Soundpaint's New Steel String Guitar, Waves Launches AI Mastering, and Essential Busking Guide Released

This week delivers new tools and knowledge for music creators. Soundpaint expands their Instant Guitar Series with a Steel String Guitar featuring dual Solo and Strumming engines designed for ultra-realistic performances. Waves Audio enters the online mastering space with an advanced AI-powered service promising professional results in just a few clicks. Meanwhile, busking expert Rorie Kelly partners with Positive Grid to share comprehensive tips and techniques for successful street performances with the Spark EDGE. Keep reading for more valuable tutorials, product updates, and a roundup of the best free VST plugins for 2025

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Instant Steel String Guitar Release

Soundpaint has launched Instant Steel String Guitar, a new virtual instrument that is part of their Instant Guitar Series. The new product features a dual Solo and Strumming engine designed to produce realistic steel string guitar sounds. The Strumming Engine is highlighted as being super realistic.

Waves Online Mastering

Create release-ready masters quickly with the new Waves Online Mastering service. Using the world’s most advanced AI mastering engine, this platform allows you to achieve top-quality results in just a few clicks. Don't wait, visit Waves Audio today and experience the future of online mastering!

Wylde Audio Guitars Signed by Zakk Wylde

Wylde Audio guitars, signed by Zakk Wylde himself, are now available. The collection includes models like Odin Grail, Barbarian, Goregehn, and Warhammer.

Presswerk update

Presswerk has been updated to version 1.1.6, bringing enhancements and support for new systems. This update ensures compatibility with the latest macOS versions, including Sonoma and Sequoia.

Cassette 1.0.7 Update with Snap on Demand

Cassette 1.0.7 introduces Snap on Demand, allowing users to manually trigger tape snaps or automate them for creative effects. This new feature enhances the plugin's capabilities for tape emulation.

DEALS

• PSP 25th Anniversary Bundle is on sale with a 92% discount - price now $250 (normal price $3499). This is a limited time offer.

• Plugin Boutique is currently offering a variety of deals and coupons on audio plugins and bundles. This includes special offers on products like the SSL Mixing Bundle and the KORG multi/poly native Synth.

• TGX-99 by Gospel Musicians is on sale for $49.99, which is 67% off the regular price of $149.99 for a limited time.

• SoundID VoiceAI by Sonarworks is currently being offered at a 20% discount.

• The Albions Orchestral Selects offers a diverse range of orchestral sounds, carefully selected from the Albion libraries, providing everything from chamber ensembles to full symphony orchestras. Price now €143 (usual price €179).

• Acon Digital is offering up to 70% off on audio plugins during the Mix & Master March Sale. This is a great opportunity to enhance your audio editing and mixing capabilities with pro-quality tools.

• 303 Week is coming to a close, so don't miss your chance to grab some amazing deals! This week-long event has been packed with special offers, bundles, and resources for music producers looking to enhance their sound libraries and production capabilities.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

The ultimate guide to busking. Busking expert and singer/songwriter Rorie Kelly shares her secrets on all things busking with Spark EDGE. An ultimate guide to busking is available to read.

OneKnob Series Tutorial is a tutorial demonstrating the creative power of the OneKnob Series plugins. It shows how to quickly dial in mix sounds and achieve mix-ready results using a single dial, perfect for capturing inspiration on the fly.

Guitar legends like Mike Stern, Allan Holdsworth, Pat Metheny, and Andy Summers used modulation effects to create innovative jazz and fusion sounds, achievable with tools like ToneKnob TriMod.

5-Min Leapwing Tips: Bass and Strings mixing with the Al Schmitt Signature plugin features Maria Elisa Ayerbe demonstrating her techniques for mixing bass and strings using the Al Schmitt plugins. This 5-minute video offers valuable insights into effectively utilizing the plugin for music production.

Guitar patterns can be easily created with the help of free MIDI files, making music production more accessible for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

ADSR Sounds provides a comprehensive blog post and video to help producers understand audio compression, demystifying its techniques for producers at any skill level.

FREE

The 40 Best Free VST Plugins in 2025: a DJ, producer and writer Devon Hansen has gone through the latest and best plugins, testing them in studio and listing the selected ones organised into categories!

Download the Brandon Coleman Signature Sound Bank for free and explore ambient drone patches, vibey vintage synths, and experimental soundscapes. This collection is designed to inspire and enhance your music production.