Best Nexus by reFX Alternatives 2024

What is Nexus by reFX & what is it used for? Nexus 3 is a highly capable ROMpler plugin used by music producers all around the world. It provides a catalogue of high quality sounds that can readily be used in tracks. While these widely used sounds are professionally crafted and pack quite the punch, these alternatives for Nexus ensure a variety of choices for producers looking to experiment with different sonic textures.

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VPS Avenger 2 By Vengeance Sound 

VPS Avenger Version 2 is a noteworthy evolution in synthesizers after over four years of development by Vengeance Sound. Packed with groundbreaking features like a Spectral Granular module, a new drum loop module, ratchets for ARPs, parallel filtering, and more, this update enhances the user experience with a revamped GUI. Enjoy smoother performance at 60fps, increased stability, better CPU usage, and faster loading times. VPS Avenger Version 2 is a practical and feature-rich synthesizer for music creators.

Current Market Price: $249

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Analog Lab Pro By Arturia

Analog Lab Pro provides a practical sound solution with over 2000 curated sounds from Arturia’s V Collection Instruments. The presets, taken from the V Collection, cover a wide range of tones. The updated browser makes it easy to find sounds by type, style, or genre, streamlining the selection process. The new Studio view allows users to add effects and combine two instruments effortlessly. Additionally, the ability to layer multi-sounds or split presets across the keyboard adds flexibility. Each sound features four new Macro controls for quick sound editing, and automatic parameter mapping for Arturia keyboards simplifies the setup. Mapping parameters to other MIDI controllers is straightforward, and the Stage view allows for dynamic performances. V Collection and Pigments instrument owners can smoothly open the full instrument within Analog Lab, expanding the options for users in a user-friendly way, making it a strong alternative to ReFX Nexus 3.

Current Market Price: $99

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Rave Generator 3 By Audio Blast

RaveGenerator III a versatile rompler/sampler plugin for Windows and Mac in VST3, VST2, AudioUnit, and AAX formats. Packed with over a hundred presets, it’s ideal for crafting nostalgic sounds of old-school rave and 90’s techno, especially the iconic “stab” sounds. The plugin authentically recreates the raw, vintage sound of hardware samplers from that era. Easily navigate through presets using your host’s browsing system, and experiment with parameters like delay, pitch, volume, pan, and more. With features like stacking up to 16 instruments, a patch random function, and effects such as delay, reverb, and 4 types of filters, RaveGenerator III offers a compact yet powerful toolkit for exploration.

Current Market Price: $79

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Synths 1 DX by Karanyi Sounds 

SYNTHS DX is a versatile collection of 60+ instrument presets, perfect for crafting cinematic atmospheres and synthwave music. With 1600+ samples recorded in 24-bit at 48kHz, this library features analog gear, ensuring a fresh and rich sound. Inspired by synths like DAVE SMITH OB6 and YAMAHA DX7, SYNTHS DX offers a straightforward GUI with controls like envelope selectors, effects, and SSL-style EQs. Compatible with Kontakt 5.8.1, this 2.7 GB library is a user-friendly, royalty-free resource for producers seeking authentic synth tones.

Current Market Price: $30

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Cataract 2 by Glitchmachines

Cataract 2 is a refreshed version of the plugin, featuring enhanced sample scanning with integrated effects and a global parameter sequencer. The update streamlines the interface, introducing a new FX module and sequencer. With dual Sample Scanners, X-MOD Morpher, Global Parameter Sequencer, and various sequencers and processors, Cataract 2 allows for the creation of diverse patterns—from nuanced percussive articulations to generative glitch chaos. Unlike typical sample slicers, Cataract dynamically scans segments from up to four audio files, creatively manipulating them. The crossfade knob facilitates morphing between signals, modifiable by LFOs or sequencers, offering a unique sonic palette alternative to ReFX Nexus 3.

Current Market Price: $29

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Sektor by Initial Audio

Sektor is a user-friendly polyphonic wavetable synthesizer known for its efficient design and high-quality sound. Featuring advanced modulation options, it allows easy customization through drag-and-drop or a right-click menu. With OSC+, shape parameters for 16 voices per wavetable oscillator, create substantial unison sounds. Sektor integrates a Heat Up 2 multisample engine for a mix of modern rompler sounds and advanced wavetable synthesis. It includes two effect racks with reverb, delay, distortion, chorus, phaser, trance gate, compressor, stereo shaper, and a 4-band equalizer. This 64-bit/32-bit VST plugin, Audio Unit plugin, and standalone app is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Offering deep customizability, it lets users modify colors, backgrounds, skins, and more. With a straightforward interface, Sektor provides over 500 unique presets in its factory library, suitable for various genres.

Current Market Price: $139

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Analog Dreams by Native Instruments

Analog Dreams offers classic synth sounds from the ’70s and ’80s in a modern and user-friendly interface. As part of the Play Series, it provides 100 ready-to-go presets, including Bass, FX, Leads, Pads, and Plucked categories. The instrument creatively blends processed samples, allowing users to effortlessly infuse their tracks with nostalgic vibes or retro elements. With 150 available sounds, Analog Dreams makes it easy to add ground-shaking basses, rich pads, cutting leads, plucked percussive sounds, and quirky effects to your music, offering a quick and straightforward way to achieve classic synth tones in a contemporary context.

Current Market Price: FREE

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CR8 Creative Sampler by Waves

CR8 Creative Sampler by Waves is a user-friendly tool designed for easy sampling, ideal for beats, looping, and sound design, and a strong competitor for ReFX Nexus 3. Just drag in a sample and start playing or explore advanced features like stretching, looping, syncing, and modulation. It comes with over 2500 free samples and 800 presets, and integrates with the COSMOS Sample Finder for quick sound searches. With the ability to layer up to 8 samples, five stretching options, and easy loop controls, CR8 offers instant playback control and synchronization. It’s a straightforward yet powerful sampler for creative sound exploration.

Current Market Price:

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40’s Very Own Keys By Native Instruments

Introducing 40’S VERY OWN KEYS, a versatile instrument crafted by Noah “40” Shebib for hip-hop and pop. Explore 150 presets of electric piano, grand piano, and classic synth sounds, recorded at 40’s studio. Shape sounds with effects, including a dedicated “40” macro for unique vibes. Part of the Play Series, this user-friendly tool offers real-time control in an intuitive interface. From lush pads to bottom-heavy bass, get the signature sounds of 40’s productions right in your DAW. Each preset comes with creative effects for easy customization. Elevate your music effortlessly with this downsampled synth experience.

Current Market Price: $79

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FAQ

Q: What is a ROMpler?

A ROMpler is a type of electronic musical instrument that combines features of a sampler and a synthesizer. The term “ROMpler” is derived from “Read-Only Memory” (ROM) and “sample player.” Unlike traditional synthesizers that generate sounds using oscillators and filters, ROMplers use pre-recorded samples of real instruments or other sounds stored in read-only memory.

Q: Do VST’s work on both Mac and PC?

Yes, Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins can work on both Mac and PC platforms. VST is a widely supported plugin format in the audio production industry, and developers often create versions of their plugins that are compatible with both operating systems. When you purchase or download a VST plugin, you’ll typically find separate installers for Windows and macOS.

Q: What DAWs will these plugins work with?

VST plugins are compatible with a wide range of digital audio workstations (DAWs) on both Mac and PC platforms. Some popular DAWs that support VST plugins include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Apple Logic Pro X.