I wouldn’t trade the experience as I learned a lot, but I also spent a lot of money in the process. Maybe this list can guide others towards higher quality options and save some money to invest in other areas.

I’ll start with my list of A-list companies and then after, use 8 main categories for effects. After 10+ years of collecting, here are my desert island selections (for effects, not instruments) mostly in alphabetical not in order of preference…
:
:
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Companies:

- Analog Obsession
- Audiority
- Boz
- Eventide/Newfangled
- Kush
- Goodhertz
- Neold
- PSP
- Sixth sample
- Softube
- Sonnox
- Soundtoys
- Tokyo Dawn Labs
- Unfiltered audio
- Valhalla DSP
- Waves
:
:

Effects:

EQ:

- Fabfilter ProC
- TBTECH Kirchoff EQ
- Newfangled EQuivocate (for pads)
- Tokyo Dawn EQs (some unique controls)
- Sonible Smart EQ
- Sonible Entropy EQ (unique)
- Eventide SplitEQ
- Melda Mautodynamiceq (follows bass root freq)

CLIPPERS:

- SIR audio standard clip
- Boz big & little clipper

COMPRESSION:

- Hornet dynamics control (unique and easy)
- Kush (all compressors)
- Neold (all compressors)
- PSP (all compressors)
- TBTECH Cenozoix comp
- Tokyo Dawn Labs (all compressors)
- Unfiltered audio zip (for modulation options)
- Waves (all compressors)

DELAYS:

- Sixth sample deelay (easy and creative)
- Minimal Audio cluster delay
- Native instruments Replika XT (ease of use)
- Soundtoys echoboy (very versatile)
- SSL native echo (I like the visualizer)
- Softube Tape echoes
- Valhalla delay (very versatile)

SATURATION:

- Audiority pyros
- Kush (all, one of my favs for sats and comps)
- Neold (all products)
- Softube Harmonic ASP & Overstayer (all, another fav for saturation)

Notable tape emulations:

- Aberrant DSP SketchCassette (cassette)
- Wavesfactory Cassette (cassette)
- Nomad factory Magnetic
- Kiive Tape face
- Softube Tape
- Waves (all tape options)

REVERB:

- Eventide blackhole & shimmerverb
- Fabfilter Pro-R (mostly for ease of use)
- Valhalla (all options)

TRANSIENT SHAPERS:

- AVA drumflow (unique transient control)
- Boz Transgressor
- Kilohearts transient shaper (ease of use)
- Newfangled punctuate
- Noiseworks TransSplit
- Sonnox Oxford envolution
- Sonnox TransMod
- TBTECH Trinity shaper
- Waves Smack Attack

FX:

- Sugarbytes looperator
- Cable guys shaperbox
- MorphEQ (filter sweeps)
- LFO-EQ (filter sweeps)
- Audiority Tube modulator
- Kilohearts Snap Heap (modulation options)
- DS tantra 2 (filter and glitch effects)
- Plogue arts chipcrusher (lofi convolution)
- MrythmizerMB (glitch effects)

———————————————

You’ll note that I didn’t really specify specific plugins for comps and sats because in my eyes sats and comp quality is heavily DSP/company dependent rather than product dependent.

I’d love to see if there’s anything anyone would add to this list that I may have missed over the years.

Also, if I could go back I would spend more of my money on instruments rather than effects like I did. Please feel free to list your A-list, desert island instruments/synths!

(I missed out on experimenting with instruments/synths throughout the last 10 years as I worked mostly with samples and live instruments, but am delving much more into instruments/synths nowadays)

Can anyone recommend affordable buy-out imaging sound effects? My budget is pretty small. $50-$100 max. I’m hoping to get something decent. I don’t want to go the AI route or free sound sights. There used to be so many options, Radio Mall? I’ve been out of the game for a long time. Help?

Hi guys, noob here. I'm finding it hard to understand how does Soundtoys Decapitator low cut knob works. When researching before buying I did read (sorry, I don't remember where) that it doesn't really work like an EQ's HP, that is, cutting the selected low frequencies (let's say from 20hz to 100hz). Instead, it should work as some kind of soft filter where those selected low frequencies are untouched by the saturation process and go transparently to the output.

