a wide range of selection editing tools including time, frequency and time, frequency, free-hand, brush, Magic wand, erase, and deselect. These selection tools can be used anywhere on the XY sample canvas. Iris 2 also packs a load of modulation sources. There are 5-LFOs, 5-shapeable envelopes, modulation sources for velocity, key tracking, after touch and modulation wheel. There are 8-macro sources that are assignable to any parameter within Iris 2. Each sample lane has its own sample engine with volume, pan, transpose, fine adjust, sample direction, stretch, loop, and effect sends to the 4-master effects bus. Samples can be up to 60-second in length with loop start, end and offset parameters. As a powerful playback plug-in sample instrument, Iris 2 will surely make you open your eyes. It’s a shame, Iris2 is no longer available for purchase from the iZotope website.
TonglersArtist Name
00:00 / 00:56
Moog Modular-V
The granddaddy of analog synthesis, the Moog Modular Synthesizer received fame when in 1966, Wendy Carlos and Bob Moog co-collaborated on the recording of Switched on Bach, the best-selling classical album in the world. The Moog Modular Synthesizer popularity became even more evident when rock bands such as the Beatles, the Monkeeys, and Emerson Lake and Palmer began to use the synthesizer in their songs. Songs like, “Here Comes the Sun,” “Dayley Nightly,” and “From the Beginning” captured the sonic versatility of analog synthesis. As the Moog Modular System 55 was beyond the budget of lesser known groups, the Mini Moog Model D filled the void. Today, Arturia’s Moog Modular V (seen here) recreates the legend and the power of the past with their virtual hardware representation as a plug-in. The Mood Modular-V is comprised of 6 modular banks. the filter, envelope and voltage processor bank, the oscillators and output envelope bank, the MIDI in/out bank, the sequencer, effects filter bank, the keyboard control range bank, and the keyboard itself (not seen here). As a virtual plug-in, the Moog Modular-V offers users far more options than the original hardware based system. Options like patch memory recall, unlimited patch cord connections, MIDI controller functions, and best of all, 32-note polyphony.
Moog Modular VProfJeff
00:00 / 00:45
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