Cinematic Sub-Power, Mastering Secrets, and the $19 SSL Legend

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LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Orchestral Tools Unveils Low End Orchestra

Orchestral Tools has launched Low End Orchestra, a new sample library for SINE Player. Recorded at AIR Studios Lyndhurst, this collection merges large orchestral ensembles with sub-bass synthesis and sound design, specifically for modern cinematic scoring.

OCTO8R Releases New Soundsets

OCTO8R has introduced two new soundsets: 'The Zest' for Cherry Audio's Memorymode, offering 79 Memorymoog-inspired sounds, and 'The Earth Shaker' with 50 presets for D16 Group's Poseidon EQ.

accSone Updates crusher-X to v11.31

accSone has released version 11.31 of its crusher-X granular synthesizer and effect plugin. This update, available for Windows and Mac, enhances workflow and usability through clearer visual cues, including improved icons for Grain Modulation.

Alonso Sound Launches Trance Plucks Vol. 3

Alonso Sound has released Trance Plucks Vol. 3, a new soundset for Reveal Sound's Spire synthesizer. It features 128 presets, including 100 pluck sounds and 28 arp sequences, drawing inspiration from 2000s classic Trance music.

Efnote Pro 500X: High-End Electronic Drums

The Efnote Pro 500X is a premium electronic drum kit, challenging market leaders with its high-end quality. It features authentic wood shells, three-zone mesh heads, and highly realistic cymbal pads, delivering an exceptional playing experience.

Soma Unveils Warp Hardware Effects Unit

Soma has launched Warp, a new hardware effects unit featuring 15 digital algorithms. It boasts a streamlined, screen-less interface with dedicated control knobs and offers CV control for seamless integration into modular setups, ideal for both live and studio use.

DEALS

• Spitfire Audio's Holiday Sale features 'The Ton' bundle with over 75% off, offering deep discounts on a comprehensive collection.

• Loopmasters' holiday sale delivers 70% off exclusive sound bundles spanning House, Hip Hop, Techno, Cinematic, and Bass Music genres.

• Beatport's limited-time promotion offers up to 30% off storewide on music, coinciding with New Year's Eve.

• Digital Brain Instruments announces a Christmas Sale, providing 50% off all audio tools until January 13th.

• ADSR Sounds' 12 Deals of Christmas features 20 sound packs for $20, including over 7000 files and a free plugin, available for 24 hours.

• Plugin Boutique offers the SSL Native Bus Compressor 2 for just $19 USD, a massive 87% off its iconic SSL G-Series emulation.

• UVI's Holiday Synth Market features synth instruments at up to 81% off, with select hardware emulations available for only $19 USD.

• Plugin Boutique is offering an extraordinary 92% discount on the complete Solid State Logic SSL Fusion effect plugins bundle for a limited time.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

• Mastering presents a significant challenge for beginners in home studios, often leading to common pitfalls. A new guide identifies seven frequent errors novice engineers make during the mastering process. By understanding and avoiding these mistakes, producers can achieve professional-sounding masters that translate effectively across diverse playback systems.

• Waves Audio has launched a new tutorial, guided by Guy Britton, to help users master the L4 Ultramaximizer plugin. This comprehensive guide explores its advanced features, including various limiting modes, upward compression, adaptive release, and clipping, enabling producers to finalize mixes and achieve truly dynamic masters.

• Tremolo, a distinctive volume modulation effect, emerged in guitar amps during the late 1940s, becoming a signature sound of the 1950s and 60s. Often mislabeled as vibrato, this effect creates a pulsating ebb and flow in volume. Fender's early 1960s "harmonic tremolo" uniquely split and modulated frequency bands for a richer, more dimensional sound. Modern tremolo pedals now offer diverse styles, waveform control, and features like tap tempo for precise rhythmic integration.

• Achieving powerful, impactful drum sounds is crucial for an energetic mix, yet processing often dulls drum transients. This guide offers essential techniques for mixing engineers to preserve and enhance the attack and energy of drums and percussion. By implementing these tricks, producers can ensure their rhythmic elements cut through the mix with clarity, avoiding a lifeless sound.

• Beginner guitarists can unlock melodic improvisation by mastering the pentatonic scale. This guide focuses on the A minor pentatonic, detailing fretboard patterns across three distinct zones. Effective practice involves slow, clean execution with a metronome, self-recording, and incorporating expressive techniques like hammer-ons, bends, and vibrato to transform scales into soulful solos.

• Dynamic EQ stands as a versatile tool for audio engineers, adept at both problem-solving and creative sound shaping during mixing and mastering. This comprehensive article outlines six essential techniques to fully harness the power of any Dynamic EQ plugin. It offers actionable insights for improving audio productions, distinguishing it from traditional EQ.

FREE

• Excite Audio's Bloom Bass Groove Lite, a virtual instrument featuring meticulously sampled electric bass performances including slap, fingerstyle, and picked bass sounds, is currently available for free. This limited-time offer, presented by Plugin Boutique, provides producers with a versatile toolkit of bass articulations and one-shots.

• Autodafe has released a free Formant Filter effect plugin designed to create vocal-like timbres and enable smooth vowel morphing, featuring a 'Vowel' control for A-E-I-O-U transitions alongside Intensity and Mix parameters.