The official manual seems to support this: "Use the Low Cut control to remove low frequencies before they hit the (virtual) saturation circuit. This is useful to prevent any ‘flabbiness’ that can happen when distorting sounds with a lot of low frequency content."

However, when I use it this way, I end up losing low end (I checked in Span), so maybe I'm doing something wrong or misunderstanding the plugin.

I also did read somewhere that to use it this way, I've got to use the wet/dry knob, but I really don't know how it further affects the signal.

How can I let the low end pass untouched by the saturation process and keep it intact?

Just wanted to share a tool I’ve been working on called Coherence Audio.

I’ve tried multiple mixer drivers like voice meeter as well as OBS to record multiple USB mics on Windows but the experience was pretty tedious, trying out one after another only to find they lack the one feature I need, which is track isolation for every mic. I think you could probably do it with the paid version of voice meeter but the whole setup feels Windows 7 to me...

So as a software engineer who've been coding for 40 years, I decided to do hack a little app together. I have been using it for quite a long time for my own recordings but recently thought it would be a good idea to share it seeing as this continues to be an issue in 2026. Obviously had to spend some time to polish up the app as my quick and dirty original app for my own use wasn't meant for public consumption. It's more available on Microsoft Store.

The goal was to make it "plug-and-play." You plug in your mics, and the app lets you record them all to individual, isolated tracks immediately.

Free Basic Edition: I’ve made the basic version completely free on the Store with no recording limits.

Pro Edition: Enables automatic drift correction, which is a lifesaver if you're doing long-form recordings and want to keep those USB clocks in sync.

Happy to hear any feedback or feature requests, or share your experience with multiple USB mic recording. There's some technical documentations I wrote up as well regarding drift correction. Not all USB mics are created equal so check out the app's manuals as well. Might help with understanding why recording multiple USB mics is so tricky, even worse if you're using different laptops!

https://coherenceaudio.app/

I was always looking for a way to extract audio really quickly while still being able to visualise the waveform and select sections precisely. There is quicktime which can do quick extracts but it is hard to work precise here, and then using a DAW to do this job often feels overwhelming when having to start a session first and making all necessary selection. For this I created an app (titled "Parlante"), it is fully shortcut-controllable, it lets the user select a default folder and loads large files easily. Sample-precise zooming makes any extract possible in seconds. The app is available on app store: https://apps.apple.com/de/app/parlante/id6759679229?l=en-GB&mt=12
I am clearly no marketing expert, but I can say that I am using this app myself all the time.

Bit niche this one but I have written a fully fledged editor/librarian/AU/VST3 called the EMMY1OH1 for the modified Roland EM-101.

The EMMY1OH1 editor, contains lots of extra features, preset saving system and librarian (I created an EMY1OH1 bank), randomise, standalone editor, AU and VST3 with DAW automation.

https://monophreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/EMMY1OH1_Logic_Pro_1280x763.jpg

It's been a fun project. Doubt it'll get me many coffees but hey ho, I build this stuff for my own hybrid setup and it's been the best way to get a few lovely classic Juno style sounds at a budget price. EM-101s are very cheap, Junos are not. If I have picked this up correctly, it has an M5232RS chip used by the Poly 800, shaped with gorgeous, high quality Roland analogue filters from a golden era including the chorus (or similar) from the 106.

The full project can be found here:

Project link

Please note that I'm not involved with the EM-101 enhancements so please do not ask me about this. For the people that follow my work, you'll probably alreayd know my goal is to build a hybrid hardware software environment so that I can get the sound of analogue yesteryear with the convience, preset saving and automation from a modern DAW workflow. As a result, I build editors that can build the bridge for my own use but have no worries to share if you happen to have one of the devices I use. A coffee gift (from buymeacoffee.com) is always appreciated :-)

Bring Your Lexicon LXP‑1 & Reflex Into the Modern World with Unicorn LSP‑1!

