Music making tools and resources that seem to be less widely known than they deserve.
Plugin Instruments
TX16Wx Software Sampler is a remarkably feature rich software sampler by CWITEC with openly documented formats. As of this writing (2021-03.29) the free version already includes advanced auto sampling features competitive with much more expensive options and the two paid levels aren’t very expensive.
Momentum – Sample Slicing and Manipulation by Big Fish Audio is a feature rich Instrument plugin for advanced sample slice manipulation. Free. Needs login to work.
Plugin Hosts, Chainers
Plogue Bidule is an all around modular and visual scripting environment for creating sophisticated music making environment. Can be used standalone as host or as plugin.
Unify is a multi plugin instrument host and live performance environment developed by Shane Dunne developed in collaboration with sound designer John “Skippy” Lehmkuhl (PluginGuru). Can be used standalone or as plugin.
Sound Libraries
This DX7 Cartridge Does Not Exist is a website by Nintorac Audio which lets you quickly generate a smartly randomized DX7 presets in groups of 32 sounds in DX7 cartridge format. From what I’ve tried, the resulting patches import cleanly into Dexed, the DX7 emulating synth, as well as a real vintage DX7. As is generally the case with (somewhat randomized) patch generators, results vary – but for individuals into that sort of thing, it’s a delightful addition to the scene.
Scripting and Software Development
ProtoPlug is a small live VST/AU plugin developed by Pierre Cusa to load and edit Lua scripts to process audio and/or MIDI. Great tool for experimenting with live code right inside a VST/AU host.
How To
Build and Tweak Guide for a Win10 DAW is a insightful blog post with lost of good tweaks, optimizations and build tips by Microsoft’s Pete Brown, who’s in a unique position of understanding and influencing the capabilities of Windows 10 for music makers.