The best of Universal Audio’s native plug-ins, in Spark or standalone

Universal Audio’s Spark subscription (native plug-ins) is on sale for 99 cents for 3 months for new customers through the end of the day Monday the 31st. That seems a good time to check in on the subscription offering, which is on my short list of subscriptions I’d consider. (If you prefer perpetual licenses, though, I’ve got some quick picks on their sale there, too.)

KORG multi/poly native is as satisfying as a desktop plug-in as it in hardware

KORG’s analog-modeling, layered multi-poly was already compelling as hardware. Now, it’s available as a software plug-in, either as a companion to the keyboard version or as a rich plug-in in its own right. I’ve been working with a late build; here are some impressions.

Peter Kirn - March 6, 2025

AAS Multiphonics CV-3 modular review: an expressive and sonic landmark

AAS Multiphonics CV-3 realizes the potential of this modular software as a synthesis and physical modeling powerhouse. It’s the biggest update to date, with 3-op FM, new physical modeling components, effects, and sound tools. And it’s polyphonic and expressive, with full support for 8-voice polyphony and glides and expression with MPE.

Peter Kirn - February 18, 2025

Minimal Audio Wave Shifter hands-on: warped frequency modulator effect

Peter Kirn - February 12, 2025

Worlds of sound from hacked hard drives, piano-triggered modular

Peter Kirn - February 7, 2025

Current 2.0 evolved into one of last year’s most compelling synths

Peter Kirn - January 3, 2025

Arturia’s take on Elka Synthex puts buttery layers, hypnotic arps in reach

Peter Kirn - October 28, 2024

Novation Launchkey MK4 range, hands-on: perfect DAW companions?

Peter Kirn - August 29, 2024

Minimal Audio’s Ripple Phaser: taking the phaser into the deep

Peter Kirn - July 30, 2024

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