tlw
EQ - the Quadcurve eq’s emulation functions go beyond the “default eq” most DAWs have. Replacing that with something that has the emulation curves but also the graphical interface is tricky. I’ve ended up with a bunch of Neve/SSL and Pultec emulators but they do lack the number of bands and versatility of the Sonar one.

Have you tried Waves H-EQ? Has several hardware-inspired curves and is pretty decent overall.
 
Also, the new T-RackS EQual has some of the same functionality, and sounds excellent.
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

Great topic and a useful thread. For whatever reason, tried to make the most out of the SONAR/PC modules and steer clear of things like Waves, T-Racks, etc. Have had basic UAD plugs for some time but only used the EMT140 on a regular basis. Expect to be digging into their buss compressors a bit more going forward.  
 
Adaptive Limiter >> starting to work with Eventide Elevate, appears to have potential.  
 
CA-2A >> We can use the standalone version, right? (To be confirmed.)
 
The VLA-3A from Black Rooster is becoming a great go-to, enough so to give their other offerings a good look. 

QuadCurve EQ >> any suggestions appreciated. Fab Filter noted for quality, usability (and price?). Found Melda to be useful, perhaps MAutoDynamicEQ could be a candidate?  

bitflipper
TTS-1 is another. I don't use it often, but it's something for which I have no replacement, either at hand or in mind.

It is a shame that TTS-1 was left as a DXi, rather than migrated to VSTi.  Other than using a hardware rompler with a GM mode, such as my old Roland rack unit, there don't seem to be many software options remaining for something that responds to MIDI patch change messages in the GM spec.
 
But I did run across this in the Halion Sonic SE Operation manual.  Halion Sonic SE is bundled with Cubase Elements.
 

Program Changes

Determines how HALion Sonic SE handles incoming MIDI program change
messages.
● In GM Mode, program change messages are used to switch programs in the
slots of the multi program rack.
● Select Off to ignore incoming controller change messages.

General MIDI Mode

Select General MIDI Mode to play back MIDI files that have been arranged for
General MIDI sound sets. General MIDI mode supports MIDI program change
messages and preloads a global chorus and reverb effect on AUX FX 1 and 3 for
immediate use.

If General MIDI mode is activated, all loaded programs are removed and the 16
slots are assigned to the 16 MIDI channels. As long as General MIDI mode is active,
the 16 MIDI channels on the MIDI page cannot be changed.

The MediaBay sets an instrument set filter and displays only the General MIDI
sounds. The MIDI program changes 0–127 refer to the corresponding GM Sound
attributes of the MediaBay. This means that you can make any of your sounds
part of the General MIDI sound set by setting the GM Sound attribute on the
corresponding sound.

NOTE

The General MIDI sounds that come with HALion Sonic SE are optimized for fast
loading times. However, larger programs take longer to load.

Melda autodynamic is a great product. Doesn't offer the emulations if quadcurve but does offer so much more and better value than fabfilter

mumpcake
For example, the Blue Tube series is locked, but I can get the full version for $79 from JRR.
BREVERB and TH3 are locked, but I could upgrade to the full version.  Plus there are a lot of other options for reverb and amp sims that I already have.
 
I like the tape sim in PC.  Nomad Factory's Magnetic II should do the trick.
 
I'm not sure about what to replace the console simulator with.

I have two to replace TH3: Positive Grid's BIAS (which some are for some reason biased against) and Blue Cat Audio's Destructor. Of course there's Guitar Rig as well, and iZotope's Trash, but that one I find to be better in plain sound mangling than as an amp sim.
 
Breverb can be bought as a stand alone plugin as well, but there are ample reverbs a plenty. Valhalla DSP reverbs will not break your bank. I've heard good things about this https://www.toneboosters.com/tb_reverb_v4.html but have not tried it myself.
 
The Blue Tubes pack contains things you can replace with the Melda Free collection https://www.meldaproduction.com/MFreeFXBundle and some Voxengo http://www.voxengo.com/group/free-vst-plugin-download/ .
 
As for tape sims... Slate's Virtual Tape Machines. But if you don't want to spend that kind of money then maybe this: https://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-tape
 
Console emulator... MAybe this: https://www.hornetplugins...rnet-channelstrip-mk3/

Eddie TX

husker
They are selling their Full Studio pack for $99.  Is this a good deal?

Oh yeah, I just noticed this at Audio Deluxe. The Integral pack is a big box o' fun. This is the lowest price you're likely to see.
 
Mind you, these plugins aren't necessarily state-of-the-art. Most are past their prime, frankly. But there are some gems in there -- the Pulse-Tec and All-Tech EQs, Magnetic II, Echoes, all the Blue Tubes stuff ... enough to keep you busy for a while.
 
Note that this bundle does not include the newer Nomad plugs like Cosmos, Bus Driver, or Analog Studio Rack. You can get those separately at good prices right now, though.
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

 
I have the NF integral bundle II - Cosmos IS in the bundle.   I really like a lot of them.
* Now includes Nomad Factory product, "Cosmos". 
http://store.dontcrack.co...fo.php?products_id=898

Thanks, I wasn't aware they added Cosmos to the bundle. Makes it a better deal, for sure!
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

Hmmm.    Neither the Nomad Factory site nor AudioDeluxe show Cosmos included.  I wonder if this is just at dontcrack?   If Cosmos is included, I probably would buy!
 
I would prefer to get at AD though..

husker
Hmmm.    Neither the Nomad Factory site nor AudioDeluxe show Cosmos included.  I wonder if this is just at dontcrack?   If Cosmos is included, I probably would buy!
 
I would prefer to get at AD though..

go to the "dontcrack" link - it's included.  I bought the $99 bundle and the unlock DID include unlocking COSMOS. 
Pretty sure it's included now standard, but yes - I did buy at "dontcrack" just to make sure.
 
BTW - they (dontcrack) have a "freebie" Xpand!2  for $0
http://store.dontcrack.com/product_info.php?products_id=2954
 

Regarding TTS-1, Mr. Anderton made a post in the recent past (maybe today) that showed a workaround to access DXI plugs.