Why plugins are so expensive these days? i.e Oeksound, Soundtoys

Discussion in 'Software' started by blinkitspenguin, Jul 2, 2025 at 5:53 AM.

  1. blinkitspenguin

    blinkitspenguin Ultrasonic

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    I am monitoring them since last year and saw every deal that you mentioned and no they didn't drop the prices that much. It was way too expensive even in the sale period.

    On the other hand companies like fabfilter, uad, sonnox they all showed up with quite a good deals.
     
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  2. Lieglein

    Lieglein Audiosexual

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    Because people do not download the free plugins. They only download the expensive ones.
     
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  3. PulseWave

    PulseWave Rock Star

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    That's the way it is... either you get a comparable product or use cracked software, or you save up and get it.
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2025 at 11:03 AM
  4. PulseWave

    PulseWave Rock Star

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    You also want to have the feeling that a millionaire has, I am rich (rich in expensive plugins).
    Imagine if hardware were free? Or if the supermarket offered everything for free these days?

    Thomann Music Days 2025

    Company + Product Category Discount Price
    Universal Audio UAFX Brigade Chorus & Vibrato FX Pedal 45% OFF 179€ → 99€
    Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 White MIDI Controller 29% OFF 422€ → 299€
    Universal Audio UAFX Flow Vintage Tremolo FX Pedal 45% OFF 179€ → 99€
    u-he Twangström Plugin 49% OFF 65€ → 33€
    Behringer RS-9 Sequencer Eurorack 16% OFF 142€ → 119€
    Vengeance-Sound VPS Avenger 2 Plugin 38% OFF 219€ → 135€
    Cherry Audio Elka-X Plugin 31% OFF 49€ → 34€
    Pigtronix Constellator FX Pedal 60% OFF 149€ → 59€
    Rhodes V8 Plugin 30% OFF 169€ → 119€
    XLN Audio Life Plugin 40% OFF 149€ → 89€
    BLEASS Slow Machine Plugin 33% OFF 14,99 → 9,99€
    Rhodes V-Rack Plugin 30% OFF 99€ → 69€
    1010music nanobox tangerine Sampler 21% OFF 439€ → 349€
    Cherry Audio Blue3 Plugin 31% OFF 49€ → 34€
    Bleass SampleWiz 2 Plugin 58% OFF 69€ → 29€
    Harley Benton Spaceship Power 60-B Pedalboard 21% OFF 189€ → 149€
    SOMA Pulsar-23 White Drum Machine 15% OFF 2049€ → 1749€
    Flamma FS22 Delay & Reverb FX Pedal 22% OFF 88€ → 69€
    Steinberg HALion Plugin 43% OFF 299€ → 169€
    Rhodes Anthology Plugin 30% OFF 159€ → 111€
    Rhodes V-Pan Plugin 31% OFF 33€ → 22,90€
    Harley Benton SpaceShip 60 Pedalboard 14% OFF 69€ → 59€
    u-he Hive 2 Plugin 32% OFF 145€ → 99€
    Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black MIDI Controller 33% OFF 449€ → 299€
    XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color Plugin 41% OFF 99,99€ → 59€
    SOMA Cosmos Blue FX Pedal 9% OFF 658€ → 599€
    u-he Satin Plugin 28% OFF 124€ → 89€
    Tiptop Audio Model 292t Eurorack 13% OFF 399€ → 349€
    Bleass Arpeggiator Plugin 26% OFF 39€ → 29€
    Native Instruments Stradivari Violin Kontakt 34% OFF 199€ → 132€
    Arturia MatrixBrute Noir Synthesizer 22% OFF 1929€ → 1499€
    Pigtronix Star Eater FX Pedal 56% OFF 179€ → 79€
    Roland GAIA 2 Synthesizer 12% OFF 666€ → 585€
    Pigtronix Echolution 3 FX Pedal 29% OFF 139€ → 99€
    Eventide MicroPitch Delay FX Pedal 20% OFF 249€ → 199€
    Supro Flanger FX Pedal 60% OFF 199€ → 79€
    XLN Audio XO Plugin 40% OFF 129€ → 77€
    ASM Hydrasynth Explorer 888 Synthesizer 25% OFF 799€ → 599€
    Supro 1310 Tremolo FX Pedal 64% OFF 219€ → 79€
    Korg Nautilus 61 AT Gray Synthesizer 10% OFF 2222€ → 1999€
    Company + Product Category Discount Price
    Cherry Audio Miniverse Plugin 26% OFF 39€ → 29€
    Pigtronix Gatekeeper Micro Pedal FX Pedal 59% OFF 119€ → 49€
    Zoom U-44 Audio Interface 36% OFF 139€ → 89€
    Sequential Prophet 10 Special Edition Synthesizer 11% OFF 5499€ → 4890€
    Arturia PolyBrute Noir Synthesizer 17% OFF 2399€ → 1999€
    Morley AFX-1 Analog Multi-FX FX Pedal 41% OFF 589€ → 349€
    Hotone Ampero Mini Vanilla FX Pedal 18% OFF 194€ → 159€
    IK Multimedia ToneX Pedal Anniversary Edt FX Pedal 22% OFF 449€ → 349€
    Korg opsix Module Synthesizer 15% OFF 649€ → 549€
    Cherry Audio Filtomika Plugin 27% OFF 19€ → 13,90€
    XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2 Custom XXL Collection Plugin 44% OFF 499€ → 279€
    Line6 25th Anni. DL4 MkII Silver LTD FX Pedal 33% OFF 299€ → 199€
    Steinberg UR24C Audio Interface 35% OFF 229€ → 149€
    Rhodes V8 Pro Plugin 30% OFF 269€ → 189€
    Pigtronix Philosophers Tone Micro FX Pedal 59% OFF 119€ → 49€
    Cherry Audio Wurlybird 140B Plugin 26% OFF 39€ → 29€
    CME Xkey Air 25 MIDI Keyboard 21% OFF 189€ → 149€
    BLEASS Voices Plugin 58% OFF 69€ → 29€
    Steinberg UR44C Red Audio Interface 28% OFF 359€ → 259€
    Mayer EMI MD850 Vibes Synthesizer 52% OFF 2299€ → 1111€
    Mooer Steep I Audio-Interface Audio Interface 34% OFF 59€ → 39€
    BLEASS Everything Bundle Plugin 65% OFF 1129€ → 399€
    Pigtronix Cosmosis 1 FX Pedal 60% OFF 149€ → 59€
    1010music nanobox razzmatazz Synthesizer 19% OFF 429€ → 349€
    Pigtronix Octava Micro Pedal FX Pedal 59% OFF 119€ → 49€
    Supro 1313 Analog Delay FX Pedal 64% OFF 219€ → 79€
    Native Instruments Kontrol S49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard 12% OFF 599€ → 529€
    Steinberg IXO 22 White Audio Interface 51% OFF 99€ → 49€
    Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 FX Pedal 65% OFF 1999€ → 69€
    Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Keyboard Synthesizer 23% OFF 1299€ → 999€
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2025 at 11:15 AM
  5. bateson

