Welcome to Zystrix... The Epic Mastering Issue

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What’s new at Zystrix? Read on… September 3, 2024 Mastering? Welcome to the epic Zystrix Mastering Issue… The Best FREE Plugins for Mastering 2024 Your DAW will be so happy. And so will you. Here are the best of the best for EQ, compression, limiting, tube and tape emulation, reverb, delay, and honorable mentions. On another note, it was suggested the font here be a larger size for cell phone users to read -- consider it done -- from 18 to 24 points. We’ll also check out the artwork that surrounds this page because it’s invisible to many cell phone users. So sit back and relax. Welcome to Zystrix, the heartbeat of the universe. Where creativity and free-thinking have more value than conformity. Background Artwork Unfortunately the artwork that surrounds the edges of this website is invisible to many cell phone users. The artwork for today is included here on the left for your enjoyment. Multiple copies are tiled together for a cohesive and seamless background board seen all around this page. Enjoy. The Best FREE Plugins for Mastering 2024 This review is divided into four major sections: compression/limiting, EQ, tube/tape artifact, and reverb/effects. All of these plugins get a Zystrix 5- Star rating, all of them are easy to download and install into your VST folder, and a person can’t go wrong owning or using any of them. I installed and tested every plugin presented here (even those that go against Zystrix privacy rules) and I can attest that they will compete with or exceed the paid versions. And unlike websites who must sell you something to stay alive, I do not get any kickbacks or payments from any of these manufacturers or click-throughs. I genuinely like these plugins, I use them on my projects, and I suspect you’ll like them too. And that’s for whatever style of sound you are mastering. Enjoy. The Best FREE Compressors/Limiters for Mastering BUSTERse by Analog Obsession If you like the stereo compressor SSL emulation plugin by Waves ($30 USA) then you’ll probably like this one. It has an excellent, pleasant, transparent, and snappy- accurate way of taming signals. And when mastering a project don’t forget that a little of this one goes a long way. Imagine having the original super expensive console sound without the electrician to come hook it up. Extraordinary. Click here to download the BUSTERse. Limiter No.6 by Vladislav Goncharov I covered this limiter back in issue #49 – click here to see that one. If you are looking for some serious clean muscle for mastering your DAW project, check out the Limiter No.6. It’s got a compressor, high frequency limiter, multi-band mode including M/S, brick-wall limiter, maximizer, clipper, and has a changeable GUI. It’s a work of art that has more moxy than most paid plugins of its ilk – it’s a phenomenal free download that seriously kicks ass. Download yours now. Molot by Vladislav Goncharov If you want a nice clean compressor that plays nice with everyone else then this kill-dog ain’t for you. It’s intimidating at first glance, and I wish this “Cold War” gem had a manual, but it’s relatively easy to understand. Molot is aggressive and adds serious attitude, it’s got a mid- scoop EQ for simple tonal balance, a built-in limiter (not brick wall type) for suppressing peaks, super low latency, and up to 8x oversampling. Molot is code word for THE BOMB. Download Molot. TDR Nova dynamic EQ and multiband compression Not only is this one great on the overall but it’s great on individual tracks. If there’s a spike problem it helps fix it. It’s a great EQ analysis device. It is great on guitar to help smooth out the sound and overall curve. Unfortunately there are only 4 bands, but there’s a work-around for everything. To download your Nova click here. OTT multiband Compressor by Xfer The OTT by Xfer is a clean, clear, and intuitive multi-band upward and downward compressor. It helps almost any signal you throw at it, but where it really shines is for mastering duties. This plugin in helpful in giving a very polished sounding end product. However, if needed this plugin can also be used as a very aggressive multi-band compressor via the depth control. The adjustable attack/release times are nice to conserve slight peaks so the audio material doesn’t sound unnatural. It also has a helpful visual compression display to see what’s going on. If you need a controlled loud mix (or tame a problem track) this plugin will get you there. Click here to download the OTT by Xfer. Rough Rider 3 by Audio Damage Rough Rider is a sidechain style compressor although it can also be run as a typical compressor. I like its retro feel, it really helps warm up a mix. It reminds me a little bit of the famous LA-2A. The