This week’s audio production news highlights a range of new plugins and expert tips, from voiceover enhancements to mastering advice, all available for trial on Plugin Boutique. Here’s a quick look at the key stories.
Bring the legendary sound of Harrison's analog heritage into your DAW with the 32Classic Channel Strip. This comprehensive plugin emulates the iconic Harrison 32Classic console, featuring a musical four-band parametric EQ, famous ultra-wide filters, and a versatile dynamics section with three compression modes. With the addition of a Jensen transformer-modeled "Drive" control for warm harmonic saturation, it provides the same professional workflow and sonic character used on some of the world's most influential records.
- Voxessor by United Plugins offers instant professional voiceover sound, simplifying audio refinement for creators. This tool could be a game-changer for podcasters and video producers seeking polished results without extensive editing.
- Universal Audio’s UAD Showtime ’64, featured with James Santiago, provides classic guitar amp tone with ample headroom, also part of the UAD Paradise Guitar Studio bundle for expanded sculpting. It’s a solid choice for guitarists craving vintage vibes in a digital format.
- Audiomodern showcases Playbeat 4 in action with @Zdrewe, demonstrating its capabilities for dynamic music creation. This highlights the plugin’s potential for inspiring fresh beats and rhythms.
- Arturia’s Pigments 7 gets a granular pad design tutorial from Virtual Riot, focusing on texture and modulation techniques. Such insights are invaluable for sound designers looking to push creative boundaries.
- CARP Audio’s Octapus, via Loot Audio, is a versatile octaver plugin with detune and spread functions for expansive soundscapes. Its audition mode makes it user-friendly for experimenting with unique character.
- MeldaProduction’s MMicSim transforms microphone sounds digitally, offering flexibility without new hardware. This could save money and space for home studio enthusiasts.
- Mastering The Mix advises using dynamic range and loudness range alongside LUFS for better audio mastering, moving beyond loudness wars to preserve quality. This editorial note emphasizes a more nuanced approach to finalizing tracks.
- iZotope addresses common mastering issues like lost dynamics and transients, promoting their tools for professional results. As a leader in audio tech, their tips are trusted by many in the industry.
- HY-Plugins updates HY-Slicer2 to version 1.1.5 with random slice assignment, enhancing creative possibilities for sample manipulation. Small updates like this can significantly improve workflow.
- Positive Grid shares tips for achieving the best 7-string guitar tone, likely leveraging their BIAS amp modeling software. This caters to metal and progressive musicians seeking heavier sounds.
Overall, this roundup underscores a trend toward accessible, plugin-driven solutions that empower musicians and producers to achieve professional-quality results from home studios. From voiceovers to mastering, these tools and insights reflect the industry’s focus on innovation and user-friendly design.
