KVR Developer Challenge 2023 is now live! Everyone interested can download 21 freeware VST plugins. KVR Audio forum members can now vote for their favorite entries.
This is the ninth edition of the KVR Developer Challenge. Audio developers were invited to submit new plugins or sound libraries for a chance to win one of the five available cash prizes. The prize pool is sponsored by KVR Audio forum members.
Previous editions of the KVR Developer Challenge brought us legendary freeware plugins like Nova-67P (which later evolved into TDR Nova and became one of the best currently available free EQ plugins), Triple Cheese by u-he, Youlean Loudness Meter, Multiply by Acon Digital (one of the best free choruses), Emissary by Ignite Amps, and many more amazing freebies.
This year’s plugin lineup is equally exciting, and I’m sure that everyone will find at least one keeper among the many available freebies.
We are currently testing the entries and will feature our favorite ones in separate news articles. Until then, I will quickly mention some of the KVR Developer Challenge 2023 plugins that instantly caught my attention.
Wave Breaker by Press Play
First up is Wave Breaker, a transparent true-peak stereo limiter plugin developed by Press Play.
Wave Breaker promises highly precise limiting with true-peak detection and look-ahead audio analysis to ensure full transparency. The plugin also features 4x oversampling and a great-looking waveform display borrowed from Press Play’s free Wave Observer audio analysis plugin.
If you’re looking for a transparent limiter that can handle complex mastering tasks, definitely check out Wave Breaker. I am currently testing it, and my first impressions are, well, impressive.
MONSTER OctaChord by Monster DAW
Monster DAW develops some of the best Maize Sampler plugins on the market, and MONSTER OctaChord is no exception.
It is an easy-to-use chord generator that can help you find inspiration when working on a new song. The controls are easy to understand even for a complete beginner, so this is an excellent tool to help you get started with making music on a computer.
The developer also provided a complete tutorial video to help you figure out how to use the plugin.
My prediction is that MONSTER OctaChord will be one of the top three picks this year.
Solaris by Adam Szabo
Solaris is a free shimmer reverb effect developed by Adam Szabo.
If the developer’s name sounds familiar, that’s probably because you used his fantastic Phazor plugin at some point or listened to some of his music (Adam is also a music producer).
His latest plugin is one of my favorite KVR Developer Challenge 2023 entries so far, packing a huge-sounding reverb into a clean and highly intuitive interface. Just like the fan-favorite Valhalla Super Massive, Solaris will magically transform a basic sound into a complex soundscape.
It’s one of those reverbs that makes everything sound better. Yes, you probably won’t use it on your lead vocal, but it’s a must-have in any sound designer’s toolbox.
Check out some of the included presets in the demo video below.
Several BPB readers already recommended Solaris in the comments section, and our readers are rarely (if ever) wrong! Definitely give this reverb a try if you’re looking for an inspirational sound design tool.
To download the free plugins, simply visit the KVR Developer Challenge 2023 page linked below. You don’t have to be a registered KVR Audio forum member to download the plugins, but an account is required if you want to vote for your favorites.
A big THANK YOU to everyone at KVR Audio for creating another incredible developer challenge, and here’s looking forward to the next one!
More info: KVR Developer Challenge 2023
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