control for ratio is everything from a slight 1:1 to a massive drum crush. Attack and release times must be done by ear, but that’s not a problem. It comes in Windows 64-bit, Mac, and Linux versions. It’s hard to believe it’s free. Click here to download the Rough Rider 3. TLS 1295 LEA by TbT Leveling amplifier There are many Teletronix LA-2A optical limiter and compressor emulation plugins available so choosing the best one is a challenge. However, this free download does a job that competes with Waves and T- Racks by IK Multimedia. It’s great on bass guitar, the drum buss, and the overall mix. Since it’s based on an optical compression emulation it leaves the signal alone long enough to sound fat and natural. Highly recommended. Download your TLS 1295 LEA Leveling amplifier -- click here. LoudMax by Thomas Mundt This plugin is amazing and does an excellent job on anything. I use it all the time to tame signals to fit within a certain volume range. And if you need to stop a signal at a certain point this will easily do that job. Set your EQs and go. This is probably the best look-ahead transparent limiter available anywhere at any price. Perfection. Download your LoudMax by Thomas Mundt. Kolin by Analog Obsession This excellent vintage type limiter has serious retro muscle-man attitude. If you like the T-Racks Brick Wall Limiter ($50 USA) then you’ll love this one. And it does one better with the ability to dial in the original signal. An amazing plugin for free. Download your Kolin by Analog Obsession. Xtressor Nuke by Kiive Audio If you liked the expensive rack mount version of this emulation from the 1990s then you’ll probably like this one. It’s got serious fat and sassy attitude and makes drums sound enviously huge when using a crush method drum mix. This compressor isn’t really known for mastering, it can do the job OK, but it’s the big fat attitude that always brings me back for more. Killer. Grab your Xtressor Nuke by Kiive Audio. Multiply by Acon Digital This plugin doesn’t do any compression (unless you get the paid version) but what it will do is tell you how the mix is going for EQ volume. Sure, there are other ways to do the same job, but this makes it so much easier. It’s quick, easy, and intuitive. Put it at the end of the mastering chain to keep an eye on how your overall is doing. This plugin is indispensable. Download Multiply by Acon Digital. SPAN by Voxengo Just like the plugin above, SPAN doesn’t do compression. SPAN is another way of analyzing your EQ overall, does a superior job at it, and it competes with many paid plugins. It’s essential for mixing, mastering, and checking individual tracks. It does A/B comparisons, mid/side analysis, and even smooths out the visual for easier comparison. You need this. Download your SPAN by Voxengo. The Best FREE EQs for Mastering MQ57 by J1000 It looks difficult to use, but the learning curve on the MQ57 is really pretty easy. This EQ is optimized for mastering so the wide Q focuses on subtle overall balance instead of narrow cuts and boosts. The MQ57 has stereo and dual-mono operating modes, and either Mid/Side or Left/Right. It’s also zero latency, low CPU consumption, and absolutely no harmonic or dynamic distortion. If you like the Brainworx mastering EQ you may like this one. Download your MQ57 now. Luftikus by IKJB Luftikus has fixed half-octave EQ bands at 10, 40, 160 and 640 Hz, completed by a high shelf at 2.5 kHz. There’s also a high frequency boost at 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 kHz for that special sparkle on the top end. This plugin can add overall gain which would possibly lead to clipping. To get around that problem there’s a manual output control as well as a "Keep Gain" mode for relative control of the output. There are two modes: Analog and Mastering modes and, of course, the "analog" mode emulates a more rack mount version, and in Mastering mode the controls become stepped and the "Analog" mode performs better. Download your Luftikus by IKJB now. Slick EQ by TDR Vos This semi parametric EQ is a very easy and powerful way to give your mastered project an “American”, “British”, “German” or “Soviet” type of audio non- linearity. I love the auto-gain because it compensates for loudness changes in EQ differences. Slick EQ can also process either the stereo sum or the stereo difference (width). And there are five output flavors: “Linear”, “Silky”, “Mellow”, “Deep” and “Toasted” for added flexibility. Download the Slick EQ by TDR VOS. Marvel GEQ by Voxengo The Marvel GEQ by Voxengo is a 16-band linear- phase EQ. It features a transparent sound which preserves the integrity of the original signal, and it’s designed for equalization tasks for high quality and excellent sonic character. It also supports mid/side channel processing, has low