FabFilter Total Bundle vs Soundtoys 5

FabFilter Total Bundle is a collection of 14 audio plug-ins for music production and audio processing on macOS and Windows. Its tools cover EQ, reverb, compression, multiband dynamics, limiting, de-essing, gating, distortion, delay, filtering, and synthesis. Listed formats include VST, VST3, Audio Units, CLAP, AAX Native, and AudioSuite; Windows downloads list VST, VST3, CLAP, and AAX, while macOS downloads are described as 64-bit plug-ins in all formats. Downloads are fully functional for a 30-day trial, after which a license key can unlock them. The bundle costs $1,069, paid once. A personal license can unlock the plug-ins on up to three computers used by the licensee. It includes free minor updates, but not new major versions or additions made to the bundle after purchase. FabFilter also describes an offline installation and registration option using an installer and license key transferred to the computer.

Soundtoys 5 is a paid bundle of 23 professional audio effects for reverberation, saturation, compression, distortion, echo, delay, vocal processing, modulation, and related work. Effect Rack lets users arrange custom chains and operate the rack as one plug-in. Version 5.5 adds SpaceBlender to Effect Rack, 67 presets, and resizable interfaces for individual plug-ins. The bundle supports 64-bit AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2, VST 3, and Audio Units formats, with sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. Listed hosts include Pro Tools, Live, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic, Studio One, Reaper, and Bitwig. It runs on macOS 10.15 or later and Windows 10 or later; ARM-based Windows machines are not compatible. Soundtoys offers a free 30-day trial, activated with a code once. The listed bundle price is $599 as a one-time purchase, with two activations and an internet connection required at activation. Soundtoys describes the tools for professional mix engineers, musicians, and sound designers.