Quality Plugins
Posted on | March 31, 2008 |
It used to be that plugin was a four-letter word in pro audio circles. I’m here to tell you that time is past. But here’s the caveat: most still do suck eggs. There are only a small handful of companies producing truly professional quality offerings. Here’s who made my short list…
The first I’ll mention is PSP. It’s run by two guys in Poland who are dedicated to delivering creative and affordable plugins that are — above all — incredible sounding. In my opinion, their stuff is the best bang-for-the buck out there. Specifically, their compressors, limiters and equalizers. The only downside is that — when used in the highest resolution mode — their plugins can bring your computer to a standstill. You need a really robust machine (minimum dual core, suggested quad core) to handle these. Mac- and PC-compatible.
The second is Voxengo. They make a pretty staggering amount of audio tools and, from what I can tell, they’re all developed by one guy: Aleksey Vaneev. They’re stuff isn’t the prettiest to look at (there’s nothing wrong with their GUI’s…just spartan), but the sonic quality is first class. Specifically their compressors and limiters. I’ve found their EQ’s leave me a bit flat…but that’s for my taste. As a bonus, their prices are VERY affordable. PC-compatible.
The final company is the one garnering the most buzz in my circle (the mastering world): it’s Algorighmix. They get the prize for being “as good as hardware.” The trade-off…their stuff ain’t cheap. Four figures per plugin. And, as of this positing, they only have equalizers and sound restoration tools for sale. No compressors (yet) and no limiters. But if you’re looking for the best digital EQs and sound restoration tools out there, give them a listen. Same caveat as applies to PSP: their plugs will eat weak computers alive. Mac- and PC-compatible.
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From Ohm to Om reflects the opinions of mastering engineer Paul Abbott, owner of San Diego's ZenMastering.
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