AI Rigs, Legendary Synths, and the Sound of a 70-Piece Orchestra

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Spark NEO Core: Guitar Rig & Headphones

Positive Grid introduces the Spark NEO Core, an affordable device combining a full guitar rig with premium headphones. It features AI-powered tone generation, custom-tuned 40mm drivers, and seamless integration with the Spark app for tools like Auto Chords and ToneCloud. This versatile unit also functions as high-quality Bluetooth headphones.

KORG PS-3300 Software Synthesizer

KORG Collection 6 now features a software recreation of the legendary and rare PS-3300 analog synthesizer. This virtual instrument meticulously emulates the original hardware, while adding modern enhancements such as up to 60 voices of polyphony, a comprehensive effects suite, and extensive preset management. Users can also select between PS-3300 or MS-20 filters per synth panel.

Sinevibes Upgrades KORG Reverb Plugins

Sinevibes has released v2 updates for its Hollow (vast space reverb) and Luminance (shimmer reverb) plugins, specifically for the KORG platform. These upgrades deliver a more lush and musical sound while simultaneously reducing resource consumption. Existing users can access these enhanced versions, promising improved performance and sonic character.

Atrium: Experimental Polyphonic Synthesis

Whimsical Raps has previewed Atrium, a new boutique synthesizer. This instrument features five analog voices capable of polytimbral control and modulation, offering an experimental approach to polyphonic synthesis. Atrium provides musicians with innovative avenues for intricate sound design and composition, pushing the boundaries of analog synthesis.

SONUSCORE LUX Orchestral Strings

SONUSCORE introduces LUX Orchestral Strings, a new virtual instrument designed to capture the expansive sound of a 70-piece symphonic string ensemble. This product aims to deliver high-quality, cinematic string arrangements directly into digital audio workstations. It provides composers and producers with lush, dynamic textures often associated with film scores.

Waves LV1 80-Channel Expansion

Waves has launched the LV1 80-Channel Expansion, a software upgrade for their LV1 live sound mixer. This expansion increases the mixer's capacity to 80 stereo channels (160 inputs) and 52 buses, including 32 auxes and up to 24 monitor auxes. The upgrade is compatible with existing LV1 Classic hardware and LV1 64-channel software licenses (v16 or later).

DEALS

• VST Buzz offers a 60% discount on the LANDR FX Bundle, a collection of 5 effect plugins for EQ, compression, saturation, reverb, and modulation, for one week only.

• Plugin Boutique's Black Friday Early Access event features a 60% discount on Hertz Instruments' Hertz Drums 2 virtual drum kits and expansions.

• Plugin Boutique's Halloween Sale offers 40% off Dawesome's LOVE and HATE effect plugins, providing shimmering multi-effects and distortion for Windows and Mac.

• Soundiron is offering 50% off its horror-themed virtual instruments, including Sick Ultimate and the Hopkin Instrumentarium series, until October 31st, 2025.

• Tone Empire is providing an extra 20% off all plugins using code TE-WARM20, stacking with existing sales for 48 hours, ending Wednesday at 11:59 PM PT.

• Celebrate Nuendo's 25th anniversary with 50% off all versions until October 30, 2025, plus a SpectraLayers Pro voucher for Nuendo 14 owners.

• VST Alarm offers the OCTO8R Phase Plant Bundle with 151 presets for Kilohearts' Phase Plant at just $5.95 USD.

• Plugin Boutique’s Halloween sale offers Applied Acoustics Systems' Objeq Delay plugin for $10 USD, combining acoustic filtering with versatile delay effects.

• Plugin Boutique's Halloween Sale features Soundevice Digital's Randomachine multi-effect at 74% off, ideal for generating diverse sample variations.

• Save up to 79% on Applied Acoustics Systems' Session Bundle at Plugin Boutique, featuring Lounge Lizard, Strum, and Ultra Analog Session.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

• Discover five essential sampling tricks in a new video tutorial from Waves Audio, demonstrating how to use the CR8 Creative Sampler to craft unique instruments, impactful 808s, and compelling vocal chops.

• Plugin Boutique has released a comprehensive guide detailing the best free VST plugins for 2025, offering musicians quality, cost-free tools to enhance their music production.

• The TR-1000 series continues its exploration, offering upcoming content focused on workflow. Enthusiasts can delve deeper into its capabilities through a dedicated video and anticipate future emails discussing features like the TR-REC step sequencer.

• Transform any room into a functional music studio with practical advice on acoustic treatment and budget-friendly solutions. Discover how to create your home music studio without professional expenses.

• Rethink your mixing workflow; conventionally, EQ is the first tool, but a smarter, faster approach exists. Explore how Waves IDX can optimize your mixing process for better results.

FREE

Dystopian Waves has unveiled a suite of new Max for Live devices for Ableton Live, featuring the free Drox II glitch stutter effect. The release also includes the advanced Drox II Pro at an introductory price of $15, alongside Wavengine and Celium II, expanding creative options for rhythmic manipulation.

Berglind Audio has launched Oolong Jr, a free saturation plugin compatible with macOS and Windows. This streamlined version of their Oolong saturator is designed to add significant character and warmth to audio, making it a valuable tool for producers.

Urban Kits introduces Bedroom Guitar, a complimentary sampled nylon-string guitar plugin for macOS and Windows. This virtual instrument provides authentic guitar tones, simplifying the integration of realistic textures into music productions for home studio users.

Signal Perspective has released Pyrite, a free audio plugin combining preamp emulation, EQ, and compression. Developed from an initial preamp emulation attempt, Pyrite is recommended for enhancing drums and vocals and is available for macOS and Windows in VST3 and AU formats.