KSHMR Essentials
by W.A. Production · Multi-FX · One-knob instrument processing suite
Not rated yet
KSHMR Essentials is a processing plugin designed with DJ and producer KSHMR, with separate modules for bass, drums, kick, synths and vocals.
Each module runs a dedicated chain from single dials, with auto-gain and a soft clipper. It lists at $39.90 and was on sale for $19.90.
Best for: Drums, Bass, Vocals, Keys & Synths. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Hip-Hop & Trap.
Keywords: bass, vocals, drums, synths, kick, beginner-friendly, single knob, auto-gain, live performance, soft clip, enhancement, glue, samples & loops, tape, wide, airy, exciter, fuzz, mid/side, minimal controls, mixing, resizable UI, sub bass, thick, visual feedback.
What it does
KSHMR Essentials is a W.A. Production collaboration with the DJ and producer KSHMR that packs five source-specific processing chains into one plugin. The idea is that "ease-of-use is the priority": every module in a chain is a single dial.
- Bass: Harmonics, Fuzz, Pressure, Excite, Sub, Side Cut, Width and Compression.
- Kick: Sub bass, Mid, Air, Transients, Tape saturation, Pressure, Compression and Width.
- Drums: Air, Body, Details, Pressure, Transients, Tape saturation, Width and Glue.
- Synths: Body, Presence, Air, Exciter, Details, Pressure, Expand and Glue.
- Vocals: Gate, Body, Clarity, Air, Compression, Pressure, Spread and Glue.
- Output stage: Auto-Gain adjustable from -12 to +12 dB, and a soft clipper with variable settings.
- Display and monitoring: real-time waveform or frequency display, with left, right, mid and side monitoring modes.
Version 1.2.0 (June 2022) added a resizable interface and an improved preset manager. A demo is available.
Source: W.A. Production product page
When to use it
KSHMR Essentials is the quicker, more guided option: you pick the source (bass, kick, drums, synths or vocals) and turn eight labelled dials, with no routing to think about. Compared with Kilohearts Multipass or Soundtoys Effect Rack, it gives up any chain building or band splitting in exchange for speed. Unlike Excite Audio's KSHMR Chain, which is about building effect chains, it focuses on everyday tone shaping and loudness. Its price is also well below most of the rated multi-effects, though the single dials hide what each stage is really doing.
- Best for: fast tone shaping on kicks, basslines, drum loops, synth parts and vocals, especially for beginners or quick sketches.
- Genres: EDM, pop and hip-hop.
- Look elsewhere if: you want to see and tweak each stage; separate EQ, compressor and saturation plugins, or Multipass for a custom chain, give far more control.
- Tip: EDM Reviewer found it most useful for livening up dry samples, and liked the vocal chain best, followed by bass.
What producers say
The one full review we found sees it as a well-made shortcut for beginners rather than an essential tool.
- EDM Reviewer (April 2020) praised the well-done interface, reasonable CPU use and audible gains, such as a "thicker presence" on bass and vocals that sat "more upfront".
- Criticisms: it is helpful to beginners only "to limited extents", experienced producers can recreate its effects with their own chains, and preset names vanished when closing instances in the version tested.
Where to buy
- W.A. Production: $19.90 (regular $39.90)
- Plugin Boutique: $39.90
Tutorials and reviews
- KSHMR Essentials - Multi FX KSHMR Signature Plugin (VST / AU / AAX)
- KSHMR Essentials - Complete Guide (+ Before / After Examples)
- KSHMR ESSENTIALS REVIEW - IS IT WORTH IT???
- KSHMR Essentials Review - Mixing Track With Vocals
- 中にプロのエンジニアが住んでる神プラグイン！KSHMR Essentials W. A. Production
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