14 best creative effect plug-ins
We roundup our favourite 14 creative effect plug-ins, ranging from guitar-amp sims, mastering suites and sound morphers to give your tracks a little edge… Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer Price €129 Type Multi plug-in mixer Format VST, AU, AAX A unique plug-in that splits the signal into several frequency bands and lets you mix and […]
We roundup our favourite 14 creative effect plug-ins, ranging from guitar-amp sims, mastering suites and sound morphers to give your tracks a little edge…
Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer
Price €129
Type Multi plug-in mixer
Format VST, AU, AAX
A unique plug-in that splits the signal into several frequency bands and lets you mix and process them seperately.
We say: “Brings such a range of tools together in one easy-to-use interface.”
Eventide Physion
Price $179
Type Transient waveform mangler
Format VST, AU, AAX
Splits incoming source sound into its transient, impactful part and tonal part for separate editing and more.
We say: “Physion is groundbreaking, with great creative possibilities.”
Cableguys PanShaper 2
Price $34
Type Stereo panning plug-in
Format VST, AU
A multi-band modulation and panning tool that ‘takes stereo control to a new level with unparalleled ease of use’.
We say: “A great-value tool for controlling your stereo width in new and creative ways.”
Heavyocity Punish
Price $199
Type Multi-saturator and compressor
Format VST, AU, AAX
Custom compression, saturation, transient shaping and equalisation, all within one plug-in.
We say: “The effects sound great and the ability to manipulate and automate so many parameters is very useful. A worthy addition for anyone.”
Cableguys ShaperBox
Price €94 (bundle), €39 (TimeShaper)
Type Mastering plug-in suite
Format VST, AU
A simple effects rack that can host up to five individual Cableguys effects behind one GUI and can easily be re-ordered, bypassed etc.
We say: “An innovative, flexible and editable toolbox of creative effects that can be used for anything.”
IK Multimedia Amplitube MAX
Price £399
Type Guitar-amp sim and more
Format VST, AU, AAX
It’s an amp simulator that’s been around for a while, but the latest version takes it to new creative levels.
We say: “With over 300 pieces of gear modelled in the MAX version of AmpliTube, this has to be one of the most creative amp sims around.”
iZotope VocalSynth
Price £199
Type Vocal effect
Format VST, AU, AAX
VocalSynth represents the first time several of the most popular vocal effect techniques have been combined in a single product. It has four engines for harmonies, vocoder, chip and talkbox.
We say: “A well laid out, easy to pick up and a unique plug-in.”
PSP Audioware L’otary
Price $99
Type Rotary-speaker emulator
Format VST, AU, AAX and RTAS
A plug-in to emulate the swirling effect of a rotary speaker based on the Leslie 122 and 147, associated with the classic Hammond organ sound.
We say: “A solid speaker emulator that sounds great on a variety of sounds and, of course, organs.”
MeldaProduction MMorph
Price €149
Type Sound morpher
Format VST, AU, AAX
Spectral morphing plug-in that, rather than fading from one sound to another, finds common elements from each to blend smoothly between them.
We say: “An advanced sound design tool for truly unique creations.”
UVI Rotary
Price €79
Type Rotary-speaker emulator
Format VST, AU, AAX
Another plug-in to emulate the swirling effect of a Leslie or rotary speaker.
We say: “An extremely creative effect that offers drama, dirt, tremolo and swell, all behind a simple interface. Quite brilliant.”
MeldaProduction MTransient
Price €59
Type Transient processor
Format VST, AU, AAX
Transient processor that’s designed to alter the character of attacking sounds in any rhythmic material.
We say: “For the price, this is a useful and powerful plug-in with a great depth of features.”
Wave DNA Liquid Music
Price $199
Type Composer plug-in
Format VST, AU
A new take on MIDI composition. You draw in a succession of single notes –the software will generate chords or harmonies around them.
We say: “An authentic-creation tool, and at no point do you think that you’re cheating.”
Output Movement
Price $149
Type Rhythmic processor
Format VST, AU, AAX
A plug-in designed to impart a range of rhythmic qualities onto any number of audio sources you pass through it.
We say: “Demonstrating the same creative spark as its instruments, Output’s Movement is an inspiring and intriguing audio plug-in.”
zplane reTune
Price £146
Type Elastic processing software
Format VST, AU, AAX
Gives you full access to the pitch content of your audio samples and enables you to map each input pitch to any other pitch of the chromatic scale – all in real time.
We say: “A magical plug-in; it’s both revolutionary and creatively inspiring.”
