Dynamic EQ Automation, Legendary Bass Tones, and Tony Hoffer's StressBox Secrets

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LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Initial Audio's Dynamic EQ 2

Initial Audio has released Dynamic EQ 2, an updated equalizer plugin for Windows and Mac. It features intelligent multiband dynamics and an inter-instance workflow to automate mixing tasks, such as reducing mud and controlling sibilance.

Full Bucket Music's FB-02 Synthesizer

Full Bucket Music introduces FB-02, a free software instrument that emulates the 1986 Yamaha FB-01. This 4-operator digital FM synth module was known for its multi-timbral capabilities but originally required external editors for sound design.

Revealed Bass Shots Vol. 3

Alonso Sound has launched Revealed Bass Shots Vol. 3, a new sample pack containing 400 one-shot bass samples. Designed for genres like Electro, Trance, House, and Techno, these samples offer high-pressure energy, instant impact, and clean mix control.

Universal Audio Paradise Guitar Studio

Universal Audio introduces Paradise Guitar Studio, a UAD plugin for guitarists and producers. It integrates acclaimed UAD guitar amp emulations, classic cabinets, mics, pedals, and studio effects, leveraging UA's analog modeling for instant, record-ready tones.

The Iconic Lately Bass Preset

The 'Lately Bass' preset from the 1987 Yamaha TX81Z FM rack module is a legendary 90s house and dance bass sound. It's an enhanced variation of 'Solid Bass', leveraging the TX81Z's ability to use non-sine waveforms for powerful sub-bass.

Roland D-50's "Soundtrack" Pad

Eric Persing's 'Soundtrack' preset for the 1987 Roland D-50 is an influential atmospheric pad. This sound became a General MIDI standard and was widely featured in movie soundtracks and pop hits of the late 80s and early 90s.

DEALS

• Waves Audio features classic CLA-2A and CLA-3A compressor/limiters for $29.99 each in their Cyber Monday extended sale.

• Waves Audio's Cyber Monday sale offers their best prices of the year, including deals like 2 plugins for $49.99.

• Ableton Live 12, including Standard, Suite, and Intro versions, is available with up to 25% off until 6 PM CET today.

• Thomann offers up to 50% off u-he synthesizer and FX plugins in a limited-time deal ending December 2, 2025.

• Sonora Cinematic has extended its Black Friday sale, offering up to 50% off Kontakt libraries and Soundbox instruments.

• Customers can receive a free gift, choosing between Panorama Hybrid or Haze: Blunt Piano, with eligible purchases.

• Discover deals like the Emma Legato Kontakt Player library, now available from £21.75 including a free product.

• This limited-time Black Friday offer on virtual instruments and bundles concludes tomorrow, so shop now to secure your savings.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

• Renowned mixer Tony Hoffer, celebrated for his work with artists like Air and Beck, showcases the Waves Magma StressBox plugin. In a compelling demonstration, Hoffer illustrates how its intuitive one-knob interface can inject vibrant life, energy, and emotional feel into drums, vocals, and bass tracks, streamlining the sound-shaping process for producers.

• Wide Blue Sound introduces Silencer, a groundbreaking reverb cleaner and beautifier. Utilizing patent-pending technology, this innovative plugin enables producers to precisely reset reverb tails between individual notes, unlocking unprecedented sound design possibilities. Esteemed professionals like Grammy-winning mixer Andrew Scheps and legendary electronic producer Oliver have already lauded its impressive and unique functionality.

• Dangerous Music Digital marks its entry into the plugin market with the CONVERT-AD+ effect plugin, a meticulous digital recreation of its acclaimed analog converter. Developed in collaboration with Studio DMI and Acustica Audio, this software brings the authentic sonic characteristics of the hardware into the digital realm, offering engineers expanded creative controls for modern production workflows.

• Native Instruments introduces Native Kontrol Standard (NKS), an industry-standard technology designed to forge a deep, intuitive connection between software instruments and effects with hardware controllers. This innovative system effectively eliminates tedious setup times and workflow interruptions, ensuring a vast selection of instruments and effects are immediately ready for use on compatible controllers.

FREE

Full Bucket Music has released the FB-02, a free software instrument that meticulously emulates the classic 1986 Yamaha FB-01, a 4-operator digital FM synthesizer module known for its multi-timbral capabilities and reliance on external editors for sound design.

SampleScience is offering three virtual instruments for free, including UltraBasic v2 for beginner sound design, Virtual Handpan for ambient music, and 80s DrumStar for classic drum sounds, providing diverse tools for music production.

The Crow Hill Company has launched Dulcet Vocal, a new free virtual instrument library within its Vaults series. This ethereal collection is inspired by the unique vocal stylings of Scottish singer-songwriter Dot Allison, complementing their existing Dulcet Voice library.

DAWJunkie has released Lil’ Miss Doubler, a free artificial double-tracking (ADT) plugin. This straightforward tool is designed to instantly thicken vocals, guitars, and other mono sources, enhancing their width and presence in a mix.