Shmøergh's Analog Hog, ToneKnob Compressor, and Neural DSP Quad Cortex Demonstration

The latest music tech newsletter brings exciting updates from synthesizer and audio plugin manufacturers. From Neural DSP's Cory Wong guitar amp simulator to Applied Acoustics Systems' funk-inspired virtual instrument, the industry continues to push creative boundaries with unique sound design tools.

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Shmøergh Releases Hog Analog Synthesizer

Shmøergh has introduced the Hog, a fully analog two-voice monophonic synth that features a 100% analog signal and control path with two oscillators, a sub and noise sources, and "an extremely drippy diode ladder filter" that keeps the low end even when resonance is fully on. The Hog is available now as a DIY project with all the hardware and software open source and freely available.

New Tube-Based Studio Compressor Plugin from Audified

Audified has released a new tube-based studio compressor plugin called ToneKnob Compressor. Building on their 25 years of experience, Audified has taken the analog heart of the legendary U73B Compressor and tuned it into a single-knob design, allowing users to achieve anything from soft and slow to fast and aggressive compression with a simple turn of a knob. ToneKnob Compressor is designed to be versatile and usable on a variety of tracks, from drums and vocals to bass and full mixes.

New Dissonant Witchcraft Sample Pack for Digitakt II

Dissonant Witchcraft has released a new sample pack called HexCells, designed for the Digitakt II and other samplers that handle WAV files. HexCells features a collection of dynamite drum and percussion samples, including 28 chains, 175 one-shots (51 of which are loopable), and 86 Digitakt II presets. The pack is described as "wonderfully brutal" and aims to bring organic sounds into the sampler world.

Applied Acoustics Systems Releases Funk Essence

Applied Acoustics Systems has released a new virtual instrument called Funk Essence, created by Brazilian producer and keyboard virtuoso Thiago Pinheiro. Funk Essence features an eclectic selection of sounds that embody the spirit of funk from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, including disco-influenced funk and more vintage styles with a shuffled approach. The pack is designed to help users create music that grooves like never before, with a range of sounds from clean guitars to phased and crunchy tones.

Neural DSP Unveils Archetype: Cory Wong X Amp Simulator

Neural DSP has released Archetype: Cory Wong X, a new amp simulator plugin designed to capture the signature clean and edge-of-breakup guitar tones of musician Cory Wong. The plugin offers a range of pre-effects, amp models, cabinet simulation tools, and post-effects to craft precise and expressive funk-inspired tones.

Bastl Instruments Unveils Kastle 2 FX Wizard Multi-Effects Unit

Bastl Instruments has announced the Kastle 2 FX Wizard, the latest addition to its Kastle line of patchable mini-modular synths. This stereo multi-effects processor offers nine distinct effects modes for creative sound design, along with built-in modulation sources and extensive connectivity.

DEALS

• SOLO: World Lead Synth by Taqsim - unique blend of hybrid synthesis, microtonal scales, and world music sounds, SOLO is the ultimate tool for musicians seeking to infuse their compositions with captivating global flavors - 67% off, now $49 (was $149).

• Relab Pro Reverb Bundle brings you three iconic reverbs meticulously recreated for your DAW, delivering unparalleled sonic depth and character for crafting intimate vocals or cinematic scores, only $49 ($297 value).

• Hybrid Filter by Minimal Audio - A versatile filter plugin containing over 50 different filter types, including morphing filters, formant and comb filters, phasers, and more to transform your audio, 80% off, now $9.99 (was $49).

• Pyro SFX Cinematic Sound Design Starter Kit - Flame Sound's Pyro SFX is a collection of 269 premium-quality cinematic sound effects suitable for use in video, film, and music production - 80% off, now $9 (was $49).

• The Flux Studio ePu by Producersources, a versatile multi-effect plugin with 10 modules created by Grammy winning producers - introductory price of $29.99 (RRP $100).

• ReValver Suite by HeadRush - amp cloning and SuperClone functionality of ReValver Amp Cloner and the best-in-class amp/cab/fx modeling of ReValver 5.1 in one mind-boggling package now $99 (was $199).

• Snapback, ShaperBox 3 and Cableguys Bundle by Cableguys, a bundle of plugins at the best price ever: ShaperBox Bundle with 73% discount at $89 (RRP $340), Cableguys Bundle with 76% discount at $149 (RRP $138) and Snapback with 40% discount at $29 (RRP $49).

• Serum Packs Bundle by ADSR, a bundle of 10 Serum packs with over 2100 presets - 88% off, now $25 (was $211).

• Arturia's Flagship Software Titles - 50% off V Collection X, Pigments, Analog Lab and FX Collection 5.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

New Kiive video puts Tubetizer across different elements in a mix - See how the Tubetizer plugin can be used to add tube saturation and character to vocals, drums, bass, and more in a mix.

Ocean Swift Wavetable Creator Overview and Demonstration - Ocean Swift's new Wavetable Creator plugin makes it easy to craft custom wavetables for a wide range of synths and audio production tools, with features like crossfade, morphing, and blending.

Neural DSP Quad Cortex Demonstration - The Quad Cortex floor modeler from Neural DSP features over 50 amps, 70 effects, and 1000 IRs, with a 7-inch touchscreen display and powerful DSP for realistic amp and effects modeling.

Yamaha CS-80 vs Software Emulations - Synthesist Andy Whitmore comparing a vintage Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer to two software emulations: Arturia CS-80V and Cherry GX-80.

ENJOY IT FOR FREE 

Free Atmospheric Vocal Sounds for Korg Modwave

Synthesist and sound designer Ian Dixon has released a free sound library called "Atmospheric Vocals" for the Korg Modwave synthesizer. The library features 50 performances and programs, including atmospheric choirs, synthesized vocal sounds, and immersive soundscapes, inspired by classic Mellotron, Vangelis, and Wavestation tones.