Im putting together a list of VSTs to start my software studio with. At this point I think Ill be getting the Zebra, WusikStation, and RM IV. Now I need to know about effects. What free effects are there for Macs? I also have some money to spend on them but I dont want to go much past 200 to do so. I dont want to buy a 200 plugin that can only do one thing either.

My music is somewhat minimalistic and very human feeling, not techo ish. I want something that can make my music warble and decay and sound distorted but not in a robotic way. I am interested in some of the OHM effects. Something that can do a little of everything maybe.

So.. Zebra, Wusikstation, RM IV, and 1 or 2 effects (depending on the price). Would it be stupid to do this rather then get NI's Komplete bundle? I feel like I'll be getting a more creative sound if I mix it up more.

Check out the demo for PSP Nitro @www.pspaudioware.com

It can do many weird and wonderful things. And it's only $149. Its available for Mac and PC.

And check out their PSP 84 and the Mix Pack whilst your there.

NI's stuff isn't as stable on the Mac as it is on PC sadly.

I would love Komplete and I think it has amazing value. It's not just synths and samplers in there but dozens of FX, and once you include the Massive user library for Reaktor and the rest, £599 or whatever is almost cheap!

Even though I'd not want to use it for an 'effect', and even though some people see it as cheating, I STILL want Antares Autotune.

Greg

wusikstation isn't available for mac

I'd get the komplete bundle, best purchase i ever made sofwarewise...
Ok, i don't use everything in it, but for the price of 2 or three of the titles you get yourself what, eleven?

How unstable is NI on macs? Komplete really is a big saving. I added up all the software you get in it and that came to about $3515. At the price of $1025 which includes the care deal youll be paying less then half of that. The big deal from NI seems to be Reaktor. Although I dont fully understand how this program is used, what percentage of the user made peices are even any good? I dont want hundreds of cheasy sounding beepy synths if thats all it is. I want a complex and unique sound.

PLUGGO!

also, all my NI stuff is super stable on the mac.

i have everything but B4, Spectral Delay, and vokator

I don't have any trouble with NI stuff on my mac...

Except maybe intakt, it crashes a lot but i don't really care 'bout that cause i never use it.

Reaktor is very stable btw.
For the reaktor library: there's more than enough great stuff in there to keep you busy for a few years or so. Of course there are also a few not too spectacular ensembles in it, but that really shouldn't keep you from buying it as there plenty of pretty impressive ones left.

i also suggest getting a modular s/w instead of 'hardwired softsynths' :p unless you like to spend and spend.