CPU drain, low latency, and a freehand drawing mode. Download the Marvel GEQ. PTEq-X by Ignite Amps There are many Pultec type EQs available (paid and free) and they all have a slightly different character. However, after critical listening I decided I preferred the PTEq-X by Ignite Amps. It is meant to be used as a studio equalizer for mastering, tracking, mixing, and I love the tube warmth. I’ll bet you will too. Create giant killer guitars and great masters. Download the PTEq-X. ReaEQ by Reaper This clean EQ has a user interface that looks a little dated, but the plugin does the job of EQ very well indeed. This one comes as part of a free package deal of several free plugins from Cuckos Reaper including a superb mastering plugin (download ReaXcomp) that competes with or surpasses paid ones. At any rate, ReaEQ has unlimited bands, phase display, and per band bypass, and many other options. Download the ReaEQ by Reaper. Thrillseeker XT CmkII by Variety of Sound Thrillseeker XT isn’t exactly an EQ, it’s more of a modern style exciter, but it deserves mention here because it does some EQ duties. And it improves the signal even by running it flat because it emulates analog anomalies. Thrillseeker XT is built around a true parallel analog style equalizer design. Subtlety wins the day with this one. Download the Thrillseeker XT CmkII. The Best FREE Tube and Tape Analog Warmth Emulations for Mastering Chow Tape by Chowdhury DSP Chow Tape is an emulation that’s based on a top-of-the-line 1967 consumer audio analog tape machine -- the Sony TC-260. This current version can be used to emulate a wide variety of reel-to-reel tape machines, and it has an excellent wow and flutter section. This tape emulation plugin is better than any paid version I’ve heard, and it’s an absolute must have. Download Chow Tape. IVGI2 by Klanghelm This one is my favorite of all the available tube emulations because it reminds me of a very popular wooden console type living room record- player/radio from the late 1960s. It sports big nuts and a very individual but cool tube attitude, for sure. Travel back to the 1960s for some TV room musical entertainment. Download the IVGI2. Overheat by Sampleson Overheat is a realistic tube emulation that’s simple to use. There really isn’t much to this effect so it’s very intuitive: pre-gain, drive, post gain, color, and low pass. It can go from smooth to the fuzzy grunge of an old tube amp begging for mercy by simply using the color dial. It sort of sounds like a cross between the tube pre by H.H. Scott and the Voice-of-Music (remember them?). You get the picture, it does it’s own thing and sounds great from tame to flame. Download your Overheat by Sampleson. Ferric TDS mkII by Variety Of Sound When I think of some kind of tape emulation plugin I often think of the wow and flutter – I like the ability to change it from zero to “holy s**t I think it’s broken”. Alas, the FerricTDS mkII doesn’t offer that feature, but it is a superb subtle tape saturation effect. Click here to download the Ferric TDS mkII by Variety Of Sound. Diabolique by Ourafilmes If you want some realistic sounding tape deck warmth and smudge (without the wow and flutter) try this one. It emulates 2 vintage tube reel to reels: a Revox F36 from 1962 (circuitry 1) and a Tandberg Model 3 from 1958 (circuitry 2). It can either be used in a subtle way to make things warmer or you can use it to crush tracks. It goes much farther than an old tape deck; the old tape deck front end simply couldn’t survive this kind of abuse. I should know -- I’ve killed a couple. And if you like the sound of the old red rack-mount Focusrite tube pre you may like this warmth. Diabolique by Ourafilmes. Distox by Analog Obsession Distox has lots of options, and not only old fashion sounding tube emulations but op-amps too. The offerings are excellent albeit subtle. Try Distox by Analog Obsession. The Best FREE Reverb, Delay, and Effects for Mastering Room 041 by Analog Obsession Room 041 is an easy-to-use reverb plugin, and it isn’t modeled after any certain brand, it just does old plate style room reverb very well. If it is fed a stereo signal then it is a stereo reverb, but mono signals come out mono reverb. Makes sense. Get Room 041 by Analog Obsession. Chow Matrix by Chow DSP A complex and infinitely unpredictable multi-tap delay, Chow Matrix goes from tempo sync (or not), to curious delays, to outer space adventures, to bizarre psychedelic dreams. The included presets are great starting points. This plugin is only for the adventurous at heart. Click here to download the Chow Matrix. Supermassive by Valhalla Here are 18 unique professional quality high echo density reverb/delay modes, each offering a different character and sound. The intuitive interface makes Supermassive perfect for