Plugins, Software & Gear that took music making & DJing to new heights in 2023

The tools that power music creation are never static, and 2023 yielded some particularly remarkable leaps forward in software and hardware for producers, engineers, composers and more. As both prominent music technology brands and upstart developers sought to carve out new sonic territory, they unleashed a slew of forward-thinking releases that unlocked new depths of sound design, workflow efficiency, and creative possibility. Modular platforms underwent meteoric mutations while stalwart DAWs forged upgrades that kept pace with rapid production techniques.

Customizability was king; producers now wield unparalleled control of shaping sound via flexible effects, instruments, and mixing tools. Hardware expanded beyond analog to digitally driven designs equally adept at augmenting both acoustic and synthesized performances. Across production realms spanning Ableton Live to Pro Tools, DIY bedrooms to tricked-out studios, music-making reached spectacular new heights in 2023 thanks to revolutionary instruments, effects, apps, plug-ins, protocols and gear. We survey the most boundary-pushing breakthroughs that got musicians, engineers, and creators innovating at higher levels than ever this past year.

FL Studio 21.2

Image-Line shook up the music production landscape this year with several game-changing additions in FL Studio 21.2. Most remarkably, the popular DAW’s new Stem Separation tool leverages AI to instantly split tracks into separate vocal, instrumental, bass and percussion components. Creators now wield unparalleled remixing and manipulation capabilities to dissect and customize song elements in new ways. An integrated subscription offering called FL Cloud also made waves by bundling the first seamless access within FL Studio to an ever-expanding, tempo-synced sample library, AI-powered instant mastering tailored to streaming platforms, and even direct distribution to major music services.

While FL Studio itself remains a traditionally purchased product with free lifetime updates, FL Cloud’s credits system unlocks these new collaborative, distribution, and sound design perks. Between remodeling audio stems and augmenting production resources through the cloud, Image-Line is spearheading the next era for how an accessible, beat-centric DAW can enhance creativity. As the lines between songwriting, sound design, collaboration and release blur in the face of advancing computer music technologies, FL Studio continues staking its claim as a production hub ready for the future.

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WARM – Radio Airplay Tracking

As streaming becomes increasingly crowded, artists need innovative tools to cut through the noise. That’s where WARM, one of 2023’s best new music technologies, comes in. WARM provides unrivaled radio airplay insights to supercharge your career.

By continuously monitoring over 25,000 radio stations worldwide, WARM delivers exclusive access to real-time spin data. Armed with this intelligence, artists, managers and labels can precisely track song performance, monitor audience growth, identify emerging markets, optimize touring, boost fan engagement, inform rights management, expedite royalties, and elevate marketing strategies.

Powered by pioneering audio fingerprinting technology from industry leaders ACRCloud, WARM assigns a unique ID to tracks, enabling it to pinpoint global radio plays with unerring accuracy. Users gain a comprehensive overview of airplay metrics to take their career to the next level.

As streaming plateaus, radio retains dominance for music discovery. Recent research shows over 50% still use radio as their main discovery channel, with consistent appeal across demographics.

In today’s highly competitive landscape, data is power. By revealing untapped opportunities and hidden potential, WARM provides the key insights needed to thrive. It’s an essential weapon in any modern musician’s armory and a transformative force for career success.

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DJ.Studio

DJ.Studio has shaken up the world of DJ software in 2023 with its game-changing automated mixing capabilities. Founded by electronic music enthusiast Siebrand Dijkstra, this pioneering platform leverages advanced AI and harmonic mixing technology to craft perfect DJ mixes in minutes with only a playlist.

By syncing users’ existing music libraries from various DJ apps and streaming platforms, DJ.Studio’s algorithms analyze track keys and BPM to flawlessly beat-match and blend songs. This eliminates the time-consuming manual work of matching tempos, keys, and phrases. Users can then focus on creatively arranging playlists, customizing transitions and effects, and exporting studio-quality mixes for further editing.

Backed by renowned harmonic mixing tool Mixed In Key, DJ.Studio makes over 250 million calculations per minute to ensure every mix sounds professionally tuned. Beyond just serving established DJs, features like instant YouTube integration also lower the barrier for newcomers to start mixing their favorite tracks.

With support for all major DJ apps and distributors like rekordbox, Serato and Traktor, DJ.Studio’s automatic mixing capabilities save precious time while opening creative possibilities. As both a revolutionary tool for pros and an accessible entry point for beginners, DJ.Studio has already shaken up the DJ landscape since its launch. Its continued refinement promises to further transform mixing workflows.

