Soundtoys 5 review
A broad multi-effect bundle for mixers who want to build custom chains.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Soundtoys 5 is a paid bundle of 23 audio effect plug-ins for music producers, mixing engineers, musicians and sound designers. Its range includes saturation, distortion, compression, delay, reverb, pitch and formant shifting, modulation, filtering, panning and vocal widening. The bundle is particularly suited to mixers who want to shape sound through combinations of effects rather than rely on a single-purpose processor. Effect Rack is central to that approach, providing a place to assemble custom multi-effect chains.
Effect Rack lets users combine multiple Soundtoys effects and provides global input, output, mix, tempo and Recycle controls. Customizable LFO shapes and rhythmic modulation editors add options for movement within a chain. The named plug-ins include Decapitator, EchoBoy, SuperPlate and SpaceBlender. Soundtoys 5 supports AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2, VST 3 and Audio Units, and lists compatibility with Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro, Studio One, Reaper, Bitwig Studio and FL Studio. It runs on macOS and Windows, with sample-rate support from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.
According to the vendor’s pricing page, the bundle costs $599 as a one-time purchase; the published plan includes all 23 plug-ins, Effect Rack and two activations per plug-in. A 30-day trial offers a way to evaluate the collection before buying, but there is no free plan. Authorization is available through the computer or optional iLok USB, and individual plug-in interfaces are resizable in version 5.5. This bundle fits mixers who expect to use a range of effects and build layered chains. Buyers who need just one effect, or prefer a lower upfront commitment, may be better served by a narrower option.
Soundtoys 5 pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Effect Rack combines multiple Soundtoys effects into custom chains.
- 23 plug-ins span delay, reverb, modulation, saturation and more.
- Supports major DAWs on macOS and Windows in several plug-in formats.
- Where it doesn't
- The $599 one-time price is a substantial upfront cost.
- The bundle may be excessive for buyers seeking a single effect.
- Authorization requires computer-based activation or optional iLok USB.
Soundtoys 5 fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update