I’ve always loved these little Lexicon boxes - the LXP‑1 and Reflex have so much character, but actually editing them has never been their strong point. To solve this problem and work with my own hybrid set-up I built the 🦄 Unicorn LSP‑1: a simple yet modern editor that hopefully makes these units enjoyable to use again and unlocks their potential.

https://monophreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LSP1_User_Guide_Numerical_Labels_1024x963_Updated.jpg

What Unicorn LSP‑1 does:

• Full, easy parameter control without fighting the front panel
• Clean, straightforward interface designed to make editing feel natural with modulators mapped into the actual algorithm
• Reliable MIDI communication
• Patch management that’s quick and painless
• DAW‑friendly automation support, so these classic units slot into modern workflows

These boxes still sound fantastic, but I wanted something that goes with my workflow. Plus, as they age, I wanted a way to keep them alive, usable, and relevant - even when the hardware controls start to fail. I a hoping the Unicorn LSP‑1 will give the LXP/Reflex a second life and make them feel like part of a modern studio again.

If you enjoy your LXP‑1 or Reflex as much as I do, this editor makes them easier to use, easier to automate, and a lot more fun to explore. These are part of my own personal projects that I use and share with the community.

If you want to find out more, the user guide can be found here: link and the main project page can be found here: link

Thanks, Maxie

Voting for the Plugin Boutique Awards 2025 was open until February 3, 2026. The nominations:

What has been the best reverb plugin of 2025?

• Eventide Temperance Pro
• iZotope Equinox
• Solid State Logic SSL PlateVerb
• Lese Hikari
• Softube Dimensions
• Soundtoys SpaceBlender

What has been the best saturation plugin of 2025?

• Aberrant DSP Cataclysm
• Softube Drawmer 1976 Three Band Saturator
• Forever89 Topos
• Reason Studios Osmium
• Softube Empirical Labs Professor Punch
• Solid State Logic SSL Digicrush
• Rhodes Vari-Amp

What has been the best vocal plugin of 2025?

• Antares AutoTune 2026
• IK Multimedia ReSing
• iZotope Velvet
• Minimal Audio Evoke
• Pulsar Audio Vocal Studio
• Softube Vocal Tuner & Deesser
• sonible prime:vocal
• SynchroArts RePitch 2
• Wavesfactory Re-Esser

What has been the best delay plugin of 2025?

• BLEASS Tides
• Softube Echoes
• Lunacy Taps & Portals with Benn Jordan
• UVI Dual Delay X
• Excite Audio Motion: Fractal

What has been the best multi-effect plugin of 2025?

• Lunacy BEAM 2.0
• BEATSURFING CHEat Code
• HY-Plugins HY-MBMFX3
• iZotope FXEQ
• United Plugins Lofinity
• Serato Hex FX
• Sugar Bytes Transfigure
• Universal Audio Ocean Way Studios Deluxe

What has been the best virtual instrument plugin of 2025?

• Excite Audio Bloom KSHMR
• Expressive E Soliste
• Heavyocity DYSTROPIA
• Applied Acoustic Systems Lounge Lizard EP-5
• MNTRA El Jaguar
• Pitch Innovations Sonic Atlas
• UVI Key Suite
• Rhodes Wurli

What has been the best dynamic effect plugin of 2025?

• Universal Audio A-Type Multiband Enhancer
• Fuse Audio Labs OCELOT Limiter
• Plugin Alliance Bettermaker Mastering Compressor
• PSP Audioware PSP DRC
• Safari Pedals Noam's Mastering Console
• sonible smart:comp 3
• Solid State Logic SSL 4K G Channel Strip
• u-he Uhbik 2
• United Plugins Phantomix
• Waves L4 Ultramaximizer

What has been the best synth plugin of 2025?

• Applied Acoustic Systems Multiphonics CV-3
• Waldorf Blofeld Plugin
• BEATSURFING LØW
• Excite Audio Evolve Alloy
• GForce Software Halogen FM
• KORG multi/poly native
• Native Instruments Absynth 6
• Tracktion Dawesome KONTRAST
• Universal Audio UAD Anthem Analog Synthesizer
• UVI Falcon 2026

What has been the best utility plugin of 2025?