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XLN Audio Life

XLN Audio’s new Life plugin brings accessible beat-making inspiration from the sounds around you. With deep integration to XLN’s Life Field Recorder mobile app, Life imports your field samples to generate unique beats via machine learning models. From there, tweak slice points, effects, density, syncopation and more to craft beats that retain an organic flavour. Or take things further by capturing high-quality recordings straight into your DAW workflow with the Life DAW Recorder tool.

Together, Life’s recording and sound manipulation capabilities remove barriers between inspiration and creation. Musicians can step away from tired sample packs by letting Life transform personal field recordings into customized beats. While intelligent algorithms do the heavy lifting, easy access to details keeps humans firmly in creative control. By balancing simplicity with adjustability, Life opens new avenues for injecting authenticity into your productions using just your phone.

Transform everyday moments into usable musical materials at the click of a button, then retain signature textures as you craft signature grooves. For an accessible on-ramp to fresher beatmaking fueled by your own experiences, Life promises inspiration is never far away.

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Sonible smart:EQ4

In the realm of cutting-edge plugins and software that elevated the landscape of music production and DJing in 2023, smart:EQ 4 emerges as a game-changer. Building upon the success of its predecessor, smart:EQ 3, the latest version introduces a host of revolutionary features, establishing itself as the ultimate spectral mixing equalizer. The inclusion of ‘Remote Control‘ group functions allows for seamless management of multiple instances, fostering a collaborative and efficient workflow.

The addition of genre-based mix profiles, dynamic EQ bands, and the ability to match tonality to a reference track demonstrates a commitment to precision and versatility. This plugin’s prowess extends to both individual track and group modes, offering a novel approach to mixing that aligns with the evolving needs of music producers. With innovations like ‘Auto Gain’ to address potential level variations, smart:EQ 4 stands out as a vital tool for achieving sonic excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of music creation in 2023.

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Pioneer DJ DJM-A9

Pioneer DJ shakes up its flagship mixer lineup with the heavyweight DJM-A9. Successor to the venerable DJM-900 NXS2, this chunky, feature-packed unit packs upgrades to fulfill modern DJ needs across mixing, effects, I/O and more.

Most visibly, the DJM-A9 sports an expanded microphone section now with phantom power, multi-mode FX, and routing options perfect for vocalists and broadcast DJs. Dual USB connections, MIDI mapping and Bluetooth round out seamless software and hardware integration.

Updates to the classic Color FX and Beat FX sections unlock more creative sound-shaping, including a unique Center Lock mechanic preventing overzealous tweaks. And the crisp touchscreen grants both performance feedback and deep customization utilities.

While reasonably iterative on Pioneer’s proven club-standard design, the DJM-A9 does trade portability for its rugged, oversized build. With a luxury price tag to match, it remains a no-brainer upgrade for venues but could prove harder to justify for home setups. Still, modernized I/O, fortified controls, and inventive features confirm Pioneer DJ retains the innovation to go with its reputation.

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Arturia FX Collection 4

Arturia bolsters its acclaimed FX Collection with four new additions in version 4, rounding out the bundle to an even 30 plugins spanning all essential studio effect needs. Most intriguing among newcomers like the Rotary CLS-222 speaker emulation and iconic Korg MS-20 filter recreation. Now dubbed Rev LX-24, Arturia captures the classic digital character and breakthrough algorithms that cemented Lexicon’s status for lush reverbs. Beyond flawlessly modeling the original’s quirks like limited sample rates, Rev LX-24 enhances core elements for more modern, customizable applications via features like decay optimization and a powerful advanced editing view.

Even existing FX Collection effects receive boosts like expanded modulation options. And Arturia implements full accessibility support across the entire bundle to further remove barriers for visually impaired producers. At a slightly premium €499 price tag, FX Collection 4 retains immense value between its 30 plugins effectively covering every basic effect need while keeping innovation alive across new models and quality-of-life upgrades.

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Bitwig Studio 5

Bitwig’s continuous innovation secured its status as a frontrunner in music technology this past year. Version 5 of the trailblazing Bitwig Studio DAW introduced capabilities that further blur the lines between software and the creative process. New project-wide modulators and remote controls bridge the gaps between devices, enabling producers to map synth-style LFOs and controllers to parameters across tracks, instruments and effects.

