Bargain Center: discussion, gossip, etc.

[LoveEnigma18]

Yeah, can't deny that.

[martinjuenke]

Welcome to the club.

[Waynerama]

Already got the big complete collections from Arturia, NI, IK, Korg, Absolute 6, Cherry, and lots more

No more bundles

To much overlap, same emulations, space consumed, to many choices, to little deep-diving

End of era
...

Interesting, thoughtful observation. I was just talking to somebody about this the other day. The irony is that I went from being stifled by not having enough sounds/tools before to now having almost paralysis by volume.

For me the key lies in limiting myself when I'm being creative by trying to utilize only a certain synth in a bundle, or say, sticking with using Analog Lab (Arturia) or Synth Anthology (UVI) to try to 'simplify' options, while being grateful that I have so many options for sound/effects that I need to 'pare down' my choices to an absurdly abundant level.

It doesn't do much for deep diving, and YMMV, but it keeps things moving for me, so I thought I'd share.

[elxsound]

For Bundled Fx....

After ditching Waves, I like my tools, but I can't say I use all the bundled content.

Fabfilter - I use the effects all the time. This is my favorite purchase because it gets use.
SoundToys - I still use about 5-6 plugins regularly.
Izotope - I'm only using Ozone 8

Bundles not used
Arturia - I paid the admittance fee, but honestly, I don't use them.
Native-Instruments - Lots of bundled Fx, but I bought in for the instruments

*IK Multimedia - I just bought the 3.5 Max crossgrade (great price on Best Service) - after years of moving away from IK, I was suckered in by Fame Studios, and I'm going to make their tape my go-to after deciding against buying into UA.

For everything else, I'm only buying singles. No bundles and I'm hoping to avoid overlap.

[VitaminD]

Yes, you need to be your own police on such things. Just like with what you eat or drink. What you consume online and in software used needs to be considered as well. Being a glutton generally harms you.

Over the past 25 years, I've seen the audio software quality go way up and the prices come way down. Most of this, I suspect, is simply due to the sheer number of people today that make music. Economies of scale.

If computer-based music making remains as popular as it is today, then maybe these companies can keep prices low and still turn tidy profits. I don't see how though, long term. From my point of view, We're getting to that point in the tech lifecycle where the majority of the products are 'good enough' for most audio needs. Even a lot of freeware is comparable or better quality than some commercial products from a decade ago. So outside of OS compatibility updates, there isn't a lot more to want from traditional forms.

Of course if AI and more generative audio takes off, it will likely be even worse, depending on the quality and scale of output.

I also think we could see more focus on hardware/software hybrids and hardware that interacts with PCs better. That's where the real untapped potential still is -- trying to make hardware interface smoothly and easily with sequencers to where you don't even notice the PC. Still a lot of shift button press or menu diving out there and other clunky ways of working that could be addressed. But that is mostly UI and tactile efforts, I think software synths and effects are remarkable today.

[Uncle E]

I use Ozone and RX daily. I use the individual Ozone EQ’s and compressors, and the full Ozone on the master bus. I use RX stand-alone to batch process out junk before mixing.

I use Kontakt, Maschine, and Maschine expansions daily, but I left half of the expansions and everything else uninstalled. I was using Monark before but have replaced it with something new that’s coming out in a couple of weeks (this new thing and Model 72 sound more like the Minimoog’s I’ve owned).

That’s about it for bundles for me. Most of the other things I use regularly our one-offs: DIVA, ZeroBox, TAL-Bassline-101, Model 84, Virtual Pianist, Addictive Drums, EZkeys, TONEX, Finisher Dynamo, UADx Lexicon 224, various MIDI effects, and stock Studio One plugins.

[Waynerama]

Great insights. I've often found that reducing options actually leads to greater creativity. 60% of the time, it works every time

[martinjuenke]

... something new that’s coming out in a couple of weeks (this new thing and Model 72 sound more like the Minimoog’s I’ve owned).

Hyper Hyper !

[revvy]

I’ve gone back to Waves. All is forgiven. No harm done.

[WatchTheGuitar]

I’ve gone back to Waves

it must be your destiny

[revvy]

I’ve gone back to Waves

it must be your destiny

Splash!

[elxsound]

I’ve gone back to Waves. All is forgiven. No harm done.

Ebb and flow?

[Uncle E]

The Magma Tube Channel Strip sounds good.

[revvy]

I’ve gone back to Waves. All is forgiven. No harm done.

Ebb and flow?

Indeed.

I was so tempted by Ovox, added a another new plug to the purchase and 'rebought' for free via their '2 free plugins' deal two oldies that needed WUP (which actually wouldn't even have been that expensive anyway).

They make nice stuff and it's good to have a couple of their oldies back in my folder too. All Apple Silicon and working well. Kiss and make up. As Gene once said.

(Me and IK, Izotope are currently peleado. Never say nunca, who knows what will transpire in the future)

[kevinsparks]

Friendship ended with IK

Now Waves is my best friend