Dead Duck Software has released the Dead Duck Effects Bundle and Dead Duck Synth Bundle, two collections of audio effects and virtual instruments in VST plugin format for Windows.
The synth bundle consists of two virtual instruments, DDX10 and DJX10. One is a simple FM synthesizer whereas the other is a bit more advanced subtractive synth. Both instruments are nicely designed with clean, modern looking interfaces and easily readable labels. They come with a small but useful selection of factory presets to help new users get started with patch programming.
The effects bundle is much larger, consisting of sixteen different FX units in VST plugin format. These are mostly bread and butter effects that every producer needs in his arsenal, covering everything from basic delays and modulation effects to compressors and channel strips. All plugins share a uniform look which is nice to see and they’re definitely among the nicer looking freeware plugins I’ve seen recently.
What’s particularly interesting is that the virtual instruments are almost identical, both in terms of nomenclature and available features, to the freeware plugins posted by MDA of Smartelectronix ages ago. And this is no coincidence. The Dead Duck Synth Bundle instruments are based on the original MDA plugin code and this is clearly stated in the included license file. I’m glad to see that these classic virtual instruments are now available for use on 64-bit Windows systems and even enhanced with modern GUIs.
On the other hand, the effects are completely original creations and they seem like a very useful collection of tools for mixing and music production. I still haven’t tested the lot in my studio, but I’ll make sure to do it later tomorrow.
Dead Duck Effects Bundle and Dead Duck Synth Bundle are available for free download via Dead Duck Software (ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin format for Windows).
Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Tomislav Zlatic.
