Carbonated Audio has released Still, a free noise suppressor designed to reduce steady background noise in voice recordings and tracks. Still keeps the workflow simple with one dial and no account, trial, or catch. Still is free forever and is available now for macOS as VST3, AU, and AAX. A Windows version is in development….
SampleRoll releases “shft.” – rhythmic multi-effect for transforming loops and sounds (VST3 & AU)
SampleRoll has released shft., a rhythmic multi-effect plugin designed to turn static loops, drums, melodies and other audio into evolving rhythmic ideas. shft. is designed to sit somewhere between a rhythmic sequencer, multi-band processor and creative multi-effect, allowing producers to dramatically reshape incoming audio while keeping the workflow immediate and playable. From subtle groove changes…
Best Instrument Plugins in 2026 (Ranked & Scored)
Quick answer: For range and long-term value, Native Instruments Komplete and Spectrasonics Omnisphere are the two heavyweight suites worth building around. For custom sound design it’s Serum; for an all-in-one that covers a whole track fast, DRILLER. Below are the best instrument plugins of 2026, ranked across every category. The best instrument plugins are the…
Best Piano VST Plugins in 2026 (Ranked & Scored)
Quick answer: For realism and low CPU, Pianoteq 9 is the modern top pick. Keyscape is the most versatile (36 keyboards in one), Garritan Abbey Road CFX is the best concert grand, and for the most pianos in one plugin at real value, The Grand Lord packs 200+. There are excellent free options too. Full…
Best Log Drum VST Plugins in 2026 (Ranked)
Quick answer: For the most complete dedicated instrument, Log Drum VSTi (100 presets across four categories) is our top pick. If you’re in FL Studio, DX-10 — the FM synth that comes with the DAW — is the classic way to build a log drum from scratch, and Jebjosh’s Amapiano Log Drum Generator gives you…
Sweet Audio Scintillate is the FREE KVR Developer Challenge 2026 winner
Sweet Audio has recently released Scintillate, a free spectral reverb plugin for macOS and Windows. Scintillate is also the winner of the KVR Developer Challenge 2026, which is a pretty strong recommendation on its own. We covered the KVR Developer Challenge 26 when it launched, and James also looked at some of the free synths…
CarbonDSP releases Vellum and Biased as FREE Windows plugins
CarbonDSP has launched its first four audio plugins, including two freebies for Windows users. The free pair is Vellum, a vocal-focused reverb, and Biased, a component-modeled tube preamp. The other two launch products are paid dynamics processors. Black Ion 76 is a FET limiter inspired by the classic 1176-style circuit, while Carbon CL-610 is based…
Panorama Audio Labs Releases Panoramic – Mastering-Grade Stereo Field Plugin (macOS VST3, AU & AAX)
Panorama Audio Labs, a company developing mastering tools for real-world mastering solutions, has released Panoramic, its debut mastering-grade stereo field plugin. Panorama Audio Labs was founded by 2x Grammy-nominated mastering engineer Nicholas Di Lorenzo after years of developing custom processing chains, conducting sandbox experiments, and implementing unique routing systems for his mastering projects. Some became…