Vocals
Waves Sibilance vs Renaissance DeEsser
Waves' two de-essers compared on what they actually do to a vocal: spectral reduction against broadband ducking, and which one belongs on a lead.
Head to head
Plugin Comparisons.
When two tools cover the same ground, only one of them belongs in your template. These are the head-to-heads, with a verdict up top.
Mixing
iZotope Trash vs Soundtoys Decapitator
iZotope Trash and Soundtoys Decapitator compared on character, control depth and workflow, with a straight answer on which one earns a permanent slot.
Synths
Arturia CS-80 V4 vs Cherry Audio GX-80
Two Yamaha CS-80 emulations compared on expression, CPU cost and what you give up for the price difference, with a straight answer on which to buy.
Drums
XO vs Atlas 2
XLN Audio XO and Algonaut Atlas 2 both map your drum samples into a space you can browse. Compared on sequencing, workflow and which one suits how you build a beat.
Orchestral
Cinematic Studio Strings vs Berlin Strings
Two of the most recommended string libraries compared on legato, detail, disk cost and how much programming each one demands before it sits in a cue.
Guitars
Ample Guitar M vs Strum GS-2
Sampled against modelled acoustic guitar. Ample Guitar M and Strum GS-2 compared on realism, playability and how much MIDI work each one asks of you.
Cinematic
Damage 2 vs Gravity 2
Heavyocity Damage 2 and Gravity 2 compared on what each engine is actually for, where they overlap, and which one to buy first.
Synths
Diva vs MASSIVE X
u-he Diva and Native Instruments MASSIVE X compared on sound, CPU cost and interface clarity, with a straight answer on which belongs in your template.
Synths
Phase Plant vs Pigments
Kilohearts Phase Plant and Arturia Pigments compared on routing depth, visual feedback and CPU cost, with a straight answer on which one to learn first.