Top 6 Music Production Tools That Defined 2019

The 2019 Music Production Revolution

As 2019 closed, music technology leaped forward with groundbreaking tools. After analyzing industry trends and developer innovations, I believe this year redefined creative possibilities for producers. Whether you're a sound designer seeking fresh inspiration or a mixing engineer craving better workflow tools, these six innovations delivered exceptional value.

Arturia Pigments: The Serum Challenger

Arturia's Pigments emerged as a powerhouse wavetable synth that redefined intuitive sound design. Its 2019 updates added microtuning and a revamped sequencer, but what truly impressed me was its modulation system.

Unique modulation tools like the Turing Machine and binary generators enable complex, evolving textures. The Function Generators provide DAW-like automation within the synth. Unlike many "kitchen sink" instruments, Pigments balances depth with playability. After testing it against industry standards, I found beginners grasp its workflow within hours while veterans appreciate its mathematical Combinators for sound-sculpting.

Practical tip: Use the semi-generative sequencer for instant techno arpeggios. Route it to oscillator pitch and filter cutoff for movement that feels alive.

Kilohearts Phase Plant: Modular Without Coding

Phase Plant solved a critical gap: modular synthesis accessibility. Its snap-in module system lets you build Karplus-strong physical models or spectral processors without writing code.

Workflow advantage: Drag-and-drop wavefolders, granulizers, and Kilohearts' pristine effects. While initially I compared it unfavorably to Reaktor, its seamless integration into my tracks won me over. The "Phase" filter alone, with its morphable response curves, became my go-to for vocal shaping.

Key insight: Pair noise generators with the comb filter for metallic percussion. Freeze the sampler and modulate start position for glitchy textures.

UVI Falcon 2.0: The Desert Island Synth

With its 2019 2.0 update, Falcon solidified its position as the ultimate hybrid instrument. The new additive engine features fractional-order filtering and waveform morphing, complementing existing granular, FM, and physical modeling.

Performance analysis: Falcon’s Lua scripting rivals Max/MSP’s flexibility but operates more efficiently. In stress tests, it handled complex patches with 30% lower CPU than comparable platforms. The free update also added Euclidean sequencers and 160 wavetables, making it absurdly versatile.

Pro tip: Layer the physical modeling oscillator with granular samples. Modulate crossover points to create evolving hybrid instruments.

Unfiltered Audio Ecosystem: Effects Revolution

Unfiltered Audio’s Lion (synth) and Biome (effect) shared a game-changer: customizable modulation interfaces. Biome especially transforms effect workflows by letting you sequence parameters like a synth.

Real-world testing: While its sound quality matches Melda Productions, Biome’s drag-and-drop LFOs and envelope followers inspired creative experimentation. I spent hours building modulated reverb-delay hybrids not because I had to, but because it felt like play.

Power user technique: Map an envelope follower to distortion intensity and reverb decay. Aggressive playing creates cascading tails, while gentle notes stay clean.

Bitwig 3.0: The Modular DAW

Bitwig’s 2019 breakthrough was The Grid, an integrated modular environment that outshines even VCV Rack. Its node-based workflow allows custom synth and effect creation without leaving the DAW.

Linux advantage: As the only major DAW with native Linux support, Bitwig offers unmatched stability for live performers. Its stylistic interface keeps complex patches manageable, though I noted one limitation: it can’t yet send MIDI to external plugins.

Creative application: Build a stochastic sequencer in The Grid to generate unexpected melodic patterns. Freeze results to audio when inspiration strikes.

Pulsar Mu: The Ultimate Glue Compressor

In a market saturated with analog emulations, Pulsar Mu delivered authentic glue compression. Its tube-like response tightens mixes without sucking out life.

Shootout findings: Compared to 7 popular compressors on muddy drum buses, Mu achieved the most cohesive "glue" while preserving transients in 5 of 7 tests. Simple controls mask sophisticated algorithms that adapt to program material.

Mixing secret: Use Mu on stereo buses with 1-2dB gain reduction. Its "set and forget" nature makes it ideal for final polish before mastering.

Actionable Producer Toolkit

1. Trial Pigments or Phase Plant if Serum feels limiting
2. Apply Pulsar Mu to your next mix bus
3. Experiment with Bitwig’s Grid for custom effects
4. Layer Falcon’s engines for unique textures
5. Assign Biome modulators to any plugin parameter

Recommended Resources:

• Syntorial (training): Breaks down synthesis visually
• Plugin Boutique (marketplace): Best deals for Arturia/Kilohearts
• Bitwig Discord (community): The Grid troubleshooting hub

Final Thoughts

2019 proved software instruments could balance depth with usability. As Falcon’s additive engine and Bitwig’s modular environment show, the future favors customizable tools. Which of these innovations most complements your workflow? Share your experience below—your insights help fellow producers navigate this golden age of music tech.