Subs you have for the effects

[twal]

So, I usually use Reaper native plugins for effects.
I think I want to make mixing easier and more open ended. I've virtually never researched them nor tried many except FX collection which I own. I am against subs for the most part, and have never paid for one. I have done the free trial on a bunch but always cancel (always for the respective synth/instrument lineup). The one I'm trying now is Softube's Flow (highest one). Anyone keeping a subscription going for the effects right now? Do you like Softube's sub for the effects and/or enjoy using the Model series (I really like the Model 77) or prefer/utilize another company's sub?

[fisherKing]

what's a sub? a subscription? a bass plugin? there are plenty of non-subscription effects out there, and some great bass plugins. then again, softube flow (which you mentioned) is a mastering suite. so... confusing about what you're asking about...

EDIT: am assumining you mean a substitute? anyway am sure others will chime in (but it might help to clarify what you're looking for...)

[E_Anderson]

"Open-ended" and "easier" might not be very close together. If your plugin collection is too open-ended without established preferences, you can sit there A/B testing different plugins for an hour instead of resolving or polishing something and moving on. Easy means knowing what is needed.

I also don't like subscriptions. But of course I'm happy to list my favorite plugins

[DrOcsid]

Softube has some of the best FX plugins on the market and if you have a Flow Complete subscription I think you pretty much have all the effects you need. That is, unless there is something specific you're looking for that Softube doesn't have.

"Subscribe-to-own" plans like Softube's and Plugin Alliance's are the only plugin subscriptions I'd actively recommend to anyone.

[Ah_Dziz]

Still resisting ever getting a software subscription. Not anything I'm missing at the moment.

[pekbro]

I have a few out of convenience more than anything. The best one imo, that I use, is Plugin Alliance interestingly. Tho many of their plugins can be had for cheap. Also, I place almost all of that value in their member devs, rather than PA themselves.

[twal]

Thanks

[elxsound]

I tried Flow and had a terrible experience where the sub appeared as inactive, needing a week to rectify the problem through their support. Lots of apologies from their team, and all nice people but getting locked out changed my mind quickly about Flow or any of the subbed plugins.

I actually own may of the softube plugins already so it’s another reason I don’t need the headache, but I can say their system is a pay to own, so if it works, then you do get to keep what you like.

Otherwise keep in mind that using modeled effects can be a bit of a deep rabbit hole. You won’t just learn about mixing techniques but the history of it. They have limitations as they relate to the hardware built decades ago. Still absolutely great stuff but you will be building muscle memory learning why they were used including understanding who used them for what sound.

If you are leaning that way (which is great) then having access to most things could be cheaper than buying.

Like anything else in music, it is a journey. Things you start out with, might not be what you use later. Stuff people tell you that are needed, might not suit you, so learning without dropping serious money (and with a pay to own option) could be worth it.

[aMUSEd]

To paraphrase TLC - I don't wan't no subs!

[pekbro]

For me it’s a good way to test out how much I’m going to use something or not, most subs will get you the money back to some degree anyway.

I view them as no more than another Netflix sub or something, of which I have a few.

*Yum audio actually gave me $150 in credit for about $80 in sub payments. Tho I had already owned a bundle which affected that. The only bad thing is that you can’t use it with any other discounts. I canceled that one tho.

[zerocrossing]

I’m generally against the subscription model, but I’ve made a few exceptions. I had the Roland Cloud subscription for a while, but when they stopped offering new plugins that I was interested in, I cut them off and took my earned plugins and that’s that. I also went for Minimal Audio’s subscription, because it’s a rent to own service that I felt offered good value for the money.

Generally, I prefer buying bundles when they’re on sale. I went for the IK group buy a few months ago, and got a lot of great stuff for very little money. Cheap enough to ignore their lack of service. I upgraded Arturia’s V and FX collections while they were on sale last year. I guess the best thing about the rent to own model is that you can have access to a very high number of plugins at a minimal expense. You can then assess whether or not you find it a good value.