ENGL's Ravager IR Head, Limiting vs. Clipping Explained, and a Powerful Synthesis Tool

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

ENGL E725 Ravager IR: Modern Tube Head

ENGL introduces the E725 Ravager IR, a 20-watt tube amplifier combining vintage tone with modern features. This compact head includes an integrated impulse response (IR) loader and a versatile power soak function, offering sounds from clean to high-gain for both studio and live applications. It also provides XLR and headphone outputs for flexible connectivity.

DOD Overdrive Preamp 250-X Reissue

The DOD Overdrive Preamp 250-X marks the tenth generation of this legendary pedal, blending classic sound with modern versatility. It features a new three-way switch for selectable clipping modes (symmetrical silicon, asymmetrical, or no diodes for boost), retains the iconic LM741 op-amp, and supports up to 18 volts for increased headroom.

Prehistoric Strings by Crow Hill Company

The Crow Hill Company, in collaboration with Bleeding Fingers, has launched Prehistoric Strings. This unique string library utilizes custom-designed hybrid instruments to produce primordial, haunting, and exceptionally beautiful tones with a primitive quality. Composers Anze Rozman and Kara Talve contributed to its creation.

Audified MultiDrive PRO Plugin

Audified has released MultiDrive PRO, a new audio plugin offering 12 modeled stompbox effects for DAWs. This multi-effect unit includes boost, distortion, fuzz, and overdrive, meticulously designed to replicate the authentic feel and dynamic response of hardware units for musicians and producers.

Noir Drift – Dark Cinema Sample Pack

Blind Audio, via Loopmasters, has released Noir Drift – Dark Cinema, a new sample pack for film composers, sound designers, and music producers. This collection provides atmospheric loops and textures specifically curated to evoke tension, mystery, and cinematic darkness for immersive sonic experiences.

Polyend Tracker+: 1990s Chip Sound

The Polyend Tracker+ is a modern standalone hardware tracker reviving the 1990s music production workflow found on systems like the Amiga and MS-DOS. It features sample-based sequencing, five synth engines, MIDI support, and can function as a USB audio interface, making it a versatile tool for creating retro-inspired music.

DEALS

• Softube offers 50% off the Trident A-Range plug-in, used by Metallica producer Flemming Rasmussen, with code RASMUSSENMUSTHAVE until September 29, 2025.

• Diginoiz announces a Weekend Flash Sale, offering 60% off all products with code IAMPRO, valid until Sunday, ahead of a major October 1st launch.

• Spitfire Audio features a daily flash offer with a 60% discount on a selected product, encouraging customers to check back for new deals.

• Spitfire Audio concludes its Back to School sale at midnight, offering over 40% off plus an extra 20% with code uvinh69hcxew for total savings up to 44%.

• Best Service is holding a weekend promotion, providing a 50% discount on all Chris Hein Winds instruments, perfect for diverse musical applications.

• Plugin Boutique offers 50% off Soundtoys Effect Rack, a creative multi-effects plugin featuring 14 integrated effects for building custom audio chains.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

• Unlock the unique sound-shaping potential of vocoders in your music production. This guide details their function and creative application, providing insights for producers aiming to incorporate this distinctive tool into their tracks. Learn how to use vocoders for robotic vocals or experimental textures.

• Elevate your music production abilities with a comprehensive list of 20 essential exercises. Categorized across composition, sound design, workflow, and mixing, these practical steps are designed to foster consistent practice and skill development, making you a more efficient and skilled producer.

• Many producers encounter common pitfalls during music creation. This educational piece identifies frequent music production mistakes, offering crucial guidance to help artists refine their techniques and elevate the quality of their work by understanding what to avoid.

• Ensure your hardware performs optimally for demanding projects by learning to stress test your laptop for music production. This guide outlines the methodology for conducting tests within any DAW, allowing producers to identify performance limits and optimize their setup for reliable operation.

• Achieve authentic vintage saturation directly from your Apollo interface using its specialized Gain Stage Mode. This feature simplifies dialing in analog warmth with Unison preamps and UAD channel strip plug-ins, offering precise tone shaping capabilities.

• Rediscover a treasure trove of overlooked UAD plugins, offering everything from vintage room modeling to unique delay effects, expanding your sonic palette. Explore these forgotten favorites and unlock new creative potential.

• Understand the critical distinction between audio limiting and clipping to achieve louder, punchier mixes. Clipping often preserves the snap of transients, like a snare drum, more effectively than traditional limiters, enhancing clarity. Watch a demo to hear the difference.

• Master the art of scoring for visual media with four essential tips from accomplished composer Tori Letzler. Her insights provide practical guidance to enhance your film compositions and effectively complement visual storytelling. Discover Tori Letzler's advice for cinematic music.

FREE

Lunacy Audio's CUBE Mini, a streamlined sample-based virtual instrument with vector synthesis, is available for free until October 31st, 2025. This limited-time promotion offers the usually $49 plugin at no cost.

e-instruments introduces Desolate Guitars Fragment, a free guitar tone sample derived from their acclaimed Desolate Guitars instrument. It offers analog warmth, digital versatility, iconic guitar tones, two legendary amps, spring reverb, and FX macro control for shaping atmospheric sounds.

Sick Noise Instruments offers NoizeBreaker, a free, limited-time sci-fi SFX library requiring the full version of Kontakt. This collection features over 200 futuristic sound effects suitable for trailers, video games, and various electronic music genres.

The Surge Synth Team has released OB-Xf, a new free and open-source synthesizer plugin. It continues the OB-Xd project's legacy, drawing inspiration from the iconic 1979 Oberheim OB-X analog synthesizer to deliver classic sounds.