SOS AWARDS 2026 Winners Announced! The votes have been counted, and we are very happy to announce the results of each category on the official results page published in our February 2026 issue.

MasterCheck 2 from NUGEN Audio The latest version of NUGEN Audio’s popular analysis plug-in has arrived, delivering a set of new features that have been designed to meet the needs of modern productions.

My two favorite deals this week come from Solid State Logic and IK Multimedia
Solid State Logic and IK Multimedia have two heavily discounted offers that are well worth your attention if you’re looking to upgrade your creative effects toolkit or guitar setup. I’ll cover both below, but please note that the one from SSL expires very soon (probably a matter of hours at this point). SSL X-Delay & [...]
View post: My two favorite deals this week come from Solid State Logic and IK Multimedia

Windows-G E-Limiter600A JSFX lookahead peak limiter plugin for REAPER that features: * 1 ms lookahead: Lets the limiter analyze peaks ahead of time and respond before they arrive. For a limiter, 1 ms lookahead is sufficient to prevent ceiling overshoot and distortion artifacts. The latency it introduces is reported to the DAW for automatic delay compensation. * Stereo Link (0% to 100%): Controls how much the left and right channels are linked during limiting. At 0%, each channel is limited independently based on its own level, which can alter the stereo image but can sound expressive. At 100%, both channels are limited together based on the loudest of the two channels, preserving the stereo image but can sound static. Values in between 0% and 100% provide a continuous blend of independent and linked limiting behavior. * Input Gain (-40 dB to +40 dB): Boosts or attenuates the level of the input signal. This is useful for maximizing loudness, driving the limiter harder to achieve more gain reduction, or reducing the input level to avoid excessive limiting. * Ceiling (-100 dB to 0 dB): A brick-wall ceiling that sets the maximum output level the limiter will allow. Because the ceiling range extends from -100 dB up to 0 dB, it can be used flexibly for track-level, mix-bus, and master-bus limiting. * Release (1 ms to 2000 ms): Controls how fast the gain reduction returns to unity after the detected signal drops below the ceiling. Fast release (1 ms to 14 ms) creates quick recovery, allowing the limiter to restore gain rapidly, which is ideal for maximizing loudness. Slow release (70 ms to 2000 ms) makes the gain reduction return toward unity at a slow pace, causing gain reduction to persist for a longer period, which can result in quieter output but may be useful for achieving a "glue" effect. Medium release (15 ms to 69 ms) provides a middle ground between fast and gradual recovery, that is, between louder and quieter output. The release uses an exponential curve for smooth sound. * Optional DC Filter (1 Hz): An optional 12dB/oct high-pass filter at 1 Hz that removes DC offset from the output signal after the limiting process. Limiters introduce DC offset during limiting, even if minimal, so the DC filter removes this DC buildup to maintain a clean signal. The DC filter is active only when enabled. * Output Gain (-40 dB to +40 dB): Sets the final output level of the limited signal. This is particularly useful when the DC Filter is turned ON, as even a 1 Hz DC filter can increase peak levels slightly (e.g., by around 0.2 dB). The output gain can be used to compensate for the slight peak increase introduced by the 1 Hz DC filter. * GUI Delta Button: Solos the difference between the wet and dry signals. It lets you hear what the limiter removed from the main signal. This is very useful when adjusting settings. It is available for automation as "Delta (Smooth)" in the plugin's parameter list. * GUI Bypass Button: A smooth bypass button for toggling the limiting effect on or off without audio clicks. The bypass button accounts for the Input Gain setting by using the signal after Input Gain is applied, allowing the user to toggle between the dry and wet signals at roughly the same loudness level, so the user is not tricked into thinking the louder signal sounds better. It is available for automation as "Bypass (Smooth)" in the plugin's parameter list. * GUI Max Left/Right IL Readouts (dB): Display the maximum input signal levels for left and right channels since playback started. The values automatically reset on each playback start and when Stereo Link and Input Gain parameters change. * GUI Input Level Meter: Displays the current input signal levels for the left and right channels independently on a -100 dB to 0 dB scale. A white reference line indicates the ceiling level. * GUI Gain Reduction Meter: Displays the current amount of gain reduction being applied by the limiter. * GUI Cur Left/Right GR Readouts (dB): Display the current amount of gain reduction being applied by the limiter to left and right channels. The values automatically reset on each playback start and when limiting parameters change. * GUI Max Left/Right GR Readouts (dB): Display the maximum gain reduction applied by the limiter to left and right channels since playback started. The values automatically reset on each playback start and when limiting parameters change. * GUI L/R Output Max Readouts (dB): Display the maximum output levels reached for left and right channels since playback started. The value automatically resets on each playback start. You can also click on the readouts to reset them. * Zipper-Noise-Free Operation: Advanced interpolation ensures no zipper noise during slider automation or real-time adjustments. * Minimal CPU Usage. You can grab it for $10. All future updates are free, just make sure to use a valid email so I can send future updates to you. Listen to the audio demos here or on the Gumroad product page to hear what the plugin can do. Email Support: info.windowsg@gmail.com ================================================== Using This JSFX Plugin in Other DAWs: If you want to use this JSFX plugin in other DAWs, you can do so using the open-source YSFX plugin. YSFX is available in VST3, AU, and CLAP formats for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download your preferred version of YSFX from here (Click on "Assets" for the downloads to appear): https://github.com/JoepVanlier/ysfx/releases YSFX comes in two versions: * ysfx-s FX (for JSFX effects). * ysfx-s instrument (for JSFX instruments). 1. Open ysfx-s FX in your DAW, 2. Then click "Load", find your "E-Limiter600_Windows-G" file, and click "Open." The JSFX plugin will now run inside the YSFX host, working perfectly in any DAW that supports VST3, AU, or CLAP plugins. Read More

Cranborne Audio unveil the Brick Lane MC4 As its name suggests, the Brick Lane MC4 comes equipped with four channels of Cranborne’s clever PWM compression, and offers a versatile selection of routing options.

