So many new plugins, money to burn? How do you guys afford it?

[lumcas]

Good thread:-)

I'm probably lucky working in this field (music, post) so it all slowly pays back, but scrolling through my 160 iLok license list and countless other plugs, sample libraries etc. makes me almost sick. I'm using like 20 plugins max on regular basis (RX advanced, some Waves, Fabfilter, Audioease, McDSP, stock DAW plugins and that's about it). And these days I'm honestly much happier when I'm able to resist and don't buy some new shiny much better never heard before high quality stuff...the market is oversaturated and my mind reacts naturally like in that well known "too many choices theory" - I'm not interested anymore. Yet, here comes Fabfilter Pro-R:-)

[ghettosynth]

I keep my gas under a reasonable amount of control. Yeah, I've let go this season a bit, but I'm still pretty cheap and I don't have anywhere near the number of plugins that a lot of people have here.

I just say no to most things until there is an intersection between "I am ready for it" and "it is on a reasonable sale." I'm totally okay buying something that, strictly speaking, I don't need, but that helps my workflow or inspires me. I don't need to make money with plugins, per se, but, I do feel that if I'm not releasing music that I shouldn't buy things.

Honestly, it's so much better than the hardware days and this sale season has been awesome to get some of the tools that I've wanted for a while.

[e@rs]

Got a second job as a pimp.

you have correctly selected the "bending over with pants around ankles" emoticon

So which one is it? :idea:s eventually lead to great:

a) pain?
or
b) pleasure?

Is that a clue?

[JJBiener]

I have never paid full price for a plugin or library. Everything I've gotten has been on sale or I bought it through our charity auction. It's not that I believe the developers don't deserve to be fairly compensated. It's just that I have been on a strict budget.

I went through a few years where I was buying more often, but now I have reached a point where I rarely buy anything. When I look at a synth I don't own, I ask myself this simple question, "What in God's name would you do with it that you can't do with one of the 200 other synths you already have." That usually cures me of the urge.

All this said, I spent rather well at this year's auction. I bought way more than I intended, so I guess I am not a cured as I like to think.

[4damind]

IMO there are not so many groundbreaking new plugins, stuff you really must have. The last plugin I bought was only an update (Arturia V Collection). The next plugin I will buy, is .. an update (Predator2).

I compare new plugins with plugins I already have and if the difference is for me too small I don't buy them. I don't need the 3rd emulation of a synth only to have a different brand with a different GUI. In most cases you will not hear a difference in a finished song.

[Septimon]

I own (not so) Komplete which covers almost all my needs for Softsynths. And sometimes I sell things I don't use to fund new stuff (hardware and software).
You really don't need so much stuff in the end. I once read an Interview with Parov Stelar who says he doesn't use plugins at all, just Logic. He says every DAW brings you all the tools you need, which is true, I guess, if you really know what d to do.

[stacev]

Instead of watching trailers for new products, watch trailers for products you already own. This is an incredible cure for gas.

Also there is worth watching trailers of outdated or discontinued products which promised to be the latest and the greatest forever, after buying which you would never ever need anything else.

[JerGoertz]

Yes! Or go back and read old Computer Music Magazines, where they reviewed and gushed over these old products you already own.

[surreal]

good one..which software were you disappointed with... what cause the disillusionment. . Can you give some names.. just for intrest sake

[Orbit-50]

It's like being an alcoholic. "Just one more, and that's it." Hundreds of plugins later...

[liquidsound]

Buy an old pentium computer and stick with it!

[surreal]

[JerGoertz]

good one..which software were you disappointed with... what cause the disillusionment. . Can you give some names.. just for intrest sake

Heh, the only music SW I was ever disappointed in was Cakewalk Sonar (and since there are plenty of bashing threads that's all I'll say). It's just that it's easy to get distracted and move on to the next shiny bauble.

[surreal]

Fair Enough... but I got Stuck with Cakewalk pro 8.5.. it still serves its purpose... wanted to upgrade several times... never could afford it... maybe I should look at Reaper for the future. ..

Reaper for the Future... sounds like a thriller scifi fliek!!

But then again... I have not wasted money on DAW upgrades

Still got to explore Cubase 8 ai that I got with my ur22 sound card...

[Orbit-50]

But then again... I have not wasted money on DAW upgrades

Ok, I have to fight with you on that one. DAW upgrades are well worth the money. I haven't purchased one that made me say" Aw c'mon man. What the hell did I do that for? This blows." Every update was worth whatever I spent on it. Particularly Cubase updates. They always make it better with each update. (I'm sure some will disagree)