The Top 12 Multi-Platform Plugins Today
The Top 12 Multi-Platform Plugins Today Plugins are the accessories to the producer’s toolkit, we all must appreciate what comes in-the-box nowadays but we often need something more from our DAWs, the sweetest way to enjoy that special sauce is if it’s free. We’ve assembled a list of the top 12 multi-platform plugins today ranging from synths, drums, and effects all the way to the weirdo oddities of plugins: su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#d2d2d2″ size=”1″ 1. Synister the Synthesizer Synister is easy to use with one of the cleanest looking interfaces we’ve seen around. Look at those primary colors! It’s open source and comes as a VST or AU, download here. su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#d2d2d2″ size=”1″ 2. u-he Tyrell N6 Synthesizer We’ve already mentioned u-he plugins in a few of our blog posts – they’re well-known for their high-quality products – so we’re excited to mention another hit, the Tyrell N6 synthesizer. This synth …
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Harmonize It! – 6 Tips for Recording Better Background Vocals
Harmonize It! – 6 Tips for Recording Better Background Vocals If you’re making music with vocals and want to spruce it up a bit a good place to start is by adding background vocals. Background vocals can play the supporting role, be used for call and response, beef up a chorus, or simply add harmony to choice parts of a song. No matter how you use your background vocals, there are many different ways to actually record them and each method will warrant specific results. su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#d2d2d2″ size=”1″ 1. Layering Tracks The most common technique (and simplest) is using the same microphone your lead just used, then layering the tracks, this technique is especially useful if you are limited to one microphone. Even if you only have one microphone that doesn’t mean you have to have the same exact sound as your lead, if you have more than one option …
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Marie Ork – Free Voicebank for Alter/Ego Synthesizer
Marie Ork – Free Voicebank for Alter/Ego Synthesizer Karoryfer Samples has released an updated version of their Marie Ork voicebank for Alter/Ego, the free vocal synthesizer VST plugin by Plogue. For those of you unfamiliar with Alter/Ego you should definitely check it out, it’s an awesome FREE plugin capable of reproducing human vocal melodies. You can type in the words for it to sing and then the synth will sing pitches based on your MIDI notes. Marie Ork was released last year as the first available voice for Alter/Ego and was only capable of a metal growl but now has been updated to feature two more voices: clean female vocals and spoken word vocals. These additions make the Marie Ork bank of presets a versatile vocal tool for any production; presets include Latin and Japanese phonemes. Adding new soundbanks to Alter/Ego is easy – download the voicebank here (and the plugin if you don’t already …
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Getting in the Groove – 6 Tips for Programming Realistic Drums
It's a great time to be a music producer. You can produce full songs with nothing more than your laptop and a DAW. While getting good drum sounds is easier than ever with more and more options expanding beyond the limitations of old drum machines, even with good drum sounds your tracks may feel like they are missing something. That something is often the groove, with your rhythm locked in so tight to the grid that your drum programming feels programmed as opposed to feeling played in by a real human being. We've got some tips below to help you spruce up your drum programming even if you aren't a good drummer yourself.
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VCV Rack – FREE Open-source Virtual Modular Synthesizer
The makers of VCV Rack have released the most recent update to the beta version of the open-source virtual synthesizer. VCV Rack was released earlier this year and has been receiving frequent additions to its lineup of modules. There are 14 modules that are included with the download as a group referred to as 'Fundamental'. These modules are, naturally, fundamental to creating a basic modular synthesizer and allow you to create increasingly complex routings for crazier sounds.
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VHS Drums – Retro Drum Pack from AfroDJMac
AfroDJMac released a drum pack for Ableton Live this week featuring 600 samples of drums recorded to VHS tape and back into the computer. VHS tape is known to have colored audio in a unique way, often adding saturation and the occasional pitch drift. The samples were collected from vintage drum machines, synthesizers, and acoustic kits. The pack features 30 drum racks appropriately named after 80's icons and sound beautifully reminiscent of the era. The drums are also organized into folders by type (kick, snare, cymbal, etc.) and even in selector kits for quick experimentation.
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