The guys from the German Beat magazine have launched a plugin subscription portal called Plugs-Samples.com. This page offers all the DVD content of the magazine for download when subscribing to the service. This content includes 8.5 gigabytes of VST/AU plugins, instruments, effects, audio software, samples, loops, sound banks etc. "Everything a producer needs“, as they claim.
The monthly issues usually come with two highlight plugins, which are either Beat branded versions of existing plugins, with a slightly reduced feature set, or full software versions. The latest highlights include plugins like u-he BeatZille, Thorn Solo, a monophonic edition of Dmitry Sches' flagship synth, Xils StiX LE, Hybrid 3 and Vacuum Pro by AIR Music Tech, but also full DAWs like Acid Music Studio, Sonar Home Studio are part of the content from time to time.
"We've been asked for a digital subscription model so many times, that we felt the need to push this project. Especially non-german customers, who buy the mag only for its DVD contents, will benefit from this service a lot. Instead of buying the print magazine and waiting for its delivery they now can subscribe and download plugins, instruments and samples instantly“ says Marco Scherer, developer of the portal.
The three available subscription plans differ in duration and price, starting at 4.99 Euro per month. They offer access to three or twelve future issues, whilst the largest plan - called Platinum Plus - also adds access to all back issues, which are 64 right now. This said, it's important to mention that the license contingent of some plugins is limited. On the other hand the licenses never expire. Even after a subscription ends, the licenses will still be valid.
The content is updated every month. Once logged in with a valid subscription you can browse the available issues and select the software you want to download individually, so there's no need to leech the entire DVD disk image. According to the Plugs-Samples.com staff the upcoming highlights will include full versions of Ozone Elements 8, Audifieds' STA Preamp 2 and Strum Session by Applied Acoustics.
Price: Starting from €4.99 EUR per month
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Discussion
The main part I would like clarification on though is the difference between the Platinum and Platinum Plus subscriptions. In the article it states only the Platinum Plus subscription has access to back issues but the site states the Platinum one does too. HOWEVER, and this is the question, I find no reference to anywhere, What does "Full access to Studio Drive" mean? It exists in the Gold and Platinum subscriptions but not in the Platinum Plus. I suspect that this means with the lower versions I can access back issues but not download from them. Is this correct? Would really like some clarification on this as I am very interested in this model.
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