To your first comment, I agree with his saying they are specific. Most people would not think of many of the same gear models, units, and combinations to capture/sample. Obviously there are no "genre specific" plugins in the true sense. There are barely samples that are "genre specific". This list (compiled by others) illustrates some of that. Many units are things most people don't even know exist.

Spoiler

Voxa - Acustica and the team at Improve your Mix, the number one Pro Audio portal in Italy, have joined forces with one of the best Italian mixing engineers Salvatore Addeo to create VOXA, the perfect easy-to-use tool to instantly improve your vocals, make them shine, add richness, presence, breath, and detail. A combination of sampled EQ, compression and saturation set for specific musical genres.


*Tulip - Tulip brings together emulations derived from the extremely rare hardware units built by a well-known Dutch multinational company that both created and acquired a number of record labels over the years. Emulates Philips Collection.



Brown- Brown includes emulations of vintage hardware units originally made for the US Army, and widely used in AM radio broadcasts. Due to their striking sonic character, these units grew in popularity, and were used in recording and mixing studios worldwide.


*Coral 2 -

Coral 2 includes an equalizer, a compressor, an elliptical filter, and a preamp module — plus a new, powerful M/S Baxandall EQ, enabling you to shape the tone of your masters to perfection. SPL Iron mastering compressor and SPL PQ mastering equalizer inspired.


*Ruby 2 -

Ruby 2 faithfully replicates the boutique VT-5 vacuum-tube equalizer built by D.W. Fearn.


*Camel -

Camel is a 4-plugin suite encapsulating the sound of 2 iconic British pro audio brands that have earned their reputations as industry leaders thanks to their technological innovations and achievements. Emulates Calrec PQ1785 (EQ A), Calrec DL1656 (Comp1 and Lim), Trident B Range (EQ B) and Trident CB 9146 (Comp2).


Coffee the Pun -

A portion of the Chandler Limited Germanium Tone Control. Freebie.


*Coffee -

Emulates Chandler Limited hardware.


Coral Baxter -

Free classic Baxandall shelving curves from the 1950s.


*Jade 2 -

Jade 2 is composed of 6 different hardware units merged into 3 EQ emulations, 2 dynamics processors, and a completely new preamplifier section.

Emulates Maag Audio EQ4, Focusrite Red 2, a hybrid of a (C1) Kush Audio Clariphonic MKII, Lindell 6x500, and possibly Crane Song STC-8 and Crane Song Spider.


*Cobalt 2 -

The vintage, tube, analog monster sound — resampled. Emulates LM 9736 equalizer (improvement upon the Pultec EQP-1a) and the LM 9804 Compressor (Altec Lansing Feedback Compressor improvement).


*Cerise -

Cerise is a 'British style' channel-strip that combines a mic preamp, a three-band EQ, and a compressor. It is now part of the acclaimed Big Ceil plugin suite. Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel with added functions.


*Snow -

Snow is a suite of 4 plugins emulating modern British-style, high-end gear. Emulates Rupert Neve Designs 5088 console EQ and preamps, RND Portico II Master Buss Processor, Comp 053: RND 5043 Dual Compressor-Limiter, Comp CH2: RND Portico II Channel


Lava -

Lava accurately recreates the tones of classic microphones, including their response, harmonic content and proximity effect. Lava includes a whopping 141 microphone emulations: 100 source mics plus 41 destination mics.


*Maize -

Maize faithfully replicates the behavior and sound of the highly-prized PP10 by Markbass: a solid-state parametric equalizer inspired by the sounds of classic equalizers from the 1970s and 80s, and further enhanced by Acustica with the introduction of features that make it even more powerful and versatile.


Eminence -

Eminence, a new “creamy” channel strip bringing you the best of authentic old-school sound. Emulates: EQ920 : EMI 920 (60s British 3-band EQ); DYN591-612 : Altec 1591 (Optical Compressor ) and Altec 1612 (FET Limiter) 'Frankenstein' compressor; Preamp - 920 : EMI 920 Pre; Preamp - 591 : Altec 1591 Pre; Preamp - 612 : ALTEC 1612 Pre


*Ivory 5 -

Ivory includes 2 equalizers, 2 compressors, 2 dynamic equalizers, and a powerful mastering limiter. Based on Maselec hardware.


*Nickel -

Nickel is a "Made in the USA" suite consisting of four different plugins that include emulations of rare units from the late 1960s to the present day. Emulates UREI (United Recording Electronics Industries) Collection.


*Smoke -

Smoke is a “Made in the USA” suite consisting of three different plugins, each an emulation of a rare piece of tube gear dating from the late 1950s to the present day. Emulates Gates/Retro Instruments Collection.


