My last audio software purchase for 2013...
Will be my DAW software upgrade.
Even that could probably wait, as amazing as the new version is. It seems that when I started re-integrating hardware in my set up, my interest for software gradually decreased.
Due to circumstances, I've spent I don't know how much on software amp sims in the last few years - more than enough to pay for the tube amps I plan on buying, that's for sure. Yet, a little solid state amp that's worth a fraction of all that money I've spent on software an I'm happier than I've been in years.
Similarly, the pick ups on my Les Paul traditional pro made more of a difference than all the EQ, compression and saturation plug-ins I could have thrown on the strip to sculpt the sound to my liking.
I've also realized that a tiny bit of EQ'ing on the way in using even just a little Mackie board or a DBX graphic EQ seems to make a more positive difference than all those fancy software EQs modelled after expensive vintage gear. Maybe it doesn't add anything desirable, but as long as it doesn't degrade the signal, I can live w/ that.
I guess this narrows down my wish list quite a bit, because I don't have the money to buy big fancy preamps and channel strips such. So I'm focusing on a few key things, like new pick ups for my Les Paul standard, a (tube) Marshall combo, maybe a RNC compressor, etc. When I have lots more to spend, better monitors will be the first thing on my list.
TCB - Tea, Cats, Books...