Four plugins caught our attention this week: a filter playground from Rob Papen, a complete orchestral rewrite from UVI, spectral compression wizardry from KERN Audio, and a free multi-effects gift from Unfiltered Audio.
Rob Papen FilterField - $39 (intro through May 31)
Rob Papen released FilterField on May 7th, combining 32 analog-modeled filters with their signature XY control field. The plugin packs analog-modeled filters, comb filters, vowel filters, EQ filters, all-pass filters, and phaser filters into one interface.
What makes FilterField interesting is the special processing modes: ring modulation, amplitude modulation, frequency shift, and frequency-modulated LP/HP/BP configurations. You get feedback LP/HP/BP filters too. The XY field lets you morph between four filter configurations in real-time, with three LFOs for movement and 21 distortion types for character.
The intro price runs through May 31st at $39 (regular $49). This is part of Rob Papen's eXplorer-11 bundle update, which now includes 36 plugins total with the addition of FilterField and RAW-Kick 2.
FilterField supports VST3, AU, and AAX on Mac and Windows.
UVI Orchestral Suite 2 - $129 (intro through May 31)
UVI released Orchestral Suite 2 on May 12th, a complete ground-up rebuild of their symphonic orchestra library. This is not an update - it is a full re-recording and redesign.
The new version includes strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, choirs, and keys with full articulation depth. Most instruments feature editable multi-microphone setups. The standout addition is the new Composer mode, designed for easier chord progressions and harmonic writing.
The engine has been rebuilt for better performance and more realistic expression. UVI recorded everything fresh for this version rather than updating the existing samples.
Intro pricing runs through May 31st at $129 (regular $199). Existing Orchestral Suite owners can upgrade for $59. Requires UVI Workstation (free) or Falcon.
Platform support includes VST3, AU, AAX on Mac and Windows.
KERN Audio PUSH - $29
KERN Audio shipped PUSH on May 12th, their fifth plugin and a three-character spectral compressor. PUSH works across 40 ERB-spaced frequency bands, following how human ears group frequencies rather than linear frequency spacing.
The concept positions PUSH before your final compressor to pre-shape the signal. Instead of one compressor doing all the work, PUSH handles the frequency-specific dynamics first. The three characters offer different compression behaviors across the frequency spectrum.
KERN designed PUSH to complement rather than replace traditional compressors. It processes dynamics in a way that follows psychoacoustic principles - the ERB (Equivalent Rectangular Bandwidth) spacing matches how our ears naturally separate frequencies.
PUSH is available standalone for $29 or as part of the KERN bundle (Smooth, Warm, Wide, Push, plus free Check) for $59 intro through May 25th, then $69 regular.
Supports VST3 and AU on Mac and Windows.
Unfiltered Audio BattleFX - Free
Unfiltered Audio extracted the send effects from their Battalion drum synthesizer and released them as a free standalone plugin. BattleFX includes the Shatter Delay and Headspace Reverb modules, now available for any track in your session.
The Shatter Delay combines granular stretching, sample crushing, and feedback for creative delay effects. Headspace Reverb provides the spatial processing. Both can run independently or together.
BattleFX adds an automatic choke system that cuts effect tails according to user-defined timing. This prevents the infinite buildup common with feedback-heavy effects.
The plugin is completely free - no limited-time offer or feature restrictions. Add it to cart on Unfiltered Audio's website, complete the free checkout, and get your license key via email.
Available in VST3, AU, and AAX for Mac (native Apple Silicon and Intel) and Windows.
This Week's Standout
FilterField takes the spotlight this week. Rob Papen packed 32 different filter types with XY morphing, three LFOs, and 21 distortion flavors into one plugin. The frequency-modulated filter modes and feedback configurations push beyond standard filter territory. At $39 intro, it is priced for immediate experimentation rather than extended consideration.
These four releases show the current plugin landscape: established names expanding their core offerings, orchestral libraries getting ground-up rebuilds, spectral processing becoming more accessible, and companies giving away genuinely useful tools for free.
Next week brings more releases as we head into summer plugin season.