AKA Lui’s Top 4 - Production Plug-Ins

Arturia - Mellotron

I’m no synth expert but I know what I like to hear and the Mellotron gave me so much vibe straight off the bat. It has limitations as does the original hardware model but it is an amazing-sounding synth. It’s amazing how sounds can make you nostalgic for a time before you were even born. That is the power of music and how it can transport you to a time and a place.

Soundtoys - Crystalliser

A new favourite in the production repertoire, this can spice up boring sounds and bring whole new sections to your tracks simply by putting it on an existing sound. I love plug-ins that have a random uncontrollable element to them, where you aren’t actually seeking a sound or dialling in with any intentionality, but you are simply playing around with knobs and presets and waiting until you hear something that excites you.

Valhalla Verb

It needs no introduction. Boring and to be expected I know, but it is such a versatile & cheap reverb that I think everyone should have it in their folder. I put this in here as a PSA for anyone new to production.

Neural DSP - Archetype Cory Wong

I chased that clean strat sound for so long and was never satisfied with the outcome. The combination of the APOLLO hi-z input and the Cory Wong Amp Sim has allowed me to get that desired tone by plugging straight into the interface. You can use the plug-in as an entire onboard pedalboard. It will act as my Amplifier and Pedalboard for my upcoming live shows. I’m all about streamlining and simplifying workflow as much as possible. This plug-in really