Plugin Alliance 100 % AAX DSP Plugin Bundle
By Ryan McCambridge
When I owned my first Digidesign Pro Tools | 24 MIX system , the idea of running software compressors , EQs , and reverbs was a near miracle . The term “ plugin ” was barely a part of our vernacular . That was over a decade-anda-half ago , and in that time , the rise in native systems has well surpassed that of hardware DSP systems . This democratized plugins , allowing the formats to compete , given that computers could now power these plugins without the help of additional proprietary processing .
In 2010 , Avid , who ’ d bought Digidesign and the Pro Tools platform , introduced its AAX plugin format . Like its preceding TDM / RTAS , it had two versions : AAX DSP and AAX Native . AAX updated the TDM / RTAS 24-bit fixedpoint processing to a 32-bit floating-point processing environment . This gave more fidelity and headroom and ensured that both the DSP and Native versions of a plugin were identical , which was long debated with TDM / RTAS . A year-and-a-half later , Avid introduced Pro Tools 11 , which was 64-bit and marked the end of the TDM / RTAS format . So , within a short span of time in development terms , plugin manufacturers were asked to service these new plugin formats , something that was unachievable by many . This only further decreased the supply and demand of AAX DSP plugins , even though HDX still remains the choice of most professionals – especially those operating in commercial facilities .
With this as the backdrop , you can understand the elation over the release of Plugin Alliance ’ s 100 % AAX DSP Bundle . It was like an oasis in a desert . Granted , there were always great plugin manufacturers like McDSP , Sonnox , and Dave Hill Designs keeping us sustained , but the diminishing choice was a difficult adjustment for many . Some of Plugin Alliance ’ s members , like Brainworx , Elysia , and Softube , had been developing for the AAX DSP platform , but the 100 % AAX DSP Bundle marks the culmination of all of their efforts in a generous package .
In Use The companies that make up Plugin Alliance have always complemented each other well : the precision and diversity of Brainworx ; the innovation of ProAudioDSP ; the colouration of Acme , Noveltech , and Vertigo ; and the emulations of iconic hardware from Elysia , Maag Audio , SPL , and Millennia . The 100 %
AAX DSP Bundle houses 50 plugins to discover , which run the gamut from clean and surgical , all the way to colourful and gritty . The plugins provide all the necessary tools to mix in a modern workflow . Specifically , the bundle is comprised of compressors , limiters , M / S widening , channel strips , guitar amps and pedals , filters , and EQs . There are no reverbs or delays , but otherwise , I can ’ t imagine users feeling underserviced .
For me , there are a few highlights , though . Brainworx bx _ digital V3 is an exceptional EQ and its features are unparalleled , especially in applications where clarity is important . In terms of innovation , the ProAudioDSP DSM V2 takes the lead . It uses “ FFT analysis to accurately capture both the frequency-domain and level characteristics ” of a signal , which completely rethinks how compression is approached . The result is remarkably transparent . The SPL Transient Designer Plus is a studio favourite that first defined , and subsequently set the benchmark for , transient shaping . Then there ’ s the newly-released Black Box Analog Design HG-2 , an emulation of the hardware colouration box loved by so many A-list mixers . There are many other highlights in 100 % AAX DSP Bundle , and for multiplatform producers , it also includes AAX Native , AudioUnit , and VST versions of all of the plugins , which is helpful when switching systems .
As far as I ’ m concerned , the only potential strike against the 100 % AAX DSP Bundle is justifying the cost : $ 3,659 USD , discounted from the $ 8,583 total cost of the plugins . At a 57 per cent discount , it ’ s a great value , and Plugin Alliance does provide a payment plan that will let customers pay it off over 12 months , interest free . Also , should you already own any of the bundled plugins , the price of the bundle will be further discounted by the MSRP of each one you own . I commend Plugin Alliance for being so fair ; however , as with any bundle , you have to love enough of the plugins for it to be worth it . This is an audio toolbox that will undoubtedly help your productions and mixes and it really does stand as the “ largest collection of AAX DSP production tools on the market ,” as their marketing touts . But for those who are prepared to shell out that kind of expense , it ’ s certainly worth checking out some of the potential alternatives and really comes down to a question of taste and desired flavour for your work .
Conclusion The 100 % AAX DSP Bundle is a refreshing addition to the world of HDX users . This alone makes it exceptional , particularly given the current climate of AAX DSP plugins . As mentioned , there ’ s a lot to love here – old favourites and some new additions . If you own an Avid Pro Tools HDX system and want to find more ways to fill those unused DSP chips , I encourage you to try out this bundle yourself .
Ryan McCambridge is a freelance producer , writer , and engineer whose credits include Rush , Birds of Tokyo , and Glass Tiger . He has taught sound design and production at workshops and universities and is the frontman of A Calmer Collision . For more information , visit www . ryan-mccambridge . com and www . acalmercollision . com .
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