Plugins & Your DAW
Must-have, AI-assisted, Reverbs, & Workflow
Welcome to the June 2026 issue of RECORDING Magazine. This month, we focus on DAWs, plugins, and the workflows that define how today’s music is created, mixed, and delivered. From essential plugin processors and creative effects to the platforms that tie it all together, this issue offers a practical, real-world look at modern production tools in action.
REVIEWS
On the DAW side, we take a close look at the latest generation of production platforms, including a side-by-side look at Steinberg Cubase 15 and Steinberg Nuendo 15, as well as the evolving feature set of Ableton Live 12.4.
From tone-shaping essentials to advanced analysis and processing, we cover a wide range of plugin tools, including Musik Hack SweetEQ, Arturia FX Collection 6, Harrison Audio Tape Saturator, the new Nightsky plugin from Strymon and FLUX::MiRA. Finally, three of our reviewers team up to take a look at the plugins, samples, and cloud-based production tools found in the LANDR ecosystem.
Complementing the software focus, we also review key studio hardware. In microphones, we have the Shure KSM40C and the Shure KSM44MP. In rack processing, we check out the SPL BiG [STUDIO], and bridging the world of plugins and outboard gear, we test out the Electro-Harmonix Effects Interface, and for your ears, we have the Audeze LCD-5s headphones.
FEATURES
This issue is packed with practical insight into working inside today’s DAW-centric studio.
Studio 101 with Joe Albano – Joe breaks down essential DAW terminology and concepts. [GET IT HERE]
RECORDING Techniques with Dave Martin – Dave explores the foundational plugins he finds essential to every mix. [GET IT HERE]
RECORDING Field Notes with Giles Reaves – Giles contemplates audio levels in the DAW era, how we got here from the analog, from dynamic range to basic gain-related concepts, it’s no pain if you know your gain! [GET IT HERE]
Inside The Studio with Mark Hornsby –Mark offers his perspective on a collection of creative and collaborative virtual instruments. [GET IT HERE]
Capturing The Sound of Centuries: The Art and Science of Convolution Reverb. In this special feature, Frank from IamReverb traces the path from real acoustic spaces to plugin design. [GET IT HERE]
REGULARS
Our Studio Spotlight returns with another look inside reader studios—from streamlined home setups to full production environments—highlighting the diverse spaces where today’s work gets done. [GET IT HERE]
Closing out the issue, this month’s Fade Out comes from Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO of Other World Computing (OWC). In “The AI Gold Rush Is Quietly Changing Your Studio – Whether You Realize It or Not,” he examines how emerging AI-driven tools are already influencing the way we work.
With its focus on the tools and workflows engineers are actively using right now, the June issue offers a timely snapshot of where digital production stands—and where it is heading next and the tools and concepts that make it happen.