11 iLoud MTM monitors and an ARC MEMS microphone are included in the full package. Upon setup, iLoud MTM’s ARC self-calibration system adjusts the speakers, correcting each monitor’s output. All monitors are calibrated to have balanced and accurate sound, including ceiling-mount speakers. IK Multimedia describes the MTM system as a “a true phase-coherent response across the useful frequency spectrum for unbelievably natural sound.”

Other features include point-source performance regardless of distance and controlled dispersion reducing acoustic issues. The bundle is rounded out with a compact, easy-to-mount design.

The iLoud MTM Immersive Bundle 11 is available now for $3,999. Find more information on the IK Multimedia website.

The series includes the X-Drive distortion and overdrive, X-Vibe modulation, X-Time delay, and X-Space reverb pedals. Each also work as USB interfaces and support MIDI control for each parameter. Wet and dry controls as well as stereo out options are also built into each pedal. Each X-Gear pedal when used as audio interfaces carries 24-bit/192 kHz resolution with 4X oversampling.

16 Effects are modeled into each pedal. The X-Drive and X-Vibe’s attributes hail from IK’s renowned Amplitube series of software, whereas the X-Time and X-Space both carry new custom effects created exclusively by IK Multimedia.

Owners of multiple X-Gear pedals can chain devices together, with one pedal controlling the main effect and the other controlling MIDI. Presets on one or more pedals can be saved with this type of chaining.

In addition to MIDI chaining, software versions of each pedal allow the sharing of virtual presets to the hardware, and vice versa.

All pedals in the X-Gear series run $300. A bonus copy of Amplitube SE is also packaged in with each X-Gear device. Find more information on the X-Gear pedal series on IK Multimedia’s website.

Freeware-based platforms made to create full compositions are no stranger to the digital audio workstation (DAW) scene. Still other popular players recently released their flagship software at no cost or 1-to-2 month free trials in hopes of gaining new users on a budget, or attracting creatives looking for an alternative to their usual workflows during the “Great Pause.”

Many virtual instrument developers have taken the same path. Here some powerful plugins handpicked by Selector that, at present, are available for free. Some come with a small catch, but are absolutely worth taking for a test drive.

1. Waves MaxxVolume (Free until August 31, Originally $179)

Waves MaxxVolume.

From plugins by award-winning engineers to polyphonic synthesizers, Waves Audio is a household name in the audio production world with software running the music production gamut. MaxxVolume, their one-stop dynamics processing tool ideal for simple mastering or vocal work, is free until August 31^st. Create a Waves account in order to get the deal and keep the software for life.

2. Roland TR -808 (Free until August 31^st)

Roland, the trailblazers of the drum and synth world are providing a virtual rendition of their iconic TR-808 drum machine for free until August 31^st to celebrate 808 day via registration through the Roland Cloud Manager app. In order to continue using the software after the 31^st however, the instrument requires a $20/month subscription to their cloud service (giving you unrestricted access to all official virtual software versions of the Roland family), or that you pay a one-time fee of $149 for the year.

3. discoDSP OB-Xd 2.0

A very popular near-to-original virtual rendition of the classic OB-X synthesizers by Oberheim Electronics, discoDSP’s OB-Xd 2.0 is an ideal soft-synth for making punchy arpeggios and airy, ’80s-style pads. OB-Xd 2.0 can be downloaded via the discoDSP website either at no cost or at a reduced fee of $29 until September 1^st (originally $49) to support the developers in making new versions.

4. SampleScience Pianotone 600

Pianotone 600.

SampleScience’s plugin is an instrument based on the Jen Pianotone 600, a rare analogue keyboard from the 1970s. Pianotone 600 comes with two modes – Original and Amplitude Velocity — three voice modes, a high and low-pass filter. A note to Mac OSX Catalina users: this VST is not available for the operating system.

AmpliTube SVX.

5. IK Multimedia AmpliTube SVX (Originally $100, available until August 27th)

Ik Multimedia are known for creating accessories and interfaces for iPhone and Android devices as well as their SampleTank 4 virtual instrument/workstation, and their amp and tube modeler with 18 different presets (four amps, six cabinets, and eight stomps) is available for free via the AudioPluginDeals store.

 6. 42tones SynthVR Alpha

SynthVR is an unusual but fascinating addition to this list. the Windows and Android modular synthesizer is fully based in a virtual reality environment and is 100% customizable. The app also allows stackable racks for them to float around, allowing full usage of the immense VR space. It’s available via 42tones.

7. SC-808

Supercollider is a free platform that runs mainly off of raw coding – more specifically its own language, “sclang.” Japanese app developer Yoshinosuke Horiuchi created another version of the TR 808 that is fully usable in the SuperCollider environment. The free version comes with enough features, but a Patreon donation directly to the creator supports the creation of an advanced version, as well as extra features to the original download such as a tuner for the cymbals, hi-hat and cowbell and a sample pack of the sounds from the kit to use in other DAWs.