The Return of a Legend: Serum 2 is Finally Here, Plant-Powered Synthesis, and Massive End-of-Year Freebies

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LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Ocean Swift Synthesis Unveils Spectral Oscillators Toolkit Vol. 3

Ocean Swift Synthesis has released Spectral Oscillators Toolkit Vol. 3, a new collection of seamless oscillator materials. This toolkit expands their 'loop-as-oscillator' concept, offering production-ready sample oscillators, tonal beds, textures, and drones for modern sound design workflows.

Yossi Barel Launches Nexora Glitch/Stutter Effect

Yossi Barel introduces Nexora, a new glitch/stutter multi-effect plugin for Windows and Mac. Built around a step grid, it offers 20 effects, per-track FX stacking, randomization, and a built-in recorder for resampling and exporting audio.

Garuc Audio Releases MacHead Mixing and Mastering Plugin

Garuc Audio has launched MacHead, a new audio plugin designed for comprehensive mixing and mastering. This tool features an intuitive interface, aiming to combine analog warmth with digital precision for shaping and coloring sound effectively.

ATC Introduces New Three-Way Monitors for Immersive Audio

ATC has unveiled two new three-way monitors, the SCM105A and SCM105AiWC, specifically for center-channel use in surround and immersive audio systems. These models are engineered for high-fidelity audio, ensuring accurate soundstage placement and dialogue clarity.

Xfer Records Releases Serum 2 Update

After eleven years, Xfer Records has launched Serum 2, a significant update to their popular wavetable synthesizer. This new version includes enhanced oscillator models, revised effect routing, an arpeggiator, and a clip sequencer, with the update being free for existing users.

Gooey Audio Unveils Deeper Sub-Enhancement Plugin

Gooey Audio is set to release Deeper, a new sub-enhancement effect plugin designed to improve low-end frequencies. It offers versatility for creative uses, featuring controls like a 'deeper' knob for boosting subs, 'thump' for sub-oscillations, and a 'glue' function for cohesive integration.

DEALS

• Waves is hosting its Year-End Sale, offering popular plugins like Torque and OVox in bundles of 2 for $49.99 or 5 for $99.99.

• Sonimus's Vintage Console Bundle, featuring four analog console emulation plugins like T-Console and Satson, is now on flash sale for $109 USD.

• GoranGrooves is offering up to 15% off Handy Drums plugins and MIDI grooves, with an extra 10% off value bundles for a limited time.

• Universal Audio's Holiday Sale is ending December 31st, featuring storewide savings, BOGO bundles, $29 plug-ins, and a $79 UAD Spark annual subscription, with coupon STOCKINGSTUFFER25 for extra savings.

• Bunker Samples' Winter Sale offers up to 45% off Kontakt instrument libraries, providing innovative tools to inspire composers and musicians.

• Plugin Boutique presents its End Of The Year Sale featuring significant discounts on Scaler Music products for music production enthusiasts.

• SampleScience announces a 24-hour flash sale for its Majestic Celesta virtual instrument, offering a unique, cinematic celesta sound with integrated effects.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

• Producer IMAGINATE unveils a comprehensive video guide, demonstrating how to build massive breakbeats from scratch. This step-by-step tutorial focuses on crafting grooves with significant impact and a compelling sense of controlled chaos, offering a simple, repeatable method for any aspiring producer.

• Ensure your new guitar is perfect with these five essential unboxing tips. Begin with a meticulous visual inspection for any flaws, then allow the instrument to acclimate before checking tuning and intonation. Carefully examine fret condition and test all electrical connections to guarantee optimal playability and quality.

• An intriguing video showcases a unique approach to musical improvisation, translating plant electrical conductivity into sound. Using the PlantWave device and a Moog Modular synthesizer, artists craft complex sonic textures from bio-data.

• Guitarists often experience Pedal FOMO, a psychological pressure driving purchases of specific effects pedals. This phenomenon stems from perceived scarcity, social validation, and the pervasive "magic bullet" myth, suggesting one pedal unlocks a desired sound.

• A new walkthrough demonstrates the construction of Vocal Future presets, an Evoke expansion offering 100 new options. Users learn to customize, reverse-engineer, and apply these designs to create unique vocal textures, harmonies, and futuristic sounds.

• Discover the powerful technique of stacking Waves CLA-2A and CLA-76 compressors in series. This often-overlooked method significantly enhances your mix, offering improved sound quality and dynamic control. Learn the rationale and practical application behind this effective audio trick.

FREE

Soundpaint has launched "Free You," a new free instrument featuring over 800 instrumental sound designs. This collaborative project involved more than 160 sound designers, offering a diverse collection of sounds just in time for the holidays.

Harpist Emily Hopkins has released Chippo, a free chiptune-inspired software instrument available as a VST3/AU plugin for Windows and Mac. Chippo allows users to generate melodies, basslines, and drum patterns with intuitive controls for root notes and musical scales.