Vagabond Synth vs FinalFX

Vagabond is an idiosyncratic wavetable synthesiser, running standalone or as an AUv3 instrument in compatible hosts such as GarageBand, AUM, Loopy Pro or Cubasis. It features 16 voice polyphony, 4 unison oscillators per voice plus a sub-oscillator, switchable filter, a bit of modulation and some effects. Also built in is a MIDI processor plugin, Twelve, a generative music toy that creates 12-bar blues sequences. Vagabond uses this for demo purposes, but you can load it in other hosts if you like. It's kind of a one trick pony, but one trick is better than none. As always, Vagabond is 100% free, no IAPs, no subs, no spyware, no nag screens. We don't want your money and we don't want your data.

FinalFX (“final effects”) is an AUv3 effects plugin that can run standalone, or in any AUv3 compatible host such as Logic Pro, GarageBand or AUM. FinalFX currently runs on iOS (iPad & iPhone) and macOS (Intel & Silicon) and is available as a Universal Purchase from the Apple App Store. If you’re planning on using FinalFX on Mac / desktop, please ensure that your favourite DAW / host supports AUv3 (not just AU). Overview FinalFX is a collection of audio processors useful for mixing and mastering, often referred to as a “channel strip”. Typically you’d add FinalFX literally as your final effects on a stereo master or mix bus channel. FinalFX has been specifically designed to introduce no additional latency in the audio processing chain, and as the CPU load has also been minimised, it can be used in live sound applications. FinalFX comprises three main modules: EQ is a general purpose six band equaliser that can also process in mid / side mode. The frequencies and resonances for each band are fixed, so this EQ is more about subtle, overall tone-shaping, than surgical precision. For example, reducing bass or adding presence. The EQ’d signal can also be mixed with the original dry signal. MID / SIDE focusses on the stereo image with individual gain controls for the middle and sides content of stereo audio, as well as an overall width control which can reduce a stereo signal down to mono. COMPRESSOR / LIMITER adjusts final dynamics and loudness and comprises two compressors in series with variable threshold and ratios. The first compressor stage also has a mix control. This section also includes a variable soft / hard clipper stage and overall output volume control.