Having high-quality sound effects is a necessity when composing for film and TV.
In this blog, I’ll be discussing just the sound effects that I regularly use, however, I have extensively covered the sample libraries that I use, and also the Cubase Pro 10 template in previous blogs. I’ve also written about how I’ve got my composing studio set up
Like purchasing a piece of hardware, I carefully consider what I buy, based on the quality and requirements that I have on projects. I spend a lot of time researching and learning the full functionality of each effect that I buy.
Spending time away from projects to get to grips with the effects means that I’m more productive during the creative time, and speeds up my workflow.
As I spend a lot of time collaborating with others and mixing a lot of music in-house, I have invested in a wide range of effects.
Steinberg
As I use Cubase 10 Pro, I use a lot of the effects that come bundled:
- DJ EQ
- Standard Channel EQ
- Studio EQ
- GEQ 10
- Frequency EQ
- GEQ 30
- Voxengo CurveEQ
- VST Dynamics
- Limiter
- Brickwall Limiter
- Envelope Shaper
- Gate
- Maximizer
- Tube Compressor
- Vintage Compressor
- Midi Gate
- De Esser
- Expander
- Multiband Compressor
- Multiband Envelope Shaper
- Multiband Expander
- Roomworks SE
- REVelation
- REVerence
- Roomworks
- Mono Delay
- Ping Pong Delay
- Stereo Delay
- Mod Machine
- Amp Simulator
- Bit Crusher
- Da Tube
- Distortion
- Grungelizer
- VST Amp Rack
- Channel Tape Saturation
- Channel Tube Saturation
- Quadrafuzz 2
- Magneto 2
- VST Bass Amp Rack
- Distroyer
- Soft Clipper
- Metalizer
- Ring Modulator
- Auto Pan
- Chopper
- Chorus
- Flanger
- Phaser
- Transformer
- Tremolo
- Vibrato
- Rotary
- LoopMash FX
- Cloner
- Studio Chorus
- Dual Filter
- Tone Booster
- Wah Wah
- Step Filter
- Morph Filter
- Octaver
- Pitch Correct
- Mono To Stereo
- Stereo Enhancer
- Mix6to2
- Tuner
- UV22HR
- MixConvert
- Mixer Delay
- Multiscope
- SMPTE Generator
- Surround Panner
- Test Generator
Native Instruments
I use Guitar Rig.
This provides me with all the guitar pedals that I need. I do spend a lot of time tweaking the effects, and combining these with others, to get a bespoke sound.
iZotope
I use the Ozone 8 Advance package. Which has a powerful collection of tools, and is extremely easy to use. I think I’ve used at least one of their products on almost every track. The package comes bundled with:
- Spectral Shaper
- EQ, Dynamic
- EQ, Post E
- Q, Maximizer (with IRC IV and new IRC LL)
- Imager
- Exciter
- Dynamics
- Vintage Limiter
- Vintage Tape
- Vintage EQ
- Vintage Compressor
Waves
I use the Wave Platinum Bundle, which is an extraordinary collection of over 50 audio plugins. Waves do regularly have great deals on plugins. I would sign up to their newsletter and grab yourself a great bargain. The bundle I have comprises of:
- L2 Ultramaximizer
- L3-LL Ultramaximizer
- L3 Ultramaximizer
- Linear Phase EQ
- Linear Phase Multiband Compressor
- MaxxVolume
- OneKnob Driver
- PuigTec EQs
- Renaissance Bass
- Renaissance Channel
- Renaissance DeEsser
- Renaissance Vox
- AudioTrack
- C4 Multiband Compressor
- Doppler
- eMo F2 Filter
- eMo Generator
- eMo Q4 Equalizer
- GTR3 Amps
- GTR3 Stomps
- GTR3 ToolRack
- GTR3 Tuner
- H-Comp Hybrid Compressor
- H-Delay Hybrid Delay
- MetaFlanger
- MV2
- PS22 Stereo Maker
- Renaissance Reverb
- UltraPitch
- V-Comp
- V-EQ3
- V-EQ4
- Vitamin Sonic Enhancer
- Waves Tune LT
- C1 Compressor
- DeEsser
- Doubler
- Enigma
- IR-L Convolution Reverb
- L1 Ultramaximizer
- MaxxBass
- MondoMod
- PAZ Analyzer
- Q10 Equalizer
- Renaissance Axx
- Renaissance Compressor
- Renaissance Equalizer
- S1 Stereo Imager
- SuperTap
- TrueVerb
Lexicon
I use a few different bundles of Lexicon products. They are industry standard, and I can’t think of any professional composer who doesn’t use their products.
PCM Native Effects Bundle
- Pitch Shift
- MultiVoice Pitch
- Chorus
- Resonant Chords
- Random Delay
- Dual Delay
- Stringbox
PCM Native Reverb Bundle
- Vintage Plate
- Plate
- Hall
- Room
- Random Hall
- Concert Hall
- Chamber
SoundToys
Although the bundle I use has been discontinued, they are still great. I use the native effects bundle which comes with:
- Crystallizer
- Decapitator
- Echoboy
- Filter
- Pan Man
- Phase Mistress
- Tremolator
Valhalla
Valhalla makes products that are efficient of the processing power, and sound great. I use:
- Valhalla Plate
- Valhalla Room
- Valhalla Shimmer
- Valhalla Vintage Reverb

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