Sonic Academy – KICK 3 for WiN

Drum synthesizer KICK 3

Our award-winning drum plugin KICK has just received a monumental update. KICK 3 lets you effortlessly sculpt, shape and create the perfect kick drum tailored to your tracks, now with groundbreaking new features that take sound design to the next level. No longer limited to synthesizing sub-elements yourself, KICK 3 lets you import and analyze your favorite kick drum samples directly in the plugin. With KICK 3, you can recreate and breathe new life into your old sample collection.

Import and analyze your Kick samples Open up new creative possibilities with KICK 3’s innovative import and analyze feature. For the first time, you can easily integrate your personal library of kick samples into the plugin and gain unprecedented control over their sound. Whether you’re perfecting a classic kick or creating something completely original, the import and analyze feature lets you bridge the gap between samples and synthesized kick drums.

Fine-tuned import algorithm

Our drum sample import algorithm has been carefully developed and refined using thousands of drum samples from a wide range of genres, ensuring unrivaled accuracy.

Simply drag and drop your favorite drum sample and watch KICK 3 work its magic – isolating the click and re-synthesizing the sub-element.

Import and extract from full tracks

You don’t need to have samples of individual beats to use this feature. Want the drums from your favorite track? Simply load the full song into KICK 3 and use the built-in tools to extract the beat you want to analyze and extract for use!

Logarithmic or linear workflow

You can now choose between a logarithmic or linear workflow, giving you the freedom to choose a more intuitive visual representation of what you’re doing. Use the logarithmic scale for precise control of your subwoofer’s pitch, then switch to the LINEAR scale for clear visual feedback as you adjust volume dynamics.

Introducing TRIGGER

Use the reference track as an input signal to trigger KICK 3 without having to manually set up a sequence in any MIDI format. Replace or even supplement beats in your productions.

Five levels of freedom

You have 5 levels of unlimited creativity at your disposal, allowing you to combine clicks and transitions on any layer. Create the perfect kick drum by combining sounds in endless combinations.

Selective Key Tracking

Introducing our new Selective Key Tracking feature.

Now you can choose exactly which nodes in your sublayer respond to key tracking, allowing you to keep important elements intact while applying pitch changes to others. This means your kick drum maintains its powerful low-end foundation across all keys, giving you the freedom to create hits that are consistent, dynamic, and unique to you.

Swappable and Expandable FX

An all-new FX suite packed with powerful effects like clip, tube, wave and tape distortion, beat shredder, ring modulator, delay, reverb, filter, drive, dual compressors and EQ. Apply these effects to either of the two insert channels and layer them five times for precise control. Plus, use the master channel to add the perfect finishing touch. This expanded effects section makes it easier than ever to create impactful and unique drums.

EQ with Spectral Analysis

Create your drums with pinpoint precision using our advanced 4-band EQ, featuring a real-time spectrum analyzer. This powerful combination allows you to visualize the frequency spectrum of your sound in detail, allowing you to fine-tune each band.

Phase Alignment

Take full control of phase alignment with the subphase control feature. Align the phase between click and subphase without having to use click sampling.

Export

Export your beat with one click at the speed and key you want. Drag it into your DAW or onto a new layer in KICK 3.

Length

Our beat grid matches the BPM of your project and appears behind your waveform. Use the length slider to set your desired working area. Sync the length of all your layers or set an independent length for each layer.

Editing

New indicators show what frequency you are working at when adjusting nodes in the amplifier space, so you can see exactly what frequencies you are adjusting.

Harmonics Harmonics

We have expanded the SUBHARMONICS section. Now you can adjust the gain, coefficient and attenuation value for the subharmonic you generated or use our ready-made settings

Undo/Redo

Accidentally customized your nodes? Now you have 30 undo/redo steps to ensure that any changes you make can be restored or undone.

Bezier Curves

Adjust the pitch and gain of both subwoofers and slam clicks using node-based envelopes and high-quality Bezier curve algorithms to smooth out transitions between frequencies.

Zoom and Pan

New zoom and pan controls make focusing on your waveform easier than ever

The set includes more than 540 presets

Take advantage of our extensive library of over 540 professionally crafted presets. Designed to cover all areas of the EDM spectrum, including house, trance, dubstep, techno and more, these presets will instantly inspire your next track.

and over 500 click samples

Our extensive library of over 500 carefully selected click samples gives you the tools to create the perfect transition for your hits. Combine and customize clicks to create drums that not only complement your mix, but also give your tracks a unique character. With this extensive collection at your fingertips, the possibilities for creating unique and impactful hits are virtually endless.

Built-in Master Limited

Achieve powerful audio effects without distortion using the KICK 3’s built-in master limiter. With pressure and lead adjustment options, you can fine-tune how the limiter responds to your audio, ensuring maximum volume without unwanted distortion.

Flexible gain control lets you choose between pre- or post-limiter settings, giving you precise control over the dynamics and final output level of your kick drum.

This means that your hits will not only be more powerful, but will also fit perfectly into the mix while maintaining clarity and impact.

FX Macros

We’ve added 4 easily accessible FX macros that can be easily assigned to any internal FX in KICK 3.

Complete Control

Take complete control over how MIDI input affects the length and pitch of your beat using the Gate, Velocity, Portamento, Keytrack and Pitch Wheel features Use the Master Tuning feature to change the entire plugin by a few cents to perfectly match the key of your track.