MonsterDAW releases Monster Toys, a FREE toy instrument plugin for macOS and Windows.
MonsterDAW is the brand behind previous releases like Monster Synth, Monster Strings, and generally, all things monster-related around here.
Agus Hardiman is the mastermind behind MonsterDAW, and it’s fair to say that his latest development is his most serious work to date.
Monster Toys is a plugin that emulates 20 of the world’s most sought-after toy instruments. The featured instruments include a Toy Keyboard, a Casio VL-1 Pocket Synth, an Otamatone, a Kazoo, a Toy Whistle, and more.
When we talk about hardware that defines an era or sound, we talk about 1176, Pultec, Fairchild, vintage consoles, mellotrons, U48 microphones, and things of that nature. However, one piece of hardware always sits atop that prestigious list, the most coveted of all, which is, of course, the Rubber Duck.
Growing up, I remember going to the funfair every year; how easy it was to hook a Studer A80s, but I’d always throw them back for one more chance at a duck.
Thankfully, I can retire my hook because Monster Toys delivers the incomparable sound of the Rubber Duck in all its glory.
All jokes aside, Monster Toys is meant to be a lot of fun, and it is!
The interface is delightfully quirky but functional. From left to right, you’ve got Master Volume and Pan, Master Tune and High-Pass Filter, then Global Reverb and Delay, followed by Attack and Release (per preset). Each preset offers variations covering different articulations, etc.
Just because something is fun and quirky doesn’t mean you can’t make great music with it; it’s all about context. Agus Hardiman’s Thriller cover using all 20 Monster Toys presets might be the best use of a Kazoo since Crosstown Traffic – it is great!
If you’re working on any project that needs a quirky, playful, kids’ cartoon/video game vibe, Monster Toys delivers.
Of course, even if you don’t have a suitable project on the go, it’d be pretty fun to cover some classic songs with those sounds.
Monster Toys has no installer, but detailed instructions are on the product page.
Don’t forget that Yum Audio’s Spread Light is free with any purchase at ADSR Sounds throughout October.
Monster Toys is available in 64-bit AU, VST2, and VST3 formats for macOS and Windows.
Download: Monster Toys (FREE)
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12 Comments
Daniel C.
onNirvana much? Nevermind.
L
onAgus Hardiman makes great free plugins. Thank you!
Tomislav Zlatic
onI couldn’t agree more!
James Lipton
onHeh this prompted me to go look up RubberDuck, my favorite mid-90s 303 emulation. It’s free now!
http://www.d-lusion.com/DownloadRubberduck.html
Tomislav Zlatic
onCool! A rubbery blast from the past.
Numanoid
onAdd d-lusion Drumstation which is also free, and instant Rebirth.
MRG
onAs anyone thought of doing a EXE-to-VST wrapper? Now that would be interesting… =P
Klaus
onI love this sentence: “it’s fair to say that his latest development is his most serious work to date”. I really had to burst out laughing. Great writing.
Agus Hardiman has really good ideas for new instruments and plugins. I’m glad that he made the second place at the developers challenge. That is a great recognition for his work.
Tomislav Zlatic
onJames knows his stuff! And Agus is a great developer, I’m supper impressed with his work so far.
Wing Yee
onAgreed
Richard
onIK Multimedia tape machine 80 is free with any paid purchase on audiodeluxe
Tomislav Zlatic
onEpic, thank you! Article coming soon.