adding depth to your mixes. And it’s also great for expanding synth pads for heavy duty layering. Click here to download Supermassive by Valhalla. Pro IR Reverbs by Zystrix This is the most popular Zystrix download by far. You’ll need a convolver plugin with the ability to use a reverb IR for these – something like ReaVerb in Reaper works great, but there are others like Easy Convolver. Convology XT would be good but it has privacy issues, and it kicks and screams when installing it offline. If that’s for you then go for it. Grab Pro IR Reverbs by Zystrix. Honorable Mention Mastering Plugins There are other useful plugins not listed above that have strange features, privacy issues, are too old, or just plain didn’t quite make it for mastering purposes for whatever reasons. However, it’s all a matter of taste and you have to be the final judge – there’s a lid for every pot. And with so many options available I’m sure I overlooked something somewhere, so maybe you have suggestions. But here they are; the honorable mentions... Space Modulator by Valhalla download Frequency Echo by Valhalla download Mangleverb (reverb) by Audio Damage download TAL-Reverb-4 download Merica (channel strip EQ) download Moss Equalizer by Stone Voices download Britpressor (compressor) download Fetish (compressor) Analog Obsession download Unlimited (limiter) by Sonic Anomaly download Saturation Knob by Softube (privacy issues) FetSnap (exciter) by Analog Obsession download Don’t touch that dial… Stay tuned next time… I hope you enjoyed the most comprehensive free mastering plugin list available. Next time we’ll look at some excellent low-priced pedals for guitar and bass,… like a distortion with gate, a power booster, an amp-in-a-box for bass guitar that sounds killer, and a superb reverb/delay combination pedal. There’s also another free piano download from Dangerous Neighbors. Could this be the start of another free album? And it’s the official celebration of the end of summer in the northern hemisphere. Maybe I’ll see you next time. I can always tell when my girlfriend is lying just by looking at her. I can also tell when she’s standing. Knowledge, art, and music for all…

ZYSTRIX POPULAR FREE DOWNLOADS Here’s a free download of almost one and a half hours of original neo-classical solo piano by Dangerous Neighbors. This full length album called Piano Top to Bottom consists of 18 original piano pieces with the final piece in two movements. There is a bonus track making 20 files total. This download comes in three format options: the first option is a single file MP3 containing all the tunes in one chunk similar to tape recordings. The second download option is a folder with all of the separate MP3 piano pieces named and arranged in album order similar to a CD or MP3 player. The third download option is similar to videos found on “ZooTube” with the names and times on the screen. There is also a fourth surprise version made only for “ZooTube” and it is edited down to less than 15 minutes long because of their telephone number required rule. Basically it just guides the listener here. To download any or all of these options simply click here. Enjoy. Free Guitar Cabinet Impulse Responses Introducing the next generation in guitar cabinet impulse responses. Try the new Djammincabs Maxxx 4x12. All of these cab IR files are based on old, new, and boutique 4x12 cab curves. All are recorded in beautiful 24-bit 48K mono and will work on most free and paid digital convolvers. Hear the guitar IR breathe fire with pure attitude. Don’t be suckered in with high-dollar sales pitches, there ain’t no guitar IR downloads better than these. Choose from many cab sound recording styles: cone, edge, angled, arm away, inside cab, back of cab, or back of room. Djammincabs is the world leader in guitar cab IR invention -- no other guitar IR company can imitate these. Djammincabs Maxxx 4x12 makes it easier for you to design your own personalized sound -- even your own Metal IR pack. If you can’t find a cabinet or combination you like here, then you don’t like 4x12 cabinets. This guitar IR download also includes a Tactical Munitions Manual with suggested uses and detailed cab combinations. This is the best free guitar impulse download available anywhere. Djammincabs Maxxx 4x12 “Murder Your Competition.” I feel brave. I want to try them now. Here’s my email... Djammincabs for Guitar Free Guitar Impulse Responses This is the original Djammincabs guitar cabinet impulse response collection that started it all. Click here to download over 200 Free Guitar Cabinet Impulse Responses. Djammincabs for Bass Guitar Download Free Bass Impulse Responses Click here to download over 200 Free Bass Guitar Cabinet Impulse Responses. Best Free Guitar Impulses. The Top 11 Best Free Guitar and Bass Cabinet