New Spitfire Bassoons, a Synth Layering Guide, and Studio-Grade Plugins

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LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

IK Multimedia Enhances Tonex Modeler

IK Multimedia has released its new Tonex Modeler application, integrating user-requested features. This update aims to deliver more accurate and expressive Tone Models, enhancing the software's sound modeling capabilities.

Roland SP-404MKII Excels in LoFi Beatmaking

The Roland SP-404MKII stands out as a versatile, portable sampler for lo-fi beats and instrumental hip-hop. Known for its distinct internal effects like the vinyl simulator, this battery-powered device offers enhanced features through recent updates, making it a favorite among beatmakers.

Reloop SPIN Revolutionizes Portable Vinyl Sampling

The Reloop SPIN portable turntable offers beatmakers a unique tool for lo-fi production, enabling vinyl sampling on the go. Equipped with a built-in speaker, dual headphone jacks, and a line output, it also supports 78 RPM playback and includes a crossfader for scratching.

Sound Particles Unveils New Sound Design Tools

Sound Particles has introduced MiniDust and SkyDust 3D, two innovative sound design instruments. MiniDust prioritizes speed and efficiency with 2 oscillators, while SkyDust 3D expands creative potential, featuring 8 oscillators, frequency modulation, and sample import capabilities.

Spitfire Audio Completes Woodwind Collection

Spitfire Audio has launched Abbey Road Orchestra: Bassoons, finalizing its Symphonic Woodwinds range. This new virtual instrument integrates into their acclaimed modular orchestra series, known for its exceptional realism and playability, building on previous flute and clarinet releases.

Plugin Alliance Updates SPL Vitalizer Mk3-T

Plugin Alliance has released an updated Brainworx emulation of the SPL Vitalizer Mk3-T. This audio enhancement tool employs a psychoacoustic approach to boost sound clarity, bass, and overall loudness, targeting mix and mastering engineers without introducing harshness.

DEALS

• Platone Studio's Phi Saturator and Silverline Compressor bundle is 72% off, adding analog warmth and dynamic control to audio productions.

• Plugin Alliance offers the Mastering The Mix Fuser and Reso Bundle for $39, providing tools to fix clashing frequencies and remove harsh resonances until August 29, 2025.

• VST Alarm is offering DeLorean by Analog Legends, a mastering-grade tone-shaping tool emulating over 120 vintage devices, at a 77% discount for a limited period.

• Audio Plugin Deals has announced its Labor Day Sale 2025, offering massive discounts on various audio plugins for a limited time.

• Rekkerd reports that Mozaic Beats' Chord Prism 2 MIDI plugin is currently 33% off at Plugin Boutique during a "Back to School" promotion.

• Diginoiz.com is in the final days of its Summer Sale, offering a 50% discount across all products before the promotion ends this week.

• Acon Digital is wrapping up its Summer Sale, featuring discounts of up to 70% on professional audio tools and exclusive upgrade offers.

• Softube is offering a 50% discount on its Volume 6 plug-in collection, with this limited-time promotion running from August 27th to September 2nd, 2025.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

• Achieve a fuller, more expansive sound in your music productions by mastering the art of layering synths. This guide provides essential techniques, complemented by a free Ableton Effect Rack, to elevate your sound design and create richer sonic textures.

• Discover SoundThread, a free and open-source audio-mangling tool designed to simplify the use of Aphex Twin's renowned sound design instrument. Available for Linux, Mac, and Windows, it offers a user-friendly interface for complex audio manipulation.

• Enhance your vocal production skills with an in-depth tutorial featuring Preston 'Prizzie' Reid, the accomplished mix engineer behind artists like Usher and Ye. This guide showcases the transformative capabilities of the Silk Vocal plugin for achieving superior vocal quality.

• Aspiring drummers can transition from theory to practice with a curated list of 13 easy drum songs perfect for beginners. This selection, including examples like basic AC/DC beats, encourages active playing and skill development through recognizable rhythms.

• AudioThing has released a new, in-depth video showcasing their Type A audio effect, an emulation of the Dolby® A Trick. This demonstration allows users to experience firsthand how the plugin imparts brilliance, presence, and a distinctive vintage character to audio tracks, illustrating its capabilities in real-world scenarios.

• Two seminal James Brown tracks stand as definitive examples of funk music, illustrating the genre's core components. An analysis of these classics reveals James Brown's pivotal role in shaping its distinctive sound.

• Audio engineer Luke Dimond presents five essential techniques he consistently employs to achieve clearer, punchier mixes. This new video tutorial offers practical advice for improving mix translation, managing dynamics, and streamlining workflow.

• Musicians can gain mastery over the seven musical modes, essential scales that impart distinct melodic flavors across various genres. This guide elucidates their structures and effective application in composition.

FREE

Universal Audio is offering its acclaimed LA-2A Tube Compressor plug-in for free this weekend only. This limited-time promotion, concluding on September 1st, allows users to acquire the classic optical compressor, praised by producer Ariel Borujow for its use on lead vocals and acoustic guitars.

APU Software has launched APU Spectrum Analyzer, a free spectrum analysis plugin for Windows and Mac. It offers extensive FFT configuration, including adjustable window types and sizes from 64 to 65536, alongside quick dB range switching.

Fracture Sounds expands its Blueprint series with Blueprint: Thumb Piano, a free, characterful kalimba instrument for Kontakt Player. This release provides producers with unique melodic tones.

Tracktion has released Waveform Free 13.5, an updated DAW offering significant performance enhancements. The free software features a smoother user experience, reduced loading times, and maintains its crucial lack of track limitations.

u-he provides free MPE presets for its ACE, Bazille, Diva, and Hive 2 synthesizers, specifically designed for the Expressive-E Osmose. Users can download the pack to explore nuanced, expressive sound design.