    bateson Guest

    Your theories are dead wrong. You seem to think people in the us and uk have money to burn. Reality check, they dont. yes they make more money per month average, but they also pay 10 times more than you for cost of living, rent, utilities, food, gas, insurances etc. so when you compare, there is literally no difference in percentages and the quality of life is probably much worse. Also you seem to think making and marketing plugins is free. Again its not. Sorry to knock you off that high horse but youre delusional if you think otherwise.
     
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  6. ArticStorm

    ArticStorm Moderator Staff Member

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    you really havnt seen how high prices were for hardware back in the days?

    going software have reduced the prices so much!
     
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  7. SineWave

    SineWave Audiosexual

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    Wrong timing my friend. All I see are sales these days. Some for even 70-90%. Even u-he who traditionally never had a sale have sales these days. So many plugin companies are not doing well, and the market is so saturated. There are so many great affordable or free plugins you can use and make top-notch production. :wink:

    Frankly, I think the plugin market is in a big decline profit wise. Seeing so many sales first time in my long life, I think many will go bust. It's just that economy in general is in turmoil and decline, too. Has been for years now. :sad:
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2025 at 1:15 PM
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  8. PulseWave

    PulseWave Rock Star

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    The market is saturated, but new consumers are also being born, the customers of tomorrow. Only those who position themselves broadly and have very good products will survive in the end. If their product is no longer in demand, they will disappear from the market.

    A lot also depends on the competition. The next hype is probably AI, and know-how is certainly crucial, which is why the big players will eat the small ones. Welcome to the shark tank.
     
  9. Slavestate

    Slavestate Platinum Record

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    Do you know how to write code? Do you understand DSP and all the math behind it?? Do you even know the basics of how something as 'simple' as a filter works, let alone sitting there probing and trying to model a piece of vintage hardware like many do now?

    Didn't think so, you're not the one that determines what this skill is worth, either pay to play like everyone else does, or find a different hobby.
     
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  10. ArticStorm

    ArticStorm Moderator Staff Member

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    When i look at the prices for example for a macs, its like 60% of the prices here. And its the same with a lot of other things over. Not counting of course how Trump shots the US dead with his random ideas on a daily basis.
     
  11. blinkitspenguin

    blinkitspenguin Ultrasonic

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    Sir, You wanna know the difference between US & UK vs all the third world countries?

    First of all go & google or chatgpt

    Countries like Philippines, Vietnam has around average $100/month salary
    US & UK tops the chart with $5000/month for US & $4000/month.

    Tell me who will have easier time buying a $200 plugin? US people with $5000/month salary or Philippines people with $100/monthly salary?

    I'm not targeting US & UK people, They built their country with efforts.

    But currently there's really a big gap between US,UK vs all the third world countries.

    You don't call me delusional when you yourself don't fact check shit before opening your month. I spit facts only.

    I almost laughed at your comment, The confidence you showed without even fact checking things was beyond my humour.
     
  12. PulseWave

    PulseWave Rock Star

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    That's exactly why there is team R2R, Team V.R and all the other teams that restore balance and give everyone the opportunity to participate in progress and make music despite poverty.
     
  13. Lieglein

    Lieglein Audiosexual

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    Then you will definetely not be able to get these things. :dunno:
    And in this context it makes sense to realize that you actually are able to get vst's for free - legally. How strange is that? :crazy:

    I don't know. But I know that it evidently is a fallacy to believe that more money is equal to more life quality.
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2025 at 2:34 PM
  14. PulseWave

    PulseWave Rock Star

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    If we all had 500 euros or 500 dollars more in our pockets, worldwide, we would certainly be able to buy more plugins and also support the local economy. Just ask Elon Musk or Bill Gates why they simply don't give away any of their wealth. For many people, the simple question at the beginning of the month is: either I buy something to eat or software; I can't have both.
     
  15. xorome

    xorome Audiosexual

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    Not saying this is the case here, but..

    I have a buddy who keeps buying the essentials over and over again. He already has dozens of compressors, delays, EQs, channel strips, pre-amps, ... but keeps buying more basic crap because "this one's magic, I swear" and then complains about not being able to afford the plugins that do more than minor EQ bumps.

    Use what comes with your DAW, or buy the essentials once, or grab them as high quality (time limited) freebies. Learn them well, save up money for the 2-3 plugins that, in good hands, will actually elevate your mix.
     
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  16. blinkitspenguin

    blinkitspenguin Ultrasonic

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    Did I say I am a plugin developer?? Did I??
    Ohh! You just had to comment. Go on Spam that shit. I am literally nobody to slam them for their Outrageous prices.

    I guess they are just like avid & adobe. People keep licking their as*** and they love to shit on their face straight up. :bleh:

    I guess thats why Witches love to fuck these b*****. :rofl:

    Peace! :wink:

    That's what I said before.
    This "Buy it or GTFO" attitude is what steers every company to become evil :dont: like adobe & avid. Good luck with this attitude brother. :winker:

    This is exactly what I am trying to say.
    Phillipines & Vietnam has Average $100/monthly salary
    & Top Countries have Average $5000/monthly salary

    One has to save to eat & other has a choice whether to buy this $200 or not. BIG BIG BIG DIFFERENCE!

    Many people act like living under a rock. Not even trying to understand what my point is.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 2, 2025 at 3:10 PM
  17. 80085MAN

    80085MAN Noisemaker

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    @blinkitspenguin

    :deep_facepalm: You keep arguing this point. Well, I live in London and my rent for a shitty studio flat in a dodgy part of town is £3,500 monthly shared with a mate. That is only for rent and doesnt include everything else that goes with it. Believe it or not this is CHEAP for London! I work 50 hour weeks, ride a bike around and can barely buy a loaf of bread and jam, maybe a pint and some chips on the weekends, its no joke. Yeah blighty might have a higher typical salary than where you are, but most of us still dont have any dosh for anything but bare basic essentials, poverty level living. Many music types are on the dole and at their mums place here. You see that big salary number and think all is grand. Stop kidding yourself, people are struggling everywhere, the grass isnt greener mate. Either save your money and buy them, use free plugins or cracks like everyone else does, but ffs stop whinging about it. Plugins take time and money to make. Nobody owes you anything. If you cant understand any of this, maybe its time to find a new hobby yeah.
     
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  18. tzzsmk

    tzzsmk Audiosexual

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    because that's business.
    just because software isn't physical, it doesn't mean it doesn't take time, knowledge, research, development, testing etc..
    let's say total cost of a simple plugin is 100 000 $$ then how many people would buy it at what cost? if it's 200 $$ then it's 500 people just to get to zero without any profit, is it a lot? I don't know...

    and from buyer perspective - software is literally a tool, and reason to buy it is to make money with it, not waste money on a shiny toy,
    if you mix for friends for low prices, then use cheap plugins
     
  19. blinkitspenguin

    blinkitspenguin Ultrasonic

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    They are literally going straight to heaven.:bow:
    I wouldn't even be here if these teams wouldn't have existed.
    Not only me. Top producers like Martin Garrix, Late Avicii & Many others used Crkd shit. And probably bought it when they earned money.
     
  20. PulseWave

    PulseWave Rock Star

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    It works differently: You have an idea, you're creative, and you've studied computer science, etc. You write a plan of what you want to do and take it to the bank, and the bank then decides whether to give you a loan. A loan creates cash. The key, like with Ben from Camel Audio, who worked on it for four years, is how many you sell.

    You have to sell a lot more to be able to repay your loan and pay your employees. So, high volumes or low production costs are the key to success. So you can create a product that many people want and are willing to buy, or you can have a product like a MIDI keyboard that you produce in a low-wage country like Vietnam, for example, because you can't be more expensive than the competition.

    If sales decline due to competition or a lack of purchasing power among customers, the product is discontinued or improved. This is why many large companies have multiple products and have to adapt to the market every day.
     
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