Impulse Responses for 2022 (in alphabetical order…) Find, download, and test the best free guitar cabinet impulse responses for 2022. FREE BASS LOOPS SAMPLES DOWNLOAD ROYALTY FREE BASS LOOP SAMPLES FREE BASS LOOPS Over 200 samples are included in the collection Download the complete collection of 24-bit bass loops here. NOTE: This download size is approximately 369 Megs. Free Pendulate Synthesizer Presets Original Newfangled Audio Pendulate synth patches/presets Click here to download over 240 Free Pendulate Synth Presets (patches) Synapse Audio Dune Synthesizer Download Over 200 Free Synapse Audio Dune 2 and Dune 3 Synthesizer Patches and Presets Click here to download over 200 FREE Synapse Audio Dune 2 or Dune 3 synthesizer patches or presets. NOTE: This synth patch download is slightly over 1 Meg in size. Free Reverb Impulse Responses Choose from hundreds available in 48K 24 bit WAV format including new original reverbs. CabSpace Over 400 Guitar Isolation Booth Reverbs Download over 400 Free Zystrix Original Reverb Impulse Responses, and over 200 Free Zystrix Original BONUS Reverb Impulse Responses. Download all the Alesis MIDIVerb 4 reverb impulse responses. Download all the Lexicon MPX-1 reverb impulse responses. Download all the Alesis Wedge reverb impulse responses. Download over 50 Reverb Relics from the past. Click here to download free reverb impulse responses. Free Drum Samples Only Available from Zystrix Free Gong Samples and Sounds Free Snare Drum Samples and Sounds Free Bass Drum Samples and Sounds Free Oriental Cymbal Samples and Sounds Free Oriental Bells Samples and Sounds The Ultimate Original Drum Sounds List Download over 2000 original slammin’ rock bass drums. Download original Gongs, Cymbals, Broken Cymbals, and Bells. Download Over 200 Free Original Bass Drum Sounds and Samples. Download over 200 Original Free snare drum sounds. Click here to download Drum Kit Sounds. Dangerous Neighbors The SW Michigan Rock Band Power Trio. Free Rockin’ Music Downloads Download tunes from the 80s to today. Use the special codes on the Embalmed for Life page (see the DOWNLOAD FREE AUDIO BOOKS link below) and get free downloads for the complete album and the free horror audio book The Fluid - Embalmed for Life. Click here to download various music from the rock band Dangerous Neighbors. Download Free Synth Samples for Intros, Interludes, and Endings Listen to example #01 by clicking here (MP3 Sample) Download FREE professional quality stereo sample packs that slowly evolve over time. All samples are in 48K 24 bit WAV format and are about 20 seconds long or more. If you like suspense, psycho, outer space, or terror then this collection is for you. These range from paranoia to sci-fi, cinematic gore to strange industrial horror, and creepy creatures to insane laboratories. Click here to download all the synth Intros, Interludes, and Endings. DOWNLOAD FREE AUDIO BOOKS The Fluid, Embalmed for Life There are Free Audio Book codes for Audible downloads (must sign up). There are also free sample downloads of the book reading. There are free downloads of music samples. There is a free “Look Inside” download of the paperback. There is a free glossary of the largest list of mortuary slang in the world. The Free Dangerous Neighbors Album The Fluid, Embalmed for Life comes included as part of the audio book and parts are available here as a free download. The paperback book is available for sale at Amazon dot com. I have no control over these sales; because of the Amazon agreement I cannot offer complete paperback or complete audio books here. And for some reason most book sales go to Japan. Who would have thunk it? Click here for free audio books, book reading samples, music samples, etc. Take me back to the top of the page. Zystrix Privacy Policy THE FINE PRINT: Zystrix is a world leader in personal privacy and we take your privacy very seriously. We do not store, sell, give away, or barter with any of your personal or private information including your email, IP address, links clicked, location, habits, tastes, online activities and behaviors, or anything else considered personal or private information. We never have. Zystrix is not and has never been a participant in any advertising program including but not limited to the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Sweetwater, Reverb, or any other affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees from readers by click-through advertising and linking to the aforementioned or any other companies. Zystrix does not allow companies like Doubleclick, Clickbank, Zedo, Linkbucks, Hubspot or any other related clandestine personal privacy internet problems to occupy space or have any presence on or in the Zystrix website. 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