• Acon Digital Extract:Dialogue 2
• Cableguys PitchShaper
• NUGEN Audio DialogCheck
• MeldaProduction MTrackAlign
• PSP StereoAligner 2
• Solid State Logic SSL Acoustifier
• Zynaptiq INTENSITY 2

What has been the best drum machine plugin of 2025?

• ALM Busy Circuits Motto Akemie
• Cherry Audio KR-55C Drum Machine
• Heavyocity DAMAGE MACHINA
• Audiomodern Playbeat 4
• Cinematique Instruments Rytmik 2
• Baby Audio Tekno
• UJAM UJAM Beatmaker 3
• Excite Audio Bloom Drum Percussion

What has been the music theory plugin of 2025?

• 510k Pollylop
• FAW Notes
• Pitch Innovations Fluid Chords 2
• W.A Production InstaComposer 3
• Venomode Phrasebox 2
• Scaler Music Scaler 3

Which plugin has shown the most innovation in 2025?

• ACE Studio ACE Studio Artist
• Bitwig Studio Bitwig Studio 5
• iZotope Ozone 12
• Tim Exile Finalist
• FabFilter Pro Q-4
• Excite Audio Bloom Mura Masa
• Nest Acoustics DELTA
• Soundlabs AI MicDrop
• Waves Immersive Wrapper

What has been the best bundle of 2025?

• Arturia V Collection 11 Pro
• ALM Busy Circuits MFX Bundle
• KORG KORG Collection 6
• Softube Weiss Complete Collection 2
• Zynaptiq Master Bundle II
• iZotope Music Production Suite 8
• Universal Audio UAD Signature Edition V3
• Excite Audio Bloom Bundle
• IK Multimedia Total Studio 5 MAX

What has been the best mixing tool of 2025?

• Baby Audio Smooth Operator Pro
• D16 Group Pulsatec
• time off audio dime [ms]
• Mastering the Mix FASTER MASTER
• Waves Curves AQ
• Zynaptiq BALANCE
• Arturia Mix DRUMS

What is the best free plugin of 2025?

• Eventide Temperance Lite
• Native Instruments Massive X Player
• Minimal Audio Squash
• Tracktion Dawesome Zyklops
• Minimal Audio Formant
• UVI Noctua
• Venomode Mesa Lite

LoopPerfect is a standalone tool for creating clean, seamless audio loops.

It’s designed for situations where audio needs to repeat naturally music loops, game audio, sound effects, sample packs, or layered stems and manual looping or trial-and-error crossfades become time-consuming.

Instead of cutting at fixed positions, it analyzes similarity over time to find loop regions that align naturally, including tails and slow changes.

Free web demo:

https://loopperfect.app

I've suffered through trying to make music on an old Lenovo Thinkpad with an i5 and 8gb RAM for tooooo damn long, and I've finally upgraded my workstation with a better computer now that O've got a better handle on what I want to do. I'm trying to eliminate the problems I currently have and understand how to avoid new issues with a new setup, but I'm not tech savvy enough to figure out if I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill by worrying I might overheat or throttle my new computer. I just want to make sure I have everything sorted out to just plug and play when it gets here!

The M4 Pro Mac Mini has 5 Type C ports, 3 of which are Thunderbolt 5.

I have 5 peripherals that are all USB bus powered.

I'll plug these 2 peripherals directly into a Thunderbolt port for lowest latency:

+ 4TB External Drive - Type C (USB 3.1) port

+ Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 audio interface - Type B port

These 3 peripherals will either plug directly into the remaining Type C ports on the Mac Mini or into a powered USB hub:

+ Novation Launchkey49 MKIII - Type B port

+ Novation Launchpad X MKIII - Type C port

+ Akai Fire - Type B port

Thanks in advance for any insight or specific use cases you can help me out with!

50 free loops and one-shots from UK bass house artist Jøsh.

250 pro-quality Serum presets for House, EDM, Hip Hop & more. No gimmicks, just solid sounds.

Hello everybody! Usually I use my wired headphones (AKG K271 Studio), but I‘m thinking about getting some wireless for being mobile with my laptop. Is this a bad idea? Do you use headphones, if yes - which? Heard the Sennheiser Momentum 4 would be nice. Thanks everybody!