In The Box

I used an extensive range of software plug ins for the creation of Ambient Toolkit Vol 2.I have certain reliable favorites which i can always call upon to the job.These plug ins range from the free to the fairly expensive and can be simple dynamic and eq processors to harmonizers,time stretch and delay processors.All of these play an important part in sculpting the final sounds.

Probably my favorite plug in developers are PSP Audioware.I love all their stuff but i think they have some of the best EQ and dynamics processors on the market. The Vintage warmer is a classic and can be used to enliven any sound.I use it to get my beats sounding really saturated but it's such a versatile plug in that it can even be used in mastering or even on the master buss to give a track extra power.I also use the Noble Q EQ .This plug in is allegedly based on the old Pultec hardware EQ and the sound for this EQ is superb.I use it to get a bit more phatness in to snares or beats overall.Most PSP plug ins have a bit of a character to the sound which i prefer although many producers don't like the idea of plug ins colouring the sound. For sound mangling purposes i find Camel audio's plug ins The Camel phat and cm Alchemy player invaluable.Alchemy cm is free with the Computer Music monthly CD and amazing for sound mangling,filtering and re sampling of new sounds.I use both of these consistently and always get interesting results.Another plug in i use a lot is The Pulse Modulator by Audio Damage.This is a fantastic plug in capable of subtle tremelo effects or extreme distorted futuristic sequences.Incredibly, this is also a freebie also with CM magazine ,well worth checking out.The PSP plug ins are all available for a 14 day trial so you can try before you buy.
An unusual stand alone plug in i use is a timestretch  plug in called paulextremesoundstretch. This great for taking boring sounds and turning them into symphonic ambient beauties, again a freebie.With all these software plug ins available,sound design and sound creation are ever more evolving with the potential to create and twist sounds to an extent not possible before.