This effectively extends Bitwig’s signature instrument-like workflow to the entire project, unlocking sound design and automation possibilities previously confined within plugins. Pair this with modern sound-shaping tools like the Wavetable LFO module, and Bitwig provides not just a blank canvas, but one with creative tools integrated directly into the composition surface. As producers from bedroom beginners to pros sought more adaptive software in 2023, Bitwig positioned itself at the bleeding edge with version 5’s customizable workflows and deep but intuitive sound programming environment. For many, Bitwig Studio already felt like an instrument – the latest updates cement it as an indispensable creative outlet rather than merely a DAW.

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FabFilter Pro R2

FabFilter shakes up the reverb status quo with the monumental Pro-R 2, unveiled today. Transforming their esteemed debut algorithmic reverb plug-in into a surround/Atmos-compatible powerhouse, Pro-R 2 supplements pristine imaging and detailed programming with game-changing sound design and workflow upgrades. An open, tag-based preset browser meets new Plate and Vintage algorithms alongside the ability to import and convert impulse responses into fully tweakable reverbs.

Further creative options emerge in enhanced diffusion shaping, tempo-synced gating and ducking, thickening saturation controls and more. By retaining the signature transparent sound design options Pro-R pioneered while greatly expanding sonic flexibility and immersive support, FabFilter sustains an enviable legacy where innovative engineering intersects with accessibility. Now equally suited to crafting realistic spaces or more stylized effects, Pro-R 2 hits the proverbial sweet spot between customizability and simplicity that appeals to all levels of audio professionals across applications.

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Sonarworks Virtual Monitoring

Audio technology specialists Sonarworks push headphone mixing into new territory with their pioneering Virtual Monitoring ad-on. Unveiled as an add-on to the popular SoundID Reference platform, Virtual Monitoring leverages state-of-the-art convolution processing and meticulously measured studio profiles to recreate immersive, credible monitoring experiences – fully inside headphones.

By simulating critical aspects like speaker crossfeed and early room reflections, the software grants producers reliable depth perception akin to mixing on studio monitors. This aims to eliminate longstanding compromises around headphone mixing translating poorly across systems. Yet it retains all the fine detail, intimacy and portability inherent to headphones themselves.

Supporting over 500 models and counting, Virtual Monitoring builds atop Sonarworks’ existing headphone correction prowess. Their reference target and advanced matching algorithms provide the ideal launch point for next-level spatial processing. Visually, the software also renders a stylized but accurate virtual studio environment with switchable near/mid/far-field monitors modeled after real-world measurements.

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BABY Audio Transit

Electronic music producers have long relied on complex chains of effects, automation, and sound design tricks to create the ideal energy and seamless transitions in their tracks. Now, the revolutionary new plugin Transit from Baby Audio looks to streamline this entire process with its quick workflow and wealth of movement-crafting tools.

Created in partnership with producer Andrew Huang, Transit enables fast-track momentum and vibe shifts via seven slots loaded with 18 different transition-tailored effects modules – from delays and phase to OTT compression. Over 200 factory presets provide instant starting points. But the simplicity and versatility of chaining together various impactful effects opens limitless transition design possibilities with very little manual input needed.

Whether in Macro mode for controlling the provided effects over specific bars, or using the advanced Sequencer mode to program in endless modulation variations, Transit aims to stimulate creativity while eliminating the tedious legwork. For electronic producers and really any creator, this innovative plugin stands to revolutionize the entire approach to arranged dynamic variations. By condensing the most exciting elements of complex processing and automation to transition-specific essentials controllable on a musical grid, Baby Audio seem to have delivered the perfect antidote to arrangement fatigue.

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Emvoice One

Emvoice, a pioneering vocal synthesis company, is at the forefront of revolutionizing the landscape of vocal recordings in music production, particularly addressing the gap between professional vocal recordings and the quality achievable with vocal sample packs. The evolution of their flagship product, Emvoice One, began in 2019 with the introduction of the first full voice, ‘Lucy.’ Following this success, the company expanded its offerings with the addition of four new voices in the subsequent years. Now, with their fifth release, the introduction of ‘Andre‘ further solidifies Emvoice’s commitment to advancing vocal synthesis technology.