*White 3 -

White 3 embodies the best features of White Sound Mastering studio's recreation of their in-house WSM units. Emulates White Sound Mastering WSM PEQ-2.0 (solid state equalizer inspired by the Pultec EQP-1A), and FLT-2.0 - WSM DLP Dual Line Preamplifier, featuring nice steep roll off filters.


*Green 4 -

Green is inspired by The George Massenburg Labs (GML) Collection. Green4EQMX: Mono Model 8200 equalizer aka GML 8200; Green4EQST: True Stereo GML 8200


*Ebony -

Ebony 1.5 includes accurate emulations of several different mixing consoles and processors built between the 1960s and the 70s by respected German and Dutch pro audio companies. As an added bonus, it includes a real, perfectly-maintained plate reverb from the 60s. Emulates Elektromesstecknik (EMT), Eela broadcast and Neumann hardwares.


*Erin -

Erin includes 5 different plugins: a 5-band stereo tube equalizer, a stereo tube compressor/limiter, a midrange tube equalizer, a mono “hyper” compressor/brickwall limiter, and a “hyper” stereo tube compressor/limiter. Emulates Esoteric Audio Research (EAR) collection.


Frost -

This British-style channel strip will become your go-to plugin. It provides all the basic processing you need — equalization (static and dynamic), compression, pre-amplification, saturation and a clipper. Emulates possibly Solid State Logic Collection.


*Green 4 Zen -

Green is inspired by The George Massenburg Labs (GML) Collection. Green4ZenEQ: GML 9500; Green4ZenCMP: GML 2030 Mastering Dynamic Gain Control (compressor/limiter)


Midnight R2 -

Midnight includes four different sampled units from different manufacturers, delivering unparalleled sound quality thanks to Hyper 3 technology. The Fairchild 670 Hardware Clones Collection: Nightshade - 670 - Heritage Herchild 670; Moonlight - RS660 - Chandler Limited RS660; Twilight - SA-670 - Stam Audio StamChild SA-670; Eclipse - 670M II - UnderTone Audio UnFairchild 670MII


Opal Comp -

Emulates Official Oram Sonicomp 2 and 503 Compressor.


Pumpkin Pro R2 -

Vibrant depth and color, revitalizing your sound. It introduces a unique blend of a flexible dual-stage saturation section with a powerful analog- style EQ push/pull (LF – MF - HF). Expands on the original Pumpkin by adding more controls (including mid/side processing and a mid-band EQ) , a second stage of saturation and 28 hardware models to choose from.


*Titanium 3 -

Titanium 3 recreates a series of ubiquitous tube-based studio processors manufactured in Denmark. Emulates Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor and Tube Tech PE 1C.


*Titanium Basstard -

Titanium 3 recreates a series of ubiquitous tube-based studio processors manufactured in Denmark. BASStard is a freebie plugin that contains the low frequency section of Titanium3 EQ but without an input trim.


Water 3 -

Water3 is based on a series of vintage Austrian hardware from the 60s, hand-built around germanium transistor topology and plenty of audio transformers. Emulates WSW (division of Siemens) Compressor/Limiter model 601430S with mods.


*Cola 2 -

Cola is an emulation of a rare vintage British console from 1972. Emulates (C-228) Cadac G228 EQ, (C-1671) Astronic 1671 9 band graphic EQ, (C-415) Vortexion Mixer and (C-505) Cadac A505 VCA.


*Emerald 2 -

Emerald 2 is partially based on the matchless processors built in Germany between the 1960s and the ‘70s, known for their unique design. Custom built hardware, loosely inspired by the Klein & Hummel hardware.


*Lemon -

Lemon 1.5 includes 40 different delay and tape emulations that realistically reproduce the behavior and sound quality of numerous hardware delay units, both vintage and modern.


*Mint -

Based on an ultra-rare solid state console (GL2112) built by a famous Swiss engineer at the end of 1970s and then fully refurbished. Emulates Studer-Revox Gunther Loof GL2112 - 70’s solid-state console.


Olive -

Emulates Olive Electrodynamics hardware.


*Opal -

Opal is the official plugin recreation of the Oram Sonics Hi-Def 55 Limited Edition Equalizer.


Scarlet 5 -

Emulates Homebrew Sontec 432 inspired and an original 432C/9 sample, specifically tailored for mastering engineers.


Druma -

Druma is an easy-to-use drum processor designed to be used as a drum bus tool to refine your drum-kit and add density and life when needed. A combination of sampled EQ, compression and saturation set for specific musical genres.


*Fire Filters -

Plugin dedicated to low and high cut filters.


*Magenta 5 -

Magenta 5 replicates a series of high-end tube processors hand-built in the USA. A suite of Manley Labs hardware samplings.


Mystic -

It is inspired by a prestigious American Hand-built console, blending vintage aesthetics and modern technology seamlessly. Based on Tree Audio Branch II Channel Strip and Inward Connections TSL-4 design.



Fire The Pump -

It is a powerful one-knob saturation product designed for a rapid-fire mixing workflow, and the first one based on our Hyper saturation technology.


*Howie Weinberg Mastering Console -

Howie Weinberg's mastering workflow in an all-in-one plugin. Includes: (C) SPL Iron Compressor, (E) Sontec 432 equalizer parts, (F) Fixed 100 Hz low shelf and 10 kHz high shelf filters and Variable 12 db/octave high/low pass filters, (L) algorithmic brickwall limiter, (DAC) digital to analog converters. Includes mid-side processing capability.


Magic Flow -

Josh Gudwin's magic vocal strip. This plugin is the perfect choice for those seeking an innovative chain with a distinctive sound, ease of use and a unique feel above all, perfectly suited for the leads and backing elements of your mix.


Salt -

The Ultimate 5-band Hyper-mixing EQ with the "Big Three" Equalizer and Preamp Anthology. New and improved with Hyper3 tech, continuous frequency selection and bandwidth--also known as "Q"--controls.


Space Control -

Multiband Hardwell's stereo enhancer. Space Control creates incredibly realistic, powerful stereo effects while keeping tracks mono-compatible.


Black Bundle -

The Black Bundle is a pack of our Black Volumes dedicated to preamp emulations that offer an authentic analog console sound. All Black Volumes use our innovative Acqua technology that will help you achieve amazing results with only a few simple clicks.


*Amber 3 -

The sound of elegance personified in a high-performance channel strip. Amber 3 offers an accurate reproduction of an original class A optical compressor, plus a redesigned version of an iconic EQ and preamp created by a celebrated American company. Based on Avalon hardware.


Gold 5 -

Gold 5 is a plugin suite that is the ultimate choice for anyone looking to incorporate the legendary sound of vintage British consoles into their workflow. Gold includes 9 different equalizers, 2 extremely rare compressors, and 7 preamplifiers improved with our Hyper 2 technology. Based on Neve hardware.


*Sand 3 -

Sand 3 reproduces the sonic behavior of a series of high-end British consoles that dominated the pop and pock scenes from the 1980s onward. Sound engineers from all over the world swear by their forward, slightly “aggressive” sound, and their logical layout. Based on SSL hardware.


Ash -

A collection of classic clipping circuits from the most revered high-end converters. You can choose from multiple circuits to give your mix the character it needs. In seconds flat, you’ll get punchy, dynamic, clean tracks with tons of volume thanks to this high-end clipping monster.


*Pink 4 -

Pink 4 is based on a collection of well-known American studio gear from the late 1960s that is still commonly used by pro engineers all around the world. It boasts 6 different EQ models, a super-flexible dynamic section that includes both a single band and a multiband compressor, plus a complete collection of preamp emulations. Based on API hardware.


*Gainstation 1&2 -

The ultimate Mike Dean distortion and creative sound mangling plugin.


Ash Ultra -

This new plugin represents the cutting-edge in clipping. It is based on the new 'Aria' engine, which supports real-time metering displays and introduces new significant features. It is designed to be user-friendly and delivers exceptional results – truly a godsend.


*Honey 3 -

That sweet, vintage American console sound. Honey 3 packs all the power and musicality of a world-class American console that’s consistently been put on a pedestal by industry professionals thanks to its musicality and logical layout. Based on 1970s era Harrison 32C equalizer (homebrew and vintage sampling) and a feedforward VCA compressor.


Pumpkin Pro -

Vibrant depth and color, revitalizing your sound. It introduces a unique blend of a flexible dual-stage saturation section with a powerful analog- style EQ push/pull (LF – MF - HF). Expands on the original Pumpkin by adding more controls (including mid/side processing and a mid-band EQ) , a second stage of saturation and 28 hardware models to choose from.


*Ultramarine 4 -

The Holy Grail of tube compressors. Ultramarine includes 5 plugins that recreate the sound of truly legendary studio equipment from the 1950s and the 60s. Based on Fairchild hardware.


*Taupe -

The king of sample-based analog tape plugins. Imagine you can embed the sonic signature of rare, iconic, astronomically expensive stereo and multitrack tape machines into your creative workflow with one simple yet powerful tool. Taupe plugin includes 21 analog and digital tape machines, 40 programs, 3 consoles, 2 compressors, a dedicated mix control, authentic dynamic compression, real harmonic saturation, and more.


Sounda -

With Sounda you can achieve a professional, modern sound on the most important elements of the mix: drums, vocals, bass, and much more. Sounda can help eliminate the unnecessary fiddling around with multiple plugins that often slows down a mixing engineer’s workflow and creativity.


Sienna Bundle -

Wear a multimillion-dollar recording studio on your head. It recreates the very same listening experience as if you were mixing in top-tier, acoustically designed studios or mastering in audiophile-grade rooms. It also gives you the option to play back your tracks through the “speakers” of various hi-fi systems, car stereos, boomboxes, and more — all through your headphones.


Jet Bundle -

The ultimate 2-band dynamic EQ that embraces the best of both the analog and digital worlds.


*Diamond 3 -

Diamond Color EQ 3 is Studio DMI's signature sound contained in a single plugin. It’s the secret ingredient to crafting heavy-hitting, radio-ready songs that have that “special something.” Based on a CharterOak PEQ-1 and some other hardware.


Diamond Dynamic Saturator -

Studio DMI and Acustica Audio present the Diamond Dynamic Saturator. The newest addition to the Diamond Series of plugins perfectly emulates the color and tone combinations of Luca Pretolesi's favorite hardware saturation units, all in a single plugin. Possibly a Black Box Analog Design HG-2 and Manley Vari-Mu.


Diamond Lift 4 -

Lift 4 provides the most accurate digital representation of the Studio DMI signature sound. Combines a number of rack hardware including the Danger Music BAX EQ, Dangerous Music Compressor, Pendulum PL-2 (clipper), Bettermaker Mastering Limiter (clipper) & Bettermaker EQ 232P Mastering EQ.


*Diamond Transient -

Luca Pretolesi’s dynamic enhancement/transient designer chain. Part of the chain is a dbx 3BX III.


Midnight -

Midnight includes four different sampled units from different manufacturers, delivering unparalleled sound quality thanks to Hyper 3 technology. The Fairchild 670 Hardware Clones Collection: Nightshade - 670 - Heritage Herchild 670; Moonlight - RS660 - Chandler Limited RS660; Twilight - SA-670 - Stam Audio StamChild SA-670; Eclipse - 670M II - UnderTone Audio UnFairchild 670MII


*Blond -

With 4 plugins based on nearly impossible-to-find Italian-made hardware from the 1950s through the 1980s, Blond takes you on a fascinating sonic journey through the Bel Paese of yesteryear.


*Big Ceil -

Big Ceil is a 5-plug-in British collection that includes many classic designs and versatile studio equipment, including dedicated mix and mastering channel strips, a psycho-acoustic processor, and a 'texturizer'. A heavily modified Focusrite ISA 430 channel strip.


*Azure 2 -

Azure2 is a true-to-life emulation of a passive, hand-made equalizer characterized by tube make-up stages and the finest transformers, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. A Knif Soma Mastering EQ, and preamp is mastering engineer Zino Mikorey's signal path with the Soma hardware.


Arctic -

This brand-new “Frankenstein” tool fuses three different processes, giving you a powerful all-in-one mix bus plugin that gets you the exact sound you’re looking for with just a few clicks. A Presto 41-A (Vintage Tube Compressor Limiter).


*Amethyst 4 -

Amethyst is a high-performance channel strip that gives you the warm sound of the most celebrated British consoles from the late 1970s and early '80s. Version 4 also adds a new preamp module, giving you 53 juicy preamps to choose from, illuminating your path to absolute analog awesomeness. Emulates AMEK hardware.


*El Rey -

Producer Greg Wells' RCA BA-6B limiting amplifier (compressor).


El Rey 2 -

Producer Greg Wells' RCA BA-6B limiting amplifier (compressor). Hyperized in version 2 (but listed as a Core 18 plugin).


Aquamarine 5 -

Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor (formerly the Murano) and Langevin 258-A program EQ.

The issue I am mentioning, is non-matching session sample rates with the files that the user has. Using Patchwork was suggested. Example, I run 48K session normally. A plugin only has the 44khz and 96k data files. The idea mentioned was to use Patchwork with oversampling enabled, so an upsampled 96khz was hitting the plugin instead of your session data at 48khz; and the required data files would be there for the plugin to use. You can say Limited, missing, mismatched. It just doesn't work, and a simple fix is to not use those session samplerates.

 

Last edited: Nov 15, 2024

I used to not like that route, but after some time i noticed that a lot of big guys rely on rare gear or custom made pieces of hardware. Not because that gear sounds better than others but because they did something different from your current 1073 or 312 preamp. And if you know the pros and flaws of a rare piece of gear that you liked the sound, you can take advantage of it because it's very unlikely that a person would archieve the same sonority with standard brands.

And believe me, i don't try to like plugins. I use em once, test em once, if i don't like i never bother again with it. But sometimes you put a Fairchild eq you never knew existed and love it, use it again and again and it becomes your new secret weapon. Who knows?