Archive for the ‘Plugins’ Category
Friday, March 12th, 2010
I see this topic come up a lot, “what are the best free rtas plugins?” I’ve answered the question so many times but I’ve never addressed it on the site.
Below is my list of 10 (in no particular order) free 3rd party RTAS plugins I think everyone should have on their system. There are many more out there but these are the ones I use on a regular basis, they are useful and are stable.
- Flux Bittersweet 2 – http://www.fluxhome.com/products/Freewares/bittersweet2
- Flux Stereo Tool – http://www.fluxhome.com/products/Freewares/stereotool
- Brainworx BX_Solo – http://www.brainworx-music.de/en/plugins/bx_solo
- Brainworx BX_Cleansweep V2 – http://www.brainworx-music.de/en/plugins/bx_cleansweep_v2
- TT Dynamic Range Meter – http://www.brainworx-music.de/en/downloadrequest
- Massey Plugins demos – http://www.masseyplugins.com/ (download the demos) CT4, L2007, Tapehead & TD5 are excellent
- Massey Tools (Mac only) – http://www.smassey.com/plugin.html
- Studio Devil BVC guitar amp – http://www.studiodevil.com/download/downloadBVC.htm
- Kontakt 4 player – http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/kontakt-player/
- KORE 2 player – http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/kore-player
All plugins are RTAS compatible with Mac or PC except Massey Tools which is Mac only.
I hope you find the list useful.
.
.

Posted in Free Plugin Of The Week, Plugins, Pro Tools, Virtual Effect, Virtual Instrument | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
There’s a few days left to grab Steven Slate Drums EX for $20 from AudioMIDI.com. Steven Slate Drums is powered by Kontakt. It comes with version 3.5 but the newest (still free) is Kontakt Player 4. Personally, I found the it extremely difficult to figure out the Multi-channel output for Kontakt, it was the first time in a long time I’ve had to read a manual for a plugin.
To save you some of the same headache, here is a Pro Tools Template I’ve set up using Kontakt 4 player. Use the import Session Data command to bring the tracks into your session.
*IMPORTANT* – Whenever you load a new Multi-patch in Kontakt you need to click the “reset out map” button. See image below.

Download the template here: DOWNLOAD
Posted in Plugins, Pro Tools, Virtual Instrument | 5 Comments »
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
At NAMM 2010 AVID announced the upcoming Pro Tools Instrument Expansion Pack. Unfortunately there hasn’t been a lot of details on exactly what you get. Russ over at the AIR Users Blog got hold of the new pack and made some videos showcasing what’s new in each of the 5 plugins. NAMM was several weeks ago, but AVID didn’t want the info out (why?). So finally Russ has been given the OK from AVID to release these exclusive videos.
Check them out!

Click to go to the AIR Users Blog
http://www.airusersblog.com/namm-2010/
I have my own comments about how this Instrument Expansion thing is being handled (pricing, upgrades, was it necessary), but since it’s mostly negative I’ll keep it to myself.
Posted in Plugins, Pro Tools, Virtual Instrument, video | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Once in a while AudioMIDI.com offers these No-Brainer deals for massive discounts on plugins. For $15 it’s hardly a big loss. This time the deal is for Amplitube 2 Live ($99 retail) and the promotion runs until March 8th 2010. Get it HERE.

AmpliTube 2 Live is a complete guitar amp modeling solution and effects powerhouse with ultra accurate models of the most sought after gear and the ability to mix and match separate components to build your own amps and craft a unique and ultimate tone. It comes both as a standalone application and a plug-in compatible with your favorite recording software, including Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, GarageBand, and others.
Fully MIDI-controllable, AmpliTube 2 Live is based on AmpliTube 2’s unique DSM™ technology and includes three guitar and bass amplifier models of the most sought after vintage gear for a total of 15 amp combination possibilities, 11 effects, a built-in tuner, an amazing selection of over 128 customizable user presets, and SpeedTrainer, an integrated audio player with pitch and speed control, ideal for learning your favorite songs.
AmpliTube 2 Live also includes AmpliTube X-GEAR, with additional amps and cabinets, dual rig and the possibility to use AmpliTube 2 Live with any other “Powered by AmpliTube” software with full mixing and matching between the included models.
Features:
- two separate modules: tuner + configurable stomp pedal board, and amp head + cabinet + mic
- nine stomp effects plus spring reverb and noise gate
- three amp models
- four cabinet and two microphone models
- digital tuner
- standalone and VST/AU/RTAS plug-in for all popular DAW platforms
- includes SpeedTrainer™ for playing along with your favorite recordings
- includes AmpliTube X-GEAR for seamless integration with all the other “Powered by AmpliTube” products, MIDI control and StompIO integration
- powered by AmpliTube® with exclusive DSM™ (Dynamic Saturation Modeling) technology for award-winning sound & realistic feel
- Mac OS X (including Leopard) and XP/Vista compatible
It’s a good deal I think.

Posted in Free Plugin Of The Week, Plugins, Virtual Effect | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
If you’re looking for a basic library of Orchestral sounds, and free, well now you can get one from Sounds Online. The “Starter” Version of Symphonic Orchestra PLAY Edition is a FREE (after short survey) Virtual instrument with a ton of superbly recorded Orchestral instruments.

Answer a short survey, CLICK HERE, and get a FREE starter version of the most popular professional symphonic orchestra virtual instrument ever made. It works with most sequencer/notation hosts including Ableton Live, Cubase/Nuendo, Digital Performer, Finale, FL Studio, Garageband, Logic, Pro Tools, Sibelius, Sonar, etc. Or you can use it as a standalone application with your music keyboard.
If you like the starter version, you can upgrade to the Gold, Platinum, or Platinum Plus versions. Using the promotional code in your email, CLICK HERE, enter the promotional code and you will see the discounted price. European customers CLICK HERE. This offer expires January 31, 2010.
Of course, if you choose not to upgrade, you get to keep this version which is not time limited, and not copy protected!!
Sounds like a pretty decent deal. EastWest is considered one of the best in this field but the PLAY Engine can be buggy particularly in Pro Tools. I’m currently downloading mine (a couple hours to go) and as long as it’s stable I’m sure I’ll find a use for it.
Let me know what you think of it.
Posted in Free Plugin Of The Week, Plugins, Virtual Instrument, samples | 2 Comments »