Opusonix Review: A Cleaner, Smarter Way to Collaborate on Music Projects
As an audio engineer, a surprising amount of time is spent not mixing or mastering, but managing files, links, and feedback. Cloud storage folders multiply, email threads grow long, and important notes get buried. Even with good intentions, projects can quickly become fragmented. Opusonix is designed to remove that friction by combining file storage, structured [...]
View post: Opusonix Review: A Cleaner, Smarter Way to Collaborate on Music Projects

FRCTL releases GRN Lite FREE granular effect plugin
FRCTL has released GRN Lite, a free granular effect plugin for Windows, macOS, and Linux. I’m always curious to try new granular tools, especially since some granular plugins can feel a bit intimidating at first, so I like searching for ones that instantly click with me. We recently covered Fractive, which is a more advanced, [...]
View post: FRCTL releases GRN Lite FREE granular effect plugin

Neve’s NAMM 2026 launches It’s clearly been a busy start to 2026 for Neve, who will have not one, but three new products taking pride of place on their NAMM booth.

The DJM-V5 from AlphaTheta: 3 channels, 4-band EQ, V10 sound – no Beat FX or crossfader.AlphaTheta has released the DJM-V5, a compact 3-channel DJ mixer built on the sound architecture of the DJM-V10, bringing flagship-style sound shaping into a smaller format. Available late January 2026 with a MAP of $2,199 USD, the V5 includes 4-band EQ and channel compression on every channel, per-channel Send FX, multi-mode filters, 96 kHz / […]
The post The DJM-V5 from AlphaTheta: 3 channels, 4-band EQ, V10 sound – no Beat FX or crossfader. appeared first on DJ TechTools.

Jonas Eriksson releases Tape Fiasco, a FREE time-based multi-effect plugin
Tape Fiasco is a brand-new plugin from Jonas Eriksson that combines three distinct time-based effects: Stretch, Stutter, and Varispeed. I haven’t had much time with Tape Fiasco since installing the plugin, but I have to say right off the bat, it’s a lot of fun! Whether you’re using all three effects simultaneously or one at [...]
View post: Jonas Eriksson releases Tape Fiasco, a FREE time-based multi-effect plugin

AKAI MPC XLThe Akai Professional MPC XL is a standalone music production workstation designed to function as the central hub of a modern studio without the need for a computer. Powered by a Gen 2 8-core processor and 16GB of RAM, it offers significantly expanded processing headroom compared to previous MPC models, capable of running up to 32 plugin instruments and 16 audio tracks simultaneously. The unit features a 10.1-inch tilting multi-gesture touchscreen and introduces "MPCe" pads, which utilize 3D-sensing technology to divide each pad into four quadrants for complex sound morphing and layer control. Connectivity is comprehensive, catering to both hardware-heavy and hybrid setups. The rear panel includes two XLR/TRS combo inputs with preamps, two instrument inputs, and phono inputs for direct sampling from vinyl. For output, the MPC XL provides eight assignable line outputs and 16 CV/Gate outputs (via eight stereo jacks), making it suitable for controlling modular synthesizers. It runs on the MPC3 operating system, which includes advanced features such as real-time stem separation, disc streaming, and a full DAW-style arrangement view. Key Features Standalone Operation: Powered by a Gen 2 8-core processor and 16GB RAM; no computer required. MPCe Pads: 16 velocity-sensitive pads with 3D sensing and quadrant-based modulation. Display: 10.1-inch HD multi-gesture touchscreen with adjustable tilt. Storage: 256GB internal NVMe SSD with a SATA expansion bay for additional drives. Control: 16 Q-Link knobs with individual OLED displays, plus a dedicated XL Channel Command section. Audio I/O: 2 Mic/Line combo inputs, 2 Instrument inputs, 2 Phono inputs, 8 Line outputs. CV/Gate: 16 total outputs for modular integration. Software: Runs MPC3 OS; includes Native Instruments MPC Edition Play Series and stem separation tools. Read More

Buso Audio: Discount for SOS readers Studio furniture experts Buso Audio are kindly offering Sound On Sound readers a 10% discount on any of their workstation desks. 

Studio One becomes Fender Studio Pro From 13 January 2026, Studio One will now be known as Fender Studio Pro, while the Quantum and AudioBox lines will transition to the Fender Quantum Series and Fender AudioBox. 

The DJM-V5 is here: compact 3-Channel Mixer with V10 Sound, 4-Band EQ, Send FXAlphaTheta has released the DJM-V5, a compact 3-channel DJ mixer built on the sound architecture of the DJM-V10, bringing flagship-style sound shaping into a smaller format. Available late January 2026 with a MAP of $2,199, the V5 includes 4-band EQ and channel compression on every channel, per-channel Send FX, multi-mode filters, 96 kHz / 64-bit […]
The post The DJM-V5 is here: compact 3-Channel Mixer with V10 Sound, 4-Band EQ, Send FX appeared first on DJ TechTools.

Waves Audio Curves Resolve is now FREE for 48 hours only
Waves Audio has finally released Curves Resolve, a new mixing plugin that’s available for free for the next 48 hours only. I say finally because James covered this release twice before: first when Waves teased an upcoming freebie, and again when details about Curves Resolve leaked online. This time, the plugin is officially available to [...]
View post: Waves Audio Curves Resolve is now FREE for 48 hours only