I've been in the same boat, then you add all the time we spend at work and sleeping into the mix and what are we left with?
Not a lot of music.

 

Use freeware plugins never pay for upgrades again lol

 

Thank you @Shasha for your contribution to the freeware without updates.

There are users who make music as a hobby in their spare time and there are musicians who make a living from it professionally.
When you build a house, you need qualified, trained workers and well thought-out, intelligent tools!

 

Most of the freeware stuff sounds really good since technology has improved over the years so much

 

In 2013 I finished this product Largest Softsynth Freeware Index - [State 2013] 9.59 GB”, it took me 3 months:

The Virtual Software Synthesizer Freeware Index”.

This is a superb collection of pdf files that contain GUI color images of the synths, a brief overview, description, and the link for the download if it’s still active. There are over 1800+ entries in the list! A very handy collection to have. I’ve discovered some free synths that I didn’t know existed from this index.

You’ll need a pdf reader for the download. (preview or foxit) One of the best lists for thecurrent state of free synths for windows. " All Free Virtual Software Synthesizer forthe Digital Audio Workstation’s / Sequencers (No Midi’s & Standalone’s) Includes : • 1831 Entries • Easy to Read • Color Images • Short Description • Manufacturer Links * Idea & Concept by CHE 2013

Free Download: http://ohlenbostelhelge.magix.net/public/contact.htm

Freeware Software Synthesizer - Top 100 - Vol. 1 / 4-2013 by CHE

Freeware Software Synthesizer - Top 100 - Vol.2 / 5-2013 by CHE

 

OP: Couldn't agree more.
Only thing I don't do is cling to ancient operating systems. I move on to a new windows version when it gets hard to have modern hardware supported. Like I moved to windows 11 some months ago. But I have updates disabled because I hate how MS does things. But other than that... Like I have some old izotope rx 7 stuff. Works like a charm. I can't even see why I should move to version 11. Or is it 12 now? There's not one 'real' new feature.

 

This is like the people endorsing Protools and every plugin under the sun while $500,000 of audio recording and mixing hardware is literally 3 feet behind them making all these plugins USELESS for any live use or even reaching 20% of the actual hardware sound.

I get a good kick out of those "PRODUSSAS" videos basically saying you only need Protools and some endorsed plugin from another "Produssa".....right look at the hardware behind you FOOL!!

The only good thing to come out of plugins in my opinion ( due to less CPU use needed) are older VSTi synth clone sounds as the hardware these days can even do real time playback of many of these older sounds( with a good low latency interface) on even a cheap laptop.

VST effects are okay with offline sound but with live sound some plugins like Guitar Sims become a problem if you are playing fast notes or hammer on/off type sounds due to the delay of interfaces. Keyboard synths do not require fast latencies for pad or swells type sounds since you want the notes delayed or to keep going for a few ms.

 

Last edited: Feb 15, 2025 at 3:48 PM

Pro Tools was a goldmine for some software developers back then. Air Music Tech had developed the Hybrid only for Pro Tools and when the market was saturated, a VST2 version of the Hybrid was released. When the Hybrid stopped making money, it became cheaper to make a few more dollars. This 90% off means nothing other than that the market is saturated.

 

I have friends that still try to pitch the latest amp/cab sim plugins to me when I have hardware specifically for that purpose.
I always ask "You gonna use all that shit live?"

I also like to fuck em up with "DUDE! TURNTABLES INTO AN AXE FX!!! CAN YOU IMAGINE?"

Totally derails all that bs.

 

If your offline studio PC is setup and working just the way you like and you are completely satisfied with it , WHY update, I use some software that is 10 years old and more it works flawlessly so I don't require any updates it serves my purposes.I also use a fair amount of freeware, which again I don't bother updating if it works properly. I have a spare PC for general daily use on which I try new software that I find interesting and use it for these purposes. We are always bombarded with new software that are mostly rehashes of hundreds of similar products all claiming to be the best, this will never really end. I just use what works for me, I'm not into any competition, nor do I have the time for this, life is way too short. My advice is do what you think is right for you and what makes you happy. I can perform using just my guitars without any software I have several guitars, amps and pedals if needed, after all I am a musician first, software didn't exist when I started playing music and earning a living with it..

 

Last edited: Feb 16, 2025 at 3:04 AM