The audio plugin industry continues its year-end momentum with a mix of holiday promotions, new educational content, and technological innovations. This roundup covers notable releases and updates from established manufacturers, spanning hardware-bundled offers, subscription models, and advances in granular synthesis and AI-assisted processing.
Universal Audio Offers Free Sphere Modeling Microphone
Universal Audio is bundling a complimentary Sphere Modeling Microphone with select Apollo X Gen 2 rackmount audio interfaces. The promotion, which runs through December 31, 2025, is subject to stock availability. The Sphere system allows users to emulate various microphone characteristics through modeling technology.
Source: Universal Audio
TracktionSoftware Releases Attracktive Box Pro Expansion
TracktionSoftware has launched Attracktive Box Pro, an expansion pack priced at $99 featuring 14 sampled instruments, 1,236 presets, and over 53,000 samples. The collection includes vintage synthesizers, modular equipment, and acoustic instruments, designed for compatibility with both Attracktive and BioTek platforms.
Source: TracktionSoftware
Sound Particles Introduces SpringTime MPE Preset for GrainDust
Sound Particles has released a new preset called SpringTime MPE for its GrainDust granular synthesis plugin. The preset supports MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), allowing for enhanced expressive control through compatible controllers.
SPonsored:
Source: Sound Particles
BOOM Library Documents Swamp Ecosystem Field Recordings
BOOM Library has published behind-the-scenes content detailing its Swamps sound library production. The recordings were captured in challenging field conditions to ensure authentic environmental audio. The library is currently available for purchase.
Source: BOOM Library
Kilohearts Continues Holiday Calendar Promotion
Kilohearts is running its day-by-day Holiday Calendar promotion, offering deals on its plugin collection. The company’s subscription service provides access to its full plugin lineup and content banks for $9.99 per month.
Source: Kilohearts
iZotope Publishes Mastering Headroom Tutorial
iZotope has released educational content addressing headroom requirements in mastering workflows. The tutorial provides technical guidance for engineers working on final-stage audio processing.
Source: iZotope
Sonokinetic Highlights Advanced Library Playback Features
Sonokinetic has published tutorial material focusing on advanced playback settings within its sample libraries. The content demonstrates hidden configuration options for users seeking more granular control over playback parameters.
Source: Sonokinetic BV
Pitch Innovations Showcases Sonic Atlas for Indian Instruments
Pitch Innovations has highlighted the Indian sound capabilities of Sonic Atlas, its globe-based sampler plugin. The instrument provides region-specific sample packs with authentic recordings played by specialized musicians, organized through an interactive geographic interface.
Sponsored:
Source: Pitch Innovations
KV331 Audio Offers SynthMaster One Free Until January 4
KV331 Audio is conducting a holiday giveaway of SynthMaster One, available at no cost through January 4, 2025. The promotion coincides with the company’s Winter Sale, which discounts SynthMaster 3 Player to $29 (40% off) and SynthMaster 3 to $49 (50% off) through January 19.
Sponsored:
Source: KV331 Audio
Imaginando Releases VS 2 Video Recording Tutorial
Imaginando has published instructional content for VS 2, focusing on video and image capture functionality. The tutorial covers MP4 recording, screenshot capture for promotional materials, and quality settings for audio-synced visualizer content.
Source: Imaginando
XLN Audio Demonstrates Addictive Drums 2 Sound Design Techniques
XLN Audio has shared workflow content showing sound design and processing applications for Addictive Drums 2 beyond standard drum mixing. The material demonstrates experimental processing techniques applicable to various production genres.
Source: XLN Audio
Sonarworks Publishes Article on AI-Enhanced Granular Synthesis
Sonarworks has released a technical article examining the convergence of granular synthesis and artificial intelligence in vocal processing. The piece discusses how AI automation has simplified previously complex manual processes in vocal texture creation.
Source: Sonarworks Blog
Softube Promotes Flow Complete Suite Subscription
Softube is marketing its Flow Complete Suite subscription service at $24.99 per month. The bundle includes over 80 plugins spanning the Flow Mixing and Mastering Suites along with the company’s Model Series synthesizers. The subscription model includes chain auditioning features for A/B comparison workflows.
Source: Softube Studios
Newfangled Audio Releases Vocal Mixing Tutorial for EQuivocate
Newfangled Audio has published instructional content addressing vocal integration over pre-mixed instrumental tracks using its EQuivocate plugin. The tutorial focuses on spectral matching techniques for fitting vocals into completed two-track beats.
Sponsored:
Source: Newfangled Audio
Minimal Audio Launches Granular Cinema Preset Pack
Minimal Audio has released Granular Cinema, a preset collection designed for cinematic and futuristic score production. The pack targets composers working on soundtrack and media composition projects requiring atmospheric synthesizer textures.
Source: Minimal Audio
Industry Outlook
This month’s developments reflect several ongoing industry trends: holiday promotional strategies combining hardware-software bundles and time-limited giveaways, the continued expansion of subscription-based access models, and growing emphasis on educational content as a marketing tool. Technological developments center on granular synthesis refinements and AI integration in vocal processing, suggesting these areas will remain focal points for plugin development in 2025.
The pricing strategies observed—from Universal Audio’s hardware incentives to Softube’s sub-$25 monthly subscriptions—illustrate manufacturers’ varied approaches to market positioning during competitive holiday periods. Meanwhile, companies like Sonarworks and iZotope continue investing in thought leadership content that positions them as educational resources beyond pure product vendors.