At the heart of Emvoice’s high-tech development is a mission to empower every artist with the transformative power of the human voice. The Emvoice plugin caters to a diverse range of users, including bedroom producers seeking an alternative to recording real singers, professional producers looking to add draft lyrics to express their vision to vocalists, and those exploring unconventional creative applications that traditional methods cannot achieve.

Emvoice’s unique approach involves breaking down vocals into granular parts, reconstructing them seamlessly into complete vocal performances. The cloud-based engine facilitates the transfer of these vocals over the internet to users’ computers, offering a convenient and efficient workflow. Emvoice’s innovative technology marks a significant leap forward in democratizing vocal production, making advanced vocal synthesis accessible to a wide range of music creators.

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Novation FL Key

The Novation FL Key MIDI controller series emerges as a pinnacle choice for FL Studio enthusiasts, boasting seamless integration and workflow enhancements tailored for the popular digital audio workstation. Specifically designed for optimal functionality with FL Studio, the FL Key consolidates transport adjustment, pattern sequencing, sound design, and mixer management into comprehensive keyboards with LCD displays, eliminating the constant need to switch between mouse and keyboard.

Novation FL Key excels in providing FL Studio users with unparalleled integration and workflow efficiency. The controller’s class-compliant nature ensures compatibility across operating systems, while its premium build quality and design contribute to a top-notch user experience. Boasting deep integration features, including preset browsing, direct channel rack playing, and versatile chord modes, the FL Key 61 proves to be a valuable investment for producers dedicated to optimizing their creative process within the FL Studio environment.

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Moog Mariana 

Moog dives to new lows with Mariana, a spot-on namesake for a bass synth boasting enough subterranean sonics to rival the famed Mariana Trench’s deepest point on Earth. This latest virtual instrument distinguishes itself through a dual-layer architecture, stacking two independent yet linkable synthesizers armed with oscillators, filters and envoys tailor-made for engineering Richter-scale lows.

But between comprehensive modulation options, a multi-mode filter section per layer, onboard effects, and more, Mariana reveals hidden versatility behind its bass facade as well. This becomes apparent across the 200-odd presets highlighting leads, keys, and textural tones. Still, that meticulous attention to thunderous low-end remains evident whether rattling eardrums with MPE slides or vibrating subs to the very fringe of hearing.

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Native Instruments Traktor X1MK3

The Traktor X1 MK3, Native Instruments’ latest DJ controller, takes center stage as an advanced and immersive addition to the Traktor community. With five OLED displays situated above each channel, including a central collection and two more for effects details, the controller offers DJs a comprehensive tool to masterfully control their mix. A striking visual element is introduced with lights underneath and customizable color choices, providing a clear visual cue for playback status and upcoming song transitions.

An exciting feature, Mixer Mode, elevates control over EQs and channel levels, seamlessly transitioning between effects control and DJ mixer mode. This newfound flexibility is enhanced by the convenience of monitoring all channels directly on the displays. The Traktor X1 MK3 leverages the power of Native Instruments’ Traktor Pro 3 software, allowing users to customize the controller according to their preferences. The software itself boasts advanced time-stretching, an upgraded limiter, an extensive effects library, and refined mixing workflow options.

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Ableton Live 12

Ableton unveiled Live 12 this year, ushering in refinements that remove visual clutter for a cleaner interface. New Themes deliver more contrast while still being easy on the eyes, including a default theme that adapts to light/dark modes. Beyond aesthetics, key improvements allow more parameters to be viewed simultaneously without switching views. Arrangement mixing capabilities are also enhanced, with the Mixer now accessible from both Session and Arrangement.

Additionally, Live 12 introduces new Generators and Transformations as creative tools for MIDI clip manipulation. Generators quickly create patterns via devices like Euclidean rhythm generators, chord tools, etc. Transformations then process the results by arpeggiating, strumming, quantizing and more. Together, they enable more playful, modular sound design and composition directly within clips.

Several music theory-based workflows also help producers explore ideas. New Keys, Scales and Tuning System support means that pitch-aware parameters across Live stay musically consistent when changing key or exploring non-standard tunings. This unlocks more adaptive instruments and effects.

New additions like the Meld synth and Roar multi-stage distortion effect offer plenty of creative fodder. But perhaps most revolutionary is the Performance Pack, containing an array of Max devices for parameter mapping, variation, arrangement looping, and more during live performance or improvisation. Though currently available in the beta version, Ableton Live 12 is all set for its final